Death of the Party
Death on Demand mystery, No. 16
by Carolyn Hart
Media mogul Jeremiah Addison supposedly fell by accident down the marble staircase in his
mansion, Heron House, on his private South Carolina Island, Golden Silk, during a house
party. His sister-in-law, Britt Barlow, knows better because she found a wire strung
across the stairway but never informed the police. Britt inherited the mansion and island
plus Addison's fortune from her sister, Cissie, who was dying when Addison fell to his death.
Now, six months later, Britt receives a letter from one of the house guests stating that
he knew of Britt's actions. To protect herself and to find out who set up the fall, Britt
hires Max Darling of Confidential Commissions to unmask the killer. She hosts a reunion of
the people previously present at the time of the accident. Max argues against the danger
of such a gathering, but when Britt is adamant, agrees. With his wife, Annie Darling, Max
joins the party of twelve suspects. The guest list includes the sons and wives of Addison,
a reporter hoping for an anchor post on one of Addison's networks, a politician needing support
from Addison and her husband, and a journalist. Before Max can make much progress, the houseman
disappears, and the journalist, Everett Crenshaw is found murdered. Crenshaw, a columnist,
had gathered enough mud on all the guests that each had a motive for his murder. Max, with
the help of Annie, must delve into the lives and motives of all to find the murderer while
they are being stalked by him (or her).
The story is a cozy who-dun-it with plenty of suspects, interesting characters and lots
of red herrings. The usual cast of Broward's Rock, South Carolina is not part of this
story. The atmosphere of the island with its suspicions and dangers is successfully evoked.
The plot is well constructed and suspenseful with a surprising ending.
This is an enjoyable quick week-end read. |
The Reviewer |
Barbara Buhrer |
Reviewed 2006 |
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