After traveling to Bethesda for a mystery writers’ conference, Jessica Fletcher decides she’s earned a vacation and takes a train to Columbia, South Carolina, to visit her old college friend Dolores, who has recently married her third husband, Willis Nickens, a wealthy and cutthroat businessman. They’ve moved into an opulent historic home with plenty of space for guests, and Jessica is ready for a week of shopping, gossiping, and relaxing at the grand estate.
But the morning after she arrives, Jessica discovers Willis facedown in the koi pond, and despite what the police think, she’s sure foul play is involved. She hadn’t known Willis long, but it’s clear to her that he didn’t concern himself with making friends. The question isn’t if her friend’s husband was murdered but by whom.
Release Date: Jun 8, 2021
Series:Â Murder She Wrote
Book:Â 53
Publisher:Â Penguin Group
Imprint:Â Berkley
Price: $13.99
Author Jessica Fletcher is visiting a college friend in South Carolina. Dolores has recently remarried the wealthy Willis Nickens and although he can sometimes be difficult to get along with, Dolores adores her new husband. Jessica sees some red flags in the relationship but does see the love between the two. One morning, Jessica goes out for a run around the grounds of her friend’s home and discovers the body of Willis next to the koi pond he had created for his bride. Willis could be ruthless both in business and personal relationships, so there is no shortage of suspects in his murder. When the local sheriff zeroes in on Dolores, it’s up to Jessica to prove her friend’s innocence and find the real killer.Â
It’s hard to believe that this is the 53rd book in this series! There have been a couple different authors who have who have written the Murder She Wrote books, but this is Terrie Farley Moran’s first contribution to the series. I really enjoyed the book and the author’s take on the characters. Jessica is away from Cabot Cove, but she has a few phone conversations with her good friend Dr. Seth Hazlitt that stay true to their characters. Jessica shows her curiosity and intelligence during the investigation, as well as her loyalty and support to Dolores. She is able to talk to the different people associated with Willis and find the person who has the motive, opportunity, and the willingness to kill for what they want. Jessica often works together with law enforcement to solve crimes, but this time the sheriff isn’t sharing any information with the amateur sleuth. So Jessica brings in her “secret weapon”, Boston PI Harry McGraw. The books aren’t limited to fans of the old television series, but those who have seen McGraw on the show will enjoy his appearance in this book.
The plot of the book featuring a wealthy man with a limited suspects in his murder is worthy of a classic Agatha Christie novel. There are several plausible suspects in the murder, so I was kept guessing as to who really killed Willis. I like the character of Dolores who shows her strength and intelligence in a crisis, even though she is distraught by her husband’s death. Her friendship with Jessica is believable and touching. Cozy mystery lovers who aren’t familiar with the series will still be able to enjoy this book, but those who have followed the series will be pleased by the direction author Terrie Farley Moran is taking it. I enjoyed this book so much and think it is as good as some of the earlier books in the series. Jessica is a likable main character and it’s great that this enjoyable, cozy series is still going strong.
~ Christine
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