Monday, November 12, 2018

Murder During the Christmas Play


Behind the scenes, Suzanne and Tony, co-owners of the Cacklebury Club along with Petra the chef, are watching one of the final rehearsals of the Kindred Players version of A Christmas Carol. The play is going well, Toni is learning how to dim the lights, and raise the curtain, when Scrooge, played by Adam Sharp, one of Kindred, Minnesota;s, least favorite residents, is embraced by the ghost of Christmas Past. The ghost flits off, but Adam doesn’t move. Suzanne suddenly realizes he’s dead and chases the ghost which almost makes her the second victim.

When Suzanne tells her fiance, Sam, about the murder, he’s adamant. Suzanne should not investigate. She agrees it’s unwise, but when her friend, Missy, introduces Amber, Sheriff Doogie’s number one suspect, she believes she has to help. Amber was Adam Sharp’s secretary. She quit because he was sexually harassing her.

Other suspects are found, and now Suzanne is thoroughly engaged and can’t help asking questions to try determine who the murderer is.

This is not an action packed book. Suzanne’s method is to go about her daily life and ask questions. If you enjoy the details of a rather delightful cafe, this is a fun read. If you want serious sleuthing, this is not for you. I found the plot rather slow, and the rationale for the killing unsatisfying. The ending did have a dramatic scene, but for me it didn’t relieve the slow start.

I received this book from Penguin’s First to Read for this review

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