From Publishers Weekly
In Hart's winning 15th outing featuring Death on Demand Mystery Bookstore owner Annie Darling (after 2003's Engaged to Die), Annie is excited about the benefit cruise she's planned that will offer food, fun and prizes as well as relief from the sultry heat of August on the Low Country island of Broward's Rock, S.C. The evening's festivities, however, are shattered when the town's favorite volunteer, Pamela Potts, falls overboard. Rescued by Annie's husband, Max, Pamela is taken to the hospital unconscious. Only Emma Clyde, the island's celebrated mystery author, shares Annie's suspicions of foul play. When another party guest is found dead in her home the next morning, Annie and Max join forces to pursue the killer. In the process, they uncover some heart-wrenching truths and dark secrets that affect prominent townspeople and even their own family. In addition to a compelling puzzle and a fast-paced plot, fans will enjoy the realistic dynamics among characters who develop from book to book. The author includes all the usual amusing extras: the cryptic telephone messages from Max's mother, the mystery picture contest held each month at Death on Demand and the many references to real-life crime writers. This latest can only reinforce Hart's high standing among the cozy mystery cognoscenti.
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From Booklist
Annie and Max Darling return in their fifteenth Death on Demand novel. This time mystery bookstore owner Annie Darling plans a mystery cruise as a benefit for the Island Literacy Council of Broward's Rock, South Carolina. Unfortunately, before the mystery is solved, one of the guests falls overboard. Or was she pushed? Annie believes she was pushed and becomes even more convinced when a suspicious death occurs soon after the cruise. Max and Acting Police Chief Cameron believe the two incidents are either accidents or suicides and are unconnected, leaving Annie, Emma Clyde (Broward's Rock's own mystery author), and mystery reader extraordinaire Henny Brawley no choice but to solve the crimes themselves. While investigating, Annie must also deal with her father's new romance, her stepsister's unhappiness, and her mother-in-law's cryptic messages. A good story boasting quirky characters, a fine sense of place, and, of course, plenty of clever literary references to mystery books and authors. Great fun for cozy fans.
Sue O'BrienCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved