From Publishers Weekly
After a reading of A Christmas Carol , Philadelphia schoolteacher Amanda Pepper tries to instill a sense of compassion in her private-school sophomore students by suggesting they give a Christmas party for the homeless at a shelter. The idea is taken over and perverted by one of the parents, automobile and real-estate tycoon and politician Alexander "Sandy" Clausen, who arranges a catered party at his home with plenty of publicity. Late at night after the party, Clausen is found burned to death in the remains of the family Christmas tree, and his troubled daughter Laura confesses to killing him, as does her boyfriend Peter Shaw, although there is little evidence against them. Amanda becomes fiercely protective of Laura, whom she feels has a real talent for writing, and seeks to help her and her alcoholic mother. Since Amanda's new, and not yet fully committed, policeman lover C. K. Mackenzie is heading the investigation and appears convinced of Laura's guilt, Amanda probes to find another answer. A second body, a visit to a retirement home and a fairy tale pave the way to the denouement. Roberts ( Caught Dead in Philadelphia ) writes a literate, enjoyable mystery that provides a keen and witty insight into modern mores.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Product Description
"The central pleasure is Pepper and her catalogue of urban woes, delivered with self-depracting savagery and humor in a scathing first person."
THE PHILADELHPIA INQUIRER
Book two in the Amanda Pepper mystery series.
Amanda Pepper, an English teacher at school for Philadelphia's filthy rich, is determined to teach the kids a lesson about the true spirit of Christmas. She intends to have them cook and serve a meal to the homeless, but unfortunately a powerful parent takes over, and the simple meal turns into a catered affair--topped off by murder. Of course, Amanda wants to solve the crime with her sometime boyfriend and cop C.K. Mackenzie. She's equally determeind to teach the the elusive killer a lesson or two, as well.
From Gillian Roberts, the Anthony Award- winning author of CAUGHT DEAD IN PHILADELPHIA, I'D RATHER BE IN PHILADELPHIA, WITH FRIENDS LIKE THESE. . . , and HOW I SPENT MY SUMMER VACATION.
