Silver Scream [Large Print] (Hardcover)

Judith must play hostess to a bevy of Hollywood names & stars & starlets who are in town to celebrate the premier of a movie that had been filmed in the city. Of course, there is a murder (the producer of the film) or was it murder? There is a chance that it is the result of negligence on the part of the B&B. Of course, it is obvious that it is a murder and, for me, it was obvious from almost the beginning who had done the deed. For that reason I almost rated it 3 instead of 4 stars. But, the interaction between the cousins and their families is fun to read (although Bill, Renie's husband, was silly in his duck outfit for Halloween).

All in all, a pleasant read and I will continue reading the series if she keeps the quality at this level or higher.

Joe was about the only character that appealed to me. He actually used his brains to assist, unlike Judith who could charm anyone, no matter how unwilling they were to talk. And Renie was just annoying.

Attempts at comedy usually fell flat. Gertrude was pretty fun, though. I think we all know someone a bit like that (for me, it's my aunt).

The reason I'm giving this book two stars is because it's a light-read and it's meant to be one. But it's not the quality I was hoping for when I picked it up at the bookstore.

Judith has turned into nothing more than a simpering, annoying buttinsky. All she has to do is simply smile, use a compassionate tone of voice, and tell people how much she loves people and BOOM! - they spill their guts to her. Oh, they complain and tell her to butt out and mind her own business, but they spill it all anyway, even when she's following them around town or showing up in their hospital rooms. Why, even airline employees give her passenger manifests over the phone, which everyone knows is just not done.

The supporting cast is also starting to wear thin. Renie's antics used to be amusing, but it's gone beyond the point of silly when she's crawling into a kitchen cabinet because all three of her kids have suddenly decided to get married out of the clear blue sky. Even Gertrude seems to have lost her sharp edge.

The premise of this series has always been cute, but how many murders can happen at a B&B before word gets out and people stop staying there? Or the B&B Association no longer endorses the property? This series has gone on long enough. With the more enjoyable "Alpine" series still going strong, perhaps Ms. Daheim should concentrate her efforts on that and just let everyone at Hillside Manor retire in peace.