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Jessica Fletcher goes to Florida to attend a former neighbor's funeral. Accompanying Jessica is her dear friend, Doc Seth Hazlitt and the Metzgers. Mort Metzger (in case some people don't know) is the sheriff in Cabot Cove. When the Cabot Cove contingency arrive, they learn that Portia Shelby's body has not been released. The police think something is suspicious and it may be poison. Trying to acquire some needed information, Jessica and Seth visit the drugstore. This establishment couples with a gift shop; I wanted to be there to look and purchase. As always in the Jessica Fletcher mysteries, everything is written with an exceptional visual flair. This reader sees a clear picture of characters and places. How delightful! The funeral service for Portia reveals several key characters and therefore some key suspects. Earl and Burl, the Siamese twins, share that Portia was kind to them; when they helped her she tipped them well. Others give accolades of her kindness and praise her for her activism, standing up for people in need. This touches Jessica and makes her wish that she had kept in better touch with Portia after she had moved. There is also Sam, a character with character. He is possibly my favorite of all. Sam is in his 70s and helps the police with information. He is not always on the mark, but he is always dear. Tony Colombo, a restaurateur, disagreed with Portia's cause against an incoming land development. Tony seems like an OK guy to Jessica, even though Sam has his doubts and wonders if Tony is not into some sinister dealings. Sinister or not, the descriptions within his Italian restaurant made me incredibly hungry. Mr Wainscott is viewed as a bad guy by many of the senior set, because he is responsible for taking over some of the much-loved beach property and building there. Last but not least, Clarence is Portia's husband and certainly a suspect since it is rumored he may have been having an affair with his ex-girlfriend. Clarence is handsome, could have been paramour to many of the ladies in residence, but seems to be sincerely grieving over the death of his wife; that is, if he isn't pretending. When Jessica learns more about the potential land development that Portia fought, she finds that many in the community have very strong feelings. Nonetheless, it looks like this fight will be in vain, because the Wainscott Company tends to move full steam ahead with their plans. How good to have Dr Seth Hazlitt play such a vital role in this story. He has retained his blustery ways, which endears him to most readers. He is protective of his friend, Jessica. You can note his crustiness, with his occasional, "darn foolish woman" or another explanation of his concern. My suspect was the wrong one; I hope you do better in your deduction while reading this enjoyable story. As a tease, the authors promise A VOTE FOR MURDER will be coming in October, 2004 in hardcover.
Reviewed by Rita Ratacheck, March 2004
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Contact: Yvonne Klein (ymk@reviewingtheevidence.com)
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