Fellow chiller affecianados, have I got a treat for you! Lauren Munoz's Suddenly A Murder serves the tea on the lives of obscenely wealthy private school students--or in this case, newly minted alumni.
They're having a graduation party. But it's not a backyard barbecue with proud dads presiding over the grill.
Kassidy, BFF of narrator Izzy, has rented an estate, the setting of a vintage movie, on an island (with an entourage of staff to wait on her and six friends) for a week long 1920s themed getaway. Every detail--the food, the alcohol, the activities--must be theme consistent.
She's provided them all with real 1920s wardrobes. All electronics are sent back to the mainland. She wants their last high school event to be over the top perfect.
Such luxury! Such downright decadence! Such detail oriented planning! What could possibly go wrong?
How about Blaine, one of the guests, turning up dead, an obvious murder victim? Nothing like homicide to bring festivities to a screeching halt! Since the killer is highly unlikely to be someone from outside or a member of the staff, he is most likely to be the hostess or one of the guests.
Blaine is not exactly a Boy Scout. His girlfriend (who he's planning to ditch) is on the island along with the two girls he's been cheating on her with. There's someone whose secrets he might expose. TBH none of the teens lack motive and opportunity.
The two detectives assigned to the case spend their days interviewing the teens, each of whom is being less than truthful. Their families are clueless about the murder.
From the interactions between the teens during the week, information elicited by the detectives, and frequent flashbacks perceptive readers can learn a lot about them and their relationships.
Think you can deduce who murdered Blaine before the grand reveal?
On a purrrsonal note, today Amber was in a wonderful event at the Old Town Public Library. They throw super literary events that are not only well planned and executed, but beautifully catered. They have delicious food that is actually safe for people with restricted diets. I had 2 chicken salad sandwiches and lots 😋 👌 of strawberries and grapes. (I go to so many events where there's nothing I can eat or drink.)
The panel was great. There were four authors. A moderator asked a series of really engaging questions. The authors were quite eloquent and personal. I loved hearing them talk about topics like their writing process. I was very proud of Amber. I also was lucky to get to chat with one of the other authors, Kristen Clanton, and her son. Her book sounds really good. You better believe I plan to read and review it.
A great big shout out goes out to the writers, the moderator, and the people who provided the food glorious food. I wonder if they have a recipe for that scrumptious chicken salad.
Jules Hathaway
Sent from my Galaxy
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