About the Book:
A high-end wedding on a private island off the coast of Seattle sounds like something out of a magazine. But for bestselling mystery author Kate Valentine, it’s more like a nightmare.
Why Kate agreed to attend her ex-fiancé’s wedding is its own enigma, but she’ll plaster on a fake smile for two nights, with the aid of free champagne, naturally. And because the groom happens to be her editor, she’ll try to finish a draft of her latest Loretta Starling mystery as a wedding gift.
When the bride is poisoned and Kate stumbles across a dead body, she finds herself in a real-life mystery that eerily echoes the plot of her latest novel. And the only person who seems willing to help Kate catch the killer is Jake Hawkins, aka: the Hostralian; aka: Kate’s biggest romantic regret.
As the wine flows and the weather threatens to hold every guest hostage, bitter resentments and long-held grudges surface amongst the colorful crowd. Anyone could be capable of murder, it seems. What would Loretta do? Unfortunately, Kate doesn’t have a clue.
My Review:
This is a book about relationships as much as a murder mystery. I think the murder is just a frame upon which to hang a novel about romance. Kate is an interesting heroine. She is a flawed woman with relationship problems. She writes successful mysteries with a female lead and often wants to be that fictional character herself. The mystery is of the locked room style as Kate and the others are on an island during an intense storm. There is some humor as a bumbling Kate tries to solve the murder. It is a complex investigation involving publishing, advances, authors, and lots of family money. The suspects and possible motives are many. There are plenty of red herrings and twists.
The one aspect of the novel I did not like at all were the two graphic sex scenes. I felt they were unnecessary. There was enough sexual tension and humor already.
Moke's writing style is entertaining and good for a debut adult novel. She doesn't have a clue. Does that refer to her solving the murder or her trouble with developing long lasting relationships? Read the book to find out.
My rating: 4/5 stars.
About the Author:
Jenny Elder Moke is the author of award-winning children’s and adult literature. She enjoys fast-paced adventures with plenty of mysteries, surprising turns, and laughs along the way. When she’s not writing, you can find her knitting, puzzling, or fighting imaginary crime as a black belt in Tae Kwon Do. She Doesn't Have a Clue is her adult debut. Jenny lives in Denver, CO. Photo credit: Brenda Hodge.
Minotaur Book, 336 pages.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)
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