Fiction Can Be Murder

February 1, 2018
A murder mystery comes to life when a literary agent is killed in the manner of her author's latest book.Beloved by none, Melinda Walter dies suddenly when her car careens off the road and into a tree. She's killed not by the impact but by the mercury gas someone's pumped into her car. While Charlemagne Russo naturally mourns her longtime agent (though her grieving is mixed with the same relief everyone in Melinda's life seems to feel), she has special reasons for being concerned with the manner of Melinda's death. It just so happens that Melinda was killed in the same way as the victim in Charlee's latest novel, and Charlee worries that the connection may spell danger for her. The police see it another way, a way that puts Charlee at the top of their suspect list. Charlee tries to get her cop brother, Lance, to vouch for her, but to no avail. Instead, she launches her own investigation into the people who read her latest novel: her writing critique group and volunteer beta readers. Armed with a list of potential suspects, she interviews those who could have had the means to implement the death sentence Charlee imagined, since Melinda was so unpleasant that Charlee thinks she's got motive covered. As she learns more about those she thought were closest to her, Charlee is surprised at some of the secrets they've been hiding in their daily lives. Nothing shocks her more than the revelation that her own boyfriend, Ozzi Rabbinowitz, believes she may be the one who killed Melinda. Now finding the killer isn't just her mission, but a matter of pride.The charming heroine and the supporting cast shine in Clark's fun and funny solo mystery debut (co-author: Marshmallow Mayhem, 2015, etc.), which doesn't take anyone too seriously in the best way possible.

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February 19, 2018
Set in Denver, this promising series launch from Clark (Banana Bamboozle with Ted Hardwick) introduces mystery writer Charlemagne “Charlee” Russo. When Melinda Walter, Charlee’s agent, dies an untimely death that bears a striking resemblance to a murder in her latest unpublished novel, suspicion falls on Charlee, given her growing dispute with Melinda over royalty payments, and she sets out to clear her name. Since only a handful of people have had access to the manuscript—including, most notably, the quirky members of Charlee’s writing group—she works through the suspects while fending off the police investigation. On the personal side, Charlee and her police officer brother, Lance, struggle with memories of their father, also a cop, who left the force in disgrace over a murky scandal. Clark does a good job of grounding the story in place and detail. Despite the overly large cast of characters and the too-neat finale, cozy fans should enjoy this funny and affecting view into a mystery writer’s life. Agent, Jill Marsal, Marsal Lyon Literary Agency.

March 1, 2018

When literary agent Melinda Walter is murdered, even Charlemagne "Charlee" Russo's boyfriend questions the mystery author. Melinda was killed in the same method as the victim in Charlee's latest unpublished manuscript. Charlee may be the primary suspect, but at least 15 other people could have read that story, including the members of her writing group. Charlee fears for her own life, but she heroically attempts to exonerate her friends from the suspect list. Not only is the murder method outrageous, but there's an absurd solution with improbable motivation for the actual killer in this series launch by the author of Marshmallow Mayhem. Morever, the large cast of characters may be confusing at times. VERDICT Readers looking for a quirky cast in a humorous mystery may do better with Janet Evanovich, Tonya Kappes, or K.J. Larsen.--Lesa Holstine, Evansville Vanderburgh P.L., IN

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