Damsels in Distress

When the town of Farberville, Arkansas, stages a Renaissance fair, sleuth Claire Malloy once again finds herself immersed in history, intrigue, and murder. While attempting to concentrate on her impending wedding, Claire becomes increasingly involved in an investigation after her neighbor is discovered burned to death. Complicating matters even further is the appearance of her late husband's possible long lost son. When another murder occurs, the story becomes even more convoluted. C.J. Critt delivers an entertaining performance, imbuing Claire with quirkiness and spunk. Critt smoothly alternates between belligerent teenagers and frustrated adults who prefer the world of fifteenth-century lords and ladies. Occasionally, Critt becomes strident in her tone, but her expressiveness and energy overall draw the reader in. M.H.N. (c) AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine

February 26, 2007
In bookseller Claire Malloy's sprightly 16th outing (after 2006's The Goodbye Body
), a Renaissance fair descends on Farberville, Ark. Claire, nervously contemplating her imminent marriage to police detective Peter Rosen, finds plenty of distraction when Edward Cobbinwood, a member of the Renaissance fair group, confides that he has come to Farberville in search of his long-lost father. Fearing that her late, unlamented husband, Carlton, was Edward's father, Claire spends time with the fair's organizers, hoping to discover the truth. A house fire claims the life of a mysterious woman named Angie, and the subsequent murder of a talented artist complicates everything. Nimbly sidestepping official attempts to keep her out of the case, Claire, as always, fingers the culprit, this time in a denouement worthy of Dame Agatha herself. Though this installment isn't up to the high standard of The Goodbye Body
, Hess fans will find much to entertain them while eagerly anticipating Claire's wedded bliss in upcoming episodes. Author tour.