Ham Bones

May 7, 2007
I
n the outrageous seventh episode of Haines's delightful Southern Belle series (after 2006's Bones to Pick
), PI Sarah Booth Delaney explores the Mississippi Delta in search of clues to a scandalous murder. She has more than a professional interest: the accused killer is Sarah herself. When the New York cast of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
comes to Zinnia, Miss., lead actor Graf Milieu persuades Sarah to understudy for obnoxious prima donna Renata Trovaioli. Sarah dwells on memories of her acting experience in New York and her fling with Graf, further confusing her already complicated feelings for sheriff Coleman Peters. Then Renata is found dead in her dressing room, and Coleman arrests Sarah. Aided by her partner, Tinkie, and Jitty, a friendly ghost who has taken to wearing Scarlett O'Hara hoop skirts, the sassy heroine sets out to clear her name. While the astute reader may deduce the conclusion in advance, the humorous romp through the pages is well worth taking.

June 1, 2007
A touring production of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof brings Sarah Booth Delaneys former boyfriend, Graf Milieu, and her nemesis, actress Renata Trovaioli, to her southern hometown of Zinnia, Mississippi. Graf persuades Sarah Booth to be Renatas understudy, and Sarah Booth gets her opportunity to shine when someone poisons Renata after the first act on opening night. Evidence is found connecting Sarah Booth to the crime, and her boyfriend, cop Coleman Peters, arrests her for Renatas murder. Everyone who knew Renata hated her, however, leaving many other suspects. Released on bail, Sarah Booth and her friend Tinkie hunt for the real killer. Already upset because Coleman seems to be dragging his feet in divorcing his manipulative wife, Sarah Booth is stunned when he seems to believe she is a murderer, leaving her open to advances from Graf. As always in Haines southern-belle series, the heroine receives advice from a ghost who lives in Sarah Booths restored mansion, the ever-amusing Jitty. Fans of Nancy Athertons Aunt Dimity novels will enjoy the ghostly presence in this charming southern cozy.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2007, American Library Association.)