Murder in a Good Cause

Shortly before wealthy, demanding actress Clara von Hohenkammer keels over at an unexpectedly dramatic reading in her Toronto home, she argues with nearly all of her avaricious clan, her odious business manager and a few untrustworthy retainers. The murder weapon is cyanide-laced tisane. Sale ( Murder in Focus ) brings back the rather irritable romantic duo of homicide inspector John Sanders and freelance photographer Harriet Jeffries, who, as a guest at the victim's fatal soiree and a reluctant confidante of her mixed-up daughter Nikki, is admirably placed to investigate. Meantime, a group of Basque separatists are stealing from the rich and casually killing anyone in its way. Sanders and Jeffries bicker repeatedly, then kiss and make up, occasionally taking time out to sleuth. This very basic whodunit wraps up events much too conveniently. (Sept.)