Dearly Departed

At the start of Conrad’s intriguing sequel to 2015’s Toured to Death, disgruntled travel agent Peter Borg pays a call on his former maid, Paisley MacGregor, at a luxurious Manhattan apartment overlooking the East River. Peter discovers that Paisley, who has continued in service to the rich even after inheriting a fortune herself, is dying of cancer. Paisley has a final request: that eight wealthy employers who were devoted to her take a trip around the world to scatter her ashes. After Paisley dies, all eight agree to the trip, which is led by tour agent Amy Abel. Paris is the first stop, where one member of the group has a serious accident. Subsequent mishaps suggest to Amy that a killer is among them. Back in New York, Amy and her mother and business partner, Fanny, investigate, only to be targeted themselves. Credible characters enhance a fast-paced plot and vivid travel descriptions. [em]Agent: Allison Cohen, Gersh Agency. (Feb.) [/em]