A Time for Murder: A Murder, She Wrote Mystery

Jessica Fletcher becomes entangled in mysteries past and present in Land’s diverting fourth novel—the 50th in the overall series—to feature the indefatigable writer-sleuth from Cabot Cove, Maine (after Murder in Red). When a local high school journalist interviews Jessica, she wonders why the girl persists in asking about the first case she investigated 25 years ago, despite her expressed opposition to revisiting the painful event. At that time, Jessica was an English substitute teacher dreaming of a writing career, and the victim was high school principal Walter Reavis. When other deaths occur in the present, Jessica is convinced that the murders are connected to Reavis’s murder. Recalling the details of the first case, she delves into the complex relationships of the principal’s loved ones and co-workers and concludes that a vendetta might exist against Reavis’s family. Readers will enjoy appearances by Jessica’s familiar associates, including retired sheriff Amos Tupper and current sheriff Mort Metzger, as the action builds to a nail-biting climax. This long-running franchise remains as strong as ever. (Nov.)