In Agatha-winner Hathaway's unremarkable fifth novel to feature Dr. Andrew Fenimore (after 2003's The Doctor Dines in Prague
), her easygoing, middle-aged hero rejoins his old boating club on Philadelphia's Schuylkill River, where he encounters a fraternity brother from medical school, Charlie Ashburn, once a great rower. Ashburn, a patient of Dr. Fenimore's father, had to give up rowing for medical reasons, but now he seeks glory through his son, Chuck, a gifted athlete. When Chuck's mother expresses concern over her son's health, Dr. Fenimore puts aside his medical ethics and tries to intervene, lest Chuck die from the same problem that kept his father from rowing. Someone is unhappy with Dr. Fenimore's interference, however, and the good doctor finds his own life in danger. While a murder eventually occurs, the identity of the killer isn't much of a mystery. Series fans will enjoy catching up with the doctor and his friends, but others may safely paddle by. (June)
