Leaving their beloved Seattle B&B, which is being renovated, Judith McMonigle Flynn and husband Joe take their two squabbling mothers and Judith's cousin Renie to Lake Stillasnowamish Resort Casino in this winning addition to Daheim's long-running cozy series (after 2002's Silver Scream). Soon after arriving at the resort, the cousins find Salome, the gorgeous magician's assistant, stabbed to death after an evening show. Ever curious, Judith begins searching for clues to Salome's murder. Joe, an ex-police officer and friend of the casino's manager, takes charge of the investigation, leaving Judith and Renie—when Judith can draw her cousin away from the slot machines and gaming tables—to continue their own inquiries into the growing list of suspects and yet another murder. The usually feisty Renie becomes even feistier as her gambling obsession grows. The mothers, always humorous, appear to particular comic advantage when left to their own devices in this new and exciting world for them. While some Daheim devotees might feel the surprise twist ending isn't fair to Judith, most fans should welcome the change of pace. (Aug. 1)
FYI:Daheim's B&B series has sold more than a million copies to date. The author won the Pacific Northwest Writers Association's 2000 Achievement Award.
