Curtsey

Lilly Bennett is snowed under by love, murder and rich and famous friends in Kellogg's second Roundup, Wyo., tale (after Bad Manners). Lilly, a U.S. marshall and owner of Bennett Security International, headquartered at her family's Circle B Ranch, attends the Children's Hospital Christmas Dance with her current beau, wealthy Richard Jerome. After local heiress Rita Haye, known as Baroness von Singen und Mengen since her marriage, is murdered at the event, her husband, Harry, the chief suspect, hires Lilly to prove him innocent. Delving into Rita's life, Lilly learns of the woman's disastrous investment in a local country club development. One of the co-investors is heavily linked with the mob while another is a former lover of Rita's who still holds a torch for her even though he too is married. As she gossips with old friends, Lilly is struck by the number of women who are chasing Harry. With all the possibilities, she must decide if Rita was killed for love or money. Holding fast to her good humor and down-to-earth attitude, Lilly endures harsh weather and stuffy social pretensions to solve the crime. (Apr.)