Mama Pursues Murderous Shadows

The latest installment of the Mama series (after Mama Rocks the Empty Cradle) uncovers the sad story of Ruby Spikes, who's found in a motel, dead from what appears to be a self-inflicted gun wound. Mama, a social worker, fabulous cook and amateur sleuth in Otis, S.C., gets involved because her friend, Sarah, was carrying insurance on Ruby. Sarah is desperately in need of the money after losing her savings on a lottery scam, and she won't receive the insurance money unless the death is proved to be murder, not suicide. So Mama starts looking into Ruby's personal life, aided by her daughter, Simone, a paralegal who is visiting from Atlanta to plan a big party celebrating Mama's 35th wedding anniversary. Naturally, Ruby's life and death are full of secrets, but even an attempt on her life won't dissuade Mama from uncovering the truth behind the woman's death. This breezy mystery takes place in a small town where almost everyone knows what everyone else is doing--imagine a charming English mystery set in the South with all African-American characters. While the plot is weak, this book still charms with its descriptions of delicious food, realistic family dynamics and smart dialogue. (June)