Doubled in Spades: A Cassandra Swann Mystery

Bridge instructor Cassandra Swann, busy setting up a bridge-supply business in the bucolic Cotswolds, is drawn reluctantly into investigating the death of acquaintance Naomi Harris, whose decomposed body was found in the trunk of her car. An explicit note, a history of depression and an empty bottle of pills all point to suicide. But, before dying, Naomi told Cassie that she feared her husband was going to kill her. As this leisurely and sometimes perplexing novel points out, far too many suspects exist. Cassie herself is vulnerable, insecure and easily manipulated, but she still gingerly interviews her prime suspect, Naomi's husband, whose business is foundering and who now stands to inherit a tidy sum. She also discreetly questions Lucy, Naomi's daughter who was given away at birth over 20 years ago and is only now making an appearance. There's an avalanche of suspects--nasty family members, a current lover, an indiscreet solicitor--and each has a disturbing agenda and background. On top of this, Cassie is being stalked by an unknown person who has almost certainly vandalized her fledgling business. Her point of reference, her bridge expertise, is never utilized--a good, swift game would have made a fine addition. Too many red herrings and an unwieldy cast make Cassie's fifth appearance (after the splendid King of Hearts) less than successful. (May)