Murder Ink

Chicago freelance writer Veronica Blackstone, the narrator of this thought-provoking series launch from Hechtman (the Crochet mysteries), faces a sad sequel involving Rachel Parker, a former client who engaged Veronica to write wedding vows for her and her bartender fiancé, Luke Ross. Just over a year into her marriage, Rachel has died after falling off her balcony, and her snooty stepmother wants Veronica to create a memorial tribute book. During her research, Veronica uncovers tensions between Luke and his well-heeled in-laws, as well as conflicting stories from Rachel’s teacher colleagues and dance classmates about Rachel’s intense anxiety and loss of weight. Veronica begins to wonder whether Rachel’s death was really an accident, especially when she learns of Rachel’s trust fund, receives mysterious packages, and experiences strange incidents around her home. A sympathetic heroine coping with her own losses and colorful characters from a writer’s group combine nicely with an intriguing plot involving class and abuse. Readers will look forward to future installments. [em]Agent: Jessica Faust, Bookends Literary. (Feb.) [/em]