A Willing Murder

Bestselling romance author Deveraux (Ever After) sets her overwrought debut mystery, an apparent series launch, in familiar territory. Successful romance writer Sara Medlar has returned in style to the Florida equivalent of Peyton Place, her hometown of Lachlan, which teems with rivalries, jealousies, and long-held grudges. Finding retirement dull, Sara welcomes her long-estranged niece, Kate Medlar, to live with her in her newly renovated mansion. Sara and Kate, along with local contractor Jack Wyatt, the self-made grandson of Sara’s first love, soon get caught up in a murder investigation when two skeletons are discovered on land Jack purchased to develop. One of the murder victims is long-missing Cheryl Morris, a beautiful girl from the wrong side of the tracks. The necklace Jack gave her years before not only identifies her body but stirs up ugly rumors from the past. Kate, Sara, and Jack’s attempt to solve the murders reveals Lachlan’s dark underbelly. Mary Higgins Clark fans will best appreciate this one. Agent: Robert Gottlieb, Trident Media. (Sept.)