Dying to See You

Fans of Chittenden's previous Charlie Plato mysteries (Dying to Sing; Dead Men Don't Dance, etc.) will find this fifth entry in the series just as sassy and full of fun. The vivacious California redhead is still trying to keep Chaps, her country-western nightclub, afloat and her innards from going whomp at the thought of partner Zack Hunter, a former TV star and a major hunk. Savanna Bristow, another partner, wants to throw a party at Chaps to celebrate both her 20th high school reunion and the 50th birthday of everyone's favorite teacher, Reina Diaz. Forty of Reina's old students, all purportedly devoted to her, attend the party, but when Reina is found strangled in a stall in the ladies' room, it's clear that at least one member of the class is no fan. Charlie and Zack investigate with nothing to help them but a crumpled piece of paper clutched in the corpse's hand. The sleuths soon learn that many of her students had reason to hate and fear Reina. Suspects abound, each with a better motive than the last, and mayhem reigns. Another murder, arson, guilty secrets and lying all around complicate Zack's and Charlie's efforts. Our heroes appear to be getting closer to each other as they get closer to a solution to the crimes, but will they ever be a couple? Please, Ms. Chittenden, don't keep us waiting too long for the next Charlie Plato mystery. (June)