Book Review: Engaged to Die

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Engaged to Die     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Carolyn G. Hart
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Cozy   Amateur Sleuth   Woman Main Character
Series: Death on Demand # 14
Morrow, Mar 2003, $23.95, 311 pp.

Wealthy Nathaniel Neville shocked his two children and their spouses when he married his nurse and later left her with the estate when he died. His wife Virginia promised the irate foursome that they would be her heirs, but that vow seems shaky now. Virginia apparently has fallen in love with artist Jake O’Neill. At the opening of her new gallery in Broward's’Rock, South Carolina, Virginia announces that she and Jake will marry.

Already disturbed by their father’s will, her stepfamily goes berserk thinking the handsome artist will waste what they believe is rightfully theirs. Chloe Martin is also stunned by the announcement because she thought she was exclusively seeing Jake. However, someone decides to take action, killing the charming artist. All evidence indicates that Chloe committed the crime as she flees the scene and her shawl is found near the victim. Chloe’s boss mystery bookstore Annie Darling tries to prove her assistant is innocent while her spouse Max helps the police with the official investigation.

Though the who-done-it is relatively easy to figure out by real amateurs like this reviewer, readers will enjoy the latest Death on Demand mystery. Although obvious, the story line is fun to follow, as the darling lead couple wants the same thing even while working on opposite sides of the inquiry.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner