â[A] sly mysteryâ featuring friends Maggie Detweiler and Hope Babbin from the New York Timesâbestselling author of More Than You Know (Jacquelyn Mitchard).
Indulging their pleasure in travel and new experiences, recently retired private school head Maggie Detweiler and her old friend, socialite Hope Babbin, are heading to Maine. The tripâto attend a weeklong master cooking class at the picturesque Victorian-era Oquossoc Mountain Innâis an experiment to test their compatibility for future expeditions.
Hope and Maggie have barely finished their first aperitifs when the innâs tranquility is shattered by the arrival of Alexander Antippas, his wife, and her actress sister. Imperious and rude, these Hollywood one-percenters quickly turn the inn upside-down with their demanding behavior, igniting a flurry of speculation and gossip among staff and guests alike.
But the disruption soon turns deadly. After a suspicious late-night fire is brought under control, Alexâs charred body is found in the ashes. Enter the townâs deputy sheriff, Buster Babbin, Hopeâs long-estranged son and Maggieâs former student. A man whoâs finally found his footing in life, Buster needs a win. But heâs quickly pushed aside by the âbig boys,â senior law enforcement and high-powered stateâs attorneys who swoop in to make a quick arrest.
Feeling that justice could use a helping handâas could the deputy sheriffâMaggie and Hope decide that two women of experience equipped with healthy curiosity, plenty of common sense, and a cheerfully cynical sense of humor have a useful role to play in uncovering the truth.
âThe masterfully woven tale brings a lot of humor, wit, and suspense to every page.â âSan Francisco Book Review