Book Review: Marinade For Murder

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Marinade For Murder     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Claudia Bishop
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Amateur Sleuth   Cozy
Series: Hemlock Falls # 8
Berkley, Aug 2000, $5.99, 256 pp.

Hemlock Falls, New York is known for the Hemlock Inn, a four star gourmet restaurant thanks largely to owner and chef Meg Quilliams. Famous artist Sarah "Quill" Quilliams is Meg's sister and business partner who handles the financial end of things. With the backing of the Finnish government, the siblings are on the verge of buying back the restaurant they sold. However, one point remains disputed. Finnish representative Horvath wants the restaurant to serve fast food while Meg refuses.

Four customers, a producer and three screenwriters arrive from Hollywood hoping to use the history including some tragedies of the inn to get some creative ideas that will boost the ratings of The Sneezer Show, a cartoon starring a Finn. However, someone kills the producer and one of the writers. Meg and Quill, who have solved eight previous homicides, begin to investigate before the Inn earns a different reputation.

MARINADE FOR MURDER is an excellent example of the humorous form of the female amateur sleuth tale at its most entertaining. The two siblings leap from one problem to another, as they are magnets for trouble. Still, the quirky Quilliams sisters and their Inn are five-star characters who turn a very good mystery into a great investigation. Claudia Bishop's culinary who-done-it is another treat in a tasty series.

Harriet Klausner

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