The power that money brings can also destroy.
Well paced with multiple clues, likeable characters, and an deceptively simple plot, "Death at the Dinner Party" did no disappoint. I was lucky enough to have read the first in the series and was delighted to see the growth in both Francesca Eve and Adam. Adam, in particular, has grown in self-confidence and his social skills, though I somehow kept expecting him to whip out a myriad of clever gadgets as the story progressed. Didn't happen, well, there was that time....never mind. Not giving away that bit but will say it involves ants. Francesca/Fran and he make an interesting pairing, hardy to normal sleuthing duo, I'd say, but effective in their observational skills and deductive abilities. But, dang, there is that one pesky clue, a missing piece of artwork, that complicates all their theories. Who stole that piece of art? Since all the suspects are still at the estate, how did they get it out of there?
Keith Chapman is murdered in his own home. There are numerous suspects, each with a seemingly strong motive to have killed him. Fran is simply there to cater and isn't 0n Det. Chief Inspector Nell Bradley's radar until she reveals that she may have very likely been the last to see the victim alive. Adam, who has helped as asked but is mostly hanging out, researching stately homes for a computer game he is developing, only becomes invested in the case when Fran becomes a suspect. Now, true, I didn't get the idea that Nell really believed for a moment that Fran was a true suspect but Fran's sense of dread is real, nevertheless. How would you react if you were told you were at the top of a suspect list for murder? Adam is highly intelligent and his growing skills at people watching, or maybe maybe listening, prove helpful, as do the observations of the housekeeper, Rachel.
The guests are supposedly wealthy and have it all but, as Fran observes, none of them seem happy. Heather even seems to be frightened. Why is she so worried? Is Mimi, the eloquently styled widow, as distraught as she acts? How about her tendency to, uh, collect so many male friends? What exactly is the Chapman project the guests are vying for? Who did he pick? Why was he playing games when it came to choosing who would be allowed to invest? How much must that amazing ice sculpture have cost the Chapman's? What made Richard so angry he threw his expensive phone at a courtyard wall? Did Oliver really think Mimi and he would eventually marry? Speaking of Mimi, why were her hands so red and even appearing to be burned? What is the difference between a solicitor and barrister? And, who stole that dang painting? Nope, not telling. You'll have to read the book to get the answer to that and the rest. I'm betting if you like clever mysteries that keep you turning the pages as you get to know some enjoyable characters, you'll enjoy this one as much as I did.
Thank you #NetGalley and #Bookouture for inviting me back to visit Fran/Eve and Adam again. The ending was thoroughly satisfying.
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