Murder by the Hook, by Betty Hechtman

 Publication April 8, 2025

 Although it took me awhile to get into this one, I ultimately wound up enjoying it quite a bit. The main characters were interesting, with Molly Pink seeming to be juggling three romantic possibilities at once, while the supporting cast was quirky but memorable. I'm not quite sure how Molly and best-friend Dinah managed not to strangle Adele and become the focus of a murder investigation themselves. While Adele is married to a policeman, she is a definite, frequently annoying diva who thinks knitting is taboo while crochet is the only way to go. Nor is she reluctant to share her opinion, wanted or not. It took me a bit to sort out the other members of the Hookers, ie crochet group, further complicated by a relatively large group of suspects encountered at Lisa and Jerry R's gathering, most with some sort of show business ties. My favorite was Heddy, a former pop star who now using her talent to sing to her avocado trees. Oh, and she thinks she's being invaded by aliens. You know, just another day in the Hollywood zone.

So, who kills Kirkland Rush, a news hound always in search of a good story. I mean, this gathering was to celebrate his upcoming marriage. The bride-to-be? She doesn't seem terribly distraught but, then again, maybe discovering his ex-wife not only there but more or less in charge of the plans....and his finances. Hmm... money is always a good motive?  There at the behest of her almost-husband, Mason, now friend, or maybe employer, Molly seems unsure of which. And, oh, the detective in charge? Seems to be another of Molly's former romantic partners. Ah, nothing like complicating things. But, wait, what did Molly and Dinah see while checking out the murder scene? Nah, couldn't be. Could it? All the while soothing the cranky Hookers who weren't having the relaxing outing they'd expected. And, to think, it starts when Molly's hired to catch a petty thief? How are the two crimes related? Or, are they? 

But, more than enough teasers. Once I more-or-less had the characters sorted and the murder happened, the pace seemed to pick up. The twists and turns and red herrings kept me guessing, all wrong, I must admit. I ultimately liked the main cast of characters and wait till you meet Adele's husband. What does a tie have to do with anything? Nope. Not telling. Thanks #BeyondThePagePublishing for this early peek at Molly's busy, complicated life and friendships. I'm waiting now to find out how she uses that special gift she picked up at that booth while I enjoy the crochet pattern and yummy sounding recipe..