A Kate Conway Mystery, by Clare O'Donohue, Plume-Penguin Group, June 2011
Kate Conway produces true crime shows for cable TV. She interviews grieving spouses, suspicious exes and confused friends of the missing and murdered to spin the most sensational story she can in twenty-two minutes. But now she's the one being interviewed...by Chicago police and homicide detectives. Her almost ex-husband Frank is dead, and she's the prime suspect. Already under a lot of pressure to film a missing person case within a tight schedule, Kate's pushed to the breaking point to find out what, and who, really killed Frank before she's arrested for his murder.
O'Donohue (author of the Someday Quilt Mysteries) moves Missing Persons along with witty dialogue, frequent scene changes and fresh, well-developed characters. From her irritating in-laws and concerned co-workers to the grieving family and friends of the missing good-girl, Theresa Moretti, everyone Kate interacts with has a unique personality and an interesting backstory. And all contribute to an entertaining, enjoyable mystery, the first in a brand new series. It just may be your favorite beach read this summer.
PROTAGONIST: Almost divorced, 37-year-old, red-headed, freelance TV producer
ACTION: Frequent scene changes, short chapters, story never stalls
LOVE INTEREST: Her job
QUIRKINESS: Young, 25-ish coworker says just what he thinks, unfortunately
INTERESTING TIDBITS: Behind-the-scenes look at producing a 22-minute, true crime show
FUN FACTOR: Plenty of fun situations and quirky characters
IF YOU LIKE THIS, YOU MAY LIKE: Charlotte McNally Mysteries by Hank Phillippi Ryan, Soap Opera Mysteries by Eileen Davidson, Fat City Mysteries by Kathryn Lilley