Murder, She Wrote: Killing in a Koi Pond by Jessica Fletcher
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
**4.5-stars**
Following a Literary Conference in Bethesda, Maryland, Jessica decides to travel further South to visit with her dear friend, Dolores, in South Carolina.
Dolores has recently married her third husband, Willis Nickens, a wealthy businessman. Jess is eager to meet him.
After Jessica reaches the Nickens’ South Carolina home, she discovers she isn’t the couple’s only current house guest.
There’s staff, of course, as well as Willis’ son-in-law, adorable niece and business partner. Through observing Willis’ interactions with these other guests, Jessica quickly determines Dolores’ new husband is a bit of a jerk.
He seems to bully everyone he comes into contact with. Lording his money and power over them. When Jessica discovers his body, facedown in the koi pond, on her early morning run, she immediately suspects foul play.
The local law enforcement doesn’t seemed as convinced, however, and they brush off her initial attempts at assistance. Clearly, Jessica’s reputation did not proceed her.
Eventually, they come around to her side of things. Willis was in fact murdered. Their number one suspect: Dolores.
Jessica knows Dolores could never commit murder. Thus, she is forced to begin an investigation of her own, to clear her friend’s name and help to capture the real killer.
Killing in a Koi Pond was an absolute delight. Although the 53rd-installment of this beloved series, it’s the first penned by veteran Cozy author, Terrie Farley Moran.
She did a fantastic job channeling the original tone of the series. I really hope she continues on!!
This story held to the classic format, read quickly and will definitely keep Cozy fans engaged.
There were a couple of moments where the narrative fell into a bit of a lull, but overall, a real treat!
Thank you so much to the publisher, Berkley Books, for providing me with a copy to read and review.
This is the 37th-book in this series that I have read. I am huge fan and will keep on coming back for more as long as they are published!
Reviewer’s Note: If you are new to this series, you can jump in anywhere, you do not need to read them in order. Especially if you have ever watched the television program and have that background on Jessica’s character.