Murder & Sullivan

 Murder & Sullivan (1998) by Sara Hoskinson Frommer

Oliver, Indiana is hit by a tornado which leaves a path of destruction in its wake. Joan Spencer--director of Oliver's Senior Citizen Center, musician, and sometimes amateur sleuth--has to take shelter in a ditch, protecting a young girl who had wandered away from her family. The family belongs to Judge David Putnam. Near-tragedy is followed by tragedy when David is killed while performing in a local production of Gilbert and Sullivan's Ruddigore.

Putnam plays one of the "ghosts"--the family portraits on the leading characters wall. During the second act, the portraits come to life. Except for Sir Roderick (David's character). David is found stabbed through the heart. Joan was playing in the orchestra and her beau, police lieutenant Fred Lundquist, was in the audience--neither of them saw anything suspicious until David's body fell to the stage. Investigation seems to prove that only those playing the parts of the ghosts could have had the opportunity, but who had motive. David was well-liked--or so it seemed.

Further digging reveals that several of the cast members had been involved in court cases that had come before the judge...not always with the results they would have liked. Dr. Robert Cutts--malpractice suit. Christopher Eads and his wife Liz MacDonald--divorce case. Virgil Shoals--builder, over a house he had built (but settled out of court). They also find out that Chris Eads blamed David more directly for his divorce than for just the ruling. Liz has carried a torch for David for years and seems to have added fuel to the flames recently. Chris thinks they were carrying on an affair, but he still wants Liz back--is that enough to kill over? Fred and Joan keep asking questions and looking for answers. Until somebody thinks Joan is getting a little to close for comfort.

Another solid entry (#3) in the series. Good plot with plenty of red herring suspects--my only quibble is not enough time is spent investigating the possibilities of these suspects. A little more muddying of the waters would have gone a long way. Once we learned the nature of the weapon I quickly spotted the culprit. But I enjoy Joan and Frommer's portrayal of southern Indiana (being a resident of the fictional Oliver's near-neighbor, Bloomington). I look forward to the next installment sitting on my TBR shelves (Witness in Bishop Hill). ★★★

First line: Joan Spencer was on foot when the siren went off.

Last line: "I have every intention of messing with your mom for a long time."
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Deaths = one stabbed