ENGAGED TO DIE

This is another murder mystery in the series featuring amateur sleuth Annie Darling, owner of the Death on Demand Bookstore. In this story a portrait painter and local Lothario is found murdered at a posh event at which his engagement was about to be announced. Kate Reading reads this leisurely paced story with a breathless intensity. She has perfected the art of portraying whining, hysterical women, characters that abound in this novel. Reading gives the protagonist, Annie, a certain strength of character, but none of the characters portrayed feel like they belong on an island off South Carolina. The most fun in this story are the mystery quizzes posed to Annie by one of her most loyal customers. Carolyn Hart has loyal followers as well, and they will enjoy another mystery centered around a bookstore with an engaging name and engaging clientele. D.L.G. (c) AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/ NOV 03]