Murder under Blue Skies
YA-Internationally famous weatherman Stanley Waters purchases a bed-and-breakfast inn and makes the news when one of his guests, Belinda Grimsby, falls facedown in a bowl of salsa, dead as a soggy chip. When the investigating police chief turns out to be Stanley's high-school sweetheart, dealing with the murder becomes even more complex as their renewed romance gently blooms. With assorted ill-planned maneuvers, Stanley haphazardly solves the case but almost loses his own life in the process. Scott's novel contains a goodly share of humor, both slapstick and of the more intellectual variety. Stanley, while lovable and kindhearted, has a tendency to become quite clumsy when nervous, and he's nervous a lot. This results in frequent lighthearted moments that balance nicely with the deadly events occurring in the search for the killer. The characters sound like the basic types found in most small-town settings, complete with appealing quirks and strong personalities, age-old disputes and gossip. The mystery itself unfolds carefully, allowing for plenty of speculation and red-herring clues.Pam Johnson, Fairfax County Public Library, VACopyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.