Gunhill

Set in Hogan's Glen, Md., this witty cozy from Toussaint (No Second Chance) introduces Cleopatra Jones, accountant, avid golfer and single mother of two. Still reeling from her divorce from her cheating ex-husband, Charlie, Cleo is stunned to discover Charlie's best friend from childhood, Donny Davis (aka "Dudley Doright"), lying on the golf course, a bullet hole between his eyes. When the police suspect Cleo's own childhood friend, Jonette Moore, of the crime, Cleo goes into action to flush out the real murderer. A handsome golf pro's offer of romance gives Cleo a boost as she deals with her mother, her children and the Saint Bernard dumped on her by her ex-husband. While filled with cliched prose and stereotypical characters, the story takes some unexpected and dangerous turns as it builds to a satisfying conclusion. (June) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

What fun is it for an amateur suburban sleuth to encounter a corpse when the suspects are her friends and relatives? Recently divorced accountant Cleopatra Jones enjoys taking out her frustrations in the Ladies Nine Hole Golf League--that is until she and her best friend Jonette discover the body of her husband's old friend just off the sixth green. Donny Davis, better known as "Dudley Doright," worked with Cleo's ex-husband Charlie at the local bank. A womanizer and tough banker, Donny has a long list of people who may have wanted him dead. Detective Britt Radcliff, who has known Cleo since she was a child, warns her to mind her own business, but when Jonette and then Charlie emerge as suspects, Cleo ignores his advice. Although her full-time household includes her two daughters, her eccentric momma and, at least temporarily, Donny's Saint Bernard Madonna, Cleo manages to find time to investigate. To the chagrin of the unhappily remarried Charlie, a sizzling kiss from the sexy golf pro reawakens Cleo's interest in her love life. As a bonus, she narrowly escapes death and emerges victorious and unfettered. Toussaint's debut is a mildly amusing addition to the cozy ranks with possibilities for future development. Copyright ©Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.