Medusa; Death warmed over; At death's door

Medusa: "On the 50th anniversary of his first novel, which was followed by 26 more, including The Wreck of the Mary Deere , Innes again demonstrates his considerable talents as a storyteller. Michael Steele is a prominent Englishman living with his half-Maltese wife, Soo, on the Spanish-ruled island of Menorca, where he manages a chandlery, rents out villas and charters sea trips for tourists. The arrival of Gareth Lloyd Jones, a British navy officer searching for his treacherous half-brother, coincides with three other events: Steele's marital troubles, a pretty archeologist's tripping upon smugglers, and a separatist movement's agitation for the island's independence and alliance with Moscow. When Menorca's mayor is assassinated, Steele is caught up with political events that place Jones and his aging British navy frigate, the Medusa , at the center of a tempest in a valuable teapot, a strategically important section of the Mediterranean Sea." Publisher's Weekly. Death Warmed Over: "Fans of Deb Ralston of the Fort Worth Police Department will miss the gripping suspense that marked her appearances in Martin's ( Murder at the Blue Owl ) earlier novels. While enjoying an afternoon plane ride, the pregnant, 42-year-old Deb and her husband, Harry, a helicopter test pilot, spot a burning car and a pickup truck with someone in the front seat on a rural road. After landing, they discover the body of Roy Bassinger, part-time mailman, who has been shotgunned to death. Joined by Postal Inspector Otto Castillo, Deb begins her investigation with a visit to Patrick Kelly, owner of the torched vehiclea classic '57 Chevy. But they find Kelly's murdered corpse along with that of a missing child. Kelly's death reawakens Deb's memories of sophomore year in high school and her association with his family. Through retrospection and legwork she discovers the link between the homicides and the vintage auto." Publisher's Weekly At Death's Door: "In a tiny Sussex village, famous writer-rake Ben Cotterel lies dying, near-comatose, cared for by quiet son Roderick (headmaster of a school for disabled children) and nice daughter-in-law Caroline. Into this quiet household, however, comes brash young Cordelia Mason: Ben's illegitimate daughter from his scandalous fling (one of many) with actress Myra Mason - then an ambitious newcomer, now a grand theatrical "Dame." Cordelia, you see, is intent on writing a book about mother Myra (whom she hates), and wants to read through all of the old family papers. And following her, in hot pursuit, is Dame Myra herself, newly married to a provincial leading-man - and determined to prevent Cordelia from Telling All about the very nasty (on both sides) Ben/Myra liaison. It's not surprising, then, that somebody soon shoots Myra to death in her room at the local inn ("pure Agatha Christie first-act curtain") - bringing sturdy, drily ironic Chief Inspector Meredith onto the scene. " Publisher's Weekly