Frances Pratt returns to the wealthy residence of her aunt and uncle at Manchester-by-the-Sea.  During her childhood, she spent all of her summers there but hasn't visited for ten years.  This time she is going to attend the wedding of her cousin, Hope.

Hope is about to wed Jack Cabot III, a man who loved to sail, play tennis and lacrosse.
Hope knew Jack would be a good husband as he was kind, reliable and protective.  They knew each other since childhood.  However, Hope is not entirely happy about the wedding because she was really in love with Carl LeFleur.  Carl came from a completely different background.  He was a blue-collar worker - a lobsterman.  As a result, Hope was a nervous wreck.  She had an eating disorder where she vomited everything she ate. 

Frances Pratt has been involved in criminal investigation in the past.  She was also trying to get over the shock of the murder of her stepmother.  She looked forward to relaxing at Manchester-by-the-Sea.  Frances was in for an even bigger shock.  Hope was found hanging from a light fixture. 

Was this a suicide since Hope was so nervous about getting married to Jack - or was Hope murdered?  Frances Pratt returns to her role as sleuth to find the answer to what really happened to her cousin.

Nancy Geary has written an excellent mystery thriller.  She has a great descriptive style of writing.  You can envision Hope's wealthy family and the beautiful place of Manchester-by-the-Sea.  The book has a great story line and there is not a dull moment in it.  Your curiosity will tempt you to think about taking a peek at the end to see what really happened!  (try not to do this).  We look forward to the next book with sleuth Frances Pratt. 


NANCY EATON

DO NOT REPRINT WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE AUTHOR, NANCY EATON