Femmes Fatal

Not as good IMHO as the first three, this Ellie Haskell mystery is still a funny and enchanting diversion. With moments of warmth, hilarity and suspicion, this book has the same winning blend that makes Ms. Cannell so popular. When the Chitterton Falls women sign up to join a club that promises to bring the passion back into marriage, with its helpful counseling and incredibly funny handbook of hints, things don't go as well as they should. Not all husbands seem thrilled with the change in their wives. And sudden deaths halt the fun and games when murder makes its dramatic appearance. I must say that a character I had long found irritating and dislikable dies in this book and I wasn't a bit sorry (though I did experience a moment of terror when I feared the evil deed had in fact not gone through). Anyway, this book was entertaining and worth several laughs as well as some puzzled thought as to whom the murderer might be, and how many of the deaths were caused by him/her? A nice addition to the series.

I just wanted to point out to the reader who thought the title was misspelled, that I'm sure the publisher and the author are aware of the correct spelling. However, I think that the title is supposed to be a play on words. Therefore, the spelling of FATAL is a representation of murder, in order to create a more dramatic effect for the book. I enjoy all of Ms. Cannell's books. I particularly enjoy the humorous aspects. I hope that she continues to delight her readers. Keep up the good work! P.S. Keep those originals titles coming! :-)

After reading Cannell's "The Thin Woman" I had to immediately find the next Ellie Haskell book and this is it. I was not disappointed. Ellie, who has had her share of disappointments and uncertainties, is fighting another battle. Having recently had twins, she's feeling the overwhelming (but welcome) responsibility of having two adorable babies and is trying to regain her self esteem. It is this quest which leads Ellie smack into the middle of another murder mystery. Once again I enjoyed an entertaining few hours with Ellie and, as in the previous book, was really guessing until the very end.