Suspicion of Madness

I look forward to each book in the Connor/ Quintana series by Barbara Parker and I'm never disappointed. In this episode Anthony Quintana is called upon once again by the wealthy parents of a former client, Billy Fadden, who has become the primary suspect in the gruesome death of an employee at the posh Florida Keys resort that they own. When Quintana arrives at the resort with Gail Connors his fiance and sometimes cohort, they learn that Billy has attempted suicide after confessing to the police. The lovers weekend they had planned is quickly disappearing while suspects are just as quickly multiplying. Parker masterfully establishes each charachter as a plausible suspect with both motive and opportunity. Connor and Quintana investigate an aging horror film star, a stuttering handyman, a lovelorn sister, the ne'er do well father, two suspicious attorneys and Billy. Despite the obstacles in their path the relationship between Gail and Anthony continues to sizzle as they try to solve the mystery and maybe tie the knot. The tension and intrigue never flag as this tale races to its climax. My only regret is that I finished it too quickly and have too long to wait for the next book.

Miami lawyers Gail Connor and Anthony Quintana plan to marry in June. They are going to a small island in the Florida Keys to do a little work and relax at the island's luxurious resort the Buttonwood Inn. Before they even get on the boat that will take them there, Anthony learns that his client nineteen-year-old Billy Fadden confessed to killing Sandy McCoy and subsequently tried to commit suicide.When he regains consciousness Billy doesn't remember calling the police or trying to commit suicide but he does remember seeing big black dogs and a mermaid. Without a confession and due to his mental state, the police can't arrest him but they are looking at him as their number are suspect. Anthony and Gail's stay at the inn becomes more work than play when they try to unravel the secrets being kept on Lindenan Key if they hope to keep Billy out of jail.Barbara Parker has written an exciting romantic mystery that has a distinctive feel of a gothic novel. The chemistry between Gail and Anthony sizzles even hotter than usual and yet there is a more serene air about them, so they aren't defensive with each other anymore. The mystery is so complex that the audience will never guess who the killer is until the author choose to reveal his identity. The title is the biggest clue to the killer's identity and yet once the killer is revealed, it feels right and logical.Harriet Klausner