White Elephant Dead

Annie and Max Darling are two of the most appealing modern-day sleuths out there, and the setting in Broward's Rock can't be beat. I read these mysteries for the characters, both old and new. I do really enjoy reading another book in the series because I want to keep up with the people on Broward's Rock. This book is set around the annual White Elephant's Sale held by the Women's club. It always sounds like such fun on Broward's Rock! Annie and Max are again on the heels of a cool, caclutating murderer, but the book introduces some other unsavoury topics such as blackmail, mercy killing, extra-marital affairs and robbery. So much in one book! But that's what these books are like. They are wonderful light reading, and I love the many allusions to other mystery novels salted throughout the book. A wonderful book for cozy lovers.

Collecting secrets was Kathyrn Girard's livelihood. Her dingy antique store, with its small cashbox, would not support the glamorous double life she led, a hacienda in Mexico and a sleek black Porsche. When she is found murdered while collecting white elephants for a charity sale, the suspect list includes prominent island residents like the wife of the parish priest, the editor of the Island Gazette, and Annie's best customer, mystery buff Henny Brawley. Annie and friends must now dig into the secrets of their friends and other blackmail victims to ferret out the one desparate and bold enough to put an end to Kathryn's demands. Through dogged detective work, following every clue and thread, the murderer is not unveiled until the very end.

This is my first Carolyn Hart mystery so I don't know how White Elephant Dead compares to others in the series, but I found this to be an interesting and enjoyable read. Unlike the other reviewers I didn't mind the references to other mystery writers; for me they served as a constant reminder that this was a work of genre fiction, even as the strong characters drew me further into the story. A fascinating mix of detachment and engagement on an idyllic island...

I thought this was a great book. Carolyn Hart is a wonderful writter and I enjoy the fact that she brings up other writters books.... It was a good story that kept you guessing and there were a few times I was really worried about Annie. And it was fun trying to figure out who the real murder was and why these people were being blackmailed. I say, keep up the good work Carolyn and I am waiting to buy your next book. A big fan.

Annie and Max are in top form, as always. I read the book in one evening, and started it again this morning! I had the opportunity recently to meet Ms. Hart at a local bookstore, and she was as charming as I expected the creator of Broward's Rock to be. On a contrary note, though, not sure I like the new Chief. Otherwise, it was absolutely great!