This time the mystery falls into her backyard - literally! Her archenemy and nemesis, Jack Burns, has taken a header into Roe's yard from a plane, and is definitely DOA! As usual, bizarre events occur all around Roe - her petulant cat is collared with a pink ribbon, a former lover stabbed, and her library assistant attacked without provocation. What is the message? And how long will it take Aurora Teagarden to decipher it?

Charlaine Harris has a delightful way of tempting the reader into the fray; it is hard to stay impartial to Roe! We get a better feeling for the personalities of Angel (and Shelby), but Martin, Aurora's husband, continues to be elusive to the reader. Roe gets involved with the case in self-defense, as usual, and with her customary verve and panache, she once again proves to be an admirable amateur sleuth. Each step of the way it looks as if the answers will never come, but the tale unwinds like an unruly ball of yarn, and the dénouement will come as shocking surprise. There are also personal revelations in this book, unsuspected sadness in Roe's life that she finally shares with her friend Sally, and her growing understanding and appreciation of her mysterious husband Martin. Overall, a book of startling disclosures, with twists and turns to rival Agatha Christie, and a delightful summer read. A highly recommended re-issue of a dynamic mystery. ENJOY!