Murder in Mellingham

The sharp sea air and the biting tongue of Beth O'Donnell invigorate the lovely coastal village of Mellingham. Younger sister of one of Mellingham's most prominent residents, Beth arrives uninvited and unwelcome every two years to renew her shaky relationship with her generous brother, and to share her venomous view of life with anyone who will listen. This visit will be her last.Surrounded by her brother and sister-in-law's cocktail party guests, Beth insults anyone who catches her interest. She sends a dart to test the thickness of a young editor's skin; she threatens another young man who only wants to do his job; a knowing look at an older woman unaccountably strikes fear into the other woman's heart. Those who know Beth before move quickly away, eager to escape someone who is as intensely disliked as her brother is loved.Chief of Police Joe Silva has plenty of suspects as he investigates the murder of the perfect victim, a woman whose death brings relief instead of sorrow. A...