Desperate Housewives meets Agatha Christie. Amazingly written with an wonderfully unexpected ending. ( )

This is like a Desperate Housewives murder mystery. I wanted to like the premise -- the members of a mystery novel book club need to solve the murder when one of them is found hanging from a tree in her front yard -- but it was challenging when the characters were both unlikeable and hard to believe. There were a few editorial errors that had me clawing my eyes out as well, which added distraction. ( )

What a great book! Combines book clubs, life in the suburbs, murder....great combination. My students probably won't like this book; but the faculty members will! ( )

This was an enjoyable, quick read! ( )

Kate Morgenroth has created a fast-paced suburban mystery with a full cast of characters whose lives intertwine in some unexpected ways. The somber beginning of the book belies the zippy tale that unfolds through multiple perspectives as the short chapters jump from character to character. The story takes place in a posh Greenwich, Connecticut neighborhood and the diverse members of the cliquish and insular mystery book group lead by controlling and hyper Priscilla. Included in the group -- and that is inclusion by invitation only -- are laid-back Susan, discontented Julia, bombshell Ashley and newbie Sofie. As they plow their way through classic Christie novels we learn all about their marriage troubles, personal doubts, as well as minor intrigues within the neighborhood. When they are suddenly confronted with their own mysterious suicide – possible murder – they all become (very Christie-like) suspects and amateur investigators on their own. Add to the mix the crossword puzzle-loving DA detective Ackerman and things really begin to heat up. When you find out who-done-it you’ll be eager to discuss the dénouement with other mystery lovers. ( )