Late For The Wedding

LATE FOR THE WEDDING by Amanda Quick

Novelist Amanda Quick has found a winning combination in the characters of Tobias March and Lavinia Lake. They have been the focus of several other books by her and they come roaring back once more in Quick's new novel LATE FOR THE WEDDING. It is a murder mystery, which is given added oomph with the insertion of the investigative team of March and Lake. They are the Nick and Nora Charles of eighteenth century England.

The mystery starts with a weekend in the country. March and Lake have gone to Beaumont Castle hoping for a little romantic rendezvous. What they find is a murder. An elderly man falls from the roof of the castle. The host for the weekend calls it an accident while the detective duo call it murder.

Back in London, March and Lake start their investigation. They are assisted by March's brother in law Anthony, and Lake's niece Emmeline. These two young people are in love but don't have the finances with which to get married. Anthony comes up with an idea that will help them and that is to get Tobias and Lavinia to marry. That would free up one of their homes and the younger couple could marry and move in immediately. The only problem is that Tobias won't buy off on the idea.

Meanwhile there are a few more murders, which the detectives uncover. They all seem to be the work of a killer who is imitating the notorious Memento-Mori Man. He was a murderer who always left a signature ring behind at the scene of his crimes.

The beauty of Quick's writing is that she is able to combine suspense, murder and romance in equal parts and still keep her audience interested. She is also able to inject a strong element of humor into the story without losing the dramatic impact.

LATE FOR THE WEDDING is Amanda Quick at her best and easily sets up a new installment which will no doubt follow. Quick's audience of readers will be anxiously awaiting a new continuation.

LATE FOR THE WEDDING is published by Bantam Books. It contains 322 pages and sells for $24.95.