A CUT ABOVE THE REST

TITLE: A CUT ABOVE THE REST
AUTHOR: MARINA OLIVER
Pages: 216
Date: 17/09/2007
Grade: 4.5
Details: Stand-alone
Library

This the 9th read in the Cozy Mystery Challenge.
Dodie Fanshaw is staying with her daughter Elena in Markenlea, England, when they spot a soaking wet girl emerging from the river behind Elena's garden. Because the girl leaves with giving her name, they call her the Mermaid.
Later on the same day they visit Elena's neighbour, Rick Wilbraham, a famous author, only to find him murdered.
There is no shortage of suspects for this murder, and when it appears that the first draft of Rick's second novel has disappeared, the plot only thickens.
Dodie can't help herself and decides to investigate, emerging herself in the literary world in the process. She eventually comes to the right conclusions, but not before someone else has died.
A clever and fun read. I loved Dodie and Elena and can't help hoping that Oliver will write more mysteries featuring these two.