A Dead Red Oleander

Lalla Bains and her dad are selling their crop dust business, but in the meantime Lalla hires a new pilot - Dewey Treat - to help them in their last season. Unfortunately, Dewey ends up dead at their "end-of-business" party (at least he died at the right themed party!). Lalla ends up taking care of Nancy, Dewey's widow, and brings her to her home because she feels Nancy might also be in danger. Of course Lalla's suspicions turn out to be founded, but there's no way a tiny little thing like her wedding is going to stop Lalla from snooping and figuring out who killed Dewey and why!

I'm so happy that Lalla Bains is back! This was my favourite book of the three and it's all there: crime, mystery, suspense and great characters! I really liked the glimpses into Lalla's thoughts as she goes back and forth with new theories. Her dad completely lost in a house full of women as Lalla's great-aunt and her cousin (Pearlie) come from Texas for her wedding is hilarious. Nancy is a great character because you won't be able to decide if she is one of the good guys or one of the bad ones. Nevertheless, the best new character is hidden under cousin Pearlie who starts out as a spoiled rich woman but who keeps growing on you, believe me. It's also endearing to finally meet the woman behind Lalla's name and finding out how much they have in common. You'll like this story, it has the right twists, the right amount of corpses, one bride and at least one goat! (Which according to the author has not been harmed in the making of the book).