Deadly Director's Cut

January 1, 2022
This follow-up to Elizabeth Grady's exciting debut in Deadly Summer Nights (2021) returns to Haggerman's Catskill Resort, which Elizabeth is desperate to turn into a success during the height of the Borscht Belt's popularity as a summer haven for New Yorkers. The finances of Elizabeth's famous mother, former dancer Olivia Peters, depend on Haggerman's, which Elizabeth manages as Olivia thrills the guests with an occasional appearance. A welcome infusion of cash and cachet arrives with a Hollywood movie shoot. Gloria Grant, one of the stars and an old friend of Olivia's, stays with her; the rest of the cast and crew opt for the larger, better-known Kennelwood Hotel. Despite irascible director Elias Theropodous' temper tantrums, things go smoothly enough despite all the behind-the-scenes backbiting and romances--until Elias dies in the hospital after attending a dinner party at Haggerman's, sparking rumors that something he ate there made him sick. Only the fact that no one else has taken ill helps Elizabeth keep her kitchen open and the police at bay. Feeling that she has no choice, Elizabeth, who's worried that her friend Velvet will get seduced by the production's handsome male lead, finds time for some serious detective work, getting a friendly reporter to do research for her while he covers the crime. Elias had plenty of enemies, and it's quite a challenge for Elizabeth to continue running the resort while hunting a killer. A deft touch with characterization, plenty of suspects, and a nostalgic look at the Catskills in the 1950s add up to a fun read.

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February 14, 2022
Set in the 1950s, Delany’s delightful sequel to 2021’s Deadly Summer Nights opens with the filming of a movie scene at Haggerman’s Catskills Resort. Elizabeth Grady, the manager of Haggerman’s, which is owned by her mother, former Hollywood dancer Olivia Peters, must contend with the film’s demanding director, Elias Theropodous, starting with his insistence on parking his car in the main driveway, where it blocks traffic, instead of the staff parking lot. There’s also friction between Elias and “silver screen legend” Gloria Grant, his former wife and Olivia’s friend, who has a leading role. When Elias is fatally poisoned at a dinner party, Elizabeth worries that Haggerman’s will suffer from the bad publicity. Since Elias had lots of enemies, the list of suspects is endless, but amateur sleuth Elizabeth is determined to find the culprit before the film crew leaves town. Olivia’s subsequent nonfatal poisoning raises the stakes, and the budding relationship between Elizabeth and a neighboring resort’s owner adds some romance. This entry may be a standard-issue cozy, but, as always, Delany reliably entertains. Agent: Kim Lionetti, Bookends.