Victoria wonders what connection this might have to the current state of the harbor's finance. Domingo has become aware that there appears to be thousands of dollars missing at the end of each season and is working with Howland Atherton to work up a computer program to better track slip fees and one that the sullen but privileged teenagers who work at the harbor in the summer cannot hack into.

A second murder of the minivan driver, Meatloaf, whom Victoria has already decided is running a shady operation along with passengers to Boston area hospitals, puts suspicion on Domingo and forces Victoria and Elizabeth to step their investigation up to clear their friend and to find out who thinks Victoria knows something and has been following her and threatening her.

All this occurs at the height of the harbors busy season and a presidential visit looming on the horizon, one that seems an unnecessary plot complication.

Deadly Nightshade, from all outward appearances, is a typical New England cozy, complete with local characters: a group of medi-van riders that appear several times, much like a Greek chorus, a retired professor with questionable wealth, a local Gay Head Indian to add color, and plenty of lobster.

Plaguing this bucolic setting is the tough talking Domingo, who is many times a caricature of himself (calling Victoria "sweetheart", Elizabeth "you" and his wife "woman"). People's reaction to him is often a bit more venomous then might be expected. Victoria is a feisty grandmother, one with plenty of zip left, but her granddaughter Elizabeth often fades into the background and not much is learned about her.

The mystery is very complex as it weaves through several strands of daily island life. The mastermind, and even most of the players and pawns, to the unknown plot are relatively easy to pick out, though exactly what is going on is a little harder to figure out. This first mystery offers a strong-willed protagonist and a delightful small town and has promise for future stories. A small excerpt from the next book in the series will pique some interest for the second book.

--Jennifer Monahan Winberry