The is an eclectic group, including Claire’s friend from school, Liza Two Joe, a Native American, a man from war-torn Bosnia, an angry insecure man, Terry, and a Swedish beauty, Maya, who uses the nom de plume, Dorian Gray. Claire immediately senses tensions within the group, including some sexual tensions. For the most part, though, the group seems genuinely interested in honing their crafts, and appreciates the chance to work on it.

One night, on her way to retrieve her toothbrush from the only bathroom with a tub, Claire finds Maya’s body in the tub. Claire faints and when she comes to, not only does the reality of the situation set in, but Meredith barges in, having hitch-hiked her way from the camp.

Instead of insisting that the camp and Meredith’s father be called immediately, Claire lets Meredith settle herself in before deciding they will make the calls in the morning. (Meredith’s mother has passed away, and she doesn’t get along with her father and her new wife; Claire is in the process of being appointed as Meredith’s guardian.) Rather than sending Meredith either to bed, or at least out of earshot of the murder investigation, Claire allows Meredith to remain with everyone. Meredith immediately insinuates herself into the investigation, briefly introducing herself, and then grilling the rest of the members of the house as if they were all suspects.

Meredith throws herself head first into the murder, still riding out the wave of confidence from having not only helped Claire catch a murderer already, but having saved Claire’s life in the process. When another death occurs and the brake lines on Claire’s car are cut, she decides it is time to send Meredith back to her father. Before Ted Lawrence can arrive, however, Meredith has figured out who the culprit is and has lured that person into the woods and is in need of having her own life saved.

While Who Killed Dorian Gray is sometimes an entertaining mystery and the Woodstock setting has been captured very well, Meredith is a little difficult to tolerate at times. She is a very well-read young lady who speaks often as if she were a miniature adult, but is also easily given to whining and tantrums. She has matured quite a bit since her first appearance in Who Killed Blanche DuBois and may eventually grow into herself.

Claire is much more interesting and complex in this outing. She is recovering, not only from the shock of losing two friends, but also from having her lover attempt to kill her after she learned he was the murderer. She has started a new relationship, but is wisely taking her time with it. She also has ambivalent feelings toward Meredith and their evolving relationship. She is trying to step into her new role as guardian, but finds it isn’t always easy.

The mystery is relatively easy to figure out, despite a twist, thanks to some well-placed clues. Claire and Meredith will be an interesting pair to watch as their relationship changes and they both settle into their new lives.

--Jennifer Monahan Winberry