Lindy never realized what a cutthroat business ballroom dancing was, but soon seemingly petty arguments break out, entire costume collections are destroyed and there's talk of breach of contract by one dance studio owner, Dawn Gilpatrick. In addition, top couple Shane Corbett and Katya Andrejewsky are about to break up, though Katya doesn't know it yet.

Lindy has barely begun to absorb the atmosphere with best friend Biddy McFee, when Katya and Shane have a big blow up and disappear. Dawn is certain that this means the end of her studio. When a body in a turquoise silk dress washes up on the beach, everyone automatically assumes it is Katya, but closer inspection reveals the body crammed into the dress to be Shane and Katya is still missing. The discovery of the body couldn't have been worse timing, as Bill has just arrived, hoping to spend time with Lindy without a body coming between them.

A Merry Little Murder is a fun, quick read with a glamorous setting and a spunky heroine. Lindy is facing a lot of changes in her life. She has become an empty nester, watched her marriage fall apart and ended one successful career and begun another. While at times she has been filled with self-doubt, she has good friends to remind her how talented she is.

There is a lot more jealousy in the world of competitive ballroom dancing than Lindy realized, from the costume designers, to the studio owners, to the partners. The rivalries are often fierce, resulting in threatened lawsuits or mean-spirited pranks. All this provides for many suspects for one designer's destroyed collection and for Shane's murder.

In spite of Bill's prostrations, Lindy feels compelled to ask around and see what gossip might lead her to a murderer. Though there are well-laid clues, there is a lot going on, causing the plot to become a bit confusing at times. Overall, though, this is a fast-pace fun read that will be a welcome respite during busy times, especially if read during the busy holiday season.

--Jennifer Monahan Winberry