Now, not only are Sophie’s parents back from their voyages, but her dad seems intent on becoming part of the business once again. Also Bram’s adult daughter Margie is as interfering as ever as she launches her wedding planner business. Margie keeps sticking her nose in Bram and Sophie’s marriage, offering her disparaging opinion of Sophie as often as possible.

With the exclusive supper club, The Rookery, as a unifying backdrop, Sophie and Bram are once again drawn into a web of mayhem and murder. They also have to deal with the residual emotions of Sophie’s high school sweetheart Nathan back in town declaring his love for her.

One year ago, Valerie Fabian was killed in a tragic car accident when she ran a stop sign and was sideswiped by Ken Loy who was talking on a cell phone. Her husband Bob, Minneapolis Times Register publisher, has not been able to get over her. On the anniversary of Valerie’s accident, Ken Loy is gunned down and Bob is shot by the same gun and dies.

A 911 call from Bob just before he is shot leads the police to believe he was shot by his brother. Now they must decide if he meant his brother-in-law Phil Banks or his half-brother Andy Gladstone.

Subplots detail Phil’s personal life and Andy’s married and business life, giving both plenty of means, motive and opportunity. Both stories are so involved, it is easy to get caught up in the subplot and forget the murders.

At the same time, Margie is acting like a spoiled brat where her father and Sophie are concerned until Sophie’s dad attempts to put Margie in her place, Bram still seems willing to overlook his daughter’s obnoxious behavior. Sophie felt she put paid to her relationship with Nathan, though Bram still seems jealous, rather than concerned as Nathan’s behavior takes on a stalking quality.

Subplots abound, including some investigative reporting that was more of a fairy tale than an investigation, giving enough material for several other books. Characters such as Phil Banks’ girlfriend Chris continue to do things that will have readers shaking their heads and losing their patience. Sophie often comes across as whiny when dealing with her father, Nathan and even Bram sometimes, even though she is normally a successful, confident businesswoman with a good head on her shoulders.

A small group with unusual tastes within the Rookery offers some unusual menu ideas that may turn off some readers looking for a more traditional culinary backdrop.

--Jennifer Monahan Winberry