Nothing has changed in the past decades and Laura is still as much of an evil schemer as ever, but Polly can use the vacation and potential income so, with trusted housekeeper Placenta and son Tim in tow, Polly heads for the high seas. Before you can say “Anchors Aweigh,” Laura has managed to aggravate most of the crew and her former colleagues. She has ensconced herself in the suite that was to be Polly’s and neglected to tell Polly that the entire cruise was to be filled with former has-beens. 

Laura is found, throat slit with a sharpened DVD from season six and everyone, including Polly is a suspect. Polly does what Polly does best, and puts on her detective cap and begins looking for someone with a motive to kill Laura (just about everyone) in spite of the captain’s protests.  Before long, Polly’s own life is in danger and unless she can figure out who killed Laura before the killer finds her, this cruise could be Polly’s final curtain.  

Fast paced, breezy and loaded with Hollywood gossip, Set Sail for Murder, is a fun, quick summer read with a sparkling cast.  Polly is an energetic lady with a zest for the finer things in life and feels she deserves them; she is kind to her loyal fans and has her son and Placenta to keep an eye on her and keep her out of trouble. Though there are a limited number of suspects, the real killer and motive are cleverly disguised until the very end. The plot may be a little light and frothy for some, but for a hot summer day, anyone with champagne wishes and caviar dreams will appreciate this humorous respite.

--Jennifer Monahan Winberry