The cruise turns tragic as the leader of the group, Helene, takes a tumble down the stairs and dies.  Homicide detective Inspector McNeary is less than pleased to see Kate who has recently decided that starting a PI business is the perfect home-based career for a new mother.  Under the begrudging tutelage of Al Galigani, Kate recently solved a homicide shortly after giving birth and hopes to parlay that into a new career. 

When Margaret hires Kate (though no mention of money is ever made), to find out if Margaret’s husband Alan is having an affair, Kate jumps at the chance, knowing this is the perfect opportunity to learn more about the Roo and You members and find out who had a motive to kill Helene.  Kate is surprised to learn that each member, Helene included, had her own secret. 

Helene did not have any children, but was anxiously trying to start a family with husband Bruce. Evelyn had recently been asked to leave the group when her toddler bit one of the other babies. Sara was seen arguing with Helene just before her death over a business arrangement with Bruce, and the local midwife seems to know something about everyone, including the husbands, but how can Kate coax it out of her?  

A breezy and entertaining mystery, Motherhood is Murder, is more intriguing than Kate’s first mystery.  Kate has gotten the hang of being a mother, a little bit, and alternates between confidence and panic that Laurie has lifted her head at a 90 degree angle yet, is not registered for pre-school or swim classes and that Kate has not yet mastered the art of making baby food. 

Kate is also learning how to juggle Laurie with her investigations, and does not bring her into as many dangerous situations as she did the first time, allowing work-at-home Dad Jim to take on some of the babysitting responsibilities.  The plot has several twists and turns, but can be figured out fairly easily with careful reading.  Kate’s mom, now dating again, adds some extra interest to the storyline, especially when she begins having dinner with Kate’s mentor Galigani.  Motherhood is Murder is a quick read that is perfect to pick up while baby is napping

--Jennifer Monahan Winberry