Ellery was just trying to make the best of a bad situation. The trip to Broken Pointe resort in Big Sur California was booked and the deposit was nonrefundable so she might as well go and try to have a good time. It was supposed to be their twentieth anniversary splurge but Lucas insisted on a quick divorce so he could live his true self with the woman who had replaced her and their kids. The scenery was wild and absolutely beautiful, especially at the cliffs over the ocean. This was luxury at its best-she knew she was in for exclusive pampering but she hated to be so alone. That was why, when the couple at the next table offered to have her sit with them at dinner, she happily accepted. Nina and Ravi proved to be very good company, and while Nina called it an early night, Ravi decided to crash the rehearsal cocktail hour given for the wedding party at the resort's art gallery. Ellery went with him and actually met the bride and had a nice talk with her as Ravi "borrowed" some cocktails and desserts. Tomorrow was to be their outdoor wedding day.
However the wedding was called off after Ben, the groom, sent a text to the wedding party that he couldn't go through with it and locked himself in his hotel room. The next morning, when Ellery decided to have an early swim despite the rain, she found a man's body floating in the pool, in full wedding gear, with a head wound. It turned out to be Ben. Who murdered him? Who murdered the best man the next night? What was the missing piece of art? And when is this infernal rain going to stop-it has already washed out the road to the highway-the only way anyone can leave the resort.
This is a good locked room mystery, even though the room is an extensive resort complex. As Ellery meets the other hotel guests, she tries to figure out who she can trust and who might be a murderer, while the resort deteriorates in the incessant rain and the suspects have to cope with loss of power, heat, and food. Ellery is also hiding a secret-this is not the first time that she has had to cope with a disastrous situation, and this has haunted her for years-will she have another opportunity to get it right this time? The beauty of Big Sur, amazing works of art, and a desperate search for a killer all tie in to make this novel a stand-out thriller.
Reviewed by Donna Ballard
Publication date - June 4, 2024
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