Death on the Mississippi: A Lyon and Bea Wentworth Mystery

Contrary to the title's implication, children's book author Lyon Wentworth and his wife Bea, a state senator, are at home in Connecticut, not down South, in the seventh of Forrest's corker mysteries. The Mississippi is a houseboat owned by Dalton Turman, who arrives to plague the Wentworths and their friend, Police Chief Herbert. Turman, self-styled ``Prankenstein,'' rejoices in playing terrifying jokes, but his visit must be endured since he once saved Lyon's life in Korea. The Wentworths also feel they must accept a ride on the houseboat to Turman's shorefront acreage where he's planning a development that will earn him a fortune. But suspicious events make Bea and Lyon glad to get home, especially after hearing that Turman and the Mississippi are missing without a trace. The Wentworths and Herbert, however, believe Turman is up to new tricks and try to outwit him. As a result, the three allies fall into the worst trouble of their lives when this funny, suspenseful adventure reaches a climax. (Nov.)