Final Settlement: A Darby Farr Mystery

In Doudera’s absorbing fourth Darby Farr mystery (after 2012’s Deadly Offer), realtor Darby returns to her island hometown of Hurricane Harbor, Maine, for the winter wedding of her friend and fellow realtor, Tina Ames. The joyful visit is marred by the discovery of the body of the police chief’s assistant, Lorraine Delvecchio, in the frigid waters off the island’s lighthouse. Lorraine may have drowned after slipping on the icy rocks and falling into the sea, but Darby doubts she died by accident. After all, Lorraine was used to taking the same walk every day past the lighthouse, no matter what the season or the weather. With the police chief’s support, Darby once again turns sleuth. Credible characters and evocative descriptions of smalltown Maine in winter complement the fast-paced plot. Agent: Tris Coburn, Tristram C. Coburn Literary Management. (Apr.)