Love to Die For

Two years before the start of Zellerbach’s sweet third romantic mystery featuring San Francisco publicist Hallie Marsh (after 2010’s The Missing Mother), Hallie’s “domineering-but-loving” mother, Edith, persuaded Hallie to wait two years before marrying her fiancé, Daniel James “Cas” Casserly, whom Hallie met on a luxury cruise. Now, as the wedding approaches, Edith still has her doubts about Cas, even though he’s not bothered in the slightest by Hallie’s “boob-less-ness” (i.e., her double mastectomy). Meanwhile, Hallie’s musician brother, Robbie, has met the love of his life, fashion model Darryl Woods. When Darryl’s roommate, Kaycie Berringer, and a Marsh family friend, Dr. Jerry Fond, both die under suspicious circumstances at a celebratory dinner, Hallie can’t help getting involved in the subsequent investigation. While searching for answers into the deaths, she must also see her mother through a hip replacement. Credible characters and smooth dialogue help make this a winner for cozy fans. (Jan.)