Dead Man Docking: A Bed-and-Breakfast Mystery

In Daheim's disappointing 21st bed-and-breakfast cozy (after 2004's This Old Souse ), B&B owner Judith Flynn and cousin Renie tear off to San Francisco to join a 1930s-themed maiden cruise for Renie's employer's newest luxury liner. The dock is as far as they get, however, after someone stabs cruise line owner Magglio Cruz to death at the bon voyage party. While the ship remains in port, the intimate group of partygoers continues to mix and mingle and dwindle in number. Aided by wealthy sleuthing, martini-swilling couple Rick and Rhoda, Judith and Renie attempt to narrow the list of suspects. These 21st-century characters, who include an impassioned environmentalist and a blonde "bombshell" bimbo, seem caught in a time warp as they blurt lingo like "flatfoot" and "dame." This almost slapstick tale with its contrived dialogue falls far below the level Daheim fans have grown to expect. Agent, Maureen Moran. (Aug.)