Taxed to the Max

Colorful Southern characters compensate only in part for the weak plot of this middling mystery from Dale (Treacherous Beauties under the pseudonym Cheryl Emerson). When Ocosawnee County, Ga., tax commissioner Jethro McCartery is found murdered in the tax office, the county commissioners surprise Corrie Caters, a clerk who still lives at home with her parents, by offering her the job. Corrie accepts, in part to spite her former fiancé, Georgia Bureau of Investigation agent Bodie Fairhurst, who warns her that she may be in danger as the new commissioner. Bodie’s proved right when a co-worker’s husband is poisoned by a treat meant for Corrie, and other attacks follow, including an attempt at vehicular homicide. Short-tempered Billy Lee Woodhallen, the obvious suspect, has solid alibis. Too bad Corrie’s stubbornness doesn’t take the place of real strength, and she never comes across as particularly bright. The red herrings won’t fool most readers. (Dec.)