My favorite episodes of the series are the ones set in Cabot Cove, and I have a soft spot for the books set there as well. This one opens with a scene in Loretta's Beauty Shop, and most of the gang is there, even Ideal Malloy! That was certainly a welcome opening scene.

The plot is exactly as it says on the tin: a newcomer to town, Nelson Penzell, is found murdered by Coreen Wilson, the manicurist at Loretta's. She's found covered in blood and holding the murder weapon, so naturally she is the #1 suspect. Jessica doesn't believe for a second that Coreen could've murdered a man, so she sets about trying to rustle up other suspects. In the meanwhile, secret agent Michael Haggerty shows up, sniffing around Penzell's home, and he soon ropes Jessica into his current mission - trying to bust up an international smuggling ring. Between helping Coreen and Michael, Jessica is also trying to finish the synopsis for her next book, but she barely has time to breathe!

It's very obvious that Ms. Moran has seen the show and read the Bain novels, because she sprinkles all sorts of little details that harken back to both throughout the story. As a fan of the canon, I just adore that! ♥ Even deputy Floyd is back!! Michael Haggerty was not one of my favorite recurring characters, and I kinda like that Jessica has little patience for him here, but once he shows up halfway through the book, he sorta takes over the story. The murder of Nelson Penzell becomes an afterthought, and the denoument of that particular storyline goes over like a lead balloon. Which is unfortunate, because the first half was exactly what I love about this series: Jessica & the gang in Cabot Cove, working to help each other out as best they can.

I appreciated the cameo appearance of Jessica's beau, George Sutherland, and I hope he returns sooner rather than later ♥

Interestingly enough, the D-plot of this novel is that Evelyn Philips, the boisterous (novel-series only) editor of the Cabot Cove Gazette, is finally retiring and moving on to greener pastures. Evelyn is a supremely abrasive character, so I wonder if this is a not-so-subtle attempt to move less popular characters off the canvas. Either way, I salute it - she was often more trouble than she was worth.

I'm definitely looking forward to the next novel, which is set in the tennis world! ( )

Murder, She Wrote: Debonair in Death by Jessica Fletcher and Terrie Farley Moran is a 2021 Berkely publication.

Superb!

Jessica is back home in Cabot Cove, stopping by the beauty salon, sitting in committees, researching her next book, and trying to write a synopsis.

Her work in progress is placed on a back burner, when the co-owner of a local art and treasure store is murdered, and Coreen, a nail technician at the beauty salon, is the primary suspect. If that wasn’t enough excitement, MI6 agent Michael Haggerty, of all people, shows up in Cabot Cove!

Once more Michael and Jessica team up to solve a mystery, and hopefully clear Coreen's name!!

Terrie Farley Moran knows her stuff! I guffawed out loud when Haggerty made his appearance. Let’s just say Jessica got some long overdue revenge!

I loved touching base with the gang in Cabot Cover, and of course, the suave Michael Haggerty! The mystery is twofold, but also interconnects. It is a very clever plot, well executed, fast-paced and entertaining!

I love Murder, She Wrote- I’m currently 'binging' it on Peacock, so many of these characters are very fresh in my mind.

Because of that, I see how well this author is keeping the spirit of the show alive, and her respect for the show and its audience is quite evident!

Can’t wait for the next installment!! ( )