A Fatal Feast (Murder, She Wrote)

A Fatal Feast is the latest Murder, She Wrote paperback in the long running series based on the equally long running television show. However, it is a rather disappointing entry to the series.

We see Jessica in the midst of preparing Thanksgiving which she will be hosting at her house for her friends, and a visiting George Sutherland from England. With George's visit, Jessica beings to ponder her feelings for him and much of the book is spent on this relationship and often it overshadows the actual mystery. In fact it's not until about chapter 12 when the murder occurs and then its even further into the book that Jessica begins to seriously peruse the case, which means that everything is sort of rushed, especially the reveal of who the murderer is.

There is also a second mystery running throughout the book, this one again comes to a rushed conclusion. However, that is not the only this which is wrong with this second mystery. Jessica begins to receive cut out letters in the post and she begins to feel very uneasy about them as they eventually spell out GLOTCOYB and she has no idea what this means. She goes as far as getting the police involved and George also becomes slightly worried. However, this mystery has been recycled from an earlier book in the series, which I think is a terribly lazy decision by the author. Its almost as if they murder was as engaging enough on its own and he thought of this last minute as a filler. I have never really been disappointed by one of these books, but the use of a recycled storyline and the mystery-lite feel to the book has left me feeling slightly underwhelmed with this one.

So unlike other MSW novels, this one often drags and the mystery itself is greatly overshadowed by the Jessica and George relationship which by the end of the book isn't even made official. I hope that future books don't follow this pattern because I have a feeling we'll be getting plenty more of George and Jessica in the future.

The mystery (obvious only in a few points,) along with Jessica's beau's visit would have been enjoyable if the book itself was not so darned downcast. Ninety-five percent of the story had Jessica in an overly somber mood. Her character even states, "It seems that all I've had to offer since you arrived is a series of problems." Added to that fact was the author's choice of having Sheriff Metzger's character acting a complete donkey's behind throughout the entire book. At one point, there were reasons for his reticence but never for his rudeness. The ending revealed the answer to a smaller mystery and was also quite the letdown. All-in-all, not a "fun" read.

One of my favorites since it takes place in Cabot Cove in the Fall during Thanksgiving and with an inviting mystery to boot.

You won't be disappointed in this one.

My only suggestion would be to add some of Jessica's recipes in the books--- they all "sound" so yummy!!

Love this series have to get the rest of them. The same characters we know and love in the TV show are in the book.

Good book. I’m a fan of Jessica Fletcher and Murder She Wrote books and old TV series.

love these books and the show

Very reflective of the series. Can almost hear Angela Lansbury speaking! Clever and well written plot and extremely interesting.

All these books are superb! Murder she wrote is my favorite and they never disappoint. Great value,newly printed book that arrived right on time at a great price!

Item in excellent new condition. Exactly as represented.

This was purchased as a gift for a friend and she absolutely loved it! She devoured it in a day and was left wanting more.
You don't necessarily have to be a fan of the TV show to enjoy these books.