MRS. MORRIS AND THE MERMAID

A bitter rivalry between film stars escalates to murder.

Charlene Morris’ lovely bed-and-breakfast in witchy Salem, Massachusetts, is playing host to families visiting for the inaugural Mermaid Parade, featuring former Salem native Trinity Powers, who made her mark 25 years ago as the mermaid in the romantic drama Sirena. Unfortunately, another visitor is Alannah Gomez, who starred in the recent remake, has an equally loyal fan base, and takes every opportunity to denigrate Trinity. Charlene’s emergence from grief over the loss of her husband is bolstered by her friendship with resident ghost Dr. Jack Strathmore and a burgeoning romance with Det. Sam Holden. Trinity is at odds with her father, who lives in town, and her fear of traveling has blighted her film career. She’s been short with artist Bobby Rourke, who designed the lovely Sirena T-shirts, none of which she likes. When Trinity’s late for the parade, Charlene, sent to find her, discovers her dead body, one of the hated T-shirts stuffed in her mouth. Charlene has prior experience in helping to solve murders, with Jack’s assistance. To Sam’s chagrin, she can’t help but get involved in this one. The T-shirt makes the police take a hard look at Bobby, who adds to their suspicions by taking off. The rivalry between the two stars has certainly stirred up a lot of bad feelings, and Trinity’s estrangement from her father may also provide a motive for murder, but unmasking the culprit will be no easy task.

A touch of witchcraft, a sleuthing ghost, and a troubled romance add up to an amiable read.