Much Ado about Murder is the second book in the Double Barrel Mysteries by Barbara Ellen Brink.
Blake and Shelby are busy preparing the boathouse at their Drunken Sailor Bed & Breakfast to be their Double Barrel Investigations office. Blake's longtime friend Tucker (aka Skeleton) presents a proposition for them concerning a good old friend (Pete) of his dad's. Tucker is the go-between offering the friend's services as a carpenter/contractor in exchange for proving his innocence since his dog showed up with a human finger and the body of his ex-wife turned up in a shallow grave under his wood pile.
The local Port Scuttlebutt police think Pete is their prime suspect and Blake can't legitimately rule him out until certain other factors become evident during the investigation – like Pete's new young girlfriend Cynthia who happens to be an old flame of Blake's from high school.
When Blake and Shelby take a trip to Pete's ex-wife's place hoping to discover something meaningful, they do, and it causes Shelby a trip to the hospital.
Former high school competitors slip into the investigation as the danger amps up and new crimes are added on to the murder.
Suddenly the librarian's brother comes for a visit, the FBI gets involved, and Blake isn't quitting his investigation. With much going on around this initial murder, the suspects are multiplying and escalating.
Much Ado about Murder presents a simple murder investigation that expands into a complex horrific crime ring. Well written with a promising ending, Barbara does a good job of keeping Blake, Shelby, and their friends in character throughout the trials of this new venture. A definite success with this second edition of Double Barrel Mysteries.
Father, please watch over Barbara and continue to give her what she needs to do what she does. Help her to honor you in it all. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
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