How to Murder Your Mother-In-Law

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From Publishers WeeklyA plague of mothers-in-law descends upon the small English village of Chitterton Fells with toxic, and hilarious, results. Ellie Haskell, seen last in Femmes Fatal , plans the perfect dinner party to celebrate the 38th anniversary of her in-laws, Magdalene and Elijah. But an evening full of domestic mishaps is capped with the elder Haskells's announcement that they had never officially been wed. After an escalating quarrel, Elijah retires to a hotel, leaving the glacial, pampered and extremely hostile Mag in residence with Ellie and her nonplussed husband Ben. On a visit to a local pub to retrieve Elijah, Ellie meets three other women with raging mother-in-law problems; the foursome, under the influence of gin and tonic, devise wickedly clever ways to murder each live-in meddler. But after a spate of accidents, one of them fatal, befalls the unfortunate older women, Ellie and friends must marshall their resources to find the murderer and a blackmailer. This droll story lurches haphazardly from one crisis to the next, sometimes revealing a lunatic edge. But Chitterton Fells, its full quota of likable, loquacious eccentrics and Cannell's frazzled, overweight heroine are rendered with zest and affection. Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. From Library JournalEllie Haskell's mother-in-law comes for a visit, making Ellie's life a living hell. Up to her neck in criticism and crocheted doilies, Ellie seeks solace one night in the village tavern with a few friends. They, too, have serious mother-in-law problems, and the friends spend a tipsy evening plotting imaginary murders to vent their frustration. Suddenly the murders begin to occur, and Ellie races to discover the killer before it's too late. With deft humor and fine characterization, author Cannell draws a pleasant, if dense, mystery. Narrator Sharon Williams's variety and quick pacing do a good job of bringing the myriad characters to life. However, the story's many whining, irritating characters can tax the patience of the heartiest listener. Recommended for larger mystery collections.Susan B. Lamphier, Somerville P.L., Mass.Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.