The Master Plan (2009)

Two wives suspected of their husbands' murders have investigative reporter Dana Sloan working to prove their innocence and at odds once again with her boyfriend, homicide detective Al Bruno. Dana quickly learns that one of the wives, a talented artist, was abused by her husband. The other wife, Dana's friend and employee Casey Jordan, admits that her recent wedding was part of a crazy scheme to marry into wealth.But Casey isn't the only one with secrets. Dana uncovers evidence that Casey's bridegroom has his own hidden agenda for marring. What Dana doesn't know is that the murders are all part of another plan, this one the most sinister of all, devised by a killer who won't hesitate to add Dana to the list of victims.From BooklistDana Sloan’s little investigation firm is on overdrive when two men end up dead in Dana’s quiet but growing Chicago suburb. One of the men is investigator Casey’s new husband, Tony, a mysterious but wealthy man whom Casey hoped would secure her financial future. Dana and her cop boyfriend, Bruno, never did trust Tony, and after his death, they learn they had reason to be skeptical. The other dead body is the husband of a budding artist, Judy, who becomes the chief suspect when it’s discovered that she had been an abused wife. Dana has a hunch the two murders are linked and that Judy has nothing to do with either of them, so she enlists the help of her coworkers to find the truth. Snappy dialogue and likable characters enliven this cozy whodunit, the second in the series. A quick, enjoyable read. --Mary Frances Wilkens ReviewSnappy dialogue and likable characters enliven this cozy whodunit, the second in the series. A quick, enjoyable read. --Booklist