"Class Reunions can be Murder" Book Review

“Class Reunions can be Murder” by Susan Santangelo

Being the fourth in the Baby Boomer Mysteries series, “Class Reunions can be Murder” is still high on the charts and so is Santangelo. This author can whip together a story that will have you cackling. Warning: don’t read it when others are around. If so, they may end up wondering if there’s something wrong with you because you’ll be doubling over in laughter.

Carol Andrews is at it again. The poor woman can’t stay away from dead bodies. It’s not like she goes looking for them, they just seem to appear wherever she is.

This time a body is found in Mount Saint Francis Academy, an all-girl Catholic school. Oh, excuse me, it’s Fairport Manor Senior Living Community now. Or will be right after the Ruby Reunion. Forty years after graduation, Carol is talked into being on the committee to head up the reunion. The dinner the night before is a huge hit. They decide to stay in rooms the night before the actual reunion at Fairport. But Carol doesn’t get the chance for any sleep that night. She and her girlfriend Nancy walk into the room, only to find a dead body in one of the beds. And the victim is none other than Carol’s arch nemesis from her school days. Just great. Finding bodies is what happens to Carol. Can we expect less?

It’s hilarious reading about the following excursions and escapades that Carol goes through to find out first, why everyone believes the suicide note and second, who is actually responsible for the murder.

Honestly, even if you have not read a book in Santangelo’s series before, you really need to pick this one up. Pure entertainment at its best!

Book Review

“Retirement Can Be Murder” by Susan Santangelo:

Santangelo pens an absolute delightful story starring Carol Andrews, unofficial sleuth.

Carol Andrews starts a ball rolling with her worry that her husband will actually do what he’s been threatening to for years—retire. The type that is born to meddle (I mean assist), Carol tricks her husband Jim into an appointment with retirement coach, Davis Rhodes. Not long after their initial meeting, Rhodes ends up dead and Jim is looking awfully good for the murder. But Carol isn’t going to sit back idly and wait for her husband to be arrested. With the help of her childhood friends and even her two children, she manages to unearth information the cops weren’t able to attain. But will it be enough or just be considered circumstantial?

A terrific, light comedic read that will sure to make you laugh while you “investigate” side-by-side with Carol to save her husband from jail.

Reviewed by Starr Gardinier Reina, author of “The Other Side: Melinda’s Story” 

Book Review

“Moving Can Be Murder” by Susan Santangelo:

Santangelo continues to delight her readers with this second in her Murder Series.

No matter how hard she tries, Carol Andrews ends up being the star attraction in her hometown of Fairport, Connecticut. Because her husband Jim—her ‘Beloved’—is retired and due to his slight health issue, they decide to move into an adult active community. Their old home is sold and it’s one less thing Carol needs to worry about…at least until the night before the closing when she goes to the house to say her final goodbyes and finds a dead body. Unfortunately, it’s the new owner. To say the sale is dead is redundant.

One of her best friends is a suspect in the homicide and Carol cannot just walk away and let the cops deal with it. That would be the actions of a sane person. No, she again ‘lends’ a hand to find the killer. Is it Mary Alice, her best friend?

What does a house sale, thrift shop, nun, and garbage have to do with Carol Andrews? Trust me, it wouldn’t be much fun for me to tell you. You have to read this book to find out! Just as with “Retirement can be Murder,” “Moving can be Murder” makes you laugh out loud. Another ‘Santangelo 5-Star’ read that you won’t want to miss!

Reviewed by Starr Gardinier Reina, author of “The Other Side: Melinda’s Story”