YA-Internationally famous weatherman Stanley Waters purchases a bed-and-breakfast inn and makes the news when one of his guests, Belinda Grimsby, falls facedown in a bowl of salsa, dead as a soggy chip. When the investigating police chief turns out to be Stanley's high-school sweetheart, dealing with the murder becomes even more complex as their renewed romance gently blooms. With assorted ill-planned maneuvers, Stanley haphazardly solves the case but almost loses his own life in the process. Scott's novel contains a goodly share of humor, both slapstick and of the more intellectual variety. Stanley, while lovable and kindhearted, has a tendency to become quite clumsy when nervous, and he's nervous a lot. This results in frequent lighthearted moments that balance nicely with the deadly events occurring in the search for the killer. The characters sound like the basic types found in most small-town settings, complete with appealing quirks and strong personalities, age-old disputes and gossip. The mystery itself unfolds carefully, allowing for plenty of speculation and red-herring clues.
Pam Johnson, Fairfax County Public Library, VA
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
Scott, best known as the plump and jovial weatherman from the Today show, turns his talents to mystery writing and shows a fair degree of flair and charm. (Of course, it can't hurt that his coauthor is genre veteran Crider.) The tale stars Stanley Waters, a widower and retired weatherman who's realized his longtime ambition and opened up a B & B in friendly Higgins, Virginia. But his new venture starts badly when a guest at the B & B's opening drops dead, apparently poisoned by the salsa Stanley's cook has prepared. Aided by Police Chief Marilyn Tunney--who just happens to be the object of Stanley's so-far-unrequited love--Stanley sets off to find the killer. Occasionally bordering on smarmy but more often gently humorous, this surprisingly suspenseful, brightly entertaining story is a delightful "American cozy" that will delight Scott's many fans. The forecast for Scott's future as a mystery writer? Blue skies ahead (as long as Crider stays on the team). Emily Melton
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