As a clinical psychologist and author of an online advice column, Dr. Rebecca Butterman is supposed to help people resolve their internal conflicts – not stir up her own. But when trouble strikes very close to home, Rebecca's investigative instincts make it hard for her to maintain appropriate boundaries.
When Rebecca finds out that her next door neighbor Madeline commits suicide she is tormented by her lack of insight. How could she have missed the signs of a depressed person? She feels some guilt because of this, and also realizes that she could have made more of an effort to get to know Madeline better so when Madeline's mother approaches Rebecca and asks her for help she is hard pressed to say no.
Madeline's mother is sure her daughter didn't commit suicide and she wants Rebecca to help her find out who murdered her daughter but if the authorities believe it was suicide how can Rebecca help? As luck would have it Rebecca is working on a new advice column about the singles scene and while she is making her own investigations into how online dating works, she steps into Madeline's world of dating escapades. It seems Madeline had quite the secret life.
Not only will Rebecca have to deal with a detective who is less than enthused at her involvement, she also has pesky neighbors hounding her for more information, her own practice to attend to, and of course come up with material for the advice column. She is one very busy sleuth who also happens to cook some very delicious sounding meals.
For fans of cozy mysteries you can't go wrong with Deadly Advice. It has a very likable main character and good subtle humor. And, for those who shy away from cozies, give this one a try. It doesn't gloss over the crime and there is a lot more depth to the emotions displayed by all the characters. This is a real standout mystery.
Added 12/07