Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite

Judge Deborah Knott was married seven months ago and immediately became a full time step mother. She loves her stepson and carefully gives him the space and time he needs to grieve his mother’s death. She also needs her own space so getting away for a week by herself sounds delightful. The annual meeting of the North Carolina judges is being held at Wrightsville Beach.

Deborah meets friends for dinner. As they were leaving the restaurant that evening, Deborah leaned over the railing and sees the body of Pete Jefferys. He was not well liked many people had a reason to murder him. The local police approach her for help. They thought her questions would not alienate her colleagues.

This is the first book I have read in this series. I love to read a good mystery. I had heard a lot about this series and felt this book did not live up to the hype. I have read one of Margaret Maron’s stand alone books and enjoyed it. This book still needs some editing and proofreading.