Here’s the thing, the merits of this as a literary masterpiece are questionable. I rate this five stars because I bought this random book from the used book store by an author I never read before, to go on a cabin vacation and read in a jet bathtub with bath bombs. Its story was paperback mystery thriller enough to fulfill its role in the whole ordeal.

This book comes with a history lesson about historic events at Ford's Theatre as Mac Smith finds himself back in the courtroom representing the son of the theater's director, who has been nominated to head the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). The son has been charged with the murder of a young intern who has been linked romantically with the boy's Senator father. An intriguing read for many mystery fans!

I think this is my speed of murder mystery. Not a lot of graphic detail - some history thrown in for good measure and if you know Washington DC area, even better. I will read more from this author.

Of all the Margaret Truman mysteries, this was my favorite!