A Vote for Murder by Donald Bain

#22 in the Murder, She Wrote book series.

Until my aunt showed me the book, I didn’t know that there was such a series. Of course, like most North Americans, I know the television series and have watched many episodes, and even enjoyed them in a mild way. Unfortunately the tv series, which was never brilliant, doesn’t translate well to novel format, and I think it was a mistake to try. The series is a charming, fun, deeply formulaic hour of entertainment; most of its appeal comes from Angela Lansbury’s performance as Jessica Fletcher.

Donald Bain’s writing is mediocre at best. The plot was tedious, the characters unappealing and dull. Still, the series, which has now reached its 25th book, seems to be doing well enough, unfathomable as that seems to me. I’m a quick reader, but A Vote for Murder wasn’t worth the time I spent on it. I’m just glad I didn’t spend money on it. Unless you loved the television series to bits, avoid this book.