by Lorie Lewis Ham

Enter to win a copy of Murder in the Worst Degree at the end of this review.

Murder in the Worst Degree is the tenth book in F.M. Meredith’s (aka Marilyn Meredith) Rocky Bluff PD series. In this book the Rocky Bluff police department not only has to deal with an elderly man found washed up on the beach, but a serial rapist, drug deals, and auto accidents.

As to the body on the beach, Detectives Milligan and Zachary’s investigation leads them to consider the victim’s family members, his housekeeper, three long-time friends and even a mystery woman as suspects. There are also a lot of relationship issues going on within the department, along with getting used to a new chief of police that no one quite seems to know what they think of, or what she thinks about them. And if that weren’t enough tension for this story, Meredith also throws in an earthquake.

While this was my first Rocky Bluff PD book, I didn’t really find myself lost and still enjoyed the story. The mystery is well plotted and filled with twists and turns. I also enjoyed the personal side of the lives of the people working in this police department.

If you enjoy a good, quick mystery read, don’t miss this book. And while you’re at it, why not go back and read the entire series. I look forward to having the chance to do that myself, as I would like to get to know these interesting characters better.

To enter to win a copy of Murder in the Worst Degree, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line “Degree,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen April 12, 2014. U.S. residents only.

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Lorie Lewis Ham is our Editor-in-Chief and a contributor to various sections, coupling her journalism experience with her connection to the literary and entertainment worlds. Explore Lorie’s mystery writing at Mysteryrat’s Closet.