An Image In The Lake by Gail Bowen

 

The government supported television channel is about to premiere a show that tells the story of Joanne Kilbourne's childhood and that of her best friend and as she finds out half-sister, Sally.  Joanne isn't sure what she thinks about this public telling of her story but has worked with the actors and writers to make sure the show is accurate.  

The channel is having growing pains.  One administrator was forced out amid rumors that she couldn't do her job anymore and another has disappeared after losing her long running show.  The summer interns have banded together and are a source of trouble.  Joanne's former friend, Jill, is brought in to straighten things out.  

But things continue to go wrong.  Someone seems to have it in for Joanne's daughter, Taylor, and is doing things to hurt her.  A couple she and her husband, Zack, have known for years is having marital problems and it's about to blow up.  Then things get worse.  The wife of the couple is found dead in her bed and the husband is suspected of doing something.  There is another death and soon Joanne and Zack are up to their ears in another mystery.

This is the twentieth mystery in this series.  As always, there is lots of talk about food and Joanne and Zack's everyday life.  Their daughter has a romantic breakup and another daughter has a son born.  Friends come to ask help and advice from Joanne and the couple are drawn into the troubles around them.  Readers will find themselves entranced with the couple and their lives and working along with them to try to solve the mysteries around them. I listened to this novel and the narrator's voice enhances the coziness of the novel.   This book is recommended for mystery readers.