WINGS IN THE DARK - Michael Murphy

#3 in the Jake and Laura Mystery series

TROPICAL SETTING - 3 stars

Plot - 3 stars - While readying for her promotional flight from Hawaii to California, Amelia Earhart gets involved in a mystery when one of her promoters is killed right beside her parked plane. Jake (and consequently Laura) are strong-armed into helping solve the murder, even though they are on their honeymoon.

Writing - 3.5 stars - Murphy writes in a casual style that is very easy to read. We have gotten to know his enjoyable characters by this time, and he has set this story in the unusual setting of Hawaii. Even with the darkness of the murder and the Depression, the humor of the characters and the tropical setting brighten things up.

Characters - 4 stars - Jake and Laura are pleasant, intelligent, and determined. I like that they respect each other's skills and work together well, both when on holiday and when asked to solve a mystery. It's cute when they each get jealous of the other, especially when Jake is worried about Laura wearing a two-piece bathing suit around other men. Laura is tough, but it's nice that she graciously accepts when Jake is trying to protect her. Murphy creates a nice balance between the two.

Title - 3 stars - The title gives a nod to the fact that it's about Amelia Earhart's flight.

Cover - 3.5 stars - Bright color, with Earhart's plane showing up as a dark shadow. Very eye-catching, drawing the reader's attention.

Overall - 3 stars - A nice continuation of the series following two very appealing characters. The mystery is interesting without being overly gruesome, and the setting of the 1930's adds some interest without becoming the main focus of the story. I found some of the politics to be tedious and skipped over that part. My only other negative is that the dialect occasionally seems somewhat forced, such as calling women "dames." Overall, I've enjoyed this series and will continue with the next and final book.

Sorry I was not able to read you book but it went to archive before I could get to it. Sorry once again.

I really love this series. I have read since begining. Needs more