[ PRESCRIPTION FOR MURDER (MURDER, SHE WROTE MYSTERIES #39) ] By Fletcher, Jessica ( Author) 2013 [ Hardcover ]

Murder, She Wrote #39

by Jessica Fletcher

In the newest novel in the USA Today bestselling series, Jessica Fletcher must diagnose a killer with a taste for bad medicine… When her latest book tour brings bestselling author Jessica Fletcher to Tampa, Florida, she’s thrilled to learn that her travel plans overlap with those of her good friend, Cabot Cove’s own Dr. Seth Hazlitt. Seth is in town visiting Alvaro Vasquez, a renowned physician he befriended while participating in a research program in Havana. Vasquez, who has defected from Cuba to Tampa, is developing a potentially groundbreaking cure for Alzheimer’s disease. If he’s successful, his American backers stand to make millions. But there is a growing fear that the drug may fall into the hands of a powerful pharmaceutical company. Jessica attends a party at Vasquez’s lavish home, but the celebration ends abruptly when guests witness Vasquez seemingly struck by lightning. Jessica and Seth do some digging into the physician’s checkered past and learn that his death was no accident. As they work together to find a cure for the common killer, they become enmeshed in international intrigue involving the local police, the FBI, the CIA—and begin to wonder if they’ll ever see Cabot Cove again.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Cozy, Audiobook, Crime, Novels

Hardcover

First published April 2, 2013

About the author

Librarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Jessica Fletcher (born Jessica Beatrice MacGill, and writes under the initialed J.B. Fletcher) is a fictional character from the US television series Murder, She Wrote.

In keeping with the spirit of the TV show, a series of official original novels have been written by American ghostwriter Donald Bain and published by the New American Library. The author credit for the novels is shared with the fictitious "Jessica Fletcher." When the first novel in the series, Gin and Daggers, was published in 1989 it included several inaccuracies to the TV series including Jessica driving a car which she could not do as she never learned to drive. Due to fans pointing out the errors, the novel was republished in 2000 with most of the inaccuracies corrected.

Source: Wikipedia

Reviews

[Suzie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just can't help myself-Jessie's my favorite. Don't judge me...

[Bad Cookie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This wasn't the worst thing ever, but it wasn't all that great either. I've read previous books in this series that were much better. I feel like the Jessica of the books doesn't measure up to the Jessica in the series. Also, she really didn't solve anything. Her and Seth didn't voice their suspicions of who killed Dr. Vasquez until after they were taken to Cuba against their will and it was Seth who voiced his suspicions first. By then it was kind of a no brainer, I mean duh...You've just been taken to another country and you're being held captive. There's a good chance that it's one or the other of your kidnappers. I know there were episodes of Murder, She Wrote where Jessica didn't solve the mystery (i.e. episodes she didn't appear in except at the very beginning). However, since she was present throughout the whole novel it would have been nice if the author had her investigating more and coming to the conclusion herself. No, instead you have her being ordered back to Cabot Cove, whisked away to Cuba and quickly released the next day- but not before meeting Raul Castro who apologizes to them for the inconvenience.

[Claire Admiral · Rating 2 out of 5]

★★☆☆☆ 2 stars

[Tomi · Rating 1 out of 5]

I normally love these books since I am a huge fan of the show. But this book was plodding and hard to read. Jessica didn't solve the murder. There was no "investigation," just interminable conversations with the myriad of law enforcement officials and the Cuban activists from both sides.

[Leslie A · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorites so far

I love all of the books in this series, but this one has been extra interesting and kept me on my toes the entire time. Lots of fun, twists and turns and some international intrigue. Definitely good read for the mystery lover.

[Alessandro Lorini · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome Jessica

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun adventure in the series and went places I never thought it would. I greatly enjoyed it!

[Aparna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stars: 3 / 5
Recommendation: Although we get to learn a lot of knew things in the medical, scientific and political fields, this plot didn’t actually have Jessica solve anything. Only speculation on Jessica and Seth's side on who could be the killer. Also there is no closure given for the accomplice. Yet it was a fun adventure to read and go through with Jessica.

Prescription For Murder is the 39th novel in the long-running Murder She Wrote series co-written by Donald Bain & fictional writer Jessica Fletcher. It was first published on April of 2013. Jessica is in Tampa, Florida after a week of book tour in other places in Florida and her old friend Cabot Cove's very own Dr. Seth Hazlitt is in town at the same time too visiting his friend Dr. Alvaro Vasquez, a renowned physician in the brink of a medical miracle. However, when Dr. Vasquez gets killed at a party he was hosting at his home, Jessica and Seth are pushed into a mystery involving medical breakthroughs, scientists with personal agendas, FBI and even the CIA.

This is my take on the series of books written by a plethora of authors and Jessica Fletcher (fictional author) based on the 80s and 90s popular American crime drama television series Murder, She Wrote. These books are ghost written by Donald Bain and fictional author Jessica Fletcher for the first 43 books until 2015. Then Donald Bain wrote these with Renee Paley Bain and Jon Land for four more books. After Donald Bain passed away in 2017, Jon Land alone took the baton and continued with Jessica Fletcher for 5 more books until 2020. Starting 2021 the series was picked by Terrie Farley Moran again pairing with the fictional writer Jessica Fletcher. As of April 2024, 58 books have been written in this series. They are mostly written in first person narration.

The title of the book reminded me of the pilot episode of American crime drama television series, Columbo, which started a good 2 decades prior to when Murder, She Wrote hit the TV. That episode was titled "Prescription: Murder". A little different than this but reminded me of that episode which originally aired on Feb 10, 1968. And obviously the plots are very different.

Author Donald Bain again dedicates this book to one of his close friends - James and Jennette Vann. James Vann is a famous local neocubist artist from Tampa and was named Tampa Artist of the Year in 2011. Although the website for his art mentioned in the book isnt existing any longer. Bain includes cubist art in the plot, though a very minor mention. Perhaps as a homage!

Again we get to see Tampa through the eyes of Jessica with lot more details about famous locations and not so famous places. We see the political, financial and personal agendas involved in medical world, and how every step is a hoop to jump before a medical miracle is available for common man. Oh we also learn about how a cigar is made and the cigar industry that once flourished in FL.

We also see the hardships Cuba has faced before the Castros took over, and how worse it has become since. We hear about their social and economic ups and downs too. Also an insight into the medical analysis of Alzheimer's disease and the cause of it, and how a cure could perhaps be identified.

Dr. Seth Hazlitt seems to be out of his usual element in this book. His characterization is quite different from what we see in other books or on the TV show. He looks more materialistic and taken by Dr. Vasquez. He also seems his life is underachieved when comparing with Dr. Vasquez. This is a new side of Seth that we see. However, I am pleased to see a whole book with Cabot Cover key character who is not named Jessica Fletcher. :)

Interesting to read about Keraunopathologists - people who research on the scientific effects of lightning on living things, sometimes perform analysis on people who were struck down by lightning. Never knew about this particular branch of science. Perfect Jeopardy! topic, I suppose. :P

With all the advancements in technology that Jessica Fletcher seems to adapt to in the series as it progresses, it still bugs me that she frequently forgets to keep her cell phone switched on or charged. Was there a particular aversion to cell phones for Jessica? Nothing of that sort I have read so far or seen o TV.

Although we get to learn a lot of knew things in the medical, scientific and political fields, this plot didn’t actually have Jessica solve anything. Only speculation on Jessica and Seth's side on who could be the killer. Also there is no closure given for the accomplice. Yet it was a fun adventure to read and go through with Jessica.

Spoiler Alerts:

1. Plot Reveals:
a. Key Characters: Dr. Alvarez "Al" Vasquez and his wife, Ivelisse; Bernard Peters, CEO of K-Dex pharmaceutical company, and his wife Frances; Oona Mendez, Cuban American working for State Department; Karl Westerkoch, Oona's boyfriend; Dr. Pedro Sardina, Dr. Vasquez's assistant, and his wife Ofelia; Xavier, Al's son; Maritza, Al's daughter.
b. Interesting that Tampa is called the Lightning Capital of the World. I would love to go there one day and capture the lightning on my camera.
c. There is mention of the 1967 American satirical black comedy film The Producers. Interesting theme. Have to watch it.
d. Law Enforcement: Detective Carlos Machado; Dr. San Martin, Medical Examiner; Harry Guterez, FBI agent.

2. Sub Plots:
a. Friends of Jessica Fletcher: Dr. Seth Hazlitt; George Sutherland, senior inspector with Scotland Yard; Morton "Mort" Metzger, Cabot Cove Sherriff and his wife Maureen; Eve Simpson, realtor friend working at Cabot Cove Realty; Sam Booth, mayor of Cabot Cove; Ethan Cragg, Cabot Cove’s chief town elder.
b. Literary contacts and friends: her publisher Vaughan Buckley of Buckley House, his fashion model wife Olga Buckley and their dogs Sadie and Rose; Harry McGraw, her private eye friend; Matt Miller, her literary agent & his wife Susan; Paulette, Matt's assistant;
c. Other Characters appear frequently: Josh, the mailman; Jed Richardson, only bush pilot for Cabot Cove and owner of Jed's Flying Service, and his wife Alicia / Barbara?; Mara, restaurant owner of Mara’s Luncheonette; Hank Weathers, a homeless war vet; Seamus McGilray, manager of Hill House Hotel; Richard "Dick" Mann, Fire Chief; Charlene Sassi, a baker; Susan Shevlin, travel agent and her husband Jim, Mayor of Cabot Cove; Professor Donskoy; Roberta Dougherty, bookstore owner; Richard Koser, photographer, and his wife Mary Jane; Barbara DePaoli, Chamber of Commerce's secretary; Anthon Colarusso, dentist; Beth and Peter Mullin, owners of flower shop Old Tyme Floral; Sam Davis, investment advisor; Jack Decker, publisher of Cabot Cove's monthly magazine; Peter Eder, Cabot Cove's symphony orchestra; Bob Daros, owns Heritage Fuel; Tim Purdy, treasurer of chamber of commerce and historian and president of Cabot Cove's historical society, also an investment advisor, and his wife Ellen; Pat Hitchcock, Cabot Cove's popular nurse and teacher?; Gloria Watson, Wendell's mother; Joseph "Joe" Turco, an attorney; Marcia Davis, costume designer; David and Jim Raneri, owners of Charles Department Store; Ralph Mackin, town attorney; Ed and Joan Lerner, retirees; Brenda Brody, copy editor of Cabot Cove Insider; Doug Treyz, dentist, and his wife Tina; Jack and Marilou Decker, publishers of Cabot Cove Insider; Peter and Roberta Walters, owners of the radio station; Horace Teller, publisher of Cabot Cove News; Doris Sitar, assistant manager at Cabot Cove Savings Bank; Dmitri, owner of local taxi company; Phil Wick, field manager of the phone company; John St. Clair, professor of business law at Cabot Cove Community College; Dr. Jennifer "Jenny" Countryman, Seth's partner; Reginald "Reggie" Weems, insurance agent; Richard Jenkins & Sal Marterella, city council members; Jack Wilson, the Veterinarian, and his wife Tobe; Evelyn Phillips, editor of Cabot Cove Gazette; Maniram Chatterjee & his wife Hita, jewelry shop owners; Sanford Teller, rus public relations agency;
d. Sheriff Metzger’s office staff & other law enforcement: Deputy Andy Jenks; Deputy Jack; Rookie Wendell Watson; Deputy Harold; Deputy Jerry; Alfred Gillo, medical examiner; Judge Kaplan; Marie Poutre, dispatcher.
e. Jessica Fletcher’s family: Grady Fletcher, nephew that she and her late-husband Frank raise, his wife Donna and child Frank.
f. We continue to see Mort Metzger's wife being called as Maureen. Although we now know the reason why Mort's wife is different than the TV series, I distinctly remember her name being changed to Adele in the 50th book, A Time for Murder. Looks like the confusion is not completely alleviated.
g. I remember reading one of the later books (and couldn’t figure out which one was that) where we see Sam Booth as the mayor of Cabot Cove. However, since I started reading the series from the beginning, looks like the mayor of Cabot Cove is Jim Shevlin. I wonder if Sam Booth surfaces as I remember from way back read.
h. The prominent photographer of Cabot Cove's last name is spelled differently in the 30th book A Slaying in Savannah. Up until then he was "Koser" and now he is "Kaser" in that book. Wonder if it will change back in future.
i. In the 27th book Coffee, Tea or Murder? we see that Jed's wife is named Barbara. But up until then she was named Alicia. Wonder if Bain will have a backup story for that in future books.
j. From the 9th book, Murder on the QE2: Mary Ward has been a prominent character in this book. Will she resurface again?
k. From the 10th book, Murder in Moscow:
i. There is still no resolution as to who or how Ward Wenington was killed in D.C. and why Vladislav "Vlady" Staritova was killed in Russia. What was the connection?
ii. Alexandra Kozhina disappears at the end of the plot. And will she surface in another book?
l. From the 3th book:
i. Tom Craig offers Michael Haggerty a book deal to write about his escapades as an undercover British spy.
ii. There is reference to a very expensive luxury perfume called Shalini in the book. The name sounded Indian so I was curious why it was called a luxury perfume. Turns out it is a French Parfum but made with exotic flowers of rare occurrence. No wonder its very pricey.
iii. There is no closure as to who actually kills the person in the first murder.
iv. Will Jennifer Kahn, the alleged jewel thief, walk away free since they could only find circumstantial evidence against her and nothing concrete?
m. From the 37th book: If I ever try the sidecar recipe I will have to post it again referring the 37th book.
n. In the 50th book, A Time for Murder, Jessica is shown at Hill House, Cabot Cove’s very own Inn due to a fire at her Victorian home at 698 Candlewood Lame. I wonder if the 49th book, Murder in Red, has anything to do with her house getting caught fire which almost killed her.
o. From the 51st book, The Murder of Twelve:
i. Author Land gives considerable mystery to Seamus McGilray’s character. I wonder if he resurfaces in a future book.
ii. Towards the end of the book, Mort jokes that Jessica should run for mayor. Hmm…something to look forward to I suppose.

[Cheryl Landmark · Rating 3 out of 5]

Usually these books are 4-star reads for me. I love Jessica Fletcher's character and adventures. But, this one was a bit of a disappointment.

The murder itself was rather predictable, and Jessica's impressive sleuthing skills were sadly lacking in solving it. Even though she and her good friend, Seth Hazlitt, suspected foul play, they really didn't contribute much to bringing the murderer to justice as Jessica usually does in her cases. Normally, she is much more gung-ho and determined to solve a crime than she was in this one. Her reluctance to get involved seemed somewhat out-of-character for her. The ending also seemed a little rushed and over-the-top.

That being said, I still enjoyed reading about her adventures in Florida and Cuba. And, it was nice to have Seth share them with her.

I'm a die-hard fan of "Murder, She Wrote", so you can bet I'll be reading more in the series despite my slight disappointment in this book.

[Hannah Misselhorn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I usually like these books, but this one didn't catch my interest as much. It just wasn't as interesting as the others. It was a little repetitive and it hit me over the head with talking about Cuba. I kept getting confused with the characters, and some of them were a little unnecessary. However, because I am a sucker for murder mysteries and the show Murder, She Wrote, it was able to redeem itself from me giving it one star.

[Colleen · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was terrible! I've enjoyed other books in the series, but this book dragged on and on. It took almost 100 pages for anything to happen and the ending was beyond improbable and uninteresting. Skip this one.

[Murray Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was alright not my favorite murder she wrote

[Get Your Tinsel in a Tangle · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Prescription for Murder, Jessica Fletcher heads to Tampa for a book tour and immediately stumbles into the kind of medical conspiracy that feels one shady research grant away from a 60 Minutes exposé. She’s supposed to be sipping orange juice and politely signing hardcovers — but instead? She ends up investigating a death so bizarre it involves lightning, Alzheimer’s research, and the CIA. Because of course it does. This is Cabot Cove energy with humidity and government surveillance.

Jessica reconnects with our favorite grumpy small-town doc, Seth Hazlitt, who just happens to be in town visiting his old pal Dr. Alvaro Vasquez. Vasquez is a Cuban defector and medical miracle worker, allegedly on the brink of curing Alzheimer’s. His research? Worth millions. His party? Fancy. His death? Public, dramatic, and completely unconvincing as a natural event. He’s struck by lightning in his own backyard during a soirée, and everyone’s like, “Wow, what a tragic natural occurrence,” while Jessica is already sharpening her metaphorical scalpel.

From there, we’re off. Seth and Jessica try to follow the trail — but things go sideways fast. Suddenly, we’ve got the FBI, the CIA, shady pharma bros, and a level of international intrigue that feels like someone dropped a cozy mystery into a Cold War thriller and said, “Good luck, grandma.”

And yes, they get kidnapped and taken to Cuba. Literally abducted. One minute they’re asking questions, the next they’re talking to Raúl Castro (as one does), who casually apologizes and sends them home the next day. It’s giving “travel ban who?” with a side of plot whiplash.
The mystery itself? Honestly, kind of background noise. Jessica and Seth don’t so much solve the case as get swept along in a wave of increasingly ridiculous events until someone finally tells them what happened. There's very little clue-following, barely any deduction — just a lot of exposition, espionage, and "oh, I guess that's what happened" energy.

3.5 stars. Prescription for Murder is messy, overcooked, and weirdly delightful. Not peak Jessica, but the Florida-meets-Cuba chaos, pharma-fueled paranoia, and the image of our queen getting international apologies from world leaders? Honestly worth the ride.

[The Mystery Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐
Prescription For Murder by Jessica Fletcher and Donald Bain is an engaging entry in the Murder, She Wrote series that takes Jessica and Dr. Seth Hazlitt to Tampa for a mystery involving international intrigue and medical innovation.

Jessica's book tour brings her to Tampa, where she's delighted to discover that Dr. Seth Hazlitt is also in town visiting his friend, Alvaro Vasquez, a renowned physician who defected from Cuba. Vasquez is working on a potentially groundbreaking Alzheimer's cure that could make his American backers millions—if it doesn't fall into the wrong hands first. At a party at Vasquez's lavish home, guests witness what appears to be a lightning strike that kills the doctor. But Jessica and Seth quickly realize his death was no accident. As they investigate Vasquez's checkered past, they find themselves entangled with the local police, the FBI, and the CIA, wondering if they'll ever make it back to Cabot Cove.

What makes this one stand out is the pairing of Jessica and Seth working together to solve the case. Their friendship and mutual respect shine through, and it's refreshing to see Seth get more page time. The international intrigue angle adds complexity beyond the typical cozy mystery, with Cuban defection politics and pharmaceutical company greed creating high stakes. The pacing is excellent, keeping the tension steady throughout.

The mystery itself is well-plotted with enough twists to keep you engaged. The involvement of multiple agencies adds layers without becoming confusing. A strong, entertaining mystery that delivers exactly what fans of the series want.

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[Domenica Puglisi · Rating 3 out of 5]

E' il primo libro della Signora in giallo che leggo e ho scelto un titolo a caso tra i pochi che possiedo e solo dopo aver cercato il titolo mi sono resa conto che è il trentanovesimo della serie. Non che faccia tanta differenza ma forse, avrei dovuto sceglierne uno precedente.
Mentre scrivo qui ho abbassato la valutazione, sempre per un discorso di comparazione con altri libri a cui ho dato una stella in più. Intendiamoci, il libro in generale e la storia mi sono piaciuti ma niente di che, una lettura che, anche se ho dilungato, mi ha fatto trascorrere ore piacevoli, un diversivo tra le letture.
Jessica si trova in Florida, poco prima delle festività natalizie, per promuovere il suo nuovo libro e prolunga il soggiorno per passare una settimana extra a Tampa, in compagnia del dottor Hazlitt ed incontrare un famoso ricercatore cubano, amico del dottore, scappato dal regime castrista.
Si sa, quando c'è la signora Fletcher, prima o poi accadrà un delitto e questo non tarda ad arrivare. Durante un ricevimento a casa del dottor Vasquez in onore della scrittrice sarà proprio lui a morire fulminato, durante un temporale. Ma è andata veramente così? L'attenzione di Jessica cade su un particolare, il sigaro che stava fumando e che aveva in mano .....
Tra intrighi internazionali, spie, segreti di laboratorio e ricerche scientifiche che non avanzano, rapimenti e viaggi "forzati" Jessica e Seth scopriranno il colpevole, facendo luce sul mistero che avvolge le ricerche di Vasquez sull'Alzheimer.
Una lettura scorrevole e con tante descrizioni dei luoghi che arricchiscono la storia.
Una di quelle letture che ogni tanto di sicurò porterò avanti perché è un genere che mi piace, una lettura per niente impegnativa, ottima per staccare e passare piacevolmente qualche ora anche se si tratta di un mistery.

[Karissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

After a whirlwind promotional book tour, Jessica Fletcher decides to join Dr. Seth Hazlitt for a few days or R&R in Tampa. Seth is eager to introduce her to his friend, medical researcher Dr. Alvaro Vasquez. Jessica and Seth are both accepted with open arms, a celebratory golf match and an evening party. Unfortunately, the party given in Jessica's honor brings tragedy when their host dies apparently struck by lightning. Seth and Jessica are unwittingly pulled into the investigation since they were present at his death and Seth was such a close friend of Alvaro's. As they try and unravel who might want the researcher dead, Seth comes to the uncomfortable realization he might not have known his friend as well as he thought. Incessantly badgered by all sides about how far and what Alvaro has discovered in his research, things come to a head with a surprise revelation and an unexpected trip.

Of the three Jessica Fletcher books I have read, this is my second-favorite. The Murder of Twelve still stands as my favorite but this is a close second. It's an international intrigue caper as well as a cozy mystery. You get a lot of the latin/Cuban flavor along with the story, always a plus!

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, as I have all the books in the Murder She Wrote series. It was like the TV series, a relaxing break from the everyday activities. One thing bothered me, and it may be because I checked it out from the library during the Christmas season. The book sets the time frame in the first few pages- Jessica will be doing a book tour in Florida the first week of December then visiting Seth Hazlett in Tampa the 2nd week in December. This will cut into her pre-Christmas activities but she goes ahead with plans. However, other than a comment or two on the December weather in Florida never again is there any mention of the season. A friend of Seth's hosts a party in Jessica's honor at his home. As the home is described regarding doors and paintings, no mention of holiday decorations. Ditto for a trip to Ybor City and it's famous restaurant Columbia. Likewise the hotel Jessica is staying in. It just struck me as odd. It seemed the bulk of the book had been written then Bain had just added on the first few pages to give Jess a reason to be in Tampa.

[Claudia Cheyne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jessica Fletcher's book tour is taking her to Tampa, Florida just before Christmas. Her good friend Dr. Seth Hazlett just happens to be treating himself to a well deserved vacation in Tampa at the same time. They plan to meet up there. Seth wants to introduce Jessica to a doctor who has been working on a cure for Alzheimer's disease. The two physicians had met and became friends. Alvaro Vasquez (or Al as he prefers to be called) defected from Cuba taking with him many years of research which had been funded by the Cuban government making him a target for retribution by pro-Castro sympathizers. While attending a party at Al's lavish home Seth and Jessica both witness Al's death which appears to be from a lightning strike at first. An autopsy reveals this was murder. Seth vows to stay in Tampa until his friend's murderer is caught. But while searching for clues, Seth and Jessica discover that the Cuban doctor was not the good person whom he led others to believe he was.

[Jennie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Probably the best I have read so far. Lots of intrigue which kept me guessing the murderer identity and why. The end a bit improbable. I enjoyed this story because of the Cuba connection. The book was published in 2013 and Cuba was being opened to US citizens under the Obama administration. I was in Cuba in November of 2016. The Cuban people are among the most friendly in the word and our politics towards their country suck when compared to worse countries like China. I got to experience the opening of tbe country first hand and how sad the people were when Clinton lost the election. During the few Obama years travel by Americans to Cuba had helped ordinary people. Too bad Biden hasn't done more.

[Cris · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid mystery although the ending was a bit weak. Jessica didn't figure out the murderer--Xavier boasted that he murdered his father. And even if he hadn't, it would have been obvious once Xavier and Maritza kidnapped Jessica and Dr. Hazlitt. The meeting between Castro and Jessica and Seth was ridiculous.

On the other hand, the author nailed Dr. Seth Hazlitt's character and his interactions with Jessica. The other characters were reasonable developed, creating multiple, viable suspects.

[Addie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spoilers coming: but I just can't say how much I loved that of course Jessica Fletcher is about to humanize the Communist radicals who take her hostage and fly her to Cuba. A revolutionary's revolutionary, Jessica Fletcher is! These books are always delightfully silly and this one is in that tradition. I was halfway rooting for the murderers 🤣🫶 and I think Jessica got their perspective, at least a little.

"Workers of the world, unite!" -Jessica Fletcher (jk that's Marx/Engels)

[Francesca Pietropaolo]

La signora Fletcher va in Florida per un giro promozionale del suo ultimo libro. Il suo amico Seth è nei pressi per un convegno e una visita al suo amico dott.Al Vasquez, medico ricercatore fuggito da Cuba in America con degli studi sulla cura dell'Alzheimer. Così Jessica decide di prolungare il giro fermandosi a Tampa per conoscere questo famoso medico, che organizza una festa in suo onore.
Ma alla festa, Vasquez viene ucciso. Seth e Jessica iniziano a indagare trovandosi nel mezzo di un intrigo internazionale, con Fbi, Cia e guardie cubane

[Nancy Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jessica's plans for some quiet time in Tampa after a book tour ended quickly when Seth's friend was murdered. He and his wife had defected from their native Cuba and he was working on a cure for Alzheimer's disease. No one seemed to know much about his progress, and when the FBI gets involved Seth and Jessica get involved .

[Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

While promoting her latest book in Florida, Jessica decides to join Seth, who is visiting a friend in Tampa, for a little R and R before going home to Maine. Seth's friend is a doctor that left Cuba taking his research on Alzheimer's Disease with him. When the doctor winds up dead, Jessica finds out things about the doctor that just don't agree with his reputation.

[Mrs. Kathy Ahlert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

As a South Floridian, I enjoyed reading about the sights in Tampa. It's been a long time since I've been to Northwest Florida, but this book makes me want to go back there for more than just Busch Gardens. The book was well written and I didn't want to put it down. If you're thinking about purchasing this book, go ahead. It's well worth it. Enjoy!

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! This book took me places I didn't know Jessica Fletcher would go to. I was riveted to this book and trying to see where and how it would end.

I loved the intrigue and danger in this book. The characters were placed in places and scenarios that I haven't read about or seen on the show. I liked that because of the suspense factor.

Excellent read!! Good beach book......

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jessica winds up a whirlwind book tour in Florida and joins her good friend, Seth Hazlitt, for some R&R in Tampa, ostensibly to meet Seth’s friend, a Cuban doctor working on a cure for Alzheimer’s. Of course what happens is they both get caught up in a murder investigation. Full of Cuban culture, international intrigue, and interesting characters, I enjoyed this book in the series.

[Rachel Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read many books in this series, this was not my favorite. The characters got a little confusing and it was annoying how many times the word "Cuba" and was mentioned. Still love this series, will continue reading more from the series in the future.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

At the end of a book tour, Jessica meets up with Seth in Tampa. He's visiting a doctor friend he met in Cuba. The doctor is famous for his research on Alzheimer. The doctor is murdered during a lavish party at his home.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I find that the topics of the murder she wrote books get a little more heavy than the tv show. I would like them to be a little lighter and more true to the show. However, I did like the storyline. It was great that Seth was a main character.