THE MAKEOVER MURDERS

It's a dark and stormy night when Verity (``Birdie'') Birdwood (Death in Store), researching a TV project, arrives at Deepdene, a ritzy but recently money-troubled spa co-owned by the haughty, gorgeous Margot Bell and hairdresser extraordinaire Alistair. The next night, even darker and stormier, Margot is murdered in exactly the way serial-killer Laurel Moon dispatched her six victims—and Laurel has recently been paroled from prison. Could Laurel be one of the guests or staff members at Deepdene? Birdie phones pal Sergeant Toby for help, but upon arrival he and his constable are each slipped a mickey, the night grows still darker and stormier, and Birdie, naturally, picks up the investigation herself—but not before the manicurist is also killed. Eventually, Birdie will uncover several blackmail schemes, soured love affairs—and a prettier way to wear her hair. Birdie's less starchy and acerbic this time out, and the case has all the hallmarks of the Christie classic And Then There Were None—but, unfortunately, none of its breathtaking originality or vigor. A pleasant diversion, nonetheless, for cozy fans.