THINNER THAN WATER

Virginia and Felix Freer (Frog in the Throat), now amiably separated, are asked to be witnesses at the marriage of old friend Gavin Brownlow to girl-next-door Rose Flint in the village of Spellbridge. So the Freers are among the guests at the substantial house of Gavin's architect-father Edward--who is found murdered after the wedding reception given by Rosie's parents. Furthermore, silver's been stolen, drawers have been rummaged through. . . and a few days later Gavin's neurotic sister Hannah (who was father Edward's housekeeper) is stabbed to death. Does this all connect up with some not-very-respectable dealings between the late Edward and a local housing czar? So it seems at first. But soon Felix, with his lazy flair for nosing things out, hits on some other motivations--though he's outraged to find that the mundane police investigation is a step ahead of him. Talky and not very exciting--but for those who enjoy civilized mayhem, the charming Freers will be a welcome diversion.