MARRIAGE IS MURDER

In the New England town of Port Frederick, there's an intense escalation of domestic violence that depresses and alarms rich, handsome policeman Geof Bushfield and his rich, beautiful civic-worker girlfriend Jenny Cain (No Body, 1986; etc.) As Geof and Jenny's wedding date draws near, abusing husbands Dick Hanks and Eddie McEachen are shot to death, their wives being the main suspects. Geof is threatening to leave the police force, and Jenny is drawn into the affairs of the safe house for endangered families run by tough Smithy Leigh. A third death, surprisingly close to home, takes place before the light--in the presence of a puzzling gun collection--dawns on Jenny and a fourth, totally innocent target is saved. The grim social-tract case-history background is barely camouflaged by the author's crisp, breezy style and the romantic byplay. Well plotted, mildly entertaining, and a bit of a downer.