A LETHAL WALK IN LAKELAND

Another baffling murder interrupts a retired American sleuth’s British vacation.

Former San Diego detective Rick Chasen is back in Britain for another hiking adventure following the one he had in A Deadly Walk in Devon (2024), with murder again on the itinerary. Chase is excited to be joined by his pal Billie Mondreau, from Vermont, but disappointed that his new British friend, coroner Mike Tibbets, must forego the getaway because of a murder not far off. This development feels like a foreshadowing of both the plot to come and perhaps a third Chase mystery; Chase’s longtime partner, Doug, has recently passed away, and he hopes his special connection to Mike may lead to romance. When the reliably bubbly Billie shares a story of financial devastation, Chase offers his support. All these plot threads involving franchise characters provide a quietly effective foundation as a number of fellow tourists—that is, suspects-to-be—are introduced. There’s exuberant walk leader Charlie Cross and his faithful dog; financial advisor Joe Scarbun; and the large and tangled Upton clan from Texas, Parker, Pratt, Brock, and Fiona, along with Fiona’s childhood friend Carole. Chapter titles identify the specific locations of the hike, but although George introduces several British characters in cameos, he provides no strong sense of place, just generalized descriptions. Once the promised murder finally occurs past the midway point of the novel, it’s cleverly untangled by Chase with assistance from an 11th-hour arrival.

An amiable whodunit that’s long on character and short on atmosphere.