DISHWASHER SAFE

A TV weatherman dies mysteriously while cheating on his wife in Sheffield’s comedic whodunit.

Dick Lance is a successful TV weatherman and chief meteorologist (among other titles) for his local station when his career is cut short by an extramarital affair accidentally televised to thousands of viewers. His already strained marriage to his wife, Kristen Daniels, is officially doomed by this affair. Kristen has her own career as a journalist but was also unexpectedly laid off. Dick is happy to bring her on board writing for his advertising firm, churning out copy for as-seen-on-TV commercial products. As she learns the business, she becomes more suspicious of Dick and where he’s spending his free time. Dick’s cheating is fairly open, but he appears to be keeping many secrets. He tells Kristen that they must drive to Florida for the opportunity of a lifetime. On the way, the car breaks down and they have to walk alongside the highway to find gas. Both are soon involved in a horrible accident that ends with Dick being hit by a car, but the cops can’t find his body. Kristen becomes a suspect, while a rival businessman’s goons are after the miracle kitchen appliance that could make some lucky person quite rich. Sheffield’s debut mystery is full of comedic turns, unpredictable twists, and a quirky cast. The friends Kristen makes, the police investigating the case, and the odd people involved in the TV product business all mingle to create an unforgettable story. Dick is a convincing dirtbag whose immoral exploits further enhance the highlights of the story. He is juxtaposed against Kristen, whose life takes a turn for the worse because of him, although she faces the challenges with bravery and smarts.

A quick read with an excellent balance between humor and pulse-quickening action.