When Paige’s late husband Bob’s army pal, Terry Catcher, turns up out of the blue, all sorts of emotions and memories are churned up inside of Paige. When Terry asks for Paige’s help she can’t say no. Terry’s sister Judy was murdered in her Manhattan apartment and the only clue Terry has is a cache of diamond jewelry he found in Judy’s oatmeal box. Paige can’t resist a mystery and Abby can’t resist Terry, so once again Paige is hot on the trial of a scoop and only one or two steps ahead of a killer who may have sights set on Paige.

Paige is a sassy young woman trying to make it on her own in the New York of the 1950’s. She wants to be an independent young woman, but also wouldn’t mind the company of a certain detective who may or may not understand her desire to be a full-fledged writer. Paige and the more laid back Abby play well off of each other and take good care of each other. Paige meets many memorable characters as she searches for Judy’s killer, most notably a smarmy real estate agent and Vicki Lee Bumstead, shy wallflower looking for a friend and some independence.

The appearance of Terry allows Paige to explore some deep hidden, unresolved feelings about her short marriage, giving a glimpse of another side of Paige.

While there are many juicy suspects, Judy’s murderer becomes apparent early on. But that does not stop the enjoyment of following Paige around Manhattan during the Christmas season with all the added excitement the holidays bring. Murder is a Girl’s Best Friend is a very atmospheric novel with a daring heroine that is sure to please.

--Jennifer Monahan Winberry