Hannah is glad to be among the midshipmen and spends some time getting reacquainted with the young woman she and her husband mentored during Emily’s plebe year. When she sees another young woman from her past, Jennifer Goodall, she is less than pleased. Several years ago, Jennifer accused Hannah’s husband of sexual harassment. While the case was found to be without merit, Hannah and Paul had a rough time getting their relationship back together. During a final dress rehearsal, Jennifer’s body is found near Sweeney Todd’s barber’s chair, and the hammer that killed her is found in a dumpster wrapped in Hannah’s sweatshirt.

All of a sudden, Hannah becomes a suspect in Jennifer’s murder, the wronged wife getting revenge. Hannah knows hers and Paul’s marriage can’t be the only relationship that Jennifer attempted to break up and she sure knows she had nothing to do with her murder so she begins to investigate to clear her name and to save her marriage.

Hannah is a very likable heroine who has dealt well with her experience with breast cancer. She has become an advocate for others who are ill without making that her sole purpose in life. Even though she and Paul have reconciled, Hannah still recalls the pain that Jennifer put them through. Having successfully dealt with both of these episodes in her life, Hannah has remained centered and has not become “Saint Hannah” and doesn’t dwell on the past.

Sweeney Todd is the perfect musical backdrop for Jennifer’s murder and Hannah’s subsequent investigation. Though it may be easy to guess who murdered Jennifer and why, there is one final twist that allows Hannah one more opportunity for showing her compassionate side. Hannah proves to be a true blue friend, to her husband, to her young plebe friend and her new friend Dorothy, to the very end.

A strong heroine without being preachy or saccharine, Hannah remains a very likable, very real character. Strongly recommended.

--Jennifer Monahan Winberry