This was the third book in the Gregor Demarkian Holiday mystery series that I completed. The books were recommended by Nancy Pearl and Nancy suggested reading them in order. With every book I grow fonder of this series and the recurring characters. The first in the series, Not a Creature Was Stirring could have been an original blueprint for Knives Out—a murder in the home of a rich with a cast that could have been the blueprint for Succession. Another reviewer called Haddam the Agatha Christie set in the 20th century. Okay, you think, this is how this series will go. Rich people die. The next in the series, Precious Blood, takes place at a Catholic church in a small town. Wait, what? It was interesting to see the Church as a character and read it from the standpoint of the publication date in 1991 and what was happening at that time. I enjoyed being pulled back into that era. Now the third book, Act of Darkness, has a political backdrop and brings in issues surrounding abortion. It also uses the “R” word quite a bit which set my 2021 teeth on edge and a healthy reminder of how language can change.

At the center is Gregor Demarkian, a widower and retired FBI agent, whose backstory I hope will be revealed as the books go along. And there is Demarkian’s own community that comes with a good set of recurring characters like Father Tibor the Armenian parish priest, and Bennis Hannaford the rich girl turned fantasy author who was a part of the plot in Not a Creature Was Stirring but is now elevated to Demarkian’s sidekick.

This third book was a bit hard to find. Well, easy to find if you want to pay almost $30 for a paperback. The rest of the series I was able to find easily on ebay as a set. And you can find it in ebook format for a lot less. I will be happily making my way through all 30 books in this series. ( )

A little slow to get started but once there's the first murder the story starts moving along. Gregor has been asked to a 4th of July party of a senator running for president because of possible threats to the candidate. Gregor decides to bring Bennis along as a sort of cover story. Ironically, the story has parallels to the current political climate with the candidate being narcissistic, not really qualified but being handled by his close friends. There is also a stoic wife and former girlfriends to muddy the water. When his two closest associates are murdered Gregor figures out the murder with Bennis' help. ( )

Third in the Gregor Demarkian series by Jane Haddam. This one has a complex plot. A U.S. Senator who has been made by his campaign manager is son-in-law of a former Hollywood movie star. These characters and others gather for a weekend at the movie star's house. Gregor and Bennis Hannaford are there because of possible threats to the Senator's life.

Did not enjoy this one as much as some of the others. Some parts are beginning to be a bit formulaic. Still, Haddam writes good plots and good characters. I'm going to continue to read the series. ( )

Couldn't get into it. Halfway through the second chapter and I still hadn't encountered a single character I liked - they were all nasty or wimpy or both. Sorry, I've got better things to do. ( )

The third in the Gregor Demarkian series. Out of Philadelphia once more and in Oyster Bay, NY, Demarkian is asked to investigate why potential Presidential candidate Senator Stephen Fox is suddenly experiencing paralytic episodes; both his political manager and Fox himself are concerned about dirty tricks from the opposition. Demarkian starts his investigation at a political seminar held during the long 4th of July weekend at the bizarre, ostentatious home of a former actress, Victoria Harte, mother of Janet who is Fox's wife; he brings along Bennis Hannaford as his "cover".

Right at the beginning of the weekend, a close friend of Fox--an obstetrician who specializes in Down syndrome babies--dies in a bafffling way. Demarkian is sure it's murder but is unable to pinpoint the means or have a clue about motive.

The plot revolves around the world of political wheeling and dealing. Haddam has made disparaging references to that world in earlier books; in this one, she has very little that is good to say about it. Her political characters are amoral at best, sleazebags at worst who will stop at nothing to achieve their ambitions. Lobbying comes in for a few good solid hits as well.

All this is woven into the context of the plot, which is well done (although there are a few loose ends, in my opinion, at the conclusion). There is very little of the humor that marked Haddam's first two books in the series. One of the characters, however, does carry the comic side as Haddam pokes fun at Political Correctness.

The writing is good, the characters are well drawn. Bennis Hannaford, along with members of the Armenian-American community living on Cavanaugh St. In Philadelphia, are welcome recurring characters. Father Tibor, one of the best of that supporting cast, has a relatively small, but as usual, interesting, role to play.

Well-written and entertaining. Highly recommended. ( )