Hot Spot (Mark Manning Series) - Softcover

One of the guests turns up dead--an accident or murder--thanks to an electrical malfunction at the wedding reception that Mark Manning is hosting for his best friend, Roxanne Exner, and her fiancT, Carl Creighton, the Democratic candidate for governor of Illinois, in peaceful Dumont, Wisconsin. Reprint. 10,000 first printing.

A close mutual friend asks Mark Manning and Neil Waite to one of the most daunting, taxing and potentially dangerous of all human rituals—a wedding. The friend, Roxanne Exner, is marrying Carl Creighton, a candidate running for lieutenant governor in Illinois. The wedding comes off with nary a hitch, but the reception is a different matter. A local matron and major donor to the campaign of Creighton’s rival is killed in what appears to be a freak electrical mishap. Authorities, however, soon discover that the electrocution was no accident, and Roxanne becomes their prime suspect. As Roxanne’s prospects grow dim, it’s up to Mark Manning to solve this most shocking of murders.

Critical Praise for Michael Craft:

“Another sly retro puzzler complete with formal gatherings, understated gossip, half a dozen red herrings, and clues by the bushel. The best of Mark’s six cases to date.” –Kirkus Reviews on Hot Spot

“A classic mystery puzzle...an entertaining novel that challenges the reader’s deductive reasoning skills...the finest entry yet in a distinguished series.” – Bay Area Reporter
on Boy Toy

“Committing the perfect crime requires almost as much skill as writing a novel...Craft has once again succeeded at writing the perfect novel about a murder committed-almost-as perfectly.” – The Bottom Line on Hot Spot

“Written with Craft’s customary wit and charm, Boy Toy is a quick, enjoyable read, perfect for a day at the beach or the plane trip to St. Croix.” – Lambda Book Report on Boy Toy

“In this danse macabre, Manning is only one of many characters to find himself in a hot spot...An entertaining read.” –Echo Magazine on Hot Spot

“A richly drawn cast...lively banter...a sexy, entertaining addition to the series.” – Booklist on Boy Toy