When MacLaren Yarbrough is invited to join Hopemore's exclusive Magnolia Ladies' Investment Club, her first inclination is to decline the invitation. The other nine members of the club (with perhaps one exception) are the wealthiest women in the county, and MacLaren is not a part of their social circle. Her daughter-in-law Cindy, who recently inherited a substantial amount of money, is a member of the club. MacLaren finally agrees to accept the invitation in order to spend some quality time with Cindy. This plan fizzles quickly when, at her first meeting, MacLaren stumbles upon the body of outgoing president Willena Kenan on the floor of the women's restroom. In spite of MacLaren's resolve to leave matters to the police, she launches her own investigation when she realizes that Cindy has become the prime suspect for the murder.

The mystery isn't quite as well developed as some of the others in this series, but it is still a fun read. Hopemore, Georgia is similar to many small southern towns, and the characters who live there seem like old friends. This would be a good book for reading on the front porch swing with big glass of sweet tea. ( )