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House of Cards
MURDER IS RELATIVE
Lane Montana, finder of lost objects, dreads the upcoming family reunion at her mother's estate--especially tire inevitable interrogation of Lane's new lover, police lieutenant Trey Fortier. But the gathering takes a far more unpleasant turn when mild-mannered cousin Lawrence imbibes a cocktail laced with strychnine. The clan suspects the poison was intended for their despised kinsman-by-marriage Innis Langdon--and Innis's brutal bludgeon-death soon after only confirms their suspicions. But Lane and Trey have serious doubts. And to unmask a ruthless multiple murderer, it may be necessary to expose some ugly, sordid secrets that could bring the family's fragile house of cards toppling to the ground.
Lane Montana, finder of lost objects, dreads the upcoming family reunion at her mother's estate--especially tire inevitable interrogation of Lane's new lover, police lieutenant Trey Fortier. But the gathering takes a far more unpleasant turn when mild-mannered cousin Lawrence imbibes a cocktail laced with strychnine. The clan suspects the poison was intended for their despised kinsman-by-marriage Innis Langdon--and Innis's brutal bludgeon-death soon after only confirms their suspicions. But Lane and Trey have serious doubts. And to unmask a ruthless multiple murderer, it may be necessary to expose some ugly, sordid secrets that could bring the family's fragile house of cards toppling to the ground.
216 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 1991
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About the author
Kay Hooper
109 books2,458 followersKay Hooper (aka Kay Robbins) was born in California, in an air force base hospital since her father was stationed there at the time. The family moved back to North Carolina shortly afterward, so she was raised and went to school there.
The oldest of three children, Kay has a brother two years younger and a sister seven years younger. Her father and brother are builders who own a highly respected construction company, and her mother worked for many years in personnel management before becoming Kay's personal assistant, a position she held until her untimely death in March 2002. Kay's sister Linda works as her Business Manager, Events Coordinator, and is playing a major role in the creation and operation of The Kay Hooper Foundation.
Kay graduated from East Rutherford High School and attended Isothermal Community College — where she quickly discovered that business classes did not in any way enthrall her. Switching to more involving courses such as history and literature, she also began to concentrate on writing, which had been a longtime interest. Very quickly hooked, she asked for a Christmas typewriter and began seriously working on her first novel. That book, a Regency romance titled Lady Thief, sold to Dell Publishing in 1980. She has since published more than 60 novels and four novellas.
Kay is single and lives in a very small town in North Carolina, not far from her father and siblings. Deigning to live with her are a flock of cats — Bonnie, Ginger, Oscar, Tuffy, Felix, Renny, and Isabel — of various personalities who all like sleeping on manuscripts and whatever research happens to be spread across Kay's desk. And living amongst the many felines are two cheerfully tolerant dogs, a shelter rescue, Bandit, who looks rather like a small sheepdog, and a Sheltie named Lizzie.
The oldest of three children, Kay has a brother two years younger and a sister seven years younger. Her father and brother are builders who own a highly respected construction company, and her mother worked for many years in personnel management before becoming Kay's personal assistant, a position she held until her untimely death in March 2002. Kay's sister Linda works as her Business Manager, Events Coordinator, and is playing a major role in the creation and operation of The Kay Hooper Foundation.
Kay graduated from East Rutherford High School and attended Isothermal Community College — where she quickly discovered that business classes did not in any way enthrall her. Switching to more involving courses such as history and literature, she also began to concentrate on writing, which had been a longtime interest. Very quickly hooked, she asked for a Christmas typewriter and began seriously working on her first novel. That book, a Regency romance titled Lady Thief, sold to Dell Publishing in 1980. She has since published more than 60 novels and four novellas.
Kay is single and lives in a very small town in North Carolina, not far from her father and siblings. Deigning to live with her are a flock of cats — Bonnie, Ginger, Oscar, Tuffy, Felix, Renny, and Isabel — of various personalities who all like sleeping on manuscripts and whatever research happens to be spread across Kay's desk. And living amongst the many felines are two cheerfully tolerant dogs, a shelter rescue, Bandit, who looks rather like a small sheepdog, and a Sheltie named Lizzie.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
January 1, 2025
It took awhile to set up, but I enjoyed this murder mystery. It takes s place in the protagonist’s family’s home, so the suspects are all members of the family. Each family member comes under scrutiny but it’s up to the protagonist and her police officer boyfriend (how convenient) to figure out whodunnit.
February 26, 2026
3.5 stars. A quick and easy read, pretty good setup, with enough plausible suspects to keep it interesting. I’m rounding down though, because I’m not really interested in pursuing the series any further. Also because there was just too much relationship angst for me.
February 17, 2024
3.5
Pro: Enjoyable, quick read. Nice twist at the end.
Con: Some of the police procedures and family dynamic seemed unrealistic.
Pro: Enjoyable, quick read. Nice twist at the end.
Con: Some of the police procedures and family dynamic seemed unrealistic.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews