A Murder in Mind

Billie Blessings is drawn into a murder investigation when Katie Sanders, a former server at Blessings-turned TV star, becomes the focus when it's discovered the victim was blackmailing her. The victim worked for Hannah who despises Katie. Hannah's a controlling mother who thinks no one is good enough for her son and wants Katie off the show, but it's not clear she'd kill to make that happen. Anyway, Katie is not the one who turns up dead; it's Jerry Hannah's assistant and an ex-cop. Jerry is murdered at her house, but Katie was found running from the crime scene, and her father is also pretty blunt when asked about the lengths he'll go to protect his daughter.

Billie is on a case again, trying to help a friend who is accused of murder and it's adequate Hallmark mystery that isn't too striking, but is passable. A slow pace and a lack of a tight plot work against it. However, the lead actors are fine and Billie's aunty is an entertaining character. As part of a plot sideline, she is taken by a customer and Maurice the chef is green with envy.