This is a pretty cute mystery set in the Kawartha Lakes district in Ontario (where the author also lives). Carlton Withers is a journalist for the local weekly paper and he lives alone in a cottage in Bosky Dell. His parents were killed by a drunk driver a number of years ago. The driver was Ernie Struthers who served 3 months in jail and then received a sizable legacy which enabled him to buy the local hardware store. So when Ernie turns up dead on Carlton's front stoop one fine summer morning, Carlton appears to be the likely suspect. He calls on the aid of former police officer and neighbour, Hanson Eberley, to find the real killer and clear his name. Hanson is renowned for his skill in solving homicides when he was on the force and the OPP agrees to let him investigate. Carlton also receives help from the newspaper's newest employee, photographer Hanna Klovack. When the local minister is killed and incriminating evidence in Ernie's murder is found in Carlton's house, Carlton is hauled off to jail. After a few days of execrable jail food and interminable games of cribbage he is released on bail but his chances for remaining free do not look good. Fortunately Hanson is still on the case and he calls all the principal figures to the church to unmask the real murderer. But this is not an Agatha Christie whodunit and the denouement is wild.

There are some very funny bits in this book. I especially liked Carlton's car, called Marchepas, which lives up to its name most days. I did figure out the murderer before the end but that didn't really spoil the ending for me. ( )

Hilarious tale of the small-town journalist Carlton Withers, who finds a body on his front doorstep one morning, and photographer Hanna Klovack who helps him clear his own name and find the killer. Amusing characters, appealing setting in Ontario's cottage country. A most enjoyable light-hearted escape. There is one sequel, called "Hole in One", also very funny. ( )