Mystery at 'Cathead Bay'

It rarely rains in Cathead Bay; at least for the ideal vacation, but in the event that a cloud or two assembles over the lake, why not take along a book to while away the hours until the sun pops out again. Al Parker, special journalist to the Record Eagle here in Northern Michigan, wrote this account of Leelanau resident Robert Underhill's new thriller entitled, what else but "Cathead Bay".

"The creation of complex, yet believable, characters is essential to the writing of a successful mystery, according to best-selling author Sue Grafton. In addition to characters and a suitable plot, a good mystery is more than a novel, more than a compelling account of people whose fates engage its readers. It's a way of examining the dark side of human nature, a way to explore the nagging questions of good and evil, guilt and innocence, crime and punishment.

Leelanau County resident Robert Underhill has created some memorable and believable characters in "Cathead Bay," (Delicti Press, 272 pages), a follow-up to his debut mystery, "Strawberry Moon." In "Cathead Bay," Underhill provides a compelling murder -- Silvio Rossi, an internationally famous TV chef, is fatally shish-ka-bobbed on a sword-like skewer during a party at his vacation mansion on majestic Cathead Bay. Immediately, the investigating officers of the Leelanau County Sheriff's Department are under the microscope by predatory media types, both national and local, who insatiably pursue the high-profile story. As the first officer at the murder scene, Deputy Donna Roper leads the investigation, with guidance from Sheriff Hoss Davis. Both know they need to solve this murder quickly.
But the problem is that there are few, if any, clues. And the party guests all seem to have solid, or semi-solid, alibis.

Locals will recognize many familiar scenes in Underhill's page-turner. Leelanau landmarks such as Art's Tavern, Barb's Bakery, Tom's Market, Scott's Harbor Grill, Steffen's Market and The Homestead are all represented. For roughly the first 200 pages, readers remain unsure about the killer's identity. But the last quarter of the book proves somewhat disappointing, especially when the scene shifts from northern Michigan to the Italian Riviera. And the question of justice for the slaying remains unanswered.

Despite this, mystery fans should take the time to enjoy "Cathead Bay," if only for the local flavor".