Death by Surprise

A murder case twists around a California lawyer's family tree in this mystery by the New York Times–bestselling author of the Death on Demand series.

"Carolyn Hart has developed a strong female voice with K.C. Carlisle. The novel is well written, has a strong plot, and reminiscent of the best classic detective movies. This is mystery writing at its finest, without today's formulas or clichés." —Terry Ambrose, author of the Trouble in Paradise mysteries

K.C. Carlisle and her cousin Kenneth may both be attorneys from a wealthy family, but that's where the similarities end. While Kenneth works at a prestigious corporate law firm catering to the elite, K.C. usually represents underdogs and the working class, welcoming any case that walks into her storefront office. Unfortunately, trouble walks in from time to time, too . . .

Tabloid reporter Francine Boutelle has an exposé ready to reveal some Carlisle family secrets, including one about K.C.'s late father taking bribes as a judge. Francine has visited most of the family to let them know she's willing to keep quiet . . . for a price. All K.C. must do is stop by Francine's apartment to make the payment, but when K.C. arrives, she finds Francine dead, with Kenneth's scarf tied around her neck.

K.C. knows her cousin isn't the type to murder, but proving his innocence won't be easy, since the remaining suspects are her relatives. Following a trail of blood and deception, K.C. must determine who among them has a secret with killing for. 

"Hart's early writing here reveals why she would become one of the most popular and successful mystery writers alive. . . . Definitely less cozy than her usual writing but just as much fun, and a ton of action is packed into a relatively brief novel. The humor has an edge and K.C. is a very engaging, spirited character who easily carries the novel on her shoulders." —King's River LifeMagazine

Originally published in 1983.