A Murderous Marriage — Beverley Watts

Admiral Charles Shackleford and his much put upon best friend and former Master At Arms Jimmy Noon have achieved local celebrity status since becoming Dartmouth's answer to Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. When an old naval friend, Barney Bennett, dies in an unexpected car accident, the Admiral can't help but wonder at the likelihood of the brakes failing in a top of the range sports car - especially when he discovers that Barney's much younger widow has already buried two previous husbands in mysterious circumstances. With no evidence to suggest otherwise, the police record a verdict of accidental death, but the Admiral remains unconvinced that Barney wasn't given a bit of a helping hand exiting this mortal coil. Enlisting Jimmy's help to investigate, the duo soon discover that Barney's demise may well be the tip of the iceberg as they follow a trail of deceit and betrayal leading back seven years. Is Birdie Bennett simply very unfortunate, or is she a Black Widow, living under their very noses?This humorous cozy mystery is the second in The Admiral Shackleford Mysteries, but can be read as a standalone. It follows British English spelling and usage.