A Bad Reputation: A Madeleine Maclin Mystery: Madeleine Maclin

"Aside from trying to reform her con man husband, Jerry Fairweather, and find something useful for him to do, private investigator Madeline Maclin faces new problems in her little Southern town of Celosia, North Carolina.  Not only does wealthy Wendall Clarke’s plan to open an art gallery set the Art Guild buzzing with jealousy and excitement, Wendall’s ex-wife Larissa Norton is furious that Wendall brought along his new much younger wife, Flora. When Wendall is found murdered behind the gallery, Larissa is seen leaving the scene of the crime. But other suspects include Pamela Finch and Bea Ricter, two local artists, who are at odds over the purpose of the gallery and who should be in charge.      Madeline also has to contend with Honor Perkins, one of Jerry’s former partners in crime, who starts playing pranks, hoping to lure him back into the game. But Honor helps Madeline’s case when she recognizes Flora as a fellow con artist.  However, Flora seems to be truly grieving for Wendall.     Between Honor’s tricks and worrying she might be pregnant, Madeline discovers that Bea is living a double life as frustrated artist and successful jewelry maker.  She also discovers that Wendall outbid Bea for the gallery, a building Bea wanted for a jewelry store.  Bea murdered Wendall and called Larissa to the gallery, hoping Larissa would be charged with the crime and thus getting rid of both of them. But Madeline is ready and waiting at the gallery when Bea tries to strike again."