A good police procedural novel set on a tropical island named San Rafael. Who committed murder at the New Year's Eve party?
George and Vanessa own and run a coconut plantation. The island has its share of a snobby social set. The head of that group is Mrs. Lipton-Crumley. Her son Peter is universally despised by everyone. Like his mother he's an arrogant bigot. He's also a temperamental ne'er do well who thinks he's God's gift to women. None of them can stand him.
Vanessa has to invite a number of people she doesn't like. It evens out because they don't like her either. Her household staff is divided. Some like her husband George while others take her side.
Coming to the big bash are Gerald Balwin, a writer of bad but bestselling romance novels. Patricia Leighteon who is having an affair with George.
Frank is also invited. He used to be engaged to Vanessa. When she broke it off a few years back he threatened to kill her.
The local Superintendent of police Mark Clifford is also invited along with his wife Greta.
Vanessa has a plan. She wants Frank to take infra-red pictures at midnight of the partygoers. She instructed her butler Clarence to shut all the lights down at midnight. She didn't tell the guests. She's not in a good mood since that afternoon George told her he wanted a divorce.
Later at midnight, out go the lights. A scream. The lights come back. Vanessa's dead. She was hit over the head with Frank's tripod holder.
Now Clifford has to go from friend to cop. He calls in Inspector Arrow to help in the investigation. The book follows the questioning of the suspects and what happens next. Inspector Arrow is also obsessed with finding out the identity of the hit and run driver who killed a six-year-old. He thinks it was Peter and goes to great lengths to try and prove it.
