The Deadly Sunshade (An Asey Mayo Cape Cod Mystery)

It is 1940 and the USA is on the verge of war. In Cape Cod, there is paranoia (rightly so) about enemy spies and saboteurs, even a possible invasion. Asey Mayo is horrified to learn of the Minutewomen, a group of local women who have literally taken up arms to defend their homes. Problem is, none of them know how to handle a gun, which makes for some interesting close calls. When someone shoots at Asey, he automatically assumes that one of the women thinks he is the enemy or has shot wildly off the mark. However, he begins to think that it is someone else entirely. Then there's the little matter of Lucia Newell, a gold digger and blackmailer. Lucia calls Asey and claims that she is in "dire peril." It turns out she's right - she is found dead under her beach umbrella, poisoned. It's up to Asey to figure out who killed Lucia and why.

This mystery has Taylor's trademark humor, especially Asey's encounters with the Minutewomen. The Cape Cod setting, small town atmosphere, and interesting, humorous characters are all strong points of this series. I have read several of Taylor's Asey Mayo mysteries, but have never figured who the killer was. Asey himself is an easygoing, resourceful, and very observant fellow who doesn't take himself or anyone else too seriously, and has a mellow, humorous take on life.

This is one of my favorite series and one that I really enjoy. I wish I had started reading the mysteries earlier.