Morning, Noon and Night

Harry Stanford is one of the richest men in the world... and also one of the most unpleasant. He treats everyone badly, including his own children. So it comes as no surprise that, when he is drowned at sea, none of his offspring feel any sorrow. They are Judge Tyler Stanford, fashion designer Kendall Stanford and playboy Woodrow (Woody) Stanford. Separated from each other at a young age by their father, they are brought together again by his death... and the contents of his will.

But being together again is not easy, and they all feel awkward in each others' presence. Things are made worse by the arrival of a young woman who calls herself Julia Stanford, and claims to be Harry Stanford's illegitimate child, and the trio's half-sister. But is she really who she seems to be? Certainly, her fingerprints match those of Julia Stanford's and she knows everything there is to know about the Stanford children - but there is another woman who is making the same claim...

Added to this mix of people are Kendall's husband Marc, Woody's wife Peggy, whom Woody physically abuses, Tyler's significant other Lee, who has no real interest in him except for his wealth, and attorney Steve Sloane, who has made it his business to find out which the real Julia Stanford is.

It soon becomes apparent that Harry Stanford's death was no accident. He has been murdered in order to get his money. It is also obvious that it must be one of the Stanfords. But which one? All of them are in severe need of money: Kendall is being blackmailed by someone, Woody has a drug problem and Tyler wants to buy a yacht to impress his partner. They all have reason and opportunity, and certainly none of them ever had any love for their father. Even Julia, who never knew her father, and therefore has no reason to hate him, has good reason to want him dead as she is in a bad state financially and struggles to make ends meet.

Towards the end of the book we find out who masterminded the entire plan, from the drowning of Harry Stanford to the attempt at discrediting Julia to get her share of the money as well. Along the way there are some other shocking revelations as Kendall finds out who is behind the blackmailing letters she keeps receiving, and who supplies Woody with his drugs. But perhaps the most shocking moment of all comes during the reading of the will...

All in all, "Morning, Noon & Night" is an excellent read for those who enjoy a good murder mystery.