Katherine Zoe Camden, Kitzi for short, and her best friend, Beth, are looking forward to their long weekend at Camp Green Clover much more than Beth's daughter, Shannen. The beading retreat promises to be even more exciting than usual when they learn that a buyer from the Tivolini catalog will be there. Kitzi is excited for her friend; this could be the big break Beth needs to get her jewelry design business going.

Within hours of their arrival, Kitzi discovers why Shannen was less than thrilled at the prospect of the weekend away. When a distraught Shannen begs to borrow Kitzi's SUV, Kitzi goes along for the ride. Both women are disgusted to discover Shannen's father is having an affair with one of the beaders attending the retreat. Things become even more grim when the woman is discovered floating in the river, the victim of foul play, the very next morning.

Suspects abound in this clever addition to the Kitzi Camden mystery series. Kitzi, a former Texas senator, is a strong, intelligent character, outspoken and determined to find the real killer and protect her friends. BEAD ON TROUBLE is well written, with credible characters and situations. I enjoyed the different relationships Ms. Smith creates for her characters, bringing past and present together in a few nicely done twists. The story moved quickly, and the resolution was both believable and satisfying.