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In this brand-new novel in the USA Today bestselling series, mystery writer Jessica Fletcher goes to Washington to support a senator's new literacy initiative—until it is vetoed by murder...

Summary

Jessica Fletcher can't believe her luck. Not only does she get to spend a week helping with such an important cause, she also gets to spend time with her friend, Scotland Yard inspector George Sutherland, who happens to be in town for a conference.

The weeklong literacy event includes a visit to the White House to meet the president—and a lavish party or two. During one particularly extravagant affair at the senator's home in Virginia, Jessica and George discover the dark side of politics. At the foot of a rickety staircase, they find the body of the senator's chief of staff. The young woman's death is deemed accidental, but Jessica and George suspect something more sinister. Their search for answers leads them from the shady halls of the Library of Congress to the D.C. social scene, and even the FBI. But in order to unravel the clues in this political puzzler, they will have to read between the lines—and the lies...