Death of a Copycat by Barbara Bothwell

Why would someone want to murder two writers? Because they belonged to the same writers' circle? Or was there a more sinister reason? The action takes place in Florida where Englishwoman Trudi Johnson lives. Trudi is a renowned travel writer and is befriended by Marcia Annenburg who introduces her to the New Arundel Writers (NAW). There Trudi becomes close friends with Lucia O'Mahoney and her family. Marcia is a realtor (estate agent) with ambitions to be a writer which is why she befriended Trudi who helped her with advice. Unfortunately Marcia has a habit of copying other people's ideas and presenting them as her own. Several NAW members are angry about it but do nothing - or does someone? Is it a member who kills Marcia? Trudi and Lucia discover several other people with good reasons. Then Katherine, another NAW member is also killed. Who would want to kill this quiet, inoffensive woman? The Sheriff, who relies on voters to keep him in office, is eager for the culprit to be an outsider - Trudi. It is through information garnered by Trudi and Lucia helps Detective Ricardo Gomez solves the crimes. Nearly too late for Trudi and Lucia who come face to face with the murderer.