The Melody Lingers On by Mary Higgins Clark

Another "tried an true" author who has penned thirty-four suspense novels.  I still recall reading her very first novel entitled "Where Are the Children".  Her mysteries are devoid of graphic sexual depictions and while there is some violence in them, it is subtle.

In this story, we are introduced to Parker Bennett, a disreputable finance manager who has bilked his clients of millions of dollars and retreated to the island of St. Thomas under an assumed name.  Only one person knows of his whereabouts and that is his long-time lover "The Countess".  She is blackmailing him to keep his location secret.

Parker's wife and son have not escaped scrutiny by the local police and FBI as officials attempt to connect the relatives to the conspiracy surrounding Parker's disappearance and the missing money.

The Countess is in the process of re-decorating her apartment using the blackmail money.  Her decorator is suspicious and agrees to work with law enforcement to unravel the scheme.  The decorator's assistant becomes enamored of the advances of Parker's son, Eric and the FBI is subtly encouraging her not to venture further into the relationship.

All the characters play a part in making this "light" mystery come to a satisfactory conclusion.

Ladybookbug!