Murder at the Polls is the fifth book in the Gatekeepers of Democracy Series by Bill Lewers, but it can be read as a standalone novel or as part of the series. Darin Zelinski, the new registrar, has alienated himself from most workers in the office with his aggressive cost-cutting measures at the Office of Elections. Against the backdrop of an eventful election season in Virginia, three candidates, including Valerie Turner, fight for a seat in the House of Delegates. When Darin is found murdered in a polling center, the county law enforcement dives into the investigation, questioning everyone including election workers and officials, candidates, and their families. At the onset, it looks like an open and shut case; however, as the search for the truth intensifies, the detectives realize that there is more than one motive and more than one disgruntled individual who had reason to harm Zelinski. Will they reach the truth before the end of the polls?

Bill Lewers has combined political intrigue, ethical dilemmas, and personal conflicts in a suspenseful and mysterious plot. Readers are introduced to the mystery in the first chapter. The narrative moves between dialogue-driven chapters from the point of view of different characters, reflective internal monologues, and external viewpoints like the newspaper articles in the Washington Herald. By using shifting perspectives, Bill Lewers helps readers piece together both the central mystery and broader socio-political themes. Lewers uses descriptive and introspective writing to highlight the characters' internal and external struggles. The dialogues are realistic and reveal character traits and conflicts. Lewers uses formal speech in the boardroom and political discussions, and alternates with emotionally charged conversations when it comes to personal lives. This method adds depth to the characters’ personal and professional lives. I recommend Murder at the Polls to readers who enjoy politically charged stories with elements of mystery and suspense.

Murder at the Polls (Gatekeepers of Democracy) by Bill Lewers is a political whodunnit set around a small county electoral office in Virginia. The new County Registrar, Darin Zelinski, is on a mission to cut costs in the Electoral Office, whatever it takes. Many of Darin’s decisions are seen as short-sighted and persnickety, especially by the long-term employees. With a new election season fast approaching and with three close-rated candidates in a tightly fought contest, the electoral team will have to be on its toes with many convinced that Darin’s cost-cutting measures will hinder the team’s efficiency and ability to carry out their duties. When Darin’s body is discovered in the storage room of one of the early election polling places, there is no shortage of people with possible motives and opportunities. Meanwhile, an election still has to be organized and the task falls to long-time employee and murder suspect, Betty Mitchell.

Murder at the Polls is an absorbing, well-plotted murder mystery that will keep readers speculating about the possible culprit. Author Bill Lewers has created some wonderfully believable characters whose personalities, work habits, and individual quirks will be familiar to anyone who has ever worked in a government bureaucracy or any large office organization. What I particularly appreciated, as a non-American, was the thorough education on the county electoral system that runs throughout the narrative. I had no understanding of the sheer size and scope of even a county electoral office. The story is greatly enhanced by the narrative switching between multiple differing perspectives; Valerie, a candidate, her son and his girlfriend, plus those working for the Electoral office. This variety of story arcs gave the novel the depth and breadth it needed. The author does an exceptional job of throwing red herrings into the tale to lead readers astray, as well as a complicated, twisting plot that keeps them turning pages. Although this is part of a series, it is a standalone novel and eminently readable and satisfying on its own. This is an enjoyable read and one I highly recommend.