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The devil's bones by Carolyn HainesWhat it's about: Visiting a Jerusalem-inspired garden with the newly pregnant Tinkie, Sarah Booth and Cece stumble on the body of an underhanded local lawyer before taking the case of a wrongly implicated pharmacist. Series alert: This is the 20th book in the Sarah Booth Delaney mystery series, but do not feel bad for diving into the series late, it is not required that they be read in order! What reviewers say: "Wickedly entertaining, intelligent, and consistently compelling....a delightful, well-crafted peach of a cozy." ―Southern Literary Review
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| The Cabinets of Barnaby Mayne by Elsa HartIntroducing: plant collector Lady Cecily Kay, who's just returned to England after a row with her husband, the British consul to Smyrna; Meacan Barlow, Cecily's childhood friend, now working as an illustrator.
1703 London: Cecily and Meacan are two of renowned collector Sir Barnaby Mayne's house guests when he is fatally stabbed. After a confession that can't possibly be true, the ladies hunt for the real killer.
For fans of: Deanna Raybourn; richly detailed historical mysteries with smart storylines and strong, unorthodox female characters. |
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| Once You Go This Far by Kristen LepionkaWhat happens: After Columbus, Ohio, PI Roxane Weary helps a fatally injured woman on a hiking trail, the woman's grieving daughter hires her, believing the fall was no accident. This draws Roxane into a complex situation that has her going back and forth to Canada for answers.
Series alert: Fans of this award-winning series will be interested in this 4th entry's developments, but newcomers can start here, too.
Read this next: Kathleen Dent's Detective Betty books or Tracy Clark's Chicago mysteries. |
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| A Royal Affair by Allison MontclairStarring: the proprietors of The Right Sort Marriage Bureau: up-for-anything Iris, a spy during the war, and aristocratic widow Gwen, who lives with her young son in her wealthy in-laws' Kensington mansion.
What it's about: In 1946 London, the women are hired to covertly investigate the complex past of the dashing Greek prince who has captured 20-year-old Princess Elizabeth's heart.
Series alert: This 2nd in a charming series offers engaging lead characters, an intriguing look at post-World War II England, and fascinating details about the British Royal family during that time. |
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The full scoop by Jill OrrWhat it's about: Reeling after tragedy hits close to home, young reporter Riley Ellison becomes obsessed with uncovering the deadly secret that led to her grandfather’s murder years before and just took another life in her town of Tuttle Corner, Virginia. What happens: Her desperate search for answers leads her down a dark path. Meanwhile, Riley’s mom has signed her up for an online astrology service whose perky advice she doesn’t want, her love life is as confusing as ever, and she’s trying to get information out of the town’s new DA while also trying to fix her up with her socially awkward but lovable colleague. Reviewers say: “By actually capturing the unique voice of a generation, Orr brings something out of the ordinary and elusive to so many.”― BookTrib
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The woman in the veil by Laura Joh RowlandWhat it's about: Investigating a brutal murder attempt on a woman in 1890 London, crime-scene photographer Sarah Bain and her friends are baffled when three different families claim the victim, who awakens without a memory of her identity. Series alert: Book number four of the Victorian mystery series by Rowland. Why you might like it: Readers will enjoy Rowland’s original approach and realistic characters-Publisher's weekly
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If You Like: Louise Penny
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| Raven Black by Ann CleevesIntroducing: dogged police inspector Jimmy Perez, who's returned home to the Shetland Islands after separating from his wife.
What happens: In one of the area's insular communities, a teenage girl who'd moved there from London a year ago is killed. Perez hunts for the murderer as locals point fingers at one of the last people to be seen with the victim, an elderly man with intellectual disabilities.
Why Louise Penny fans might like it: This acclaimed 1st in the Shetland Quartet (which inspired U.K. television's Shetland) offers atmosphere to spare, an isolated locale, and deft plotting. |
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| A Killing in the Hills by Julia KellerThe setup: In tiny Acker's Gap, West Virginia, a "shabby afterthought of a town," 17-year-old Carla Elkins witnesses the efficient shooting of three elderly men by an unknown person in a diner on a Saturday morning.
The aftermath: As Carla gradually recalls details about the shooter, her estranged mom, obsessively driven county prosecutor Bell Elkins, works to solve the case.
Why Louise Penny fans might like it: This award-winning debut novel by a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist features lyrical writing and a complex investigator working in a vividly depicted small town. |
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| Wicked Autumn by G.M. MallietIntroducing: Max Tudor, the handsome new vicar in Nether Monkslip, who's also a former MI5 officer.
What happens: The quiet village's most overbearing woman dies in suspicious circumstances at the Harvest Fayre, leading Max to suspect foul play and wonder if one of his new parishioners is a killer.
Why Louise Penny fans might like it: Though more lighthearted than Penny's novels, this 1st in a series provides a modern village setting, charming characters, and a clever whodunit. |
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| A Test of Wills by Charles ToddIntroducing: shell-shocked World War I veteran Ian Rutledge, who's secretly tormented by a dead Scottish soldier's voice and has just returned to duty as a Scotland Yard Inspector in 1919.
What happens: A jealous colleague has Ian assigned to a hot-potato case that could push him over the edge. In the village of Warwickshire, a retired colonel has been murdered and the prime suspect is a decorated war hero, who's also a friend of the Prince of Wales.
Why Louise Penny fans might like it: In this layered 1st in a series, the introspective Rutledge must maneuver his way through several figurative minefields in order to solve the complex case and hold on to his sanity. |
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Contact your librarian for more great books!
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