Murder is a Must

             

Murder is a Must by Marty Wingate

Summary: Hayley Burke is the curator of Lady Fowling's First Edition mystery library. Along with Lady Fowler's former secretary, Mrs Woolgar, she's preparing for an exhibition that will showcase Lady Fowling's life and letters. She's determined to make the First Edition Library a success in every way, but wasn't counting on finding her old boss dead at the bottom of the stairs. Did her discovery of a rare book get her killed or was it some angry shadow from her past? Hayley must read between the lines to catch a malicious murderer. 

Angie’s comments: This is the second in the First Edition Library mystery series. While you don't need to read the first one, reading the first one will let you enjoy this second book more. The mystery is a nice cozy one, and the bit of romance doesn't take over from the mystery. The characters seem realistic, and I like that the plot takes into account the characters' professional and personal lives. 

 

Recommended for readers who like cozy mysteries. 

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A Deadly Inside Scoop

       

A Deadly Inside Scoop by Abby Collette

Summary: In the charming town of Chagrin Falls, OH, Bronwyn Crewse dishes out sweet confections and solves mysteries from her ice cream shop.

Recent MBA grad Bronwyn Crewse has just taken over her family's ice cream shop in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, and she's going back to basics. Win is renovating Crewse Creamery to restore its former glory, and filling the menu with delicious, homemade ice cream flavors-many from her grandmother's original recipes. But unexpected construction delays mean she misses the summer season, and the shop has a literal cold opening- the day she opens her doors an early first snow descends on the village and keeps the customers away.

To make matters worse, that evening, Win finds a body in the snow, and it turns out the dead man was a grifter with an old feud with the Crewse family. Soon, Win's father is implicated in his death. It's not easy to juggle a new-to-her business while solving a crime, but Win is determined to do it. With the help of her quirky best friends and her tight-knit family, she'll catch the ice cold killer before she has a meltdown... 

Angie’s comments: The first in a new series, I was very entertained by the shenanigans of the Crewse family and their friends. Win as a character makes a lot of sense, focusing on her store and only investigating when her family might be involved. Humor is included. Ice cream recipes are at the end. For those looking for diversity in cozy mysteries, Win is African-American.

Recommended for readers who like cozy mysteries. 

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Death of a Wandering Wolf

      

Death of a Wandering Wolf by Julia Buckley

Summary: When Hana spots a rare porcelain wolf figurine at a local yard sale, she knows it's her lucky day. She also knows the wolf is valuable and tells the seller that he s charging too little for it. His reaction is peculiar he says he received the wolf from someone he doesn t trust and just wants it out of his life. When Hana inspects the figure, she finds a tracking device, and goes to confront the seller about it. But when she arrives at his house, she finds him dead. Hana must now hunt a calculating killer who has no intentions of crying wolf when it comes to murder...

Angie’s comments: You don't have to read the first in this series to enjoy this second book. The relationships between the family members and between Hana and her police boyfriend Erik are a highlight, and the mystery was even more interesting than the first book in the series. The sense of history and family is strong.

Recommended for readers who like cozy mysteries. 

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Strange Planet

  

Strange Planet by Nathan W. Pyle

Summary: #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER * #1 WALL STREET JOURNAL BESTSELLER * USA TODAY BESTSELLER

Straight from the mind of #1 New York Times bestselling author of NYC Basic Tips and Etiquette and 99 Stories I Could Tell Nathan W. Pyle, Strange Planet is an adorable and profound universe in pink, blue, green, and purple, based on the phenomenally popular Instagram of the same name!

Strange Planet covers a full life cycle of the planet's inhabitants, including milestones such as:

The Emergence Day

Being Gains a Sibling

The Being Family Attains a Beast

The Formal Education of a Being

Celebration of Special Days

Being Begins a Vocation

The Beings at Home

Health Status of a Being

The Hobbies of a Being

The Extended Family of the Being

The Being Reflects on Life While Watching the Planet Rotate

With dozens of never-before-seen illustrations in addition to old favorites, this book offers a sweet and hilarious look at a distant world not all that unlike our own. 

Angie’s comments: A cute comic book that reflects life in somewhat scientific terms. I definitely laughed out loud when reading all the humorous takes on modern human life. 

Recommended for readers of funny graphic novels.

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The Talented Mr. Varg

The Talented Mr. Varg by Alexander McCall Smith

Summary: In the second installment in the best-selling Detective Varg series, Ulf and his team investigate a notorious philanderer--a wolf of a man whose bad reputation may be all bark and no bite.
 
The Department of Sensitive Crimes, renowned for taking on the most obscure and irrelevant cases is always prepared to dive into an investigation, no matter how complex. So when the girlfriend of an infamous author who insists her bad-boy beau is being blackmailed approaches Ulf Varg, the department's lead detective, Ulf is determined to help. It's rather difficult to determine what skeletons hide in the hard-living lothario's closet, though. And while Swedes are notoriously tolerant . . . well, there are limits. Even for the Swedish.
 
The case requires Ulf's total concentration, but he finds himself distracted by his ongoing attraction to his co-worker, Anna, whose own fears about her husband's fidelity are causing a strain on her marriage. When Ulf is also tasked with looking into a group of dealers exporting wolves that seem more canis familiaris than canis lupus, it will require all of his team's investigative instincts and dogged persistence to put these matters to bed.

Angie’s comments: This is just funny. The mysteries, although low stakes, are interesting and Ulf Varg is a unique character. It does help to read the first book in the Detective Varg series, although you don't have to. 

Recommended for readers who like zany characters and light mystery. 

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And the Killer Is...

And the Killer Is... by G.A. McKevett

Summary: PI Savannah Reid has delved into the ugly side of SoCal's celebrity culture more than once. But the Moonlight Magnolia Detective Agency may have bitten off more than they can chew when a Hollywood legend makes a deadly comeback...

It will be a cold day in San Carmelita before Savannah skips over a high-profile homicide case, especially one attached to a tasty reward. But when 90-year-old former silver screen siren Lucinda Faraday is murdered inside her derelict mansion, serving justice comes with unsavory risks. The fallen star, considered one of the most beautiful women of her time, was found strangled by a pair of vintage stockings amid a hoard of garbage and priceless memorabilia. Now, Lucinda is making headlines again--and, like in the past, her name is connected with the worst kind of scandal . . .

As a quest for answers reveals sleazy secrets about the victim's history, the Moonlight Magnolia Agency soon discover that corruption, addiction, and blackmail were as rampant in the good old days of Hollywood as in the present--maybe even more so. Balancing a suspect list longer than Lucinda's acting credits and evidence that could destroy the reputation of people still alive, can Savannah outsmart the culprit before she or someone else get reduced to tabloid fodder next?

Angie’s comments: And the Killer Is... is number 25 in the Savannah Reid series, but it works well as a stand alone. I must admit I haven't read this series before, but I was able to jump right in and feel at home with all of the characters. The tone is down-to-earth, and Savannah's family seems like a family anyone would know. The mystery was enticing, and I didn't really figure out the murderer until the reveal.

Recommended for readers who like cozy mysteries. 

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Pulp Friction

Pulp Friction by Julie Anne Lindsey 

Summary: Nothing's sweeter than a fruitful family business, and for Winona Mae Montgomery and her Granny Smythe, that means Smythe Orchards in Blossom Valley, Virginia. But this year's apple crop is especially juicy-with scandal . . .

SEEDS OF DANGER

Thanks to Winnie's new cider shop, Smythe Orchards is out of the red and folks can get their fix of the produce and other delectable products they love all year round. The locals are even booking the shop for events, including a June wedding! Winnie couldn't be happier to see the barn filled to the rafters for the big bash-until her doting ex, Hank, is caught in a heated argument with the groom. Winnie plans to scold Hank after the party, but spots him running off instead. And when the groom turns up dead, apparently hit by the honeymoon getaway car, Hank is the main suspect. Now Hank is on the lam, and it's up to Winnie to get to the core of the truth-before the real killer puts the squeeze on her . . .

Angie’s comments: Pulp Friction is the second book in the Cider Shop series, but it can be read as a stand-alone. Winona and the other characters are delightful, and the mystery has enough twists to keep you guessing.

Recommended for readers of cozy mysteries. 

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Pumpkin Spice Peril

Pumpkin Spice Peril by Jenn McKinlay

Summary: In the twelfth Cupcake Bakery Mystery from New York Times bestselling author Jenn McKinlay, the Fairy Tale Cupcake crew follows the clever crumb trail of a killer who's anything but cookie-cutter.

Life is all sugar and spice for the Fairy Tale Cupcake bakers--Melanie Cooper is engaged to the delectable Joe DeLaura, Angie Harper and her husband Tate are savoring married life, and the bakery is bustling with happy customers. Until one of their most valued cupcake connoisseurs ends up dead.

Local glass artist and cupcake lover Rene Fischer-Klein has always suffered from a wide variety of health issues. In an effort to cheer her up, her doting husband, Peter, brings her a four-pack of her favorite cupcakes every week. But when the police discover that Rene has been poisoned, there's no sugarcoating the fact that the last things she ate were the bakery's signature pumpkin spice cupcakes! With their lives and bakery at stake, it's up to Mel and Angie to find out who poisoned their artist friend and why, before their future is frosted for good. 

Angie’s comments: This book works well as a stand-alone, so you don't need to read the others in this series to enjoy this book. Pumpkin Spice Peril has delicious desserts, some romance, lots of friendship, and an intriguing mystery. 

Recommended for readers who like cozy mysteries. 

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Revolver Road

Revolver Road by Christi Daugherty

Summary: Crime reporter Harper McClain is back on the beat when a troubled musician vanishes in Christi Daugherty's Revolver Road.

Even in the chill of February, no place touches Harper McClain's heart like Savannah. She should be walking beneath the historic city's towering oaks, surrounded by graceful mansions. Instead, she's hiding miles away on Tybee Island after a mysterious voice on the phone warned her that someone wanted her dead. The call was too specific to ignore. The caller knew everything about her. But that was months ago, and she's getting tired of being scared.

Her only escape is her work at the newspaper, where the hottest story in town is the disappearance of Xavier Rayne. The singer had a hit album on his hands, and was about to go on tour, but then he walked out of his beachfront home and vanished. The police believe he drowned, but Harper suspects his disappearance may be more ominous than that. Something doesn't feel right about it.

His bandmates and actress girlfriend say he's run away before. They expect him to come home. Until a body washes up with two bullet holes in it. Now everyone in Rayne's life is a suspect. As Harper digs deeper into the case, though, the threats against her own life return. The phone call she received was very real. A killer from her past is coming for her.

Now she must solve two murders, or end up dying on Revolver Road... 

Angie’s comments: Third in the Harper McClain mystery series, this works well as a stand-alone. The multiple plots are handled well and kept my attention. McClain is a strong woman who has a lot to juggle. 

Recommended for readers who like mysteries. 

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First Comes Scandal

First Comes Scandal

Summary: She was given two choices...

Georgiana Bridgerton isn't against the idea of marriage. She'd just thought she'd have some say in the matter. But with her reputation hanging by a thread after she's abducted for her dowry, Georgie is given two options: live out her life as a spinster or marry the rogue who has ruined her life.

Enter Option #3

As the fourth son of an earl, Nicholas Rokesby is prepared to chart his own course. He has a life in Edinburgh, where he's close to completing his medical studies, and he has no time--or interest--to find a wife. But when he discovers that Georgie Bridgerton--his literal girl-next-door--is facing ruin, he knows what he must do.

A Marriage of Convenience

It might not have been the most romantic of proposals, but Nicholas never thought she'd say no. Georgie doesn't want to be anyone's sacrifice, and besides, they could never think of each other as anything more than childhood friends... or could they?

But as they embark upon their unorthodox courtship they discover a new twist to the age-old rhyme. First comes scandal, then comes marriage. But after that comes love...  

Angie’s comments: This is a prequel to Quinn's Bridgerton series, but you don't have to read those to enjoy this book. This is an engaging romance between friends, and includes a strong willed heroine who knows her own mind. 

Recommended for readers of historical romance.

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After Sundown

After Sundown by Linda Howard and Linda Jones

Summary: Danger brings together two guarded hearts in a battle for survival in this irresistible story from New York Times bestselling authors Linda Howard and Linda Jones.

Sela Gordon, the shy owner of a Tennessee general store, finds safety in solitude. But if anyone can pierce her protective shell it's the handsome, mysterious ex-military man living alone in the wilds of Cove Mountain. For two years, he's kept his distance--until the day he appears to warn her that a catastrophic solar storm capable of taking down the power grid is coming. Now, Sela must find the courage to become the leader Wears Valley needs.

Bitter experience has taught Ben Jernigan it's best to look out for number one. For two years the former soldier has lived in a self-imposed exile, using a top-notch security system to keep people away. But he had to let Sela know about the impending threat--and now the quiet and undeniably sexy woman is making it too easy for him to lower his guard.

As panic spreads, Sela and Ben discover that in the dark, cut off from the outside world, there's no more playing it safe--in life or in love.  

Angie’s comments: This is an adult dystopia novel that combines disaster, romance, community, and danger. This had its moments of suspense, and the slow-growing romance between Sela and Ben fits their personalities. 

Recommended for readers interested in disaster and romance tales.

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The Vanishing

The Vanishing by Jayne Ann Krentz

Summary: From New York Times bestselling author Jayne Ann Krentz comes a gripping new romantic suspense trilogy fraught with danger and enigma. 

Decades ago in the small town of Fogg Lake, The Incident occurred: an explosion in the cave system that released unknown gases. The residents slept for two days. When they woke up they discovered that things had changed--they had changed. Some started having visions. Others heard ominous voices. And then, scientists from a mysterious government agency arrived. Determined not to become research subjects of strange experiments, the residents of Fogg Lake blamed their "hallucinations" on food poisoning, and the story worked. But now it has become apparent that the eerie effects of The Incident are showing up in the descendants of Fogg Lake....

Catalina Lark and Olivia LeClair, best friends and co-owners of an investigation firm in Seattle, use what they call their "other sight" to help solve cases. When Olivia suddenly vanishes one night, Cat frantically begins the search for her friend. No one takes the disappearance seriously except Slater Arganbright, an agent from a shadowy organization known only as the Foundation, who shows up at her firm with a cryptic warning.

A ruthless killer is hunting the only witnesses to a murder that occurred in the Fogg Lake caves fifteen years ago--Catalina and Olivia. And someone intends to make both women vanish.

Angie’s comments: Another good book from Jayne Ann Krentz, filled with paranormal, romance, and strong characters.  I found this to be a quick read that was entertaining.

Recommended for fans of Jayne Ann Krentz and those who like some paranormal and romance in their stories.  

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Murder Cuts the Mustard

Murder Cuts the Mustard by Jessica Ellicott

Summary: n the lean years following World War I, brash American adventuress Beryl Helliwell and prim and proper Brit Edwina Davenport form a private inquiry agency to make ends meet, hoping that crime does indeed pay . . .

The latest occurrence to disturb the peace in the quaint English village of Walmsley Parva hits rather too close to home-in fact, the prime suspect has taken up residence in Edwina's potting shed. Her elderly gardener Simpkins has been secretly sleeping there after a row with his disreputable brother-in-law and housemate, Hector Lomax.

When Hector is found murdered in the local churchyard, Constable Gibbs comes looking for Simpkins, who was last seen arguing with his kin in the pub the night before. Based on the sad state of her garden, Edwina has grave doubts that the shiftless Simpkins could muster the effort to murder anyone. The two sleuths throw themselves into weeding out suspects and rooting out the real killer.

But this is no garden variety murder. The discovery of a valuable ring, a surprise connection to Colonel Kimberly's Condiment Company, and a second homicide all force Beryl and Edwina to play catch-up as they relish the chance to contain the culprit . . . 

Angie’s comments: This is a lovely historical cozy mystery. Although part of a series, you don't have to read the others to enjoy this tale. Beryl and Edwina complement each other, and it is amusing to read how they perceive each other. A look back at England after World War I. 

Recommended for readers who enjoy historical cozy mysteries. 

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Political Thrillers

Enjoy these political thrillers! Deep State Chris Hauty Request this item The Warsaw Protocol Steve Berry Request this item Request this item in large print Request this item in audio The Good Lie Tom Rosenstiel Request this item Request this item in large print If you want any more suggestions or ideas, please call the library today!