by Philip Eliot | Oct 16, 2025 | Crime Fiction |
The Skeleton Detective puzzles over the theft of an ancient bit of bone—and a student’s murder—in this novel by the Edgar Award–winning author of Switcheroo. Anthropology professor Gideon Oliver would prefer to keep his mind on his beautiful new bride Julie during their English honeymoon, but one intrusive question will not stop nagging at him: Who would want to steal a thirty?thousand?year?old parieto?occipital calvarial fragment? Yet someone has lifted this chunk of prehistoric human skull from a musty museum in Dorchester. Then, thirty miles away, an archaeology student is murdered, increasing tension and suspicion at a dig that had already seethed with suspicion, rivalry, and mistrust. Could there be a connection between a hot bone and a cold?blooded murder? Gideon is called on by the police to apply the unique skills for which the media have named him “the Skeleton Detective,” and he reluctantly agrees. Before he is done, his sleuthing will lead him to another murder and will—in the most literal and terrifying manner imaginable—sic the dogs on him, putting Gideon himself, and Julie as well, in mortal danger . . . Murder in the Queen’s Armes is a suspenseful, fun-filled whodunit by the author of the Alix London and Chris Norgren series—a celebrated master who “thoroughly understands the art of the murder mystery” (The Philadelphia Inquirer). Murder in the Queen’s Armes is the 3rd book in the Gideon Oliver Mysteries, but you may enjoy reading the series in any order.
by Philip Eliot | Oct 16, 2025 | Crime Fiction |
A judge’s new marriage is tested as she and her husband hunt for his missing ex-wife and son in the twelfth entry in this award-winning mystery series.”Outstanding. . . . Maron brilliantly connects the unconnected, hides one killer in plain sight and tucks another into a most unexpected position.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)It’s one month after their wedding, and the future looks bright for Judge Deborah Knott and Sheriff Deputy Dwight Bryant—until a disturbing call from Dwight’s eight-year-old son Cal calls him back to Virginia. When he arrives, he is shocked to find that his ex-wife has left the boy alone for almost twenty-four hours. Worse, as Dwight tries to confront her, she takes the child and leaves town without a word. As Dwight embarks on an all-points search, Deborah hurries to his side. But will they be able to work together to decipher the ex-wife’s motives—and, more importantly, will they find young Cal before he comes to harm?”In Maron’s charming, folksy, small-town world, even the mayhem is domestic in nature, in this case prompted by stolen antiques and highway litter.” —Booklist
by Philip Eliot | Oct 16, 2025 | Crime Fiction |
“A triumph of a mystery, a good cosy crime to entertain everyone – Betsy Reavley has done it again!” – Anita Waller bestselling authorIn a city of scholars, a killer is writing their own story…Imagine a quaint little bookshop. Outside the snow is falling. Inside the shelves are stacked with books by authors waiting to be discovered. But behind the books, darkness awaits…When Tilly Edgely is thrilled when she lands a position working at Ashton’s bookshop in. But one winter’s morning, when she arrives to open up the stop, she discovers the body of her employer suspended from the ceiling, hanging by a rope around his neck.DCI Barrett and DI Palmer are called to the scene and quickly find themselves searching for a twisted killer whose identity and motive are nearly impossible to trace.But just when they think they have the murderer in their sights, another body shows up throwing the case wide open…Who is behind the killings and why?The police have their work cut out and the key to unlocking the gruesome mystery might be found right under their nose.One thing is for certain, this killer will leave you hanging…What everyone is saying about Murder in the Dark:”Another great cozy crime from Ms Reavley. Perfect for those dark winter evenings…” – J.A. Baker bestselling author”Once again this author has written a thrilling read with a totally unexpected outcome!” – Susan Hunter reviewer”An amazing twisted story that sends chills down your spine” – Sarah Hodgson reviewer”Thoroughly entertaining, tense, suspenseful, and so well-written. Don’t miss this one. Highly recommended reading!” – John Nicholl – bestselling authorBetsy Reavley is the international best-selling author of multiple thrillers, including The Optician’s Wife and Frailty. Murder in the Dark is the follow-on to Murder at the Book Club. It’s a gripping mystery thriller which will appeal to fans of authors like Joy Ellis, Faith Martin an LJ Ross.
by Philip Eliot | Oct 16, 2025 | Cozy Mystery |
The first three books in the Very Merry Murder Mystery series collected into one volume.The Santa SlaughterMy name is Meredith Gray, but I go by “Merry”, and usually I love the holidays…but not this year.With divorce papers to sign and bills to pay, I’ll take whatever job I can get this close to Christmas – even if that means dressing up as an elf for my town’s annual Christmas Market. When our Santa – former Silver Brook “Man of the Year” Bill Barraclough – is found bludgeoned to death I’m not going to stand by and let a murderer ruin Christmas…The First Date DisasterMeredith Gray is finally rebuilding her life – and not about to let a murder get in the way…I have a new (temporary) job and a new (potential) romance on the horizon. Life is looking up since that awful Christmas business – until my first date with gorgeous Rob the vet ends in us stumbling across a crime scene.With one of my friends a prime suspect in a murder and another benched from investigating, I’m going to do all I can to help clean up this mess – and keep the town in coffee and cookies while I do it.The Body in the BookstoreMeredith Gray’s favorite aunt and favorite author are both in town at the same time – a planned adventure becomes a recipe for disaster!My Aunt Cassie has come to visit and we’re both excited to see our favorite mystery writer launch his new book right here in Silver Brook. Unfortunately, seeing Aloysius Hunt in the flesh soon changes our opinions of him and when a tragic accident becomes a murder investigation, we have a mystery of our own to solve…Read all three stories now!
by Philip Eliot | Oct 16, 2025 | Cozy Mystery |
Ella McBane’s biggest mistake? Thinking life would be easy once her daughters have all grown up and moved out… until her eldest daughter is accused of murder.Every woman wants their adult children to be happy, healthy, and loved. Maybe that’s why Ella takes on her daughter Savannah’s request to cater her engagement party. With no formal culinary training but a ton of cooking experience, Ella struggles to not upset her future in-laws who aren’t exactly accustomed to old-fashioned home cooking.Everything seems to be going well… until Ella trips over a dead body at the celebration.Fingers swiftly point at Savannah, and the evidence is overwhelming. But Ella knows Savannah wouldn’t hurt a fly, and jumps into action to clear her daughter’s name. Little does she know that her actions will drag her into the dangerous world of organized crime. With her ex-husband eyeing her like a prize, a sexy former flame looking to rekindle their past, and trouble lurking around every corner, Ella might regret slowing down to face everything chasing her… especially with time running out.Engagingly Dead expertly combines romance, intrigue, humor, culinary temptations (and plenty of fun 80s and 90s references!) to make a dizzyingly thrilling ride in Michele Scott’s latest read.
