by Philip Eliot | Mar 17, 2026 | Mystery |
A local busybody is silenced for good in this tale by “a peerless practitioner of the slightly surreal, English-village comedy-mystery” (Kirkus Reviews).In their Dorset village, neither Miss Campanula nor her friend Miss Prentice are known as lovable little old ladies. They’re waspish, gossiping snobby little old ladies, passionate only about their amateur theatrical productions, their narrowly defined opinions about how everyone else should behave . . ..and, perhaps, about the local vicar. But could one of them have been sufficiently unpleasant to provoke a murderer? For Miss Campanula has perished on her piano bench—and it’s unclear whether Miss Prentice may have been the actual intended victim . . .”A goodie.” —Kirkus Reviews”It’s time to start comparing Christie to Marsh instead of the other way around.” —New York Magazine”In her ironic and witty hands the mystery novel can be civilized literature.” —The New York Times
by Philip Eliot | Mar 17, 2026 | Crime Fiction |
Det. Inspector Thanet investigates a country vineyard tainted by murder in this British mystery from the CWA Silver Dagger Award–winning author.Sturrenden Vineyard is a few miles west of town, a lovely piece of land where tourists come to sip wine, tour the grounds, and enjoy the exquisite Kentish scenery. But Det. Inspector Luke Thanet is too busy for such frivolous activities, so his first visit comes with the introduction of a an attraction far more in keeping with his usual interests: murder.Vineyard owner Zak Randish has been found dead in his personal laboratory, where he’d been working late into the night to perfect the next vintage. His equipment is smashed and his blood stains every surface, mingling with the wine. Although outwardly happy, successful, and at peace, Randish had terrible secrets, and Thanet must uncover them soon, lest the vineyard’s tidy rows of grapes run red with blood as red as Sturrenden wine.An “absorbing” police produral, No Laughing Matter is another sterling entry in Dorothy Simpson’s long-running, award-winning mystery series (Publishers Weekly).Praise for Dorothy Simpson”A modern-day version of Agatha Christie.” —Booklist”Dependably pleasing.” —The Boston GlobeNo Laughing Matter is the 12th book in the Inspector Thanet Mysteries, but you may enjoy reading the series in any order.
by Philip Eliot | Mar 17, 2026 | Crime Fiction |
New York Times bestseller Dana Stabenow returns with her most outstanding novel yet, teaming up two of her most beloved characters, Aleut private investigator Kate Shugak and Alaska state trooper Liam Campbell, in the same story for the first time.Alaska aviation entrepreneur Finn Grant died in the fiery crash of his Piper Super Cub. Someone sabotaged his engine, and virtually everyone in southwestern Alaska has a motive, including his betrayed wife, his bullied children, and Liam’s wife, bush pilot Wyanet Chouinard. With few places to turn, Liam asks his former mentor Niniltna post commander Sergeant Jim Chopin, for help, and Jim quickly brings Kate onto the case.Working undercover as—of all things—a waitress at Bill’s Bar and Grill, Kate learns over beer and burgers that Grant’s business had expanded meteorically over the last two years. After buying the closed Air Force base south of town from the federal government at a bargain-basement price, he became a fixed-base operator running his fishing, hunting, and flight-seeing business, servicing planes flying through the area, and most interestingly and lucratively, getting into the air freight business. But what kind of freight was he moving, and where?The answers involve Kate in her most challenging case to date, one that starts with murder and quickly sprawls into a much larger conspiracy ranging from the darkest family secrets to treason and beyond. Restless in the Grave is a treat for fans and another outstanding addition to Dana Stabenow’s acclaimed and award-winning series.
by Philip Eliot | Mar 17, 2026 | Cozy Mystery |
Jane Roland and her painter friends are looking forward to a busy, fun-filled holiday season at the town’s art center—watercolor exhibits, concerts, and a festive gala. But, when the screams of a child pierce the gaiety at the Halloween reception, Jane discovers a skeleton in the art closet. There’s a dark history lurking below the center’s charming exterior, and the deeper Jane digs into the secrets of the past, the more she realizes that art can be a deadly obsession.
by Philip Eliot | Mar 17, 2026 | Cozy Mystery |
Who killed Gwendolyn Paddington?When an extra ticket becomes available to see the dress rehearsal of King Lear, Kellan tags along with Nana D and her buddies. But when one of them dies of an apparent heart attack in the middle of second act, Nana D asks Kellan to investigate.With family members in debt and secret meetings, Kellan learns that the Paddingtons might not be as clean-cut as everyone thinks. Can Kellan find Gwendolyn’s killer, or will he get caught up in his own stage fright?Praise:????? – “Upbeat and entertaining. Cudney’s writing style is warm, vibrant and edgy.”????? – “Fast-paced and full of twists you won’t see coming.”????? – “A well recommended murder mystery.”