Hello! I want to share with you some of the books that are out today. The list includes The Daughters of Foxcote Manor by Eve Chase, Handbook for Homicide by Lorna Barrett, South of the Buttonwood Tree by Heather Webber, and Speaking of Murder by Edith Maxwell. Which new book are you eager to read?
Handbook for Homicide by Lorna Barrett has Tricia Miles returning home to Stoneham, New Hampshire after a two-week
vacation in Ireland with beau, Marshall Cambridge. Tricia knew it was a work trip for Marshall with
him leading a tour group, but she was disappointed that they did not get time
alone to enjoy the Irish isles. Tricia has barely set her purse down when
Pixie Poe finds a body in the dumpster behind Haven’t Got a Clue. The victim is homeless veteran, Susan Morris
who had been working at Sweet As Can Be with Donna North. Unfortunately, Chief Baker has Pixie at the
top of the suspect list because of her past.
Tricia begins asking questions and digging into Susan’s background. The leads are few and thin for Tricia as well
as Chief Baker. Tricia learns that while
she was away, someone tried to break into the shop. Thankfully, they were scared away by the
security system. It seems the individual
is intent on gaining access for they try again doing serious damage to the rear
door. Tricia is baffled as to why they
want into her shop. When not dealing
with the murder case and the break-ins, Tricia is thinking about her
relationship with Marshall. Tricia is glad she has her sister, Angelica to talk
to about her relationship woes.
Angelica, though, is unable to act as a sidekick on this case since she
is sidelined from her recent surgery.
Can Tricia clear Pixie’s name? Why
is someone trying to break in to Haven’t Got a Clue?
Handbook for Homicide by Lorna Barrett is the 14th A Booktown Mystery. I found Handbook for Homicide to be
well-written with a colorful cast of characters. It was nice to catch up with everyone in Stoneham
including Miss Marple and Sarge. Tricia
Miles owns Haven’t Got a Clue in Stoneham, New Hampshire known for its
bookstores. Tricia is returning from a trip
to Ireland with boyfriend, Marshall Cambridge and the trip was disappointing to
Tricia. She knew it was a working trip
for Marshall since he was leading a tour group, but she expected them to have
time to themselves. Tricia wonders if their
relationship is near its end. She is not
home thirty minutes when Pixie Poe finds a dead woman in their dumpster. The victim is Susan Morris, a naval veteran
who was living in her car. Pixie is at
the top of Chief Baker’s suspect list which has her worried, so she asks Tricia
to do a little nosing around. Tricia, of
course, agrees. Her investigation takes
her to a local homeless camp where she finds a suspect or two. The mystery was not at the forefront of this
book. It seemed to take a backseat to
Tricia’s love life. There is also
someone trying to break into the store.
The two mysteries are easily solved. I would have liked more action in
the book. The investigation was minimal
on Tricia’s part. Of course, Tricia was
distracted by her love life along with the disagreeable Russ Smith, a request for
help regarding Nikki Brimfield, Angelica needing extra help, and family
drama. There is plenty of eating in this
book. I do not think Tricia will be
losing those extra pounds from her vacation any time soon. There seem to be several people in town who
dislike Tricia which was mentioned several times. I guess investigating murders will earn you a
few enemies. I found the pacing a little
slow in this edition and there is some foul language as well. I enjoyed the humor when Tricia utilized a
unique skill to do a little sleuthing. We are left with an unanswered question
at the end of the book, and I am curious how this situation will turn out. The story delves into the situation of
homeless veterans and how people can assist them in a helpful and respectful
manor. There are recipes at the end of
the book for some of the dishes Tricia and Angelica enjoyed. Handbook for Homicide is an appealing cozy
mystery with a valuable video, chamber of commerce chaos, a sidelined sister, a
cookie conundrum, helping the homeless, and courtship challenges.
Handbook for Homicide can be obtained from Amazon*. You can find the other thirteen novels in A Booktown Mystery series here. Lorna Barrett also writes under the non de plume Lorraine Bartlett for A Victoria Square Mystery series. Thank you for reading my review. I hope I have helped you to find a new book to read. Tomorrow I am sharing Steadfast Mercy by Ruth Reid. It is the 3rd An Amish Mercies Novel. I hope that you have a sparkling day. Take care, stay safe, and Happy Reading!
Kris
The Avid Reader
*This
post contains affiliate links.
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