New Releases For The Week Of April 11th, 2021–Part 1

“Rhys Bowen crafts a propulsive, unexpected plot with characters who come vibrantly alive on the page.” —Mark Sullivan, author of Beneath a Scarlet Sky

Love and secrets collide in Venice during WWII in an enthralling novel of brief encounters and lasting romance by the New York Times bestselling author of The Tuscan Child and Above the Bay of Angels.

Caroline Grant is struggling to accept the end of her marriage when she receives an unexpected bequest. Her beloved great-aunt Lettie leaves her a sketchbook, three keys, and a final whisper…Venice. Caroline’s quest: to scatter Juliet “Lettie” Browning’s ashes in the city she loved and to unlock the mysteries stored away for more than sixty years.

It’s 1938 when art teacher Juliet Browning arrives in romantic Venice. For her students, it’s a wealth of history, art, and beauty. For Juliet, it’s poignant memories and a chance to reconnect with Leonardo Da Rossi, the man she loves whose future is already determined by his noble family. However star-crossed, nothing can come between them. Until the threat of war closes in on Venice and they’re forced to fight, survive, and protect a secret that will bind them forever.

Key by key, Lettie’s life of impossible love, loss, and courage unfolds. It’s one that Caroline can now make right again as her own journey of self-discovery begins. (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle, Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook

Daniel Daniel Pitt’s investigation into his colleague’s murder leads him through London’s teeming underbelly to the suspicious dealings of one of England’s most influential shipbuilding magnates in a thrilling novel from New York Times bestselling author Anne Perry.

When junior barrister Daniel Pitt is summoned to the scene of a murder in the London district known as Mile End, he knows only that the victim is a senior barrister from the same firm. To Daniel’s relief, it is not his close friend Toby Kitteridge, but the question remains: What was this respected colleague doing in such a rough part of the city? The firm’s head, Marcus fford Croft, may know more than he admits, but fford Croft’s memory is not what it used to be, and his daughter, Miriam—Daniel’s sometime sidekick—isn’t in the country to offer her usual help. And so Daniel and Kitteridge must investigate on their own, lest the police uncover something that may cast a suspicious light on the firm.

Their inquiries in Mile End lead them to a local brothel and to an opium den, but also—unexpectedly—to a wealthy shipbuilder crucial to Britain’s effort to build up its fleet, which may soon face the fearsome naval might of Germany. Daniel finds his path blocked by officials at every turn, his investigation so unwelcome that even his father, Special Branch head Thomas Pitt, receives a chilling warning from a powerful source. Suddenly, not just Daniel but his whole family—including his beloved mother, Charlotte—is in danger. Will Daniel’s devotion to justice be the undoing of his entire life, and endanger Britain’s defense at sea? As ever, the fates of family and history are inextricably intertwined in this spellbinder from Anne Perry. (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle, Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook

A breezy, charming, and perfectly escapist mystery set in the heart of sun- and wine-soaked Aix-en-Provence–where murder investigations are always put on hold for lunch and the only thing more sweeping than the story is the Mediterranean coastline.

Something strange has happened at the unassuming Musée de Quentin-Savary in Aix-en-Provence. When the director, Monsieur Achille Formentin, walks in one beautiful April morning, he is shocked to find the whole museum emptied of its contents–only a bench, the reception desk, and a lowly fern remain.

Distressed, he calls the local police, and Aix’s examining magistrate Antoine Verlaque sets out to discover the thief’s identity. But it’s the most baffling case Verlaque has ever encountered. Why would someone want to steal porcelain dessert plates, some old documents, and a few small paintings? Could this have something to do with the mysterious robbery of Madame de Montbarbon’s apartment a few weeks earlier? And how can Verlaque possibly concentrate on the theft when he and his wife, Marine Bonnet, are going to have a baby? (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle, Paperback

Librarian Greer Hogan matches wits with a deviously clever killer in M.E. Hilliard’s chilling series debut, ideal for fans of Louise Penny and Dorothy L. Sayers.

Greer Hogan is a librarian and an avid reader of murder mysteries. She also has a habit of stumbling upon murdered bodies. The first was her husband’s, and the tragic loss led Greer to leave New York behind for a new start in the Village of Raven Hill. But her new home becomes less idyllic when she discovers her best friend sprawled dead on the floor of the library.

Was her friend’s demise related to two other deaths that the police deemed accidental? Do the residents of this insular village hold dark secrets about another murder, decades ago? Does a serial killer haunt Raven Hill?

As the body count rises, Greer’s anxious musings take a darker turn when she uncovers unexpected and distressing information about her own husband’s death…and the man who went to prison for his murder . She is racked with guilt at the possibility that her testimony may have helped to convict an innocent man.

Though Greer admires the masters of deduction she reads about in books, she never expected to have to solve a mystery herself. Fortunately, she possesses a quick wit and a librarian’s natural resourcefulness. But will that be enough to protect her from a brilliant, diabolical murderer?

And even if Greer manages to catch the Raven Hill killer, will living with her conscience prove a fate worse than death? (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle, Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook

Eve Mallow’s stay at the luxurious Abbey Hotel takes a turn for the suspicious when the owner is murdered – leaving Eve surrounded by suspects!

Saxford St Peter is Eve Mallow’s beloved home, but she can’t resist the chance to spend a weekend in the nearby Abbey Hotel, famed for its glamorous owner Debra Moran and an array of celebrity guests. For a confirmed people-watcher like Eve, it’s perfect: she can observe the rich and famous while sipping tea in the gardens, her faithful dachshund Gus by her side.

But her relaxing break takes a shocking turn when Debra is found lying dead in the shadowy woods around the hotel. One of Eve’s fellow guests didn’t come to the Abbey for fine food and delightful décor – but to kill.

When the investigation gets underway, Eve finds herself trapped with a wide range of suspects. Could it be Debra’s new friend Harper, who inherits everything? Her ex-husband Chester, still seething over their messy divorce? Or her estranged sister Amelia, who came hoping for reconciliation, only for Debra to shut the door in her face?

As Eve roams the hotel, searching for clues and hunting down alibis, she uncovers a whole host of secrets. But can she find the truth before the killer brings her holiday to a deadly end?

A completely unputdownable page-turner, perfect for fans of Faith Martin, Agatha Christie and Joy Ellis.

See what readers are saying about the Eve Mallow series:

‘Utterly delightful!… I really enjoyed reading this book. It was the perfect coxy murder mystery to become immersed in… Keeps you on your toes!… I highly recommend this to the armchair detectives of the world!’ The Two Quills

‘Stepping into the pages of a new Eve Mallow mystery is like stepping into your favourite well-worn comfy slippers… Eve now feels to me like a trusted (if fictional!) friend that I can’t wait to catch up with… Deliciously moreish… If you haven’t already discovered this series then what are you waiting for???’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I loved this book… Everything an old-fashioned sleuthing ought to be… I flew through the pages’ Shalini’s Books & Reviews, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Stunning… Loved the story and the pacing and just everything about it… A great story that I couldn’t put down… The twists and turns were great.’ Crossroad Reviews

‘A fantastic read… Had me guessing till the last page.’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Plenty of plot twists, red herrings, and misdirection. Kept me in suspense. I loved it!’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Drags the reader right into the plot from day one. She writes so vividly… I can almost imagine I’m on the dunes walking Gus, an inspiration of a dog that steals the show. The plot is strong… A Marple-esque amateur sleuth.’ Jenny O’Brien, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I really enjoyed reading this! Loved the typical English village location and the very Jessica Fletcher-type protagonist… I am anxious to read more of this character soon!’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Delightful and charming… I absolutely adore this series… Just keeps going from strength to strength’ Once Upon a Time Book Blog, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Why do we need the police when sleuths like Eve are around? This series is getting better and better… 5 stars’ B for Bookreview, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I thoroughly enjoyed it… Loved the setting… I was reminded of a modern-day Miss Marple.’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘A cast of characters who are inviting and warm. I love Eve, and the people she befriends in this small village as she digs for the truth… I’m happy to highly recommend this writer and her books!’ Roxx is Reading, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle, Paperback Audiobook

At her family’s hotel on a Florida barrier island, sleuthing novelist Liz Holt is shocked by a hidden treasure—and a buried body . . .

A team of archaeologists is staying at Indialantic by the Sea to study the days of the Spanish explorers, and they’ve stumbled upon a stunning and valuable find at the dig site, but before they can unearth it one of the archeologists finds himself buried in the sand and pierced with diving spear tipped with poison.

The local sheriff’s department accuses the owner of the neighboring property, Liz’s elderly reclusive friend and naturalist, Birdman, of the crime. Liz is sure—well, pretty sure—he is innocent and sets her sights on the remaining four archeologists.

With the help of her PI boyfriend and an octogenarian hotel resident, and two mischievous pet parrots, Liz must dig into the mystery of who buried the scientist and absconded with the artifacts he’d promised would put him in Florida history books—before she becomes history herself . . .

Recipes included!

Praise for Kathleen Bridge

“Discerning cozy mystery fans who delight in well-developed characters, rich detail, and a smart plotline will find that Kathleen Bridge’s A Design to Die For is their cup of tea!”
—Ellery Adams, New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author

Ghostal Living is a marvelously entertaining tale of revenge, murder, quirky characters—and disappearing books! With a clever protagonist, wonderful details of life in the Hamptons, and plot twists on top of plot twists, Kathleen Bridge will have mystery readers clamoring for more.”
—Kate Carlisle, New York Times bestselling author

“The descriptions of furniture and other antiques, as well as juicy tidbits on the Hamptons, make for entertaining reading for those who enjoy both antiques and lifestyles of the rich and famous.”
—Booklist on Better Homes and Corpses (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle, Paperback

What do politics, living donor kidney transplants, and the current opioid crisis all have in common?

Sarah Golden and Jackie Larsen, best friends since nursing school, could never have imagined that they’d end up as amateur sleuths searching to find a killer—for the second time! Jackie, a stay-at-home mom with marriage troubles, is racing the clock to get her young son, Wyatt, a living kidney donor to avoid the ravages of dialysis. Sarah, who has been living her career in the fast-paced world of organ transplantation, is helping expedite Wyatt’s kidney transplant. Then a much-despised hospital colleague turns up dead of an opiate overdose—despite the fact that she’d never used drugs—and Sarah smells foul play. Her curiosity and tenacity pull Jackie, once again, into a life-and-death adventure that neither woman could have expected.

Armed with smarts, tenacity, big hearts, and their raucous senses of humor, the pair gets the help of a few colorful friends to pursue the killer and take on the mission in the only style they both know how: straight on and arm-in-arm as the friends they’ve always been. (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle, Paperback

USA Today bestselling author Callie Hutton returns with her second Victorian Book Club mystery, in which Lady Amy and Lord William sleuth the death of a teetotaler who took a fatal dunk in the drink.

Bath, England, 1891. Mr. James Harding was a lot of things–businessman, well-to-do, probable scoundrel–but a drinker he most assuredly was not. So when Harding is believed to have drunkenly fallen to his death into the icy River Avon, Lord William Wethington is immediately suspicious. Finding Lord William’s name on a letter in the victim’s pocket, the local constabulary summons William to identify the victim. Police detectives learn that William had been one of Harding’s business clients–and undoubtedly not the only client the dead man had cheated.
William entreats Lady Amy Lovell, a fellow member of the Mystery Book Club of Bath, to help him deduce what really happened to the late Mr. Harding. Lady Amy, a celebrated mystery author herself, once called on William to help her solve a real-life mystery, and now she fully intends to return the favor. But it won’t be easy.
Practically every one of Harding’s many clients had ample reason to want to do him in. And there’s precious little time to narrow down the list: William and Amy soon become prime suspects themselves when the police discover them ruffling through files in Harding’s house. Lady Amy will have to be as clever as her characters if she’s to save William from the gallows…and herself from Harding’s real killer. (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle, Hardcover, Audiobook

When young Umpster asks Mississippi Senator Tom Reed for advice on the steps of the State Capitol Building in Jackson, he unknowingly sets the tone and directive for new City Police Chief Charles Morgan as he investigates the first big crime since moving to his new home. Although the crime scene is in the center of the city, Morgan is forced to investigate ‘unofficially’ because it is actually outside his jurisdiction. Battling through a complicated mix of underlying racism and widespread inclusion, trying to protect the innocent from the forces designed to ensure justice, one of the Chief’s biggest challenges is to prove a crime took place at all. (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle, Paperback

Campbell McBride drives to her father’s house in Murray, Kentucky, dreading telling him she’s lost her job as an English professor. Her father, Bill McBride, isn’t there or at his office in town. His brash young employee, Nick Emerson, says Bill hasn’t come in this morning, but he did call the night before with news that he had a new case.

When her dad doesn’t show up by late afternoon, Campbell and Nick decide to follow up on a phone number he’d jotted on a memo sheet. They learn who last spoke to her father, but they also find a dead body. The next day, Campbell files a missing persons report. When Bill’s car is found, locked and empty in a secluded spot, she and Nick must get past their differences and work together to find him. (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle, Paperback

The past comes back seeking vengeance. To save her family and friends, Novice PI Eve Appel, pregnant with her second child, must outwit the bad guys in a final act of desperation, risking her life and that of the man she’s asked to help her, her mob boss friend, Nappi. (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle, Paperback

A family at odds, a business on the line, and a body at the wharf.

It’s a busy time in Paradise Bay with spring break in full swing. Although the sun is glorious and the water is inviting, Staley Stoneybrook is busy with her job. As the owner of the Paradise Bay Station & Inn, she not only manages her own business but also forges ties with others.

In the early morning hours, she’s enjoying a tour of the world-class local seafood market until a body is discovered upstairs. She’ll have to bring all her paranormal allies onto the case when she decides that something about the death is most definitely fishy. (Amazon)

Editions Available: Paperback

Stormy Morgan thought coming home to Shadow Hills would break her. Instead, she’s found strength, and only part of it is because she’s discovered that she’s a witch. Now, with her great-grandmother coming to town, she’s finally in line for some answers. Now she just has to solve a pesky little murder before she’s free to cast and curse.
Following their first date, a quiet outing for pizza and romance, Stormy and her boyfriend Hunter Ryan discover that the owner Giovanni Rossi was gunned down in his parking lot sometime during the overnight hours. To make matters worse, Stormy believes she dreamed of the murder before finding out about it, which throws everybody for a loop.
Even though Hunter would prefer Stormy focus on her great-grandmother, he’s resigned to the fact that she can’t turn away from the investigation. Together, they start digging … and discover some disturbing clues involving various community members.
Stormy’s magic is evolving, almost on a daily basis, and it’s only outpaced by her curiosity. Once faced with a mystery, she can’t look away, and those who love her most will be dragged along for the ride.
Strap in, because as Stormy learns more about what she can do – with a little help from the Winchesters from Hemlock Cove – she’ll become a force to be reckoned with. She just has to survive long enough to reach her full potential … and that’s easier said than done. (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle, Hardcover, Audiobook

Stormy “Breeze” Morgan was living the high life until her dreams came crashing down around her and she lost her book contract. With nothing left to do – and no money in her bank account – she’s forced to return to the family business, a diner in northern Lower Michigan.
Stormy never thought she would have to work with her family again, and it’s just as horrific as she expected. Things only get worse when, after a night of drinking with her cousin, a family Ouija board leads to a burst of magic and Stormy wakes floating over her bed the next morning.
In short order, she finds out it’s not only possible that she’s a witch but also probable, which leads her to the neighboring town of Hemlock Cove to learn from some legendary witches who reside there.
Stormy thought returning to Shadow Hills would be the worst thing that happened to her. She was wrong. Being a witch is fun … as is crossing paths with her first love Hunter Ryan. If only she could keep herself out of trouble. The mounting body count in Shadow Hills keeps her on the edge of adventure, though … and danger is never far behind.

This three-book omnibus includes the first three books in the Two Broomsticks Gas & Grill series: Sinfully Delicious, Caffeinated Calamity, and A Little Slice of Death. (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle

This is book 6 in the Hope Herring cozy mystery series by USA TODAY Bestselling Author J.A. Whiting and Nell McCarthy.
Hope Herring is running the Butter Up Bakery while the owner is on vacation in Hawaii. The Fourth of July is fast approaching and one night, as Hope and her daughter are walking home after closing the bakery, something unexpected happens when they pass a fireworks store. Her friend Detective Derrick Robinson has his hands full trying to solve the crime, but this time, Hope doesn’t want to get involved with the investigation. She’s too busy planning for the next academic year at the middle school where she teaches, searching for clues to her resident ghost’s hundred-year old murder, and continuing to look into the suspicious accident that took her husband’s life.
Despite her reluctance to figure out what happened at the fireworks store that night, will Hope uncover the criminal’s identity before he or she makes another deadly move ? (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle

Lady Fan returns in another twisty murder case! For fans of Georgette Heyer, Mary Balogh, Barbara Erskine and Jane Austen.

Can Lady Fan unravel another mystery…?

1793, England

After a not-so-relaxing holiday in Tunbridge Wells, Lady Ottilia and Lord Francis Fanshawe have returned to their home with a young orphaned girl, Pertesia ‘Pretty’ Brockhurst.

After losing both her parents in tragic circumstances, Pretty had been abandoned by the rest of her family and the childless Fanshawes have delighted in having her around.

But when her estranged grandfather turns up on their doorstep, Ottilia is worried she will lose the child she is growing so close to.

Meanwhile, their footman Hemp Roy, has run into trouble. After becoming reacquainted with Dorote, a woman from his past life in Barbados, Hemp is desperate to help her when she is accused of murder in Bristol.

And who better to turn to than his trusted Lady Fan?

Can Lady Fan save Dorote – and Hemp? Will she unmask the killer?

And what will happen to the poor orphan girl under her care…?

THE DAGGER DANCE is the seventh book in the Lady Fan Mystery series: historical romance murder mysteries with a courageous woman sleuth embarking on a traditional British, private investigation in eighteenth-century London.

‘The late Regency writer Georgette Heyer lives—and she’s writing mysteries as Elizabeth Bailey!’ – Meritorious Mysteries

‘Ottilia is a strong, intelligent character with a real enthusiasm for detective work’ – She Reads Novels

‘They have everything you love in romances, plus continuing characters you can really come to love, and murders as well! Her heroine sleuth, Ottilia, is a fantastic character.’ – Historical Romance UK

LADY FAN HISTORICAL MYSTERY SERIES
BOOK ONE: The Gilded Shroud
BOOK TWO: The Deathly Portent
BOOK THREE: The Opium Purge
BOOK FOUR: The Candlelit Coffin
BOOK FIVE: The Mortal Blow
BOOK SIX: The Fateful Marriage
BOOK SEVEN: The Dagger Dance (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle