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Snake in the Grass (The Fina Mendoza Mysteries)
by Kitty FeldeA great book and series for CIVICS EDUCATIONPairing the allure of Washington DC, with an animal misadventure, "Snake in the Grass" is a robust series mystery novel. —FOREWORD REVIEWS Fina Mendoza is the 10-year-old daughter of a congressman who solves mysteries in the U.S. Capitol with the help of a big orange dog named Senator Something. * * * * * *FINA'S LATEST CASE: Everybody's mad at everybody else on Capitol Hill. Members call each other names on the floor of the House of Representatives. And anybody who dares to work with someone in the other political party is punished. Now somebody's putting snakes in lawmaker gym bags and trash cans. It's up to Fina and Senator Something to find the real snake in the grass. TEACHERS, LIBRARIANS, and HOMESCHOOLERS, The Fina Mendoza Mysteries series of books, podcasts, teacher's guides, and "Facts Behind the Fiction" blog/newsletter provide a multidisciplinary approach to civics education for elementary school readers. As our amateur detective solves mysteries on Capitol Hill, Fina learns about American democracy, the electoral process and legislative branch along with your students. Take them deeper into Common Core knowledge with standards-based instruction through the series' multimedia sources! * * * * * * This third book in the series is more than a mystery story! It's THE WEST WING meets NANCY DREW.Available soon in Spanish! Look for Serpiente en la Hierba by Kitty Felde, translated by Jorge Flores GonzÁlez. * * * * * *FREE DOWNLOADABLE TEACHER'S GUIDE AVAILABLE:– Build reading skills while teaching integrated lessons in: ELA, social studies, and history designed for grades 3-5 Common Core Standards NCSS curriculum standards, C3 Social Studies Readiness California Public Schools' History-Social Science content standards. – Promote deeper learning through: active engagement reading comprehension content knowledge creative and analytical thinking – Designed for elementary school teachers, librarians, parents, homeschoolers, scout leaders, and other community educators. INTERACTIVE COMPONENTS & FREE MULTIMEDIA SOURCES: Helps address students' diverse learning needs. Supports the use of technology in the classroom. Dramatic podcast based on the books and current events. Facts Behind the Fiction blog and newsletter offer historical and civics context for the books and podcast. * * * * * *Introduce civics to your students with "The Fina Mendoza Mysteries" series!THE FINA MENDOZA MYSTERIES SERIES: Book 1 – Welcome to Washington Fina Mendoza Book 2 – State of the Union: A Fina Mendoza Mystery Book 3 – Snake in the Grass Book 4 – Home of the Brave (coming Spring 2026) Novella – Losing is Democratic: How to Talk to Kids About January 6th Podcast – The Fina Mendoza MysteriesALSO AVAILABLE IN SPANISH: Libro 1 – Bienvenida a Washington Fina Mendoza Libro 2 – Estado de la UniÓn: Un Misterio de Fina Mendoza Libro 3 – Serpiente en la Hierba (OtoÑo 2025) Libro 4 – Casa de los Valientes (OtoÑo 2026) * * * * * *For fans of: The Secret L
Blaque Pearle
by Tarris MarieTarris Marie&’s debut novel intertwines crime, romance, and the &‘90s era. A refreshing new voice for urban romance lovers and women&’s crime thriller connoisseurs. Before her Hollywood dreams were shattered, Pearle Monalise Brown was the tenacious aspiring actress from Compton's unforgiving, scarred streets. Never broken, Pearle switches gears to a fallback plan—resorting to her beauty and acting skills to swindle money and expensive jewels. When she's hired by the Colombian cartel to steal a priceless Basquiat from the debonair kingpin and art collector, Blaque, her talents might not be enough to keep her from falling into a trap she never saw coming. Blaque is sagacious and handsome—not to mention the legacy of two powerful organized crime families: the Laurent&’s—known dons hailing from Kingston, Jamaica, and the Savage&’s—a sophisticated syndicate with criminal enterprises across the U.S. As Blaque and Pearle become passionately entangled, Pearle falls prey to a darker underworld. Time is ticking. Lives are at stake. Will these love outlaws be able to outsmart their enemies, or will they wage an all-out war, leaving the bodies to fall wherever they may? &“Both inspirational and a delight to watch, Tarris Marie is proof that limits and barriers exist only in our minds.&” —N&’TYSE, national bestselling author and film producer of Trap Soldiers
American Gunner (Gunner)
by Eddy Clark D. Andrea WhitfieldImaginatively rendered and a gripping debut, a young man&’s dance with the criminal underworld lands him in international hot water and left vying for his life in this crime thriller mash-up of American Gangster and The Bourne Identity. Raphael Waters grew up accustomed to being in a constant state of survival. When he becomes the muscle for known street figure, Rah, he believes his life has taken a turn for the better. That is until a string of unfortunate circumstances leave Rah missing and Raphael grasping for answers in the streets of the concrete jungle—once again. A chance encounter with the intriguing Alex Gatts promises to be the life-changing turnaround he needs. Alex Gatts is the perfect mixture of beauty and brawn. She rules the nightlife of South Bend with every click of her sky-high stilettos. When she hires Raphael as her bodyguard, an unexpected friendship develops, sparking a lucrative business proposition that could give Alex the edge she desires. Raphael lets his guard down and breaks his cardinal rule: Never trust a woman. Together they embark on a series of real estate deals that solidifies their standing amongst the country&’s elite and most powerful syndicate. When an international business deal of a lifetime goes awry, Raphael is left holding the bag in enemy territory. &“This story hooked me from the very first page . . . all the twists and turns you need in a suspense story, including a romance you never expected to happen! I highly recommend it for fans of crime thrillers. You won&’t be disappointed.&” —Shakir Rashaan, bestselling author of Neverwraith
The Accidental Queen
by L.R. JacksonComing to America meets Bridgerton in this enthralling, contemporary debut novel by L.R. Jackson which blurs the lines of forbidden romance and showers hopeless romantics with a second-chance love reunion.Unlike fairy tales of old, sometimes a woman must fight to save her king. Ebony Rose desires the freedom to love without limits—but that&’s for people who aren&’t harboring the kind of skeletons that could threaten their very existence. Desperately running from her past and a broken heart, Ebony refuses to allow anyone to get close to her—until she crosses paths once more with Dafari, the knight in shining armor she lost long ago. The last thing King Dafari expects to find in New York is the girl who got away—although he had hoped. Marrying a woman outside of his culture is strictly forbidden, and the clock is ticking for him to choose a queen. However, Ebony Rose embodies all the qualities he seeks in a mate and a matriarch for his country, and Dafari is determined to make Ebony his, despite the laws and traditions that stand between them. Then he makes a grave discovery that causes his world to spiral and leave him questioning everyone he loves. Secrets buried under betrayal emerge, threatening to destroy the bond between Ebony and Dafari. Will they survive the sinister conspiracy surrounding them, or will royal misdeeds and scandal topple their chance at redemption and true happiness?&“The Accidental Queen will be your new obsession! Its diversely crafted world and wicked-sharp detail speaks to why L.R. Jackson is the multifaceted author we all need.&” —Shanora Williams, New York Times bestselling author of The Perfect Ruin
The Adventures of Margo
by Wendi SchullerMargo is not your average ten-year-old. She&’s a junior detective with a knack for solving mysteries that leave even the adults stumped!Join Margo as she jumps into thrilling adventures – from tracking down a runaway to tailing a mysterious spy. With her quick thinking, fearless determination, and a little help from her two best friends, Margo navigates a world filled with quirky characters, puzzling clues, and even a ghostly encounter.But can Margo keep her cool, and will she crack the case before it&’s too late?Perfect for young readers who love mystery, adventure, and a dash of the unexpected!
The Guilty Sleep
by Jeremy D. Baker"A terrific debut–fast, tough and hard, shot through with hard-won authenticity and deep humanity. . . . Don't miss out." —Lee Child No one gets hurt is a fine plan. A worthy goal. But when it comes down to the moment, there&’s always plenty of hurt to go around.Afghanistan vet Dexter Grant is broke, reeling from PTSD, and on the verge of divorce when he&’s approached by his old Army buddies to help rescue their former interpreter, the man who once saved Dex&’s life. It means ripping off a vicious queenpin&’s drug proceeds—but not to worry, they have it all worked out. And if anyone can pull it off, it&’s Dex&’s former team lead, Staff Sergeant Saenz. Tempted by an easy score that could make his own problems disappear and imbued with new purpose, Dex agrees to play his part in the scheme. But just as in combat, the best-laid plans don&’t survive first contact with the enemy. When the heist goes off the rails, his wife and daughter become targets for bloody revenge. Dex must face down his spiraling inner darkness and call on all his strength and training to save his girls. In his quest, he&’ll learn there was much more to this heist than he ever imagined. Jeremy D. Baker bursts onto the crime fiction scene with this debut thriller that recalls C. J. Box&’s unlikely hero Joe Pickett and the small-town, lived-in noir of S. A. Cosby. Told from three revolving points-of-view, The Guilty Sleep is a riveting tale of robbery and betrayal in which a father&’s love faces off with a soldier&’s debt
Next To Heaven: A Novel
by James Frey"NSFW Gatsby." —Book of the Month "A sizzling beach read about the misdeeds of the rich." —Wall Street Journal "The novel on every beach towel this summer, all summer, everywhere." —Esquire Uncover the dark underbelly of the American dream America&’s most perfect town, in this &“lurid&” and &“propulsive&” novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author James Frey (New York Times Book Review Podcast)–and discover a world where privilege, sex, scandal, and murder lurk beneath a flawless veneer.New Bethlehem, Connecticut. Picture-perfect lawns, manicured hedges, and multi-million dollar homes present a carefully curated facade. But beneath the designer yoga gear and country club memberships lies a darker reality. In this world of excess, best friends Devon and Belle have it all—beauty, money, status. But they want something more. Something dangerous. Something that makes them feel alive. Their solution? A party—a meticulously curated gathering of New Bethlehem&’s elite, from a desperate ex-NFL quarterback to a hockey coach with a penchant for married women, and a ruthless Wall Street &“closer&” who wields his wealth like a weapon. One night. An ultra-elite swingers party. Multiple betrayals. And a murder that will shatter New Bethlehem&’s carefully constructed facade. Enter a world of troubled opulence and sharp betrayal that&’s reminiscent of "The White Lotus," &“Your Friends and Neighbors,&” and "Big Little Lies"—a world of spectacularly badly-behaved rich people where money can buy anything. . .until it ruins everything. Behind every great fortune, lies a great crime. " —Honoré de Balzac "A Connecticut sex romp–cum–murder mystery . . . 'big nods' to Jackie Collins, Danielle Steel, and Tom Wolfe." —Vanity Fair &“A satirical look at the "beautiful, wealthy and unsatisfied.'&” —People Magazine "Lurid . . . Propulsive. . . appeals to one's baser instincts." —New York Times Book Review Podcast "A deliriously over-the-top portrait of decadence on the brink." —Bustle
The Secrets We Keep: A Mystery
by Amy LillardDetective Nate Fisher must go back to the Amish community he left behind and confront his past to help the woman he once loved in this dual-POV mystery, perfect for fans of Linda Castillo.Back to active duty after an administrative leave of absence for the use of deadly force, the last thing Detective Nathan Fisher wants to do is return to the conservative Amish community he left behind, but when his father passes, he has no choice. Hoping to clear his head and perhaps mend fences with his family, he returns to his small Mississippi hometown despite not being welcome. What was supposed to be a quick visit turns into a prolonged stay when his former love pleads for his help. Rachel Hostetler&’s world is turned upside down when she finds her brother&’s body hanging in her family&’s barn. Rachel is sure her brother Albie did not kill himself, but neither her father nor the police are willing to listen. When she spots Nate, her ex, now a detective in Oklahoma, back in Cedar Creek, she knows he is the answer to her problem and begs him to intercede.As Nate and Rachel come to terms with their shared history, despite knowing nothing can come of the longing they have for each other, the pair must look into Albie&’s death as suspects stack up. The truth is out there, but can they find it before Nate has to return to his real life and face the shooting that has him so desperately searching for peace?
Whiteout: A Thriller
by R. S. BurnettA researcher stranded in Antarctica receives a radio message that a nuclear war has broken out in this claustrophobic survival thriller, perfect for fans of The Martian, The Last Murder at the End of the World and Breathless.It&’s been four months since glaciologist Rachael Beckett left her husband and daughter to join an urgent research trip to a remote field station deep in the Antarctic. But after losing all communication with her crew at base camp, she&’s trapped and alone – and running out of supplies. The only information she has about what&’s gone so catastrophically wrong is an emergency radio broadcast playing on a loop: a nuclear war has broken out, and Rachael might be the last survivor on Earth. Abandoned and starving, all she has left is a fierce determination to stay alive in the extreme cold and perpetual darkness of the polar winter. The research she&’s gathered about catastrophic climate damage means she holds the fate of the continent and the world in her grasp…if there&’s even a world left to save.Struggling with loneliness and grief over the unknown fate of her family back home, Rachael knows both her life and her sanity balance on a knife edge. As she battles to stay alive in unimaginable conditions, she soon discovers she&’s not completely alone in the dark and cold–but she might wish she was…
Grave Words: A Deadly Deadlines Mystery (A Deadly Deadlines Mystery)
by Gerri LewisIn the second installment of the Deadly Deadlines mysteries, obituary writer Winter Snow faces her biggest challenge yet when the body of a homeless man is found in a burning building and her best friend is the main suspect, perfect for fans of Eva Gates and Kate Carlisle.Winter Snow has had it! With her business in a death drought, her best friend Scoop implicated in a string of arsons, and an obituary listing Winter herself as deceased, her life is heating up. But just as she&’s trying to cool things down, she receives her newest assignment: an obituary for Chester, a homeless man found in a burning building. Promising the local funeral home manager that she will have the obituary by the deadline, Winter is stonewalled at every turn, failing to discover Chester&’s last name, or where he came from. When it is discovered that Chester was murdered and that the fire was set to cover it up, all fingers immediately point to Scoop. Not only is Scoop a person of interest in the arsons, he was also the last person to see Chester alive. As more nails are pounded into Scoop&’s coffin, Winter&’s uncle Richard hopes to help by inviting the notorious town gossips, The Nosy Parkers, to a neighborhood food fest. Unfortunately, the breadcrumbs they toss set murder in motion.More determined than ever, Winter must figure out the twists and turns of the case to clear Scoop&’s name, putting her on a deadly deadline to solve the murder and avoid meeting the same grave consequences.
Of Flesh and Blood: A Novel
by N.L. Lavin Hunter BurkeA forensic psychiatrist&’s investigation into an infamous Louisiana serial killer leads him down a dangerous path of obsession as he discovers they share the same cursed blood.This chilling debut horror novel will captivate readers of Chasing the Boogeyman and What Moves the Dead and fans of True Detective.In 2008, a serial killer known as the Cajun Cannibal brutally murders and consumes the flesh of eight people in a small Louisiana parish. With law enforcement closing in on him, he takes his own life before he can face the inside of a courtroom.Ten years later, when forensic psychiatrist Dr. Vincent Blackburn discovers he and the Cajun Cannibal are more closely connected than he realized, he begins a case study into the sociopathy behind the killer&’s grisly deeds, only to find a torrent of small town politics, interracial family dynamics, and whispers of the supernatural muddying once clear waters. When copycat killings start anew, Vincent is thrust into the center of it all, putting his life, his family, and his own sanity at risk. As monsters—both figurative and literal—begin to manifest, Vincent discovers that untangling the truth from the lies is only the beginning of his nightmare.Told through the pages of Dr. Vincent Blackburn&’s case study memoir, and certain to appeal to readers of A Flicker in the Dark, this macabre psychological horror will leave your heart racing.
The Ten Worst People in New York: A Novel
by Matt PlassPerfect for fans of The Collective and We Begin at the End, this psychological thriller will make you question the nature of justice… and revenge.The ten worst people in New York are dying, one after the other. A late-night TV chat show feature, The Ten Worst People in New York, is the talk of the town. When a real estate mogul on the Ten Worst list jumps to his death, it could be a coincidence. But after a corrupt NYC councilor, also on the list, dies suspiciously, recently widowed Special FBI Agent Alex Bedford suspects foul play. Young British filmmaker Jacob Felle arrives in New York to connect with his estranged sister, Elizabeth, and to reconcile a long-buried family trauma. But Alex and Jacob are on a collision course, and when Jacob becomes a suspect, the two find themselves in a race to unravel the mystery before even more people die. Both Alex and Jacob must confront their worst fears and put their lives on the line as they try to find the answer to two key questions:Why are the killers targeting the Ten Worst list? And who will be next to die?
A Death in Diamonds (Her Majesty The Queen Investigates)
by SJ BennettTwo murders in Chelsea plague amateur detective Queen Elizabeth II in the fourth book in the charming series, perfect for fans of Rhys Bowen and Jacqueline Winspear.1957, England. Young Queen Elizabeth II is finding her way in postwar Europe, trying to repair friendships with foreign governments. Advised by her father's old courtiers, the Queen suspects that they may not have her best interests at heart. One of them is trying to sabotage her public appearances: that much she is sure of.When two bodies turn up in Chelsea, the Queen finds herself unwillingly used as the alibi for somebody very close to her. With the reputation of the monarchy at stake, Elizabeth knows she can't face these challenges alone. She needs support from someone she can trust. Therefore, she enlists the help of an ex-code breaker, Joan McGraw, to uncover the truth. But as Elizabeth and Joan are uncovering secrets from the past, the clock is ticking, and they are in more danger than they know.
Serial Killer Support Group: A Novel
by Saratoga SchaeferAfter her sister is murdered, a woman infiltrates a support group for serial killers in this biting queer feminist debut thriller, perfect for fans of The Final Girl Support Group and My Sister, the Serial Killer.When Cyra Griffin&’s younger sister is murdered by a serial killer, Cyra knows better than to expect justice from the hands of the police department. With the investigation already dying its own slow death, Cyra follows the blood trail and finds her own way forward. Using insider information (don&’t ask), Cyra infiltrates a support group for serial killers by pretending to be one herself in the hopes of finding the person who ended her sister&’s life. Proving herself to them comes at a cost, but it&’s one Cyra is willing to pay in the name of revenge.But the dangerous men in the group aren&’t the only obstacle in Cyra&’s path for vengeance, and the further Cyra descends into the deadly world of serial killers, the harder it becomes to hold on to her own humanity. This dark, witty debut novel is a cunning homage to women&’s wrongs that will have you wondering exactly how many monsters walk unseen among us.
The Memory Collectors: A Novel
by Dete MeserveOne of Goodreads Most Anticipated Books of 2025!Four strangers time travel to the past and find themselves stuck on the day all their lives were changed in this stunning speculative mystery from award-winning film and television producer Dete Meserve, perfect for fans of Before the Coffee Gets Cold, Wrong Place Wrong Time and The Paradox Hotel.What would you do if you could spend an hour in your past? Four strangers in the beach town of Ventura, California are about to find out. Elizabeth aches for one more precious hour with her son who died in a senseless accident. Andy is desperate to find his first love who vanished after a whirlwind romance. Logan craves the rush of surfing and mountain climbing, yearning to reclaim the freedom he lost after a misstep landed him in a wheelchair. Brooke is looking for an hour of relief from the guilt of an unforgivable mistake.Enter Aeon Expeditions, the groundbreaking time travel invention of Mark Saunders—which allows some lucky clients the chance to spend an hour in their past. Even though Aeon&’s technology ensures time travel can&’t alter the future, all four clients, including Mark&’s ex-wife Elizabeth, yearn to revisit the hour that changed their lives forever. But when their &“hour&” extends beyond sixty minutes, they find themselves stranded in the past. As their paths intertwine unexpectedly, they unearth shocking secrets hidden in the shadows of their shared history: All their lives were shattered the same night on a secluded highway by the beach. As they delve into the hidden truths of that pivotal hour, a startling revelation emerges. They were not alone. Someone else was present, harboring deadly intentions.The Memory Collectors is a heart-wrenching, genre-bending novel brimming with hope, grief and second chances.
Within the Circle: A Novel
by Arne DahlThis new and ingenious pulse-pounding thriller from legendary Swedish crime author Arne Dahl tracks a string of bombings in Stockholm that are seemingly connected to the climate debate and a secret organization, perfect for fans of Jo Nesbo and Lars Kepler. When a steel industry executive is found dead in a burning BMW, the death is quickly dismissed as a tragic accident. After another nearly identical accident occurs, criminal inspector Eva Nyman receives a letter that reveals details of an upcoming, and much more vicious, attack, leading her to believe that these are a deliberate series of murders, possibly even a case of climate terrorism.In the letter Eva recognizes a phrase that was often used by her disgraced former boss, Lukas Frisell, who went off the grid after botching a kidnapping investigation. Eva cannot believe that Frisell is responsible for the murders, but evidence keeps pointing toward him. And as her new team, NOVA, races to uncover the murderer before more people die, Eva is reluctant to disclose her suspicions regarding her old boss. As further bombings targeting public places begin, countless lives rely on NOVA&’s ability to find out who&’s behind it all and put a stop to the terror. The killer is out there somewhere, but all they have to go on is a cryptic letter and a strange symbol that keeps appearing everywhere they turn: a circle within a circle.Who is hiding within the circle?
The Four Queens of Crime
by Rosanne LimoncelliLIBRARY JOURNAL'S DECEMBER DEBUT OF THE MONTH!In this debut mystery, DCI Lilian Wyles, the first woman detective chief inspector in the CID, is determined to find a killer with the help of the four queens of crime, Agatha Christie, Dorothy L. Sayers, Ngaio Marsh, and Margery Allingham, perfect for fans of Elly Griffiths and Claudia Gray.1938, London. The four queens of British crime fiction, Agatha Christie, Dorothy L. Sayers, Ngaio Marsh, and Margery Allingham, are hosting a gala to raise money for the Women&’s Voluntary Service to help Britain prepare for war. Baronet Sir Henry Heathcote has loaned Hursley House for the event, and all the elites of London society are attending. The gala is a brilliant success, despite a few hiccups, but the next morning, Sir Henry is found dead in the library. Detective Chief Inspectors Lilian Wyles and Richard Davidson from Scotland Yard are quickly summoned and discover a cluster of potential suspects among the guests, including an upset fiancée, a politically ambitious son, a reserved but protective brother, an irate son-in-law, a rebellious teenage daughter, and the deputy home secretary. Quietly recruiting the four queens of crime, DCI Wyles must sort through the messy aftermath of Sir Henry&’s death to solve the mystery and identify the killer.
My Sister's Shadow: A Novel
by January GilchristEnvy and desire infiltrate the lives of twin sisters in this dark, Gothic suspense set in England and New York City, perfect for fans of Laura Joh Rowland and Hester Fox.A mirror will never show you the truth.England, 1904. Mirror twins Adelaide and Victoria have spent their lives in orbit of each other– doomed to be in the other&’s shadow, their lives are intertwined and inextricable as each other&’s identical inverse. Adelaide is dutiful and reserved, happy to remain in her childhood home, Harewood Hall, forever. Victoria wishes for a thrilling life, exploring the world and finding a great romance–but the twins cannot live apart. Visiting Lord Stanley bewitches Victoria with his talk of a life of luxury in New York, but it is obedient Adelaide whom he marries against her will and to Victoria&’s fury. Together, they all move to New York and begin a new life. Adelaide finds herself trapped in a gilded cage on Fifth Avenue with no one but her angry and tempestuous twin for company. Amid the glamor of the upper class, Adelaide is captivated by the independent and educated women of the elite social circle Mrs. Astor&’s 400. As Adelaide&’s star rises, tensions begin to surface between the sisters, and as Adelaide grows apart from her twin for the very first time, Victoria descends into a rage-fueled darkness that threatens everything and anyone standing in her way. Darker and darker with every turn of the page, this Gothic suspense will enrapture readers of Daphne du Maurier and Laura Purcell.
No Comfort for the Dead
by R.P. O'DonnellAfter witnessing a murder, a small-town librarian is forced to act when the local police arrest the wrong man, perfect for fans of Dervla McTiernan and Carlene O&’Connor. 1988, West Cork, Ireland. Emma Daly has returned to her home in Castlefreke, a small and peaceful village where everybody knows everybody. She has taken over the local library and is trying not to think about the scandal she left behind in the city. But when the richest man in the village is murdered and the main suspect is the mysterious son of a local family, her charming small-town life is turned upside down. Emma knows for a fact that there is more to the story, and when the family asks her to investigate, she decides to take matters into her own hands. Teaming up with a stubborn widow, an elderly hypochondriac, and her high school sweetheart, it is up to Emma to solve the mystery before either the police or the murderer can stop her.
Shot Through the Book (A Lighthouse Library Mystery)
by Eva GatesIn the twelfth installment of the Lighthouse Library mysteries, Lucy McNeil is back on the case, but this time she&’s on the case alone.The upcoming YA book festival at the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library is bringing in renowned authors from all over the world. When best selling author Todd Harrison unexpectedly visits librarian Lucy McNeil at her Outer Banks beach house after a meeting, she is puzzled by his presence, since they&’re virtually strangers. After she steps inside to get him a drink, she&’s shocked to discover that he&’s been murdered on her deck in the few minutes she left him alone. Not knowing why he wanted to meet with her in private, or how someone managed to kill him in the time it takes to make lemonade, Lucy is determined to help with the investigation and figure out what happened. WhenHeather Harrison, Todd&’s widow, shows up in town, her motivations aren&’t inspired by grief. She&’s intending to use her husband&’s tragic death to launch her candidacy for state senator and her first order of business is to go after the local police force–and Lucy herself.Caught between an intrusive fan club mourning Todd, squabbling authors fighting for prominence in his absence, and a politically ruthless widow, Lucy must roll up her sleeves and and catch the killer before the chapter closes on justice.
A Botanist's Guide to Rituals and Revenge: A Saffron Everleigh Mystery (A Saffron Everleigh Mystery)
by Kate KhavariBrilliant botanist Saffron Everleigh faces her hardest challenge yet when she returns to her childhood home in the fourth book in the charming Saffron Everleigh mystery series. &“A cleverly plotted puzzle&” (Ashley Weaver) in the vein of Opium and Absinthe, this is perfect for fans of Rhys Bowen and Sujata Massey.Saffron Everleigh returns to Ellington Manor after her grandfather suffers a heart attack. Back in her childhood home for the first time in years, Saffron faces tense family relationships made worse by the presence of the enigmatic Bill Wyatt, hired on as a doctor to the ailing Lord Easting. But the man is no doctor—in reality, he is a mysterious figure involved in the trafficking of dangerous government secrets, and his presence at Ellington can only mean trouble.When their neighbors, the Hales, invite a spiritual medium into the village who starts angling for Saffron&’s mother&’s attention, Saffron realizes that there is more afoot in her hometown than she originally thought. Not to mention inviting Alexander to Ellington has put their budding relationship under her family&’s microscope.As tensions rise at Ellington, Bill demands that Saffron hand over old research documents belonging to her late father. With her relatives under his power as their &‘doctor,&’ Saffron fears she may be forced to surrender the files along with her hopes of ever understanding her father&’s obscure legacy. Nothing and no one is as they seem at Ellington. It&’s through the perfumed haze of the séance&’s smoke that Saffron must search for the truth before it&’s too late.
A Poisonous Silence (A Deadly Twenties Mystery)
by Jenny AdamsWhen a film star is poisoned in Prohibition-era Philadelphia, private investigator Edie Shippen is on the case in the second Deadly Twenties mystery, perfect for fans of Deanna Raybourn and Rhys Bowen.Philadelphia, 1921. Edie Shippen has officially started her new career as a private investigator…even though she has yet to book a client. When she runs into an old friend, the film actress Ava Sylvester, Edie is delighted at the chance to rekindle their relationship. But when Ava&’s co-star and new husband, Duncan, dies suddenly, all signs point to Ava. Edie&’s first official case begins in earnest, desperately trying to clear her friend&’s name. Gilbert Lawless has carved out a peaceful existence as a coroner&’s assistant. The last thing he wants is to jeopardize his position by involving himself with Edie Shippen. But when the body count racks up, Gilbert finds himself drawn into Edie&’s investigation on the set of Philadelphia&’s most famous film studio, where everyone seems to have something to hide.As the cameras roll, Edie and Gilbert race to catch a poisoner before one of them ends up being the next body in the morgue. With a glittering Roaring Twenties backdrop, Jenny Adams sets the stage for the second charming book in the series for fans of Miss Fisher&’s Murder Mysteries and Dead Dead Girls.
Hush Little Fire: A Novel
by Judith Newcomb StilesSecrets implode and generations of lies boil over into deadly consequences when a suspicious fire breaks out Christmas Night on Cape Cod. This enthralling and darkly humorous debut novel of abortion, adoption, and long-buried truths will captivate readers who loved Lessons in Chemistry and Where the Crawdads Sing.When Mary Newcombe dutifully returns to Cape Cod with her twelve-year-old son to celebrate Christmas with her adoptive mother, Birdie, the only part of the trip she looks forward to is digging beach clay for pottery to stoke her beloved kiln. But while she&’s home, a suspicious fire destroys the town health clinic, and Mary becomes a leading suspect.Mary can&’t remember the night of the fire (too much eggnog) and, as always, her mother isn&’t talking. Birdie has kept secrets from Mary her entire life, beginning with the truth about Mary&’s birth mother. When Mary discovers her adoptive father socked away a small fortune performing pre-Roe v. Wade illegal abortions in the clinic that burned to the ground, she&’s done with being kept in the dark. As the days tick by and pressures mount to find the arsonist, Mary digs deeper into Wellfleet&’s history, and more secrets start to unfurl.Meanwhile, Mary&’s cousin Jimmy is acting strangely and suddenly, so is her son. As the FBI zeroes in on Mary, and another fire burns in the harbor, it's time for Mary and Birdie to face a long brewing reckoning.A cross-generational mystery told through the perspectives of four women living on the underbelly of Cape Cod, Hush Little Fire is the perfect read for fans of Bonnie Garmus, Dennis Lehane, and Adrienne Brodeur.
The Socialite's Guide to Sleuthing and Secrets (A Pinnacle Hotel Mystery)
by S. K. GoldenHotel heiress Evelyn Murphy is on the hunt for a cunning killer and a mysterious thief in the third Pinnacle Hotel mystery, perfect for fans of Rhys Bowen and Ashley Weaver.New York, 1958. When Evelyn&’s mail is delivered during a luncheon in the Gold Room, she&’s surprised to find she has received a diamond tiara, which catches the attention of a costume jewelry sales team lunching nearby. Their leader, Lois Mitchel, is especially interested, but by the end of the lunch, Lois has choked and fallen into Evelyn&’s lap—and by the end of the day, she&’s dead. The papers report on the death the next day, while also spreading news of a Gentleman Thief who&’s been leaving behind a red pocket square after robbing the city&’s wealthiest. Determined to figure out what happened to Lois, Evelyn devotes herself to the investigation. The truth is as rare as a diamond and just as hard to crack, and Evelyn swiftly discovers that this particular mystery is multifaceted, too. From costume jewelry hawkers to wannabe Robin Hoods and a detective in residence at the Pinnacle, nothing is simple. But neither is Evelyn—and this case is hers to solve.
Believe Me Now: A Novel
by S. M. GovettA woman wronged and the detective investigating her husband&’s suspected crime must work through a chilling and puzzling case in this twisty dual-narrator thriller where nothing is as it seems, perfect for fans of Hayley Scrivener and Lisa Jewell. Natalie Campbell loses time. She&’ll wake up in different places with no memory of how she got there. The blackouts are a symptom of her PTSD, which began after she was sexually assaulted by her boss, who was found not guilty. But she found ways to cope by setting up routines and relying on her supportive husband, Ryan. Then one day, her husband is accused of committing the same crime that ruined her life. Natalie desperately wants to believe he is innocent, but when Alice Lytton, the young woman who accused him, is found murdered in the woods near their house, she begins to doubt the man she married. DI Helen Stratton is also healing from old wounds. Her older sister disappeared when she was 16, and the police didn&’t bother to investigate. Vowing to help other lost and vulnerable girls, she joined the force. Stratton is ready to do whatever it takes to catch the killer and bring justice to her sister and Alice. Tightly plotted, fast-paced, and addictive, Believe Me Now will keep you on the edge of your seat, wondering if anyone is to be believed.