Murder, Actually by Stephanie McCarthy (Attica Books)

Elspeth Grey a recently divorced, "Queen of Deserts" romance writer, has moved to a small town to rebuild her life.  Her ex got the city home and she got the cabin in All Hallows, a sleepy New England town. The local bookstore is hosting a reading for Elspeth’s latest book.  It is a dark and stormy nigh,t and when the lights go out no one is surprised when they come back on to reveal a murder.  It is not just any murder, but the murder if Jasper Ware, Elspeth's nemesis.

Elspeth is a reluctant detective.  Her mystery loving friend, Julia, insists they can solve the murder ands hire the two of them out as detectives. Julia acquired her investigative skills from fictional sleuths, so it is a good thing that Elspeth has a sense of humor and self preservation skills.  Elspeth keeps reminding her friend she is a romance writer, not a mystery writer.  There are plenty of suspects and of course a little romance with a scheming ex-husband and fiancé, some handsome locale hunks.

This was a very enjoyable cozy, the characters seemed real  and there were a lot of clues, including some to confuse you for a surprise ending.  I look forward to the next book in this new series.

—Helen Jones

FTC Disclaimer: This book was provided by the author.