Marigolds and Murder, by London Lovett is also the first of a series, in this case a Port Danby Cozy Mystery. It's one of those set in a small town, in this case a very small town. Lacey is one of those with a super sense of smell and she ends up helping the one local detective solve the murder. Also, there is a crow, who is a pet (by his choice, he's not caged), who may be my favorite character!

Would you ever combine bacon and popcorn? That's the newest twist to gourmet popcorn (there's a recipe) in the second Popcorn Shop Mystery series by Kristi Abbott: Pop Goes the Murder. A persistent ex-husband (and well known chef) has come to town to film a segment of his show. The plot thickens when his assistant is found dead in the tub in the hotel. To further complicate things the wife of the police officer in charge (and sister to the main character) is pregnant. Very pregnant.

Reading Hermit With Dog