Among the books left by Canadian Reader was Blackbird Fly, by Lise McClendon. When her husband dies, of a heart attack, at his desk, Merle's life changes. Dramatically. There is less money than she thought, a mistress (with a daughter), and a house in France .... with a squatter ... and a body (well, skeleton). All elements for a rather nice little mystery for a cold winter day. :-)

It was time to get back to another Isle of Man Cozy by Diana Xarissa (although I don't want to rush this too much, I have just the two left on my shelf). This time it was Aunt Bessie Joins and it takes place at Christmas. Things were going well at the first ever charity event "Christmas at the Castle" ... many charities had signed on to do a room, the contents which would be auctioned off on the last day ... that is, until Christopher Hart, a well known designer is brought in to 'improve' everything. Needless to say, this does not go over well. He is rude and abrasive and no one (except the person who hired him) appreciates his efforts. And what about his room? Done in blacks and featuring the four horsemen of the apocalypse? Just how many suspects might there be when his is the body that is found?

Reading Hermit With Dog