It starts with a series of petty acts of vandalism such as breaking windows, or smashing flower pots. A racist word was sprayed on a door, and then a local was attacked. What is happening in the small town of Fallow Fold? Death in High Circles, Book Ten in the Falconer Files, by Andrea Frazier seems to be a sort of turning point in the series … perhaps … ? Old resentments surface, as do family issues, and Falconer himself comes to a life changing decision. This one felt more intense to me, but just as good as the rest of the series. To ease things a bit there is a wonderful new cat who excels at causing mayhem!

Ginger Gold and her Boston Terrier ‘Boss’ are out for a quiet morning walk. At least until Boss alerts to something in the bushes and a body is found. It turns out to be the (estranged) wife of Chief Inspector Basil Reed, and it seems she had a secret life. Against Inspector Reed’s wishes, Ginger goes undercover (something, we learn, she’s done before) in the crazy world of burlesque dancing. Watch out for the snake! I love how we learn more about Ginger with each book, she’s a lot more than she seems! Murder at Kensington Gardens is the sixth in the Ginger Gold Mystery series by Lee Strauss.

If you read the Charles Lenox Series, by Charles Finch, then you know the adult, grown-up Lenox, but what was he like when he was young, fresh out of University? What was his first case? Here he is, cocky, confident, insecure, doubtful, (ah, youth!), going against convention for his social standing by considering working (imagine!). A letter has appeared in the local newspaper about the perfect murder, and how it has already happened, and that there will be more. And soon there is a second body. Lenox thinks he can solve this case, and prove himself to Scotland Yard. The Woman in the Water is how he does so. Hard to put down!

Reading Hermit With Dog