For a quick read on a rainy autumn afternoon, go for The Osborne Case, one of the stories in A Markham Sisters Collection - MNOP, by Diana Xarissa. Aunt Bessie and Doona (from the Isle of Mann mystery series) are visiting and are eager to help the sisters track down someone who can tell them more about the B&B they own and run. Turns out, that person is missing … but for how long? The somewhat confused and bewildered flat mate is of little help, but can she tell them enough to find Gretchen Falkirk?

Owl be Home for Christmas, by Donna Andrews is a fun twist on the ‘snowbound’ mystery. There has been a murder at an owl convention. No one can leave, but no one (such as CSI folks, etc.) can arrive, either. Cell phones are down, there is no internet connection. The victim was not well liked, which seems to be a theme in the mysteries I’ve read recently … or is it just me? Anyway, there are lots of possible suspects and an abundance of motives. And what about that black widow spider found in the bathroom? The Meg Langslow Mystery series is a lot of fun, don’t miss this one!

The Flaw in All Magic, by Ben S. Dobson was a recommendation from Seattle Reader. Just how does one survive with no magical capabilities in a world of magic? At one point, by sleight of hand, and misdirection … until he is caught out and expelled from school that is. Tane Carver, however, has excellent powers of observation and can recognize clues and so on when others cannot. When a student is murdered at the university, he is (reluctantly) called in to help. It’s the first in the Magebreakers Series, and I am eagerly awaiting the arrival of book #2!

Reading Hermit With Dog