In need of a short read one day, I opted for another of the Markham Sisters mysteries: The Tanner Case, by Diana Xarissa. A wedding is being planned, but (of course) not all goes as expected. Jane is checking out various venues ... but at each one there has been graffiti sprayed on the front doors with messages like "this is a terrible place for a wedding". There are three companies providing these services, all are hit. There's no other competition so why all of them? Love the twisting details in this one. :-)

The second in the Wrexford & Sloane Historical Mystery series by Andrea Penrose is Murder at Half Moon Gate. The body of a talented inventor was found in an alley in a part of town where he had no business being ... or did he? You know it's not a simple mugging! He had plans for remarkable improvements to the then new steam powered engine. Not everyone is happy with this progress because it will take jobs away from humans. Others see it as a way to make a lot of money. Wrexford is pulled into the investigation and once again asks Charlotte to help. She has a group of 'informants' (think Baker Street Irregulars) who help her with getting information she uses to create her political cartoons and they prove to be great help here. Soon there are other bodies, too, seems the killer is not afraid to remove anyone who might be dangerous to him or her. Wonderful atmospheric read!

Reading Hermit With Dog