There are a variety of spins on the Sherlock Holmes books these days and one of my favorites is The Lady Sherlock Series by Sherry Thomas. Charlotte Holmes, a consulting detective (acting for her sickly brother Sherlock, because, after all, a mere woman couldn't really do this, right?) has been tasked with retrieving some letters that requires the theft of a rather large piece of art. From a public place and during a public event. Just how she pulls this off, with the help of a wonderful collection of friends makes The Art of Theft of great read.

It seems a gathering of crime writers is not all the, er, fun, it was supposed to be. One of those attending is extremely unpopular among the other writers so when he is found dead in the local Victorian Bath, few are upset. The thing is, he had arranged for the private use of the Baths so no one else was around, and there is only one way in and out, and someone is behind the desk at all times. The Royal Baths Murder is one of the Yorkshire Murder Mystery books by J.R. Ellis. I'll offer up just one hint: think 'hiding in plain sight'. ;-)

Reading Hermit With Dog