Another first in a series, also recommended by Canadian Reader was Eggs in Purgatory, a Cackleberry Club Mystery, by Laura Childs. I've read others by this author and have enjoyed them so I'm not sure how I missed this one (it's from some years back). Three widows have joined together to form a business, a small cafe, both to keep them busy and to provide an income. Business improves for the wrong reason ... a body is found in a car in the parking lot. It's a small town, news travels fast, and the cafe seems to be in the center of it all. There's scandal possibly involving one of the deceased husbands, and an odd cult just out of town. (Is there a link??) When a second murder occurs, the cafe becomes even more popular.

The manager of the museum has been found dead. It is ruled a suicide, but Daniel Wilson is doubtful .... even though the gun was found next to the body, it's pretty much impossible to shoot oneself directly in the center of the forehead. Then, his partner, Abigail Fenton, discovers that several artifacts on display are actually fakes. Figuring out the why and how makes Murder at the Ashmolean, by Jim Eldridge another great historical mystery.

In need of a short read one evening, I opted for another of the Markham Sisters novellas by Diana Xarissa: The Walters Case. A wedding is just a few days away and the sisters are working on the final details. The venue where the reception will be held has been very busy, and money has gone missing. Then, the 'other' venue (owned by the ex-hubby) is also robbed. It's always from the bar. From a locked box. How is this happening? Aunt Bessie is visiting from the Isle of Man and she gets involved, too.

Reading Hermit With Dog