A Trace of Poison, the second of the Phyllida Bright Mystery novels, by Colleen Cambridge is another good blending of real and fictional characters. A gathering of mystery writers, some famous, many unknown, have gathered for a Murder Fete (it seemed like a clever theme at the time). Each of the unknowns (or lesser knowns) have submitted a short story and the winner will have his/her story published not only in England, but in the United States as well. Then someone ends up dead ... the only person who knows the results of the competition ... but ... he did drink a special cocktail that only one person there actually likes, might have it been meant for that person instead (he is a most unlikeable person)? Phyllida is investigation, of course, with Agatha's blessing ... along with the most unwelcome or wanted help from the chauffeur! Lots of twists and turns here (remember, this is a gathering of mystery writers), with lots of folks with motive ... read and enjoy!

While at an Indie Author's conference the suggestion was made that someone needed to write a cozy mystery set in outer space. Leave it to Diana Xarissa to come up with one (also the start of her new series). She's set it up well, too. Alibis in Alpha Sector, a Lady Elizabeth Cozy in Space is the first leg of a two year journey ... through 26 sectors to get to the final destination (there's the 26 books). It's the maiden voyage for the ship (that still has some bugs) so it is not full (there's your small town). It felt a little ... off, I guess, since this is the first time in a long time I've met new characters by this author, but that should get better as the series continues. Try it, see what you think!

Reading Hermit With Dog