The Murders in Great Diddling by Katarina Bivald started out as a nice read, one I could put down and do other things, and then turned into quite the engaging read that kept me up late. Set in the small town of Great Diddling ... where there is no coast, no lakes, nothing to draw any tourists ... and with a curious and quirky population. A writer of note as moved there, hoping for inspiration for her next book (she's on a deadline). There is a tea at the one large mansion (filled with lots of books) during which there is an explosion. The body is that of someone no one likes, so there is not much concern shown over that death, and, there are lots of folks with motive. Three women claim responsibility and sell their story to a different newspaper for money (which they need). The interest in the murder convinces the head of the town council to have a book festival ... in less than two weeks! She sends out invitations and adverts saying there will be panels with famous authors, a surprise event, and more, even though she has not yet figured out exactly what is going to happen. How this is all pulled off makes for a wonderful story!

The Three Dahlias is the first in a series (Dahlia Lively) by Katy Watson. Dahlia Lively is a character in a series of books written in the 1930s.(Think Miss Marple). She has a huge fan base even in these modern times. There has been a movie, a tv series, and now, a second movie is about to be made. There is a convention to celebrate all this, held at Aldermere, where the books were written. There is much excitement! And, of course, a body. The three actors who have played (or will play) the character form an uneasy alliance (at first) to solve the crime based on how Dahlia would have done it! Not a bad start. :-)

Reading Hermit With Dog