Hannah has been volunteering at the local hospital while the bookstore she and her Aunt Violet own and run is being rebuilt after the recent bombings. It is London, 1916. She arrives one morning to find a soldier, dead, in the small library. That's not all that is suspicious ... a young nurse is afraid she is being followed, and then disappears. Hannah is sure they are connected. Murder in the Library is the second Miss Merrill and Aunt Violet Mystery by Anita Davison. Smart, strong women here, something that is not always appreciated in that time! ;-) Police, among others can be reluctant to listen to them. They will regret that.

It might be fun to partner the above book with Murder in an English Village, set in 1920 London since some of the attitudes are the same ... and remember that as you read, there is one extremely annoying doctor! Having fallen on hard times Edwina is advertising for a lodger to help make ends meet. Those who have applied are just not acceptable, until, thank goodness, an old friend, an American (and most unconventional) woman sees that ad and, not ready to return to the States as yet, takes Edwina up on the offer. Then, to save the reputation of her friend, finds the biggest gossip in town and at a 'slip of the tongue' says that the ad was actually a coded message, that the two had worked together during the war, possibly for the King! Turns out, there is a sinister side to the small town, with folks with secrets to hide. Seems they worry about what Beryl and Edwina might find out. This, the first of the Beryl and Edwina Mystery books by Jessica Ellicott is a grand romp! Thanks to Canadian Reader for the recommendation.

Reading Hermit With Dog