April 20, 2020
The action of this charming series launch from Gilbert (the Blue Ridge Library mysteries) takes place mainly at Chapters Bed-and-Breakfast, an inn in Beaufort, N.C., that hosts literary events. The owner, former schoolteacher Charlotte Reed, recently inherited the place from its founder, her great-aunt Isabella Harrington. In the library, during a celebration of mystery author Josephine Tey, Charlotte runs into rare book dealer Lincoln Delamont, who tells Charlotte that he’s unearthed a family secret—Isabella, a former maid, purchased rare volumes for the B&B with ill-gotten gains. He implies that he’ll reveal the secret, which is news to Charlotte, and cause a scandal unless she sells him valuable books for next to nothing. When Delamont’s body is later discovered in the carriage house, the book dealer’s 16-year-old daughter is certain Charlotte killed her father to silence him. Charlotte sets out to clear her name, ably abetted by a neighbor with her own intriguing past. The stakes rise as more suspects and another big secret come to light. Cozy fans and book lovers will be satisfied. Agent: Frances Black, Arts Counsel.