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Death by Latte
by Linda GerberRead Linda Gerber's posts on the Penguin Blog. It was only a few weeks ago that Aphra Connolly’s life changed completely. She had been living a quiet existence on her father’s secluded island resort, until Seth Mulo turned up and stole her heart . . . and provided information that led her to find her mom in Seattle. But the reunion isn’t quite what she expected. Aphra’s mom, Natalie, doesn’t seem happy to see Aphra, and Natalie’s boyfriend, Joe, insists that Aphra go home. Even worse, Seth shows up, only to ask her to return the ring he gave her the previous summer. At least Natalie’s hunky neighbor is sympathetic. But when Joe is found dead at a nearby coffee shop, Aphra discovers her whole trip to Seattle has been based on a lie. And now someone just might be trying to kill her. . . . .
Death by Misadventure
by Michael UnderwoodA police officer needs the quickness and guile of a bookmaker, the ingenuity of a psychiatrist and the physical reserves of a Marine, or so it seems to Detective Chief Superintendent Manton, who is called in to investigate a huge bullion robbery and its possible link with the death of a solicitor in a car crash. But even when a supposed double murderer is charged and tried there is still a taunting question mark over the case. Whose was the brain that planned the audacious gold robbery and does Manton know enough about the criminal mind to find out?
Death by Misadventure (Murder Room #162)
by Michael UnderwoodA police officer needs the quickness and guile of a bookmaker, the ingenuity of a psychiatrist and the physical reserves of a Marine, or so it seems to Detective Chief Superintendent Manton, who is called in to investigate a huge bullion robbery and its possible link with the death of a solicitor in a car crash. But even when a supposed double murderer is charged and tried there is still a taunting question mark over the case. Whose was the brain that planned the audacious gold robbery and does Manton know enough about the criminal mind to find out?
Death by Misadventure: A Lady Emily Mystery (Lady Emily Mysteries #18)
by Tasha AlexanderIn the latest installment of Tasha Alexander’s New York Times bestselling series, Lady Emily must solve a string of high stakes “accidents” while trapped in a lavish villa in the Bavarian Alps.In the winter of 1906, Lady Emily and husband Colin are invited to the opulent home of Baroness Ursula von Duchtel in the Bavarian alps. Outside is a mountainous winter wonderland with a view of Mad King Ludwig’s fairy tale castle. Inside, the villa hosts a magnificent but eclectic art collection—as well as an equally eclectic collection of fellow guests, among them a musician, an art dealer, a coquette from the demi-monde, and Kaspar, the Baroness’ boorish son-in-law, whom, it begins to appear, someone wants dead. Almost forty years earlier, Niels, a young German lord, sings to himself in the forest surrounding those same alps, capturing the attention of a not-yet-mad King Ludwig. Niels and the king become fast friends, their relationship deepening into something more as their time together stretches on. But while King Ludwig is content to live out a fantasy where their responsibilities don't matter and the outside world doesn't affect them, Niels knows that their bliss cannot last forever... Decades later, Emily continues to investigate Kaspar's increasingly lethal “mishaps" when tragedy strikes, ensnaring the guests in a web of fear and suspicion. It’s up to Emily to sift through old secrets and motivations, some stretching far into the past, to unmask the killer.
Death by Night (Department Z #14)
by John CreaseyA serial killer stalks the agents of Department Z in a rip-roaring thriller from the Edgar Award–winning author who sold eighty million books worldwide. London, 1941. In the unending darkness of the London Blackout, an assassin slinks through the night, striking down victims with deadly accuracy. His targets are agents, killed while on watch. Department Z is baffled. Who is the silent killer, why is he targeting them, and what is their secret . . . just how are they managing to take down the best-trained agents in Britain? Gordon Craigie, Department Z’s fearless leader, soon finds himself faced with the toughest challenge of his career—to catch the killer before his deadly skill falls into enemy hands, putting all of Europe in grave danger . . . “Mr. Creasey realizes that it is the principal business of thrillers to thrill.” —Church Times “Little appears in the newspapers about the Secret Service, but that little makes anything on the subject probable fiction. Mr. Creasey proves himself worthy of the chance.” —The Times Literary Supplement
Death by Night (Department Z)
by John CreaseyA serial killer stalks the agents of Department Z in a rip-roaring thriller from the Edgar Award–winning author who sold eighty million books worldwide.London, 1941. In the unending darkness of the London Blackout, an assassin slinks through the night, striking down victims with deadly accuracy. His targets are agents, killed while on watch.Department Z is baffled. Who is the silent killer, why is he targeting them, and what is their secret . . . just how are they managing to take down the best-trained agents in Britain?Gordon Craigie, Department Z’s fearless leader, soon finds himself faced with the toughest challenge of his career—to catch the killer before his deadly skill falls into enemy hands, putting all of Europe in grave danger . . .“Mr. Creasey realizes that it is the principal business of thrillers to thrill.” —Church Times“Little appears in the newspapers about the Secret Service, but that little makes anything on the subject probable fiction. Mr. Creasey proves himself worthy of the chance.” —The Times Literary Supplement
Death by Numbers
by Jo CunninghamSomething doesn't add up at the seaside... perfect for fans of Richard Osman, M.C. Beaton and the Rev. Richard Coles 'Clever and very funny' IAN MOORE, author of Death and Croissants'A terrifically funny, endearing read' Belfast Telegraph'A impressive debut full of unusual ideas and amusing relationships' Morning StarUna has always been more comfortable working with numbers than people. As an actuary for an insurance company, her job is to spot patterns that other people might miss.When the data for her latest project - into the predicted number of deaths in seaside resorts - shows a blip in her forecasts, Una's untarnished reputation at work is at risk. That is, unless she can work out why there's been an unusual spate of accidental deaths by the coast. Death by Hanging Basket? She's not seen that before.Where better to begin than her mother's hometown of Eastbourne, where strange fatalities are befalling her mother's bingo crowd.But as Una puts her spreadsheets aside and begins to investigate, a sinister pattern begins to emerge and she realises that there is nothing accidental about these casualties . . .Can Una stop the killer in this small seaside town, before she becomes a not-so-vital statistic?'Sharp, witty and joyous - a sort of Eleanor Oliphant meets Thursday Murder Club. I fell in love with Una and her risk averseness, and the cast of wonderful characters. I can't wait to read about what they get up to next!' Jessica Irena Smith
Death by Numbers: A hilarious and gripping cosy murder mystery (Una McMurray Mysteries Book 1) (Una McMurray)
by Jo Cunningham'Loved this book! A fun and quirky mystery. I just couldn't put it down, the characters in this book are just amazing as well so quirky and unique... a very good mystery as well.' - NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐----------Something doesn't add up at the seaside...Una has always been more comfortable working with numbers than people. As an actuary for an insurance company, her job is to spot patterns that other people might miss.When the data for her latest project - into the predicted number of deaths in seaside resorts - shows a blip in her forecasts, Una's untarnished reputation at work is at risk. That is, unless she can work out why there's been an unusual spate of accidental deaths by the coast. Death by hanging basket? She's not seen that before.Where better to begin than her mother's hometown of Eastbourne, where strange fatalities are befalling her mother's bingo crowd.But as Una puts her spreadsheets aside and begins to investigate, a sinister pattern begins to emerge and she realises that there is nothing accidental about these casualties . . .Can Una stop the killer in this small seaside town, before she becomes a not-so-vital statistic?----------A witty murder mystery perfect for fans of Richard Osman, Ian Moore and the Reverend Richard Coles, readers and reviewers love Death by Numbers!'Clever and very funny' - Ian Moore, author of Death and Croissants'Eleanor Oliphant meets The Thursday Murder Club' - Jessica Irena Smith'Witty and fun' - Woman's Own'A terrifically funny, endearing read' - Belfast Telegraph'A impressive debut full of unusual ideas and amusing relationships' - Morning Star
Death by Pantyhose (A Jaine Austen Mystery #6)
by Laura LevineI'm crazy about Laura Levine's mystery series. Her books are so outrageously funny. --Joanne FlukeFreelance writer Jaine Austen has never been able to resist the siren call of an Eskimo Pie, just like she can't resist renewing her romance with Andrew, an old crush. With her bank account hitting new lows, she's also just agreed to write jokes for Dorcas, a stand-up comic who throws her pantyhose into the audience as a punch line. Not only is Dorcas's act a bomb, she is heckled by Vic, a gorgeous fellow comic. Naturally when Vic is murdered with Dorcas's pantyhose and that same Dorcas is standing over his dead body, the police arrest...Dorcas. They figure it's an open-and-shut case, although Jaine figures no killer can be that dumb. But when Jaine sets out to find the real culprit, she is distracted by one dating disaster after another with Andrew--and she may not see the dark side of comedy until she faces the business end of a gun and a cold, deadly grin... "Fun. . .Jaine's dogged sleuthing and screwball antics will entertain fans of this fizzy series." --Publishers Weekly
Death by Peppermint Cappuccino (A Bookstore Cafe Mystery #12)
by Alex EricksonA smart, well-crafted mystery set in a charming small-town Ohio, where bookstore-cafe owner Krissy Hancock has a sideline in sleuthing—just right for fans of Leslie Meier, Cleo Coyle, and Carolyn Hart. Christmas has come to Pine Hills, and Krissy&’s blooming relationship with Officer Paul Dalton has her in an especially festive mood. The café&’s new seasonal signature drink is a hit too. But not everyone shares the same holiday spirit. There are some loud complaints about businesses profiting off the season and losing focus on what Christmas is really about. And as if on cue, a shop owner who&’d been price-gouging his customers is found dead after receiving a mysterious gift . . . Krissy doesn&’t want to let the troubling events put a damper on the holiday, especially with her father and his girlfriend in town. But when other shop owners are targeted she has no choice. She needs to wrap up this case quickly before one of her friends—or even Krissy herself—ends up on a Grinchy killer&’s deadly gift list . . .
Death by Polka
by Samantha ShepherdSay goodbye to the Polka Prince and hello to the sexy crimesolver with a polka twist, Lottie Kachowski. This thirtysomething fireball left for L.A. years ago, but she roars home to New Krakow, Pennsylvania for her dad the Polka Prince's funeral...and ends up investigating his murder. If only she didn't have to team up with his screwball girlfriend, Polish Peg, to navigate the wild world of small town polka. Can she crack the case without Peg driving her nuts? Can she dig up her family's darkest secrets without dying at the hands of a psychopathic monster? When you've got polka in your blood like Lottie, you just know the bad guy's going to face the music.
Death by Publication
by J. J. FiechterSir Edward Destry, head of a distinguished publishing house in London, has been friends with his most successful author, the dashing French war hero Nicolas Fabry, for thirty years. Over time, though, Sir Edward's admiration for his friend has soured into envy. When Fabry publishes a new novel in France that rockets to the top of the bestseller list and wins the country's most prestigious literary prize, Sir Edward plunges into grief and fury. Fabry's fiction is no fiction. Its heroine is modeled on the only woman Sir Edward ever loved--and for whose tragic suicide Destry took the blame. Now he discovers it was Fabry who was responsible for her death, and he abandons her. With precision and passion, Sir Edward plots his revenge. He translates Fabry's novel into English and devises a plan guaranteed to cause disgrace, ruin, and--death by publication.Darkly comic and masterfully plotted, Death by Publication, which won France's most prestigious detective fiction award the year it was published, is an inspired exploration of obsession, betrayal, and fraud--a gripping page-turner that is as thought-provoking as it is stylish.
Death by Publication: A Mystery
by J. J. FiechterWinner of the Grande Prix de Littérature Policière, a darkly comic novel of love, obsession, and revenge set among the literary elite. Sir Edward Destry, the head of a distinguished London publishing house, and French novelist Nicholas Fabry have been friends for more than thirty years. Over time, however, Sir Edward’s affection has soured into envy. So when his dashing friend’s latest novel becomes a bestseller and garners the prestigious Prix Goncourt, Sir Edward is enraged—especially since Fabry’s latest fiction is no fiction. The sensational tale is actually a thinly veiled account of Fabry’s affair with Yasmina, the only woman Sir Edward ever loved. Sir Edward had always blamed himself for Yasmina’s tragic suicide, never realizing it was Fabry’s seduction and abandonment that had driven her to take her own life. While Fabry is feted by the French literary world, Sir Edward plots his revenge. With precision and passion, he devises a plan guaranteed to cause disgrace, ruin—and death by publication.
Death by Pumpkin Spice (A Bookstore Cafe Mystery #3)
by Alex EricksonBookstore café owner Krissy Hancock would rather spend Halloween serving pumpkin goodies than wearing costumes with Pine Hills' wealthiest at Yarborough mansion, especially when the soiree shapes up to be more trick than treat . . . As if a run-in with an old flame and a failed marriage proposal weren't enough to horrify Krissy for one night, a woman is found strangled to death in a room filled with ominous jack-o'-lanterns. All signs suggest a crime of passion--but when the hostess's jewelry disappears, malevolent intentions seem way more likely . . . With the estate on lockdown and a killer roaming the halls, Krissy must help Officer Paul Dalton investigate each nook, cranny, and guest for answers--while also confronting a few demons of her own. Someone has lots of skeletons in the closet, and Krissy better tread lightly to expose them . . .
Death by Rodrigo
by Ron LiebmanA HILARIOUS NEW SERIES -- THINK JANET EVANOVICH MEETS MY COUSIN VINNY. When El Salvadoran crime boss Rodrigo González is finally nabbed in Camden, New Jersey, for high-volume drug trafficking, he hires criminal defense attorneys Mickie Mezzonatti and Salvatore "Junne" Salerno, Jr. He's been told they're the best and that, as former Camden police officers, they know all the blind spots and loopholes (read: the ins and outs) of the local courts. All Rodrigo asks of Junne and Mickie is that they get him out on bond so he can jump bail and escape back to the comforts of El Salvador. Problem is, the judge denies bail. Soon Mezzonatti and Salerno are receiving a few unwelcome guests -- friends of Rodrigo -- asking questions. And the boys need to find answers, fast. Mickie and Junne have an enviable professional success rate. With their street smarts and learned-on-the-job courtroom skills, the blue-collar boys enjoy trouncing self-righteous, Ivy-educated district attorneys. But they also know when they need help. Like with Rodrigo. So they approach Professor Mumbles, a brilliant though eccentric former white-shoe lawyer who suffered a spectacular corporate burnout. As Junne and Mickie duck and dive to make Rodrigo's case (or at least fake it with Mumbles's help), they're also juggling their regular caseload -- like local drug lord Slippery Williams, whose badass nephew may have turned informant; and the gorgeous hooker Little Chip, whose prostitution bust leaves her pimp hopping mad. And through it all, the boys attempt to keep a happy home life. That's no sweat for Mickie, a natural Casanova, but it may prove to be trickier than Junne ever imagined. 'Cause he's got a secret. And if Rodrigo does not kill him, his family just might.... The first installment of a hilarious new series, Death by Rodrigo is a romp through the seamy side of criminal law by one of the foremost attorneys in America (who also has a wicked sense of humor).
Death by Roses
by Vivian R. ProbstDeath by Roses is an outrageous, laugh-out-loud, exploration of life and love before and after death. Leading us on a journey full of shocking revelations, eccentric characters, and perhaps even enlightenment, Vivian Probst is a master of her craft. Death by Roses mixes just the right blend of irreverence, ingenuity, and heart-felt sincerity in a touching story of life and relationships as the universe's sense of humor unfolds
Death by Sheer Torture (Perry Trethowan #1)
by Robert BarnardPerry Trethowan, a successful young police inspector, is called in to assist unofficially in the investigation of his father's kinky murder.
Death by Smoothie (A Jaine Austen Mystery #19)
by Laura LevineFreelance writer and long‑time Ben & Jerry&’s addict Jaine Austen uncovers murderers on the mean streets of Beverly Hills, with a little help from her snarky cat, Prozac, in this witty mystery series from acclaimed TV comedy writer and novelist Laura Levine—a lighthearted treat for cat cozy fans and readers of Joanne Fluke, Miranda James, and Laura Childs. The Bewitched knockoff I Married a Zombie may have flopped in its day, but it&’s got a devoted cult following. Jaine is delighted when one of those rabid fans hires her as script doctor for his new play based on the show—until she reads the awful script and meets Misty, the actress who&’ll be playing Cryptessa&’s role. Misty has Audrey Hepburn&’s doe eyes but not a smidgen of her ability. Yet she can certainly act the diva, demanding a special smoothie every day at 3pm. Meanwhile, Jaine is grappling with another spoiled female—her uncooperative cat, Prozac, who&’s refusing to be wrangled into a kitty harness for outside walks. When someone spikes Misty&’s signature drink with a fatal shot of rat poison, the cast of suspects extends far beyond the theater. What Misty lacked in talent she made up for in enemies. Everyone Jaine talks to maintains their innocence, but one of them is clearly only playing the part. And it&’s up to Jaine to figure out who, before a killer schedules an encore performance . . .
Death by Society
by Sierra ElmoreMEAN GIRLS meets IT'S KIND OF A FUNNY STORY when two teenage girls' worlds collide when one attempts suicide to avoid toxic popularity.Carter Harper may have created an award-winning app and have a 3.93 GPA, but her successes are overshadowed by brutal bullying, depression, and loneliness. Tired of being treated as the popular girls' plaything, Carter thinks her only choice is to die by suicide.Abby Wallace is one of the most popular girls in school, subordinate only to Kelsey, her best friend with benefits. The ambitious poet destroys reputations without care to prove how cool, cruel, and strong she is, all while pushing down her past trauma and secret guilt.Carter and Abby's tumultuous relationship comes to a boiling point when Abby stops Carter from attempting suicide. But what happens when they have to protect one another from Kelsey's harmful antics? If Carter and Abby can stand each other for more than three minutes, they can stop Kelsey from hurting more girls-and maybe become friends in the process.In the tradition of Courtney Summers and Laurie Halse Anderson, this book questions how far we'll go to gain power over our lives-and what happens when we use our voices for both good and to harm others.
Death by Spiced Chai (A Bookstore Cafe Mystery #10)
by Alex EricksonA charming, relatable small-town setting and a cast of complex characters sets Alex Erickson&’s Bookstore Café Mystery series apart from the cozy pack—and this time the stakes are higher than ever, as bookstore owner Krissy Hancock becomes the target of escalating attacks. Smart and masterfully plotted, will appeal to fans of Leslie Meier, Cleo Coyle, and Carolyn Hart. In a small town like Pine Hills, reputation counts for a lot. And for reasons that Krissy Hancock can&’t figure out, someone is trashing hers. Cockroaches in the bookstore&’s coffee, spiteful reviews, vandalism—Krissy is being framed for every bit of bad news around. Her boyfriend, local cop Paul Dalton, is on the case, but before they can source the saboteur, Krissy is in the frame for murder, too. The murder weapon was a teapot full of Krissy&’s favorite spiced chai, and all the local gossips are spilling the tea about her supposed involvement. But the real culprit has a grudge that&’s been simmering for years. And unless Krissy can uncover the truth before the killer&’s rage boils over again, it won&’t just be her business in hot water—her life will be on the line too . . .
Death by Sudoku (A Sudoku Mystery #1)
by Kaye MorganMaiden's Bay is a small, scenic town on the Oregon Coast where citizens get their number fix thanks to Liza Kelly-Sudoku Maven with the Oregon Daily. Her challenging puzzles sharpen the mind, and her deductive skills unravel even the most enigmatic clues. Liza enters a Sudoku tournament in which her old friend and competitor turns up dead. Now, she must think outside the boxes to find a murderer.
Death by Surprise (Carolyn Hart Classics #5)
by Carolyn HartA woman is out to clear her cousin of murder charges after a blackmailer targeting the wealthy Carlisle family turns up dead. K.C. Carlisle and her cousin Kenneth Carlisle both grew up rich. Kenneth is a corporate lawyer in an exclusive Northern California seaside community while K.C. has a storefront office on the seedy side of town. She takes whatever kind of case walks in her door. But trouble appears one day when Francine Boutelle shows up pretending she wants to write an expose of the Carlisle family, including some dirt on K.C.'s late and highly respectable father. Francine has visited most of the family and is willing to keep the family secrets in exchange for cash. When Kenneth is accused of murdering the blackmailer, K.C. is determined to prove his innocence, no matter where the trail of blood and deception leads.
Death by Tea (A Bookstore Cafe Mystery #2)
by Alex EricksonMystery lovers have descended on Pine Hills for this year's book club competition, to be held at Krissy Hancock's bookstore café. But the killer in their midst seems determined to outwit all the armchair sleuths--and send Krissy to the remainder bin forever. Just before two dueling book clubs are set to square off at Death by Coffee, one of the competitors turns up dead--bludgeoned with the silver teapot that was to serve as the prize. Suspicion immediately falls on Krissy, who was seen skulking around town in dark clothes on the night of the murder. To clear her name and find the real killer, Krissy turns to an old flame, Officer Paul Dalton. But even Paul can't ignore the trail of evidence that seems to point in her direction. And with Krissy's personal nemesis, Officer John Buchannan, working overtime to pin the murder on her, it will take an amazing feat of detective work to close the book for good on an elusive killer. . .
Death by Tiara (A Jaine Austen Mystery #13)
by Laura LevineFreelance writer Jaine Austen thought she knew what she was getting herself into when she landed a gig working behind the scenes at a teen beauty pageant. But between the vicious stage moms, exacting judges, and trash-talking teens, she's not sure she's the woman for the job--especially when the catfights turn deadly...Jaine has been hired by über-pushy stage mom Heather Van Sant to write lyrics for her daughter Taylor's song in the talent competition for the Miss Teen Queen America pageant. It's different from anything Jaine has done before, but if nothing else, she's looking forward to a free weekend in a swanky hotel and a chance to see what really goes on backstage at a beauty pageant. But the hotel is a dump, the cattiness is out of control, and Candace--the perfectly-coiffed, whip-cracking pageant director--is making even Jaine's life miserable.When Candace's assistant Amy is found bludgeoned to death with a silver tiara, there are more suspects than sequins on a pageant gown--and Heather is first on the list. Taylor begs Jaine to help clear her mom's name, but the search for the killer hits a dead end as Jaine quickly realizes that finding the culprit is going to be trickier than walking the stage in stilettos...
Death by Toilet Paper
by Donna GephartFans of How to Survive Middle School will welcome the adventures of a contest-crazed seventh grader who uses his wits and way with words in hopes of winning a big cash prize to help his family avoid eviction. Dear Royal-T Toilet Paper Company,You guys make the best toilet paper. I realize that's a weird thing for a seventh grader to say, but it's true. I didn't know how good I had it until the day it was replaced by scratchy (sand)paper. Good toilet paper was the first thing to go. . . . Your friend, Benjamin Epstein Benjamin is about to lose a whole lot more than good toilet paper. But even with his flair for clever slogans, will he be able to win a cash prize large enough to keep a promise he made to his dad before he died?