NOT THE KILLING TYPE

A New Hampshire mystery bookstore owner uses all the knowledge she has gained from reading her wares to help solve a murder.

Tricia Miles is surprised when her sister Angelica suddenly announces her candidacy for president of the Stoneham Chamber of Commerce. The longtime incumbent, Bob Kelly, owns oodles of local real estate and is also one of Angelica’s former lovers. Another last-minute nominee is Stan Berry, who runs the Stoneham sign shop. Angelica wants to improve the attractive tourist destination; Stan wants to cut spending on everything. Before he gets the chance to stump for his ideas, Trisha finds him stabbed in the bathroom of the Brookview Inn, where the chamber is having a breakfast meeting. Trisha’s boyfriend, Chief Baker of the Stoneham PD, is never happy when Tricia sticks her nose into his investigations (Murder On The Half Shelf, 2012, etc.), and his preoccupation with the health of his ex-wife has put a further strain on their relationship. Tricia’s own ex-husband shows up in town seeking reconciliation. So does Stan Berry’s son, who can certainly use the money his father left him. Although Tricia is getting ready for a busy Christmas season and supporting a friend who is soon to marry the handsome manager of the Brookview Inn, she still finds time to snoop. But she may not be pleased with what she learns.

Barrett continues her winning ways with another mystery chock full of interesting suspects and a surprising denouement.