Murder on Tour is book nine in the V.M. Burns Mystery Bookshop series. I’ve read, loved, and widely recommended the previous books. Her protagonist, Samantha Washington quit her job as a school teacher to open a mystery bookshop, following through on the dream she shared with her recently deceased husband. She had the second floor renovated into a loft where she lives. Like most cozy mysteries, Sam stumbles across mysteries she must solve and enlists her boyfriend, her grandmother, Josephine, and her friends to help. She is a big Agatha Christie fan and is writing a cozy of her own, a British Drawing Room Mystery set in the 1930s, “Murder at Wickfield Lodge,” which is now complete. Sam has embarked on a book tour for the novel. She feels out of her element at a speaking event where the other participants have gone full mean girl. But when a publicist is poisoned, Sam is the one who steps up to solve the murder.

I received this Advanced Reader Copy of Murder on Tour from Kensington Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Bookshop owner and debut cozy mystery writer Samantha Washington is a new character to me, although I discovered there are no less than eight earlier entries in VM Burns' Mystery Bookshop series. Would I have enjoyed Murder on Tour more if I had started with the first book in the series? Most likely, as it would have allowed me more time to become familiar with the cast of characters, but I was was still able to appreciate the strong points of this book. For one, we are treated to a book-within-a-book, Samantha's historical mystery, set in 1939 in England between the World Wars. In alternating chapters, the author cleverly juxtaposes the fictional mystery with the real-life mystery occurring in Samantha's life in Northern Michigan.

Feeling impostor syndrome when participating in a book tour with much more seasoned authors, Sam is also startled to hear some vitriolic behind-the-scenes arguments among several of the authors. One author is accusing another of not only stealing her lover but stealing her manuscript and publishing it as her own. A suspicious death takes place, leading in quick succession to two more. In the fictional world, Lady Elizabeth encounters high emotions and threats among Members of Parliament who are outraged by an author who brags of selling military secrets to another country.

In both scenarios, it is the female protagonist who is center stage. In fact, Sam seems to be solving the mystery mostly on her own, as the detective is portrayed as a slovenly loser who seems all too eager to allow her to take responsibility. I found that difficult to swallow, as law enforcement personnel in cozy mysteries are usually warning civilians away from the investigation. There are many characters in the plot who have been featured in earlier series books, including Sam's family, friends, and especially her Grandma Jo's buddies at the retirement village, who provide assistance and humor to the process.

The mysteries in this book are low-stakes for the protagonists, who never really seem to be in any jeopardy. Overall, I enjoyed it and may delve into some of the earlier books in the future.

My thanks to Kensington Cozies and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review of this book.

Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie

It was a delight to visit Samantha, her family, fiancé, and friends in North Harbor, Michigan. I was especially happy to see Sam’s first book baby has been released and she is finishing her first ever book tour! Sam’s British historical mystery, “Murder at Wickfield Lodge”, is the first in a hopefully long, successful series. At the end of her scheduled tour, Sam was a last-minute fill-in author at the annual North Harbor Book Festival held at the local university. She would be on several panel discussions, and on each one, Judith Hunter was the featured author. It was a mixed blessing, as her book would not get as much exposure, but she wouldn’t have to answer many off-the-cuff questions.

Before the first panel began, Sam accidentally overheard a private discussion. It included authors Nora Cooper, Scarlet MacDunkin, Judith, and Judith’s publicist, Clark. Nora told Judith – and anyone else in hearing range – that she knew Judith stole her manuscript that Judith published as “author” of the best seller, “The Corpse Danced at Midnight”. Nora threatened Judith, who didn’t seem very concerned.

Sam’s presence was discovered, and she did what her grandmother, Nana Jo, would probably do if it had been her. She also overheard that she was chosen as a replacement because she would draw a local crowd, and they wouldn’t have to pay for her travel or housing. Dr. Peters, a professor and the facilitator of the panel, would occasionally throw a question to Sam.

On the night of the festival banquet, Sam was there with Frank, her fiancé. They were talking with authors Nora and Scarlet, and met another couple, bestselling author Paul West and his wife, Olivia Townsend, popular middle-school aged mystery writer. Olivia was a delightful conversationalist, loved Sam’s book, and was invested in her characters. Paul and Nora were being encouraged by Scarlet to drink more and more champagne. Rumor had it that Paul had left Olivia, had an affair with Judith, and when he planned to divorce his wife, Judith dumped him.

When Judith and Clark joined them, Paul and Nora were very drunk. Within minutes, Paul was escorted out with Olivia following, then after a small mishap, Clark collapsed, had a seizure, and lost consciousness. Frank asked Sam to call 911, then the detective they are too familiar with, Detective Pitt (or Stinky Pitt to his former elementary school peers). Frank had reason to think the publicist, who died enroute to the hospital, was poisoned.

Sam, Nana Jo and her friends, and even Frank have helped her solve murders in the past. Those were mostly because Detective Pitt, in a hurry to close a case, had accused Sam or her loved ones of murder. They have quite a track record and, when recently helping get Pitt off the hook for murder, he gained a bit of respect for them. He wants her to gather all the clues for him as the university wants the murder solved in two days. He’ll come back, do the interviews and arrest the killer, and … he’ll be happy.

Sam’s writing has a surprising side effect for her. When she is stumped about something, especially a real-life murder, she works on her current British World War II era novel. She loves writing, which has not failed to help her find real life solutions as her characters find their fictional solutions.

The author has gifted us with a variety of well-defined, fascinating characters. Opening a new Mystery Bookshop cozy is like visiting old friends. Sam, Nana Jo and her friends, Frank, and Sam’s family are each unique, and this reader enjoys seeing that, in many ways, their lives are just like ours. Pets, family members, the love of books, all added to the pleasure of spending time with them. The authors we met this time were described as needed for their roles.

The glimpse we have been given of writing and publishing this time has added to my reading pleasure. I very much appreciate the story within the story, the WWII mysteries that Sam writes. There are enough twists and turns in both mysteries to keep me engaged, and guessing the bad guys in both stories was not easy. I actually did figure out a good portion of both solutions, but there was still an element I wasn’t prepared for. I highly recommend this novel and series, especially for those who enjoy cozy mysteries and British historical mysteries.

This is such a fun series! I love Sam, her grandmother and her friends, and the rest of the characters in this series; they add so much humor to the story. The mystery, as always, is well-paced and plotted, and, although I figured out who did it early on, it didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the book. There’s just the right balance of sleuthing and catching up with old friends. The story within a story, the mysteries Sam writes, have grown on me and I find myself looking forward to those as much as the actual plot. I look forward to reading the next one.

Great, fast read. Everything was perfectly paced and was just right for my long distance flight. This series has consistently stayed well written and I’m looking forward to the next book.

Murder on Tour by V.M. Burns has Ms. Samantha Washington finishing up her first book tour, and of course, she has to solve a mystery.

Will Sam solve the mystery before the end of the festival?

Samantha Washington
Samantha Washington is back to solve another mystery with her grandma and friends lending a hand. She also has some other helpers as well to find things out. Sam is doing great in this installment, and I love her confidence. Not only in her writing, despite what Nana Jo says, but also in her love life. I love how Sam leads her cohorts into mystery-solving mode and how they all can help her out. Another thing that I love is how her nephews are always there for her, and everyone is willing to assist her.

I love all of the characters that are showcased in this novel.

The Mystery
Samantha is enjoying herself at a cocktail reception when a publicist gets poisoned. She ends up on the case. The mystery has a lot of twists and turns that I was undoubtedly getting twisted around trying to keep everything straight. I figured it out...right when Sam and the others figured it out. At least I got there in the end. I wasn’t expecting it to go the way it did.

Five Stars
Murder on Tour by V.M. Burns is worthy of five stars and a recommendation to any cozy mystery reader out there. I am glad I decided to pick this series back up with this novel. Ms. Burns didn’t disappoint with this mystery. Sam and the others are great. I can’t wait to see what other trouble this motley crew will face next.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Murder on Tour by V.M. Burns.

Until the next time,
Karen the Baroness

If you would like to see other reviews like this one, check out Baroness Book Trove.

I always enjoy the twofer of reading the Mystery Bookshop series. You get the contemporary bookstore owner mystery and the historical fiction mystery that she is writing simultaneously.

In Murder on Tour, I enjoyed the behind-the-scenes look at a book tour the most. I loved the scandal of one well-known author accusing another of stealing her book. Since the book is called The Corpse Danced at Midnight, I believe they both stole it from Jessica Fletcher (of Murder, She Wrote fame) who wrote it sometime in the 1980s. Regardless, the accused author, Judith, gives her drink to another author who is poisoned by it. Was she the one meant to be dead? New author and bookseller Sam must marshal all her resources to find the killer. Can she, her restaurateur boyfriend, her grandmother and her grandmother’s delightfully sarcastic elderly friends find the murderer and unmask a plagiarism scheme? You will have a wonderful time finding out. 4 stars for this humorous and inventive cozy mystery!

Thanks to Kensington Cozies, Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours, and NetGalley for a digital review copy of the book.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

I will forever be a cozy mystery fan and this book is proof. This book tells the story of Samantha who owns a bookshop and is also an author. The book launch starts great until a bestselling author Judith who isn't a favorite ensures drama occurs. A mystery writer and amateur sleuth , a poisoned publicist , a feisty Nana Jo is a recipe for a cozy mystery to die for. Thrilling, fast-paced , humorous and totally a page turner it is ideal for cozy mystery lovers.

Dollycas's Thoughts

Samantha Washington can add another title to her resume, published author. Yes, Murder at Wickfield Lodge has been published and she has been on a book tour to promote her first book.  The final stop is right in her hometown of North Harbor, Michigan. Sam isn't sure that she belongs on discussion panels with some very successful authors but she hopes to hold her own. Before the panels even begin Sam overhears some fierce arguments between the guest of honor, Judith Hunter, and two other authors. Sabotage . . . Plagiarism . . . Could it be true?

Later at a cocktail party, a publicist is poisoned, but was he really the target? Nana Jo and her friends from Shady Acres are more than willing to help Samantha find out. While Sam works on her next book with a plot similar to the one in real life, the ladies from Shady Acres have some ideas of their own to catch the killer. The question is can they do it without anyone else getting killed? or will there be more dead bodies at the North Harbor Book Festival?

_____

I really enjoy this series and was so pleased to see Sam's book published and that she has such a fabulous publicist, heck the woman did the work of two people. Using her writing to help figure out clues in a current mystery makes Samantha an excellent amateur sleuth. Teamed up with her Nana Jo and her friends, Ruby Mae, Irma, and Dorothy, with some assistance from her fiancee' Frank, and her sister Jenna the group is pretty unstoppable which drives Detective Bradley Pitt—aka “Stinky Pitt” pretty crazy. Dawson is pretty busy with college and football but he still finds time to bake up some delicious treats and help out at the bookstore. Twins, Christopher, and Zaq were home from college for the weekend too so they are able to help with all the extra customers in town because of the book festival and the pop-up special events that randomly happened. All the characters are fun and funny while being true to life and relatable.

Oreo and Snickers are such lovable pups and wonderful canine companions. Snickers is getting up there in age but Oreo still follows Sam wherever she goes. Losing animals is just too hard. I hope Sam can avoid that pain for a very long time.

The great thing about this series is that there are two separate mysteries to solve. The historical one always mirrors the current case in some ways. Writing calms Sam and allows her to look at things from a different perspective which helps her entangle clues in the present-day murder. Lady Elizabeth had her hands full this time but she never loses her cool. She makes keen observations and keeps to ears open. Sam does the same. I was all over the place in my theories for both mysteries. When Detective Pitt shows up to tie up "just a few loose ends" you know things are going to be tense and entertaining. And they do/are and I loved it! The same with Detective Inspector Covington and Lady Elizabeth but with a twist.

While the final chapters wrap up the mysteries, by the end of the book Sam has a revelation of her own and she is absolutely right.

This line was in Chapter 1, but it spoke to me clearly as to how I feel.

". . . don't discount the importance of escapist fiction. Books are subjective, and people read books for different reasons. Given everything that's happened in the world, many of us need to escape to maintain our sanity."
~Nana Jo

I need to put that on a sampler. It's the ideal tagline for a blog entitled Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book.

Murder on Tour is another superb book from V.M. Burns. Thoughtful and engaging characters with not one but two mysteries that will charm readers from beginning to end. With the weather getting chilly, you can make yourself a cup of hot chocolate, grab a this book and a snuggly blanket, head to that comfy chair, and sit back, get cozy, and escape right into Murder on Tour.

I recommend the entire Mystery Bookshop Series to all cozy readers.

Murder on Tour by V.M. Burns is the ninth book in the Mystery Bookshop series, but like most cozy mystery books, you can enjoy it without having read the other books. This is the fourth book I’ve read in the series, and I completely enjoyed it. One of my favorite things about this series is that I get to read two cozy mystery books in one!

Samantha (Sam) Washington owns the Market Street Mysteries bookstore, and she’s a newly published author of the historical cozy mystery book, Murder at Wickfield Lodge. In Murder on Tour, Samantha is asked to join a book tour being held locally. She’s surprised, of course, since she’s a new author, and the others are best-selling, popular authors. When she finds out why she was invited, her happy bubble bursts. When a publicist is murdered at a cocktail reception, Sam finds herself smack dab in the middle of another murder investigation.

Sam’s grandma, Nana Jo and her friends from Shady Acres Retirement Village are ready to start snooping and phoning their contacts as soon as they hear about the murder. Ruby Mae, one of Nana Jo’s friends, is one of my favorite characters. She’s got an extensive number of contacts just because she’s got such an extremely large family. Someone in the family always knows someone who can get the information. I imagine just being in Ruby Mae’s company would calm me. I love how she’s always knitting for one of that huge network of family and family friends. Even if you’ve not read any of the series, you’ll be able to appreciate the characters and the roles they play. Some of the characters that I’ve grown fond of don’t appear much in this book, so I think you should go back and read some more!

I enjoyed how the mystery played out. Being an avid cozy mystery fan, I did figure things out pretty quickly, but I’ve solved a lot of crimes (you know, in books). The secondary story is Sam’s follow-up novel, so she works on it when she needs to escape the real world. The “real” mystery and the one in Sam’s new book mirror each other. I’m a huge fan of the British historical cozy, so I really liked reading about what was going on at the manor house. Don’t ever let anyone tell you that cozy mystery books are all fluff. Sure, there’s some fluff. We want to enjoy that cozy feeling that reading this type of book brings. In one scene, Nana Jo is giving Sam some good advice. She tells her that with all of the bad, messed up stuff going on in the real world, we need an “escape to maintain our sanity.” True, Nana Jo.

I highly recommend Murder on Tour! I think you’ll love the characters, the bookshop setting, and both of the cozy mysteries!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

Murder on Tour is book #9 in the Mystery Bookshop series by V.M. Burns.

Another entertaining addition to the Mystery Bookshop series. I really enjoy the characters. My favorite part of the series is seeing how the characters grow over time and this does not disappoint. The mystery kept me guessing. Every time I thought I’d figured out who was guilty, there was another twist and I was wrong. It’s an extra treat that we get a book within a book.

Thank you to the author, Kensington Books, and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

Murder On Tour is the ninth book in the A Mystery Bookshop Mystery series by V. M. Burns.

Samantha's (Sam) first historical mystery, Murder At Wickfield Lodge, has just been published, and she will be attending her first-panel discussion and book signing at the North Harbor Book Festival. Sam begins to doubt whether she should be there when she hears she was a last-minute pick when another author could not attend, and she was local and an easy fill-in. Regardless, Sam decides to stay and make the best of it.

Shortly after the start of the first festival, Sam hears an argument between two of the other authors, Judith Hunter, Nora Cooper, and Scarlett MacDonald. Judith accused Nora of stealing her manuscript, which became a best seller for Judith. When threats are made to kill Judith, Sam calls upon her grandmother, Nana Jo, and her posse of friends from Shady Acres Retirement Home to keep an eye out for anyone who might be trying to murder Judith.

At the awards banquet, the authors are gathered around sipping on champagne. When someone bumps into Clark Cunnigham, Judith’s publicist, causing him to spill his drink. Judith hands him her drink, and moments later, he is dead. The police are called, and soon Det. Bradley “Stinky” Pitt arrives. Pitts believes that he was poisoned and asks Sam to recount what had happened that evening. Before the evening is over, Pitt tells Sam that it is her case to solve. Maybe against his better judgment, but with Sam having been involved in previous cases, he informs her it is her case to solve. He’s sure with all the literary people involved, Sam will be able to get more out of them quicker and easier.

Sam will gather Nana Jo and her posse from Shady Acres, her sister, Jenna, and her fiance, Frank, to help her with the investigation.

I love this series because Ms. Burns includes excerpts from Sam’s latest Wickfield Lodge mystery series, set in 1939 England. The book is well-written and plotted and describes the events well. The characters are well-developed and believable and will provide many chuckles. There are many twists and turns that kept me guessing until the end of the book as to the identity of the murderer. I found the book hard to put down.

I’m looking forward to the next book in this delightful series.

Bookstore owner and debut mystery author Samantha Washington is thrilled to be invited to participate in her very first book tour, held on the nearby campus of Michigan Southwestern University. She’s also a little overwhelmed at the presence of all the illustrious authors she’s met there so far, and can’t help feeling somewhat insignificant in comparison. As she admits to her beloved grandmother:

QUOTE
[“]There we were. The four of us all talking about our books. The author of a book that exposes human trafficking, a book on global warming, a woman who spent five years in the Russian wilderness photographing the Amur leopard, and me with my escapist cozy mystery.”

Nana Jo lifted my chin and gazed in my eyes. “Those are all noble causes, and I hope those books will be successful and achieve everything they were intended to achieve. But don’t discount the importance of escapist fiction. Books are subjective, and people read books for different reasons. Given everything that’s happened in the world, many of us need to escape to maintain our sanity.[“]
END QUOTE

While Nana Jo’s sensible advice helps Sam feel a little better about her credentials, she still needs a moment to calm down before appearing on her very first panel. Finding a small room in which to practice the tactical breathing her fiance Frank Patterson taught her seems like a minor blessing, until she becomes uncomfortably privy to a heated discussion between the other authors who’ll be on the panel with her. Suspense writer Nora Cooper is loudly accusing bestselling author Judith Hunter of stealing her manuscript, egged on by fellow writer Scarlet McDunkin. Judith’s publicist Clark Cunningham is trying to keep the peace, and eventually succeeds by getting Nora kicked off the panel.

The drama doesn’t end there: at the opening banquet that evening, Judith gets into another embarrassing fracas with a pair of married authors, Paul West and Olivia Townsend. Scarlet and Nora pile in, leading to security having to intervene once more. Sam just wants to have dinner with Frank and get out of there, but Clark puts an end to any hope of that when he abruptly drops dead.

Frank’s prior experience in the military alerts him to the possibility of foul play. Sam reluctantly has to call in her frenemy Detective Bradley Pitt to secure the scene before a murderer can get away in all the chaos. Detective Pitt is less than thrilled to find Sam on the scene of yet another suspicious death, but is even more unnerved by the response of the rest of the banquet’s attendees:

QUOTE
“What’re they doing?” Detective Pitt said. “Usually, when I tell a room full of potential suspects they can’t leave, there’s a huge uproar. We get called every name you can imagine. <i>You can’t do this. Violating my civil rights.</i> Yadda. Yadda. You would think I’d asked them to sacrifice their firstborn or something. Not this group. Only about twenty people have tried to leave. The rest are all standing around taking pictures like tourists. What’s with these weirdos?

I smiled. “I’ll bet this is the first time you’ve had a murder in a room full of authors. A few even write crime fiction.”

“You mean they’re taking pictures so they can write a book about it?” Detective Pitt glared at me.

“Opportunities like this don’t come around every day,” I said, immediately regretting it. “Thank goodness.”
END QUOTE

Between this and his own recent near-death experience, Detective Pitt is more than happy to outsource some of the investigating to Sam, a surprising but not entirely unwelcome turnaround from his usual treatment of her. With the help of Nana Jo and their friends, will Sam be able to figure out who would’ve wanted to do in the seemingly mild-mannered publicist, before anyone else gets hurt or worse?

While this was the ninth installment of the Mystery Bookshop series, it was the first one I had the pleasure of reading. I had no trouble at all jumping right in, and felt instantly acquainted with all the members of the lovable main cast of characters. Perhaps it helps that I’m also a big fan of V. M. Burns’ newer series, the Baker Street Mysteries, which feels a bit like the social-media-savvy younger sister to this more considered, refined novel. Sam, our protagonist here, is certainly older and wiser than the Baker Street Mysteries’ heroine Maddy. She also writes historical cozies set in England, intriguing excerpts of which accompany this text. Reading those excerpts is almost like getting an entire bonus novella within the contemporary cozy of Murder On Tour itself!

I also really appreciated both the invaluable insight into the life of a published author, as well as the wise words from Nana Jo about the importance of self-worth. This is a terrific installment of a new-to-me series that I can’t wait to explore more of soon!

The story seemed thin to me and very repetitive. I liked NanaJo and Samantha but tired of the other characters. And am not a fan of “story within a story”. I did like book title.Thanks to #NetGalley and #MurderonTour for advanced digital copy.

Great book. Its always a pleasure to read this series, your getting 2 books in one. Welcome back to Market Street Mysteries and Sam and lets not forget Nana Jo. Fun series with lots of plot twists and turns, quirky characters and just a fun read.

I just love getting together with Nana Jo and her pals from the retirement village when they all get together to help Sam solve a murder. It never gets old to read Irma almost saying something she shouldn’t and the group going “Irma!” I love every one of those ladies’ characters and I know Sam feels blessed to have her grandma and her awesome friends as her sleuthing buddies. Everyone’s banter keeps me chuckling off and on throughout the book and Sam’s private thoughts and commentaries are usually pretty hilarious too!

I was never really sure whodunit until the final reveal. Hints were given but there was a good little twist and just as I was sure someone did it, they either died or were proven not guilty. I loved the authors references to a couple old TV shows and also thought Sam’s publicist’s name was a pretty clever mashup homage. 😉

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Kensington Cozies via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.

Sam Washington is published at last and is a guest novelist at a book convention. Sam being Sam, she's caught in the middle of a blood feud between two warring novelists, and the body count rises.

Book 9 of the series keeps the interest going, with the North Shore crew stepping in to solve the crime. This various cast of characters are loveable and savvy. Keep 'em coming!

Murder on Tour is the latest installment of the Mystery Bookshop series. The story focuses on Samantha “Sam” Washington, a newly published author who is wrapping up her first book tour at a local book festival. While there, she learns that the guest of honor, Judith Hunter, may not be as well liked by other authors. Accusations around manuscript stealing and extramarital affairs are just a few things being thrown around, and there is no love lost between Hunter and the other authors. During a reception, a publicist is poisoned while drinking from Hunter’s glass. Was the poison meant for her? Will there be another attempt on Hunter’s life? Sam, Nana Jo, and the gang hope they can answer these questions before someone else is harmed.

I’ve read other books in this series, so I am familiar with Sam, Nana Jo, and the girls. This is one of my absolute favorite mystery series, so I try to read new titles that come out whenever they’re available. Overall, the mystery is intriguing enough to keep a reader’s interest but avoids becoming too convoluted. Hunter and her fellow authors are not my favorite people, but they exhibit enough humanity to (at times) elicit sympathy. Even though those familiar with the series know what to expect, there are still opportunities to become better acquainted with Sam, Nana Jo, and the rest of the gang. It was great watching Sam’s evolution in particular. Reading any book by Burns is like catching up with old friends, so I’m also delighted when I get to read them. A great addition to the series, and I look forward to even more.

Samantha Washington is on your for her first published book. She's also writing a book in this book and you get to read it. She is going to a book festival with other authors. She's introduced to some interesting authors who seem to hate each other. They are constantly fighting. Later at a book event, there's more fighting between the authors and then a book publicist dies from drinking champagne. It looks to be poison. Detective Pitt enlists Samantha to help find the killer.

This book didn't quite hook me right away. But I haven't read the beginning of the series. This one is probably best to read in order to truly know what's happening. This wasn't my favorite cozy mystery.

V.M Burns has written another enjoyable novel in the Mystery Bookshop series. Bookshop owner, Samantha Washington has published her first novel and is included in some of the panels at the North Harbor’s annual writers conference. After accidentally eves-dropping on a fight between authors, she is later pulled into their conversation at a banquet. When someone in the group collapses, she finds herself once again in the middle of a murder investigation. This time, the local detective not only tolerates her snooping, but requests her help in the investigation. The plot is well thought out, and the characters are interesting. Unfortunately, with so much time spent at the conference, the author is forced to give the usual troupe of supporting characters short shrift. Samantha’s Grandma Jo and all her colorful friends usually provide fantastic comedy relief. They were included in the book, but not to the usual degree.

In this series, V.M. Burns combines two separate plots. The protagonist always finds that things become clear if she lets her subconscious work through events while she works on her writing. The author alternates chapters between the current day mystery and the 1940’s British cozy that Samantha is writing. The reader gets the bonus of two mysteries in one novel.

I wish to thank Kensington Books and NetGalley for a review copy of this book. I am a fan of this series and thought that this book was one of the best yet.