Book picks similar to
Candlelit Madness by Beth Byers


historical-mystery
mystery
fiction
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A Fatal Affair


Carolyn L. Dean - 2019
    mysterious death, with no signs of a struggle or cause TWO... men fighting over an aging actress while trying to rule a has-been film studio THREE... days for Edwina to discover the secrets that lead to blackmail and murder When newly hatched lady detective Edwina Winterwood gets hired to help discover who's threatening the life of a star of the silver screen, 1928 Chicago may never be the same. Home of flappers, speakeasys, fast cars and wild parties, when Hollywood arrives everything heats up even more! BOOK ONE in the JAZZ and GIN COZY MYSTERY SERIES

The Heathcliff Lennox Series: Books 1 - 2: (The Heathcliff Lennox Series Boxset Book 1)


Karen Baugh Menuhin - 2020
    Major Heathcliff Lennox, ex-WW1 war pilot, six feet 3 inches, unruly dark blond hair, age around 30 - named after the hero of Wuthering Heights by his romantically minded mother - much to his great annoyance. Murder at Melrose Court is the first book in the Heathcliff Lennox series. It's 1920 and Christmas is coming. Major Lennox finds a body on his doorstep - why on his doorstep? Was it to do with the Countess? Was it about the ruby necklace? Lennox goes to Melrose Court home to his uncle, Lord Melrose, to uncover the mystery. But then the murders begin and it snows and it all becomes very complicated.... The Black Cat Murders is the second book in the Heathcliff Lennox series. Who killed Sir Crispin Gibbons? A wedding invitation and news of mischief that could be murder, takes Lennox to the Earl of Bloxford's country pile. He soon finds himself in a world of purloined artworks, forgeries and a priceless Bloxford Beauty. But who are the Bloxford Beauties? And why are they the focal point around which swirls death?Lennox must confront life-long friends, unscrupulous artists and dealers to finally unravel a plot so complex that even his old adversary, Chief Inspector Swift of Scotland Yard, is befuddled.

Succession


Steven Veerapen - 2020
    She has yet to nominate an heir.The crown looks set to fall to James of Scotland.But it is far from inevitable.Gowrie, a sinister Scottish traitor, has arrived in England. On him is a document containing a shocking secret that will compromise King James.Languishing in prison, artful thief Ned Savage is freed by his patron, the queen’s principal secretary, Sir Robert Cecil. His mission is to find the document before it can be made public. If he succeeds, his life will be spared.But he is not alone in seeking Gowrie.On his trail are a ruthless gang of conspirators. The Red Cross Plot aims to prevent any foreigner from taking the English throne. And the Knights of the Red Cross will kill to secure the document.In a journey that will take him from London to Derbyshire and Scotland, Savage must foil the Red Cross Plot, protect King James’s darkest secret, and keep himself safe from execution.And he must do it all before the curtain falls on Elizabeth’s reign.

Snow Ridge Mysteries, The Complete Series: A Small Town Murder Mystery Box Set


Emma Lee - 2018
    The numbness, the disbelief in what had happened and the fear of what would come next ensured that her every thought was tinged with doubt. Hoping for a fresh start, she’s packed up, said her goodbyes and moved to the small town of Snow Ridge, New Hampshire. Settling down in an old, renovated farmhouse, she plans to focus on the simple things in life. And, in time, she is determined to get back to some semblance of normalcy. But, apparently, that is not going to happen any time soon… The young girl at the local bookstore Bonnie frequents has been murdered. She was one of the few with whom Bonnie has become friendly during her short time in town. And whether it’s her mysterious past, her reserved nature or simply the relative ease in pinning the blame on the outsider, the police have Bonnie at the top of their list of suspects. Now, if she wishes to avoid a prison sentence for a crime she didn’t commit, it appears as if Bonnie is going to have to prove her own innocence. In doing so, she’ll uncover a crooked politician, unveil a hidden monster and unearth a web of secrets & lies that certain residents of the town have spent their lives concealing. And, with a little luck, she may just survive long enough to clear her good name. Book 2: Just when Bonnie Mayberry thought her new life in Snow Ridge was getting back to normal after a horrific case involving a deadly, old man bent on revenge, she is pulled into a second case that wraps her in a web of lies, deceit and...murder! At first, the man’s murder seems straightforward enough. That is, until an influential politician arrives in town demanding that the wife of the dead man be turned over to her for prosecution. But Bonnie soon finds out that this powerful woman is not exactly who she seems to be… In fact, she may not only be the killer, but she just may be planning to take over the world! Book 3: When Bonnie agrees to help locate a missing girl, Bonnie leaves her hometown of Snow Ridge, New Hampshire and hits the road on a mission to track her down. But when false leads and countless mishaps have her traveling up & down the East Coast and mingling with a cast of characters ranging from the Amish to the FBI, she begins to doubt her chances at success. That is, until she finds the girl on a dark & stormy night. And that’s when things really start to get messy… Book 4: After traveling up and down the East Coast in search of a missing girl, Bonnie Mayberry couldn’t be happier to return to normal, everyday life. But, as one case closes, another opens… It begins when a bounty hunter arrives in town just as a heavy fog begins to descend upon Snow Ridge. His tale of a murderous clown, a maniacal banker and a promise to a dying woman seems to be as murky as the misty air. But, as always, Bonnie is determined to help solve the mystery and, despite the danger from thickening fog, she soon finds herself on the road once again.

Private Eyes


Rene Fomby - 2017
    In less than 48 hours, his best friend has a date with the needle, the kind of date you don’t walk away from with a kiss. Moose has to find out who framed his pit bull buddy for the savage slaying of a French poodle — and then convince the humans that he’s nailed the right guy. But with no leads and little evidence to go on, there’s only one person in Chicago that has a prayer of hunting down the real killer in time: Antonio Gattogrosso, legendary proprietor of the Feline Detective Agency. Fat Tony. The rave reviews are pouring in: "It's a great summer read. Just like me, you'll want to keep an eye out for it!" - Fisheye Martinez "I predict it will be a smashing success, dahlinks!" - Madame LuLu, astrologer to the stars "Buy dis book if you knows what's good for youse." - Fat Tony Gattogrosso

The Killer On the Bell Tower


Issy Brooke - 2020
    Here, genteel dinner parties hide murderers; sparkling balls harbour dastardly villains; and every light society conversation hints at a darker scandal.The Earl of Calaway and his wife, Adelia, have raised and married off seven daughters. Now free of domestic duties, they are building an enterprise as private detectives of a very personal nature, guaranteeing to keep aristocratic reputations intact.In this short story, which can be read at any point in the series of full-length novels, Adelia and Theodore are invited to the trouble-ridden parish of Peverham where the local vicar is convinced that the death of Sir Phileas Hinge was no accident.After all, so many people wanted him dead. Sir Phileas’s ancestral home of Pever House is now occupied by the bombastic Vice Admiral Frankhaus, and both men hated each other. Then there are the Smiths – the oldest and most established family in the area – who look down on everyone else as being merely shabby new money. All three families – the Hinges, the Frankhauses and the Smiths – are vying for control of the parish, and this comes to a head when the vicar asks for money for a new bell in the church. Each family wants to be the one who contributes the most and to have the bell inscribed with their name for all time.The death of Hinge removes one of the players – but who will be next? Theodore and Adelia race to discover the murderer before death strikes again.This book is written in British English by an actual Brit who used to have to curtsey to the local aristocrat from “the big house” when she visited the village school at Christmas. The spelling and grammar is British English throughout. Splendid!

The Gold Touch That Went Cattywampus


Amy Boyles - 2020
    It's up to Pepper Reign to reclaim it.When Blake Calhoun sets out to steal the heart fire, the object that makes the town of Magnolia Cove, Alabama, magical, his plan backfires. The heart isn't stolen, instead it breaks into four pieces and scatters across the state. Now, newly married Pepper and Axel Reign must work to track down each piece. Lucky for them, when a person finds a piece, they are bestowed with strange abilities.Pepper's search will take her to Haunted Hollow, where she will reunite with Blissful Breneaux. But Blissful has her own problems. She's trying to stop a demon from taking possession of folks in her small town. Meanwhile, a man has arrived, one who has an uncanny ability to turn objects into gold. Has he found a piece of the lost magic? If so, will Blissful and Pepper be able to claim it, or will Blake Calhoun beat them to it?The series Lost Southern Magic is a four book, four series crossover. Over the span of these books, Pepper Reign with unite with ghosthunter Blissful Breneaux (of Southern Ghost Wranglers), witchy matchmaker Charming Calhoun (of Southern Belles and Spells Matchmakers) and Dylan Bane (of Bless Your Witch). These books will have witchy meet-ups and pit grandmother against grandmother. Each book will show Pepper's perspective as well as surprise perspectives from Axel and even Betty.Can't wait to dig in? Find out what happens now!

Murder Afloat: A Lottie Lindberg 1900's Cozy Mystery


Ruby Riverton - 2021
    The voyage of a lifetime. An unfortunate sighting.Magnificence, intrigue & murder abound, in this twisty page-turning mystery!When Charlotte, who goes by Lottie, Lindberg witnesses what she thinks is a pickpocketing on the docks of the famous Titanic, she vows to track the culprits once onboard, and warn the others of the danger. But it looks like mystery-obsessed, amateur-sleuth Lottie is in for a lot more than she bargained for, when the simple incident of pickpocketing turns into full-fledged MURDER. Lottie and Little Dickens now find themselves running from a killer. As glamorous as Titanic appears, nefarious things are afoot. People are not who they seem.Eliciting the help from new best friends, Esme Loring, Margo Brown, and the dashing Inspector Stone, will Lottie be able to expose the culprits, and their secrets, in time to save herself? Or will the ill-fated Titanic that’s just hit an iceberg, go down before she has the chance?

UNHOLY INNOCENCE


Stephen Wheeler - 2010
    Richard the Lionheart is dead and his brother John has just been crowned King of England. John travels to St Edmund’s abbey in Suffolk to give thanks for his accession. His visit coincides with the murder of a twelve-year-old boy whose mutilated body bears the marks of ritual sacrifice and martyrdom. This isn’t the first time such a thing has happened. Eighteen years earlier another child was murdered in the town in similar circumstances. Abbot Samson needs to find out if this is indeed another martyrdom or just an ordinary murder and appoints the abbey’s physician, Master Walter, to investigate. Walter discovers a web of intrigue and corruption involving some of the highest in the land but unbeknown to him his own past holds a secret which will put his life in danger before the final terrible solution is revealed.

Race Through Time: Out of Time Book #12


Monique Martin - 2020
    

Waking the Tiger: A thrilling award-nominated historical crime novel


Mark Wightman - 2021
    Following the disappearance of his wife, his life and career have fallen apart.A distinctive tiger tattoo is the only clue to her identityOnce a rising star of Singapore CID, Betancourt has been relegated to the Marine Division, with tedious dockyard disputes and goods inspections among his new duties.Who is she? And why are the authorities turning a blind eye?But when a beautiful, unidentified Japanese woman is found murdered in the shadow of a warehouse owned by one of Singapore’s most powerful families, Betancourt defies orders and pursues those responsible. What he discovers will bring him into conflict with powerful enemies, and force him to face his personal demons.

Matrimony in Christmas River


Meg Muldoon - 2019
     It’s one year before the infamous Gingerbread Junction murder scandal, and Cinnamon Peters is feeling downright Grinch-like this holiday season. After her cookie house crumbles in the annual Gingerbread Junction Competition, the pie baker extraordinaire wants nothing more than to shut herself in her house for the rest of December and be left alone. Unfortunately, she’s got a friend’s wedding to attend this New Year’s Eve, a wedding gingerbread castle to build, and that unpopular pie shop of hers isn’t going to run itself. But when the best man is found face down in a ditch days before the wedding, it’s clear that somebody’s out to ruin the event. Can Cinnamon figure out who’s trying to sabotage the wedding before it’s too late? Matrimony in Christmas River is a heartwarming holiday mystery perfect for readers who can’t get enough of Cinnamon Peters and the cozy, feel-good world of Christmas River. This mystery is a prequel to Murder in Christmas River in the Amazon bestselling Christmas River Cozy Mystery Series.

The Shadows of Versailles


Cathie Dunn - 2020
    Broken by tragedy. Consumed by revenge.Fleur de La Fontaine attends the court of King Louis XIV at Versailles for the first time. Dazzled by the opulence, she is soon besotted with handsome courtier, Philippe de Mortain. When she believes his words of love, she gives in to his seduction – with devastating consequences.Nine months later, when the boy she has given birth to is whisked from her grasp, she flees the convent and finds shelter at the brothel of Madame Claudette.Jacques de Montagnac, a spy working for the Lieutenant General, investigates a spate of abducted children from the poorer quartiers of Paris when his path crosses Fleur’s. He searches for her son, but the trail leads to a dead end – and a dreadful realisation.Her son’s suspected fate too much to bear, Fleur decides to avenge him. With the help of her new acquaintance, the Duchess de Bouillon, Fleur visits the famous midwife, La Voisin, but it’s not the woman’s skills in childbirth that Fleur seeks.La Voisin dabbles in poisons.Will Fleur see her plan through? Or can she save herself from a tragic fate?Delve into The Shadows of Versailles and enter the sinister world of potions and black masses during the Affairs of the Poisons, a real series of events that stunned the court of the Sun King!

The Anchoress of Chesterfield (Chesterfield 04)


Chris Nickson - 2020