Book picks similar to
Reckless Lady by Rae Foley


gothic
mysteries
gothic-romance
mystery

The Chocolate Box Holiday (Pentrillick Cornish Mystery Series, #1)


Daphne Neville - 2017
     However, unbeknown to Sandra, the inclusion of her husband’s mother and his maiden aunt in the three week holiday meant that not all family members would be happy to just idle away time. For a recent unsolved murder in Pentrillick would intrigue the two not-so-young ladies, and after examining the facts, they would feel duty-bound to see if they could help bring about a satisfactory conclusion to the mystery. The Chocolate Box Holiday is the first in a new light-hearted series of books set in Pentrillick on the south coast of Cornwall.

Detective Michael Angel: Books 1-7 (Yorkshire Murder Mysteries #1-7)


Roger Silverwood - 2020
    But where will it lead?BOOK 2: THE MISSING WIFELady Yvette, the beautiful wife of a local MP is found choked to death in a reservoir, robbed of her clothes and antique pearls. Inspector Angel is called in to investigate. But the evidence is scant and he has only his guile to rely on. Can he stop the choker before he strikes again?BOOK 3: THE MAN IN THE PINK SUITCelebrity art critic Frank P. Jones, aka “the Man in the Pink Suit”, shoots a wealthy industrialist. Jones strongly denies the charge, but he has the motive, the opportunity, a Walter PPK/S automatic, and no alibi. DI Angel must unravel the truth from the lies. Was Jones hypnotized, drugged, or is he simply a liar?BOOK 4: THE MORALS OF A MURDERERDuncan McFee is savagely murdered in a distillery where he was chairman. He’s found in one of the vats used to make gin. Yet none of the suspects is burly enough to have delivered the fatal blow. Detective Inspector Michael Angel is called in to unravel the mystery.BOOK 5: THE AUCTION MURDERSAt the auction of Lord Ogmore’s estate, a man is stabbed to death with a silver dagger. Before long, DI Angel finds himself on the trail of a serial killer who leaves behind no clues, no fingerprints and no DNA. Angel has only one eye-witness — and he’s blind. Will Angel solve his toughest case yet?BOOK 6: THE MISSING KILLERA masked man bursts into a quiet country club to confront a young couple. He says, “Your time is up. That girl is mine.” Then he kills one of them. Witnesses cannot identify him and DI Angel’s investigation seems doomed. Faced with vengeful gangsters, crooked police and mentally unstable young men, can Angel work it all out in time and walk away unscathed?BOOK 7: THE UMBRELLA MURDERSAn arsonist threatens to set fire to the luxury home of the local MP. DI Angel has two suspects. One has completely disappeared, the other is locked in a police cell. Will the umbrella man be able to execute his threat while still in police custody? DI Michael Angel must race against the clock to unravel this baffling mystery.

Past Shadows


Anthea Fraser - 2001
     Yet a dark shadow casts its presence over each trip – 28 years ago Annabel’s Aunt Hilary was brutally murdered on a similar holiday when Annabel was just a toddler. With no one found guilty, the subject has been hushed away and is now taboo on their trips. When an over-zealous journalist starts digging around the murder, the suspicion and guilt in Annabel’s family comes back to the surface. Annabel starts researching into the truth, and the discovery of her much-maligned French mother Monique’s diary reveals some alarming details. With the added pressure of her marriage struggling and a series of anonymous phone calls, Annabel is drawn into the middle of a dark family secret. ‘Past Shadows’ is another absorbing murder mystery from crime thriller author Anthea Fraser. Praise for Anthea Fraser: “A superbly crafted, riveting, page-turner of a read" - Booklist “Ms Fraser is her dependable elegant, guileful self withholding the killer's identity till a dying fall" - Sunday Times “A well-mannered, well-plotted and well-told story” - Birmingham Post “Sympathetic, well-executed book, in which full attention is paid to human feelings and failings” - Yorkshire Post “Anthea Fraser is a worthy follower of the traditional whodunit system...The plot is sustained throughout, and her artistic detective who literally "draws conclusions" is an original character.” - Sunderland Echo Anthea Fraser has written all her life but did not begin to take it seriously until after marriage, when she found herself at home with two small daughters and embarked on a correspondence course with the London School of Journalism. She wrote short stories before turning to novels of the supernatural, and then to crime. Her novels include ‘The Seven Stars’, ‘The Ten Commandments’, ‘Death Speaks Softly’ and ‘Pretty Maids All in a Row’.

Hiding in the Bayou


Riley Blake - 2015
    Convinced Carter didn’t commit the crime, Fortune turns to Ida Belle for help. In the meantime, Gertie tries a dangerous stunt and lands in the hospital. While there, she takes time to piece together a murder clearly executed by amateurs but the motive isn’t what it seems.

Death of a Laird (Hamish Macbeth)


M.C. Beaton - 2022
    

The Lady Rambles


Renee Pawlish - 2019
    To complicate matters, Mom fancies herself a sleuth and insists on accompanying me during the investigation. Did detectives Sam Spade or Philip Marlow endure chasing down clues with their mothers?As the suspect list grows, one thing remains clear—a murderer is still on the loose. Can I unearth the truth before the killer strikes again?Join Reed and the whole gang on their next adventure!

The Two Towns


J.J. Salkeld - 2014
     It is DC Jane Dixon's first week on Kendal's CID team. Her new boss, DI Andy Hall, gives her an open file to review, and it's a far from straightforward case. A woman has died in suspicious circumstances in a Windermere caravan park, and although her husband is suspected there's not a shred of solid evidence against him. Can Jane move the case forward, or will a cold-blooded killer really get away with murder? The rest of the team is busy too, because a vulnerable teenager from a troubled family has gone missing from home. There's nothing to suggest that the boy has been abducted, so what could have caused him to run away from home? DS Ian Mann, a tough ex-military man, and DC Ray Dixon are both heavily involved in the investigation. This story introduces key members of the investigative team, as well as many of the themes that are developed in the full-length Lakeland Murders novels: including a strong sense of place, and an understanding that while justice usually prevails it is rarely complete, or completely fair. Reader reviews for the full-length novels in the Lakeland Murders series include: 'Well developed, realistic, relatable characters, great plot, believable detailed scenes, good action sequences. Recommend to those that appreciate British detective novels. Always devour Lakeland murder mysteries.' 'Love J J Salkeld's books, his understanding of police procedure, his ability to draw his characters out into real people is, I believe, up there with the best of them and it is good to find crime stories set in Cumbria for a change.' 'Salkeld is good. Not just as a writer of gripping detective stories; but even more for his feisty exposure of the lunacies of institutions, hierarchies, and power. A refreshing and enlightening anarchist - much needed in these jaded, compliant and consumptive times.'

Moonlight Ridge (A Coyote Wells Mystery Book 5)


Vickie McKeehan - 2020
    

Brewing: Tree's Hollow Witches Books One to Three


Sara Bourgeois - 2017
     Brewing Love When Lenora “Lenny” Brewer finds herself fed up with her life in the city, she flees to her Aunt’s bed and breakfast in the small town of Tree’s Hollow. A local handyman turns up dead, and Lenny gets herself mixed up in a murder mystery. Add in a hunky forest ranger, her dream job as an investigative journalist for the local paper, and a cat with so much sass it’s practically criminal, and you’ve got a recipe for a magically good time. Oh and one more thing, Lenny didn’t even know she was a witch until she arrived at her new home in Tree’s Hollow. Will she learn to harness the craft brewing inside of her, or will trouble boil over and destroy everything she comes to love? Brewing Trouble Aunt Kara wants to rename the Tree’s Hollow Bed and Breakfast, so she holds a contest to find the perfect new name. The prize for winning the contest? Death. That wasn’t Kara’s intention, but there’s another murder none the less. At least this time the body wasn’t found in the inn. Why would someone kill the winner? Brewing Boys Nathan's fate is in Lenny's hands. Will he survive the vicious attack that left him broken in a hospital bed? Esme, Lenny, and Jezebel race against time to get justice for Nathan and restore the balance between dark and light in Tree's Hollow. Brewing is suitable for readers of all ages who enjoy lighthearted paranormal cozies. Get the fourth book in the Tree's Hollow Witches Series, Brewing Fun, here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074FN6SH9

Margot Durand Cozy Mystery Boxed Set: Books 1 - 6


Danielle Collins - 2018
    To all outward appearances, North Bank is a quiet retirement and tourist community, but several murders soon reveal a darker side of crime and corruption. Margot must get involved to protect her friends and family and keep six killers from getting away. This collection of cozy mysteries includes books one through six in the Margot Durand Cozy Mystery series. If you like cozy mysteries with interesting characters and unexpected turns, the Margot Durand Cozy Mystery series is for you. Buy the Margot Durand Cozy Mystery Boxed Set and start solving your next mystery (or three) today! Always FREE on Kindle Unlimited Included Books Each book in the series is a stand-alone story, but your enjoyment of each story will be increased if you read them all. Be sure to check them all out. Croissants and Corruption - When Margot's troublesome niece comes for a summer visit, she knows she is going to have her hands full. After an unexpected murder, the girl is labeled as the prime suspect and Margot is forced to fight for her niece's freedom. Can she solve the mystery and clear her niece before the killer gets away…or strikes again? Desserts and Deception - When a man is murdered in the craft store run by her friend, Margot does everything she can to catch the killer and protect her friend. In the process, she uncovers a story of lies and deception. Can she solve the case, catch the killer, and keep out of harms way? Pastries and Pilfering - When Margot attempts to take a vacation on a cruise ship, mystery follows. What starts as a small time case of robbery, quickly turns into murder. Can Margot solve the mystery before someone else goes overboard? Muffins and Murder - After a conversation over breakfast muffins turns to an old treasure hunt, she gets pulled into a tale of deceptions and double-crosses. When a dead body turns up, Margot must unravel a plot that began decades ago. Can she solve the mystery and save her friend before he becomes the next victim? Vacations and Violence - Margot is excited about leaving her bakery behind for a weekend vacation at the Blue Ridge Mountain Resort. When she arrives, she learns of mysterious threats to her friend. After finding a dead body on a mountain trail, the mystery turns deadly. Determined to enjoy her vacation anyway, Margot lets the local police handle the investigation…until they declare it an accident. Sure there is more to the story than an accidental mishap, she sets her vacation aside and goes on the hunt for a killer. Margot must be at her sleuthing best if she is going to bring this killer to justice and protect her friend…and herself. Boating and Bodies - Life is going well for Margot and she takes time to go on a romantic boat ride with Adam. But when the son of a wealthy mogul washes up on shore to ruin the date, Margot is forced into another murder mystery. She soon learns that there might be political ramifications to this "accident" and refuses to let it get covered up. Can Margot uncover another one of the town's secrets and put the killer behind bars? Always FREE on Kindle Unlimited

A Grave Gala (Sugar Martin Vintage Cozy Mysteries Book 2)


Shéa MacLeod - 2019
    With some reluctance, she joins the rest of the glamorous attendees on the veranda for cocktails and dancing until the gala turns grave indeed when one of the guests is murdered. With the sure knowledge there’s a killer among them, Sugar sets out to unearth the secrets that led to the death of a peer of the realm. With the help of a grumpy corgi and a handsome Englishman, she’s on the hunt for a cold-blooded killer and she won’t stop until she gets her man! The second book in the Sugar Martin Vintage Cozy Mysteries set in post-WW2 England.

Summer Sleuths Cozy Mysteries Collection


Hope Callaghan - 2019
    Enjoy hours of entertainment with over 1,000 pages of clean cozy mysteries. Each book has a summer theme. BONUS: RECIPES INCLUDED! ------------------------------------------- Hope Callaghan Cozy Mysteries Collection (Summer Sleuths Edition) Contents: 1- Sun, Sand, and Suspects (Garden Girls Cozy Mystery Series) 2- Swag in Savannah (Made in Savannah Cozy Mystery Series) 3- Deadly Deception (Cruise Ship Cozy Mystery Series) 4- Nightmare in Nantucket (Garden Girls Cozy Mystery Series) 5-Tides of Deception (Samantha Rite Mystery Series) 6- Divine Secrets (Divine Cozy Mystery Series) Plus Bonus Short Story, “Secrets of a Stranger.” ------------------------------------------- Book 1- Sun, Sand, and Suspects Newlyweds Paul and Gloria Kennedy are about to embark on their long awaited honeymoon. The only problem is, Gloria has no idea where they're going since her husband, Paul, wanted to surprise her with the honeymoon location. She is relieved to discover their flight will be landing in sunny Florida. Visions of sprawling, luxurious resorts boasting sandy white beaches and sparkling pools fill Gloria's head. Unfortunately, Paul has a completely different honeymoon location planned. When they arrive at their final destination, not only does Gloria have to come to grips with her disappointment, she has to figure out why one of the first people the newlyweds come across is a dead man. Before the couple can even unpack, unexpected guests arrive and settle in across the street. Can Gloria solve the mystery of the suspicious death and salvage her honeymoon...or will the sun, sand, and suspects prove to be deadly? Book 2 - Swag in Savannah Carlita Garlucci is thrilled that her son, Tony, has arrived in Savannah to help with the opening of their new pawnshop, "Savannah Swag." While giving her son a tour of the property, they stumble upon a hidden trap door that leads to an undiscovered basement with a tunnel. Curious to find out where the tunnel leads, Tony breaks through the wall and discovers underground passageways rumored to have been used by pirates to smuggle their stolen goods into the historic city. While exploring the tunnel, the Garluccis find skeletal remains with ties to a darker secret that has been hidden behind the tunnel walls for decades. The gruesome discovery causes Carlita to wonder what other secrets her property holds. Despite her insistence they reseal the tunnel, Carlita’s children convince her to leave it open long enough for them to explore the passageways as they attempt to solve a decades old mystery. They quickly discover that the secrets hidden underground are tied not only to the previous owners of her property, but also implicate Carlita's deceased husband, Vinnie. Will Carlita and her children be able to clear Vinnie's name, or will their snooping around incriminate him even more? PLUS 4 MORE COZY MYSTERIES AND A BONUS SHORT STORY FOR YOU TO ENJOY!

Midnight Beach: A Port Stirling Mystery


Kay Jennings - 2020
    

Murderers and Nerdy Girls Work Late (Nerdy Girls Murder Mysteries)


Lisa Boero - 2013
    Louis law firm. But Liz soon discovers that she has a few small problems: the body in the stairwell; the embezzlement at her firm; and the fact that the man she wants is engaged to someone else. And just how is she supposed to chase a murder suspect in heels? Minor details. Liz’s real problem is much bigger. Neurological defects don’t tend to make you popular, and she has a doozy. She can’t recognize faces. Not even her own. Fortunately, this is exactly the thing to turn Liz into the likeliest of unlikely detectives. She pays attention to all of the other details that normal people miss. Need someone to guess an occupation by the movement of the hands? Need someone to recognize a person by smell? Need someone to figure out that those shoes were bought on clearance at Macy’s last summer? Liz is your detective. Now she just has to harness her unusual skills to solve the case, expose the embezzlement, bring the murderer to justice and get the guy. Nothing a nerdy girl can’t handle.

James, Fabulous Feline: Further Adventures of the Connoisseur Cat


Harriet Hahn - 1993
    But his deductive abilities will be put to the test when he’s called on to detect philatelic forgeries at Thwaites, one of the city’s great auction houses. The recently knighted cat also finds time to coach a croquet team, oversee rehearsals of a sequel to Cats, and help deliver a baby. Not to be outdone by cheesy actors or blundering attorneys, he makes his film debut and testifies in a criminal trial at the Old Bailey. But he has a special place in his heart for St. James’s Palace, the address he longs to call home. This delightful sequel to James the Connoisseur will prove irresistible catnip for feline lovers.