Murder on the Half Shelf by Lorna Barrett

Book Description: Stoneham, New Hampshire, is a haven to bookstores, including Tricia’s own mystery shop, Haven’t Got a Clue, but is sadly lacking in bed and breakfasts. Pippa and Jon Comfort’s Sheer Comfort Inn opens its doors to the public in a week and the couple has offered some locals a free night as a trial run.

But what should have been a pleasant overnight stay for Tricia becomes a nightmare when she makes two startling discoveries: Pippa’s murdered body in the backyard, and the fact that her husband Jon is actually Harry Tyler, a man Tricia loved—and believed dead—for nearly twenty years.

Now Harry is the prime suspect, but Tricia doesn’t believe him capable of murder, regardless of her own feelings toward him. And even though Harry’s led a life of lies, Tricia’s learning that Pippa had her share of secrets that some people may have not wanted revealed…

My thoughts: Time spent in the fictional town of Stoneham, NH has become like spending time with old friends to me. This sixth book in the series (it’s hardcover debut!) is the best yet. You would think Tricia and Angelica wouldn’t find trouble spending the night at a quaint New England Bed and Breakfast, would you? Wrong! A murder at the B&B makes everyone staying there that night a suspect, and really throws Tricia for a loop when she learns the victim’s husband is her former lover, long believed dead.

I loved  the secondary storylines involving Angelica’s first foray into foodie tv; the marital discourse between sweet Mr Everett and Grace; and Tricia’s hiring dilemmas involving new characters Linda and Pixie (who I can’t wait to see more of in future books…what an interesting gal!!!) The revelation of the murderer and motive was a true shocker, and the set-up for the next book will leave you breathless with anticipation!

Tara’s Thoughts: Three times Tricia takes Sarge out for a walk. Three times they end up finding trouble. I think that says it all. Miss Marple, on the other hand, is a little lady like me, staying inside where she belongs, bossing her mom around, not getting into any mischief (except for misplacing a miscellaneous Post-it containing important information…) I think we could be friends.