Novelist Robert B. Parker’s Spenser calls Boston his home. Hammett’s Sam Spade hung his hat in San Francisco. Would author Erle Stanley Gardner place Perry Mason anywhere but Los Angeles? Setting and detective are intrinsic for these series mystery novels available to borrow from the Lititz Public Library.
Breakdown by Sara Paretsky (V.I. Warshawski series)
When the teenage daughters of some of Chicago’s most influential families discover the body of a ritually-murdered victim, investigator V. I. Warshawski explores the theory that the killing is linked to a hostile media campaign against a senatorial candidate.
Hiss of Death by Rita Mae Brown and Sneaky Pie Brown (Mrs. Murphy series)
Shortly before the 5K Run for Breast Cancer Awareness, Harry Haristeen and her sleuthing cats, Mrs. Murphy and Pewter, find the corpse of a well-liked Central Virginia Medical Complex nurse who appears to have died of anaphylactic shock from a hornet’s sting.
The Glass Rainbow by James Lee Burke (Dave Robicheaux series)
A series of murders rattle the skeletons of New Iberia, Louisiana, when Deputy Dave Robicheax finds a link between the young female victims and a member of the social elite who is involved with Dave’s daughter.
Stolen Prey by John Sandford (Lucas Davenport series)
An entire family has been killed in a small Minnesota town and to Bureau of Criminal Apprehension agent Lucas Davenport it looks like the kind of retribution he’s seen in drug killings.
Deadly Stakes by J.A. Jance (Ali Reynolds series)
Former reporter turned media consultant for the Yavapai County, Arizona police, Ali Reynolds is contacted to investigate the murder of a gold-digging divorcee on behalf of the woman accused of the crime.
Notorious Nineteen by Janet Evanovich (Stephanie Plum series)
New Jersey bounty hunter Stephanie Plum lands the assignment of tracking down a con man facing trial for embezzling millions from Trenton’s premier assisted-living facility.
Restless in the Grave by Dana Stabenow (Kate Shugak series)
Aleut private investigator Kate Shugak helps an Alaska state trooper clear his wife of the murder of a wealthy aviation entrepreneur.
Mourning Gloria by Susan Wittig Albert (China Bayles series)
Texas herb shop owner China Bayles feels responsible when an intern-reporter at the local paper goes missing while investigating an arson-homicide.
Deader Homes and Gardens by Joan Hess (Claire Malloy series)
Finding what she hopes will be an ideal house to share with her new husband and daughter on the outskirts of Farberville, Arkansas, Claire Malloy learns that the property’s previous owner died under suspicious circumstances and that a real estate agent has gone missing.
Dark Light by Randy Wayne White (Doc Ford series)
In the aftermath of a massive hurricane off the coast of Florida, an elderly woman seeks Doc Ford’s assistance in combing the reshaped ocean bottom for evidence that would exonerate a loved one for alleged activities during World War II.
Cold Wind by C.J. Box (Joe Pickett series)
When a man is found dead, dangling from a wind turbine, Wyoming game warden Joe Pickett’s social climbing mother-in-law is the unlikely prime suspect.
Crunch Time by Diane Mott Davidson (Goldy Bear series)
Colorado caterer and amateur sleuth Goldy Schulz provides refuge for a fellow chef and her cigar-smoking aunt after an arson fire destroys their home.
Till the End of Tom by Gillian Roberts (Amanda Pepper series)
After she discovers the body of a man who took a fatal fall, his family asks Philadelphia teacher Amanda Pepper to find the person responsible for his death.
Originally published on April 5, 2013 in the Lititz Record Express.