The Mystery in the Margins by L.L. Gray

A quaint bookshop, a sprinkle of magic, and a dash of mystery. Harper Sullivan yearns for a place to call home, preferably with a delightful bakery nearby. When news arrives that she's inherited her great-grandmother's bookshop in the charming town of Havenwood, Harper eagerly seizes the chance. Unbeknownst to her, the quaint bookshop carries more than just shelves of stories—it harbors inherited mysteries and a touch of magical mayhem. But instead of the cozy haven she envisioned, Harper finds herself entangled in inheritance drama, a surprising cousin rivalry, and a daring book thief on the loose. Can she use her wits and witchy powers to untangle the mystery and safeguard her dreams from unraveling before they even begin?

Fish Out of Water by Marc Jedel

Sinister secrets hidden by the tranquil waters of an Ozarks lake. Can married amateur sleuths bait and capture a killer before the truth slips away? Kirkus Reviews—“A fine whodunit featuring a delightful cast whom readers will love—or love to hate.” After newlyweds Elizabeth and Jonas Trout arrive to settle her grandmother's estate, they quickly find themselves embroiled in a treacherous mystery when Elizabeth is implicated in the murder of the property manager. With mounting evidence and the Southern small-town sheriff convinced of her guilt, Elizabeth and Jonas must fish for clues on their own. They fear she may be left dangling on the hook for a crime she didn’t commit. Can these newlyweds net the real killer before Elizabeth is jailed for murder? A cast of quirky characters and an enthralling story full of twists and turns will keep readers guessing until the end. If you like puzzling whodunits, you’ll love this first book in Marc Jedel's humorous and thrilling Ozarks Lake Mystery series. Buy Fish Out of Water to reel in a slippery catch today!

The Hammersmyth Tales: A Steampunk Short Story Collection by Keith W. Dickinson

A collection of tales to delight and amuse, introducing readers to the steampunk world of Hammersmyth and the many characters that live there. Meet Dexter the mechanical cat, Nomko the engineer, and Agnes Goodenough, everyone's favourite muscle for hire. And get to know Hammersmyth itself, a city at the forefront of the great steam revolution, and the setting for the two steampunk novels DEXTER & DETECTING AGENTS and THE DRAGONFLY DELIVERY COMPANY.

The Mystery of Lancelot Kingdom by André Alexander

The medieval world had survived much, two lifetimes had thrown at it the wrath of the gods, when the air turned to ash, the earth divided and the rivers ran red. On one continent three distinctly different ways of life evolved at three vastly different paces. The Mystery of Lancelot Kingdom is the first novel in a medieval fantasy novel series, set in the world of T.O.K; The Prophecy of the Orphan King. A world where Pagans and Christians clash, supernatural abilities aids human natures thirst for power. A world where prejudice is rife, civil wars and land disputes are ongoing, and many long for the peace that might come upon the return of The One Rightful King prophesied long ago. This chapter of the saga holds its own as a standalone book, that follows Princess Juliet of Jewel kingdom and her pagan stepsister on a treacherous journey, through the ungoverned borderlands, to the neighbouring kingdom of Lancelot. Princess Juliet is set to be wed in a union that will fortify two of the three Kingdoms. A union opposed by the third Kingdom, Clorestica, ruled in tyranny by The Temptress. Their travels take them on a tale of mystery, treachery, and dealings with unsavoury characters. After a series of supernatural occurrences, odd alliances, a strange inscription and not knowing who to trust; they seek the help of the Maester from the Capital City of Colemunster, the reincarnated seer who prophesied the rise of the one orphan king to rule it all. Unknown to the orphans, Morgan had secretly shaped their lives and assured they were ‘fostered’ or taken into employ with people of influence: Who knows what the squire to a knight or the cup bearer to a king might learn if they cept an ear to the ground. Deprived of the wisdom and guidance a parent would give, the gods chose to bestow to each orphan a special gift, a supernatural ability to aid them through their struggles. Can they overcome their fears, hone and trust their abilities? Together they may uncover decades of secrets, change their stars and grab hold of destiny. Alone one might gain power and rule it all.

Boomsters: An Unexpected Adventure by David Marks

In the heart of Chicago, where shadows conceal secrets and organized crime reigns, one retiree embarks on an extraordinary journey. David Blazen spent 50 years comfortable in his work routine but now is retired and desperately searching for purpose in his life. He ultimately finds it in the most unlikely of by becoming a self-proclaimed detective. Travel through a labyrinth of adventure, where suspense lurks around every corner and laugh-out-loud moments break through the tension. Follow along as David’s search for truth and justice gets him caught in a web of contentious cases, all within his first week on the job. The most puzzling? A murder he witnessed that police are calling a suicide. Will his investigation help identify the killer? It’s up to this amateur sleuth to solve that mystery, prevent a budding turf war between Chicago's two dirtiest crime lords, keep a corrupt candidate out of the mayor's office, and bring peace to a city rattled by crime and violence. The problem is, to succeed, he must become a criminal himself. All net proceeds from this book will be donated to non-profit organizations benefitting senior veterans.

Adventures of a Vegan Vamp by Cate Lawley

Waking up thin is one thing. But waking up gaunt, hangry,and undead makes for a very bad day. Mallory's killer better hide, because she's just discovered blood, meat, and dairy don't agree with her, and a future with no cheese is grim indeed. She's out to find her killer...and maybe a vegan cheese that doesn't melt her nose hairs.

Bedsocks and Broomsticks by G Clatworthy

Village Fetes can be murder. When Fi's electrical powers cause her to be fired from her job, the last thing she wants to do is help the Witches', Wizards' and Warlocks' Institute host the annual Halloween Fete. But when a judge collides with her, she's thrown into a murder investigation...as the prime suspect. Can she clear her name and catch the real killer? Jam and Jerusalem meets Midsomer Murders meets magic. If you like cozy British settings, sarcasm and witches, you'll enjoy this series. Reviews: If Jessica Fletcher was a 20 something IT worker and a witch, you'd get this fun book. A Cozy Mystery wrapped inside urban fantasy, it's a quick, fun read. Wayne Turmel - author of Johnny Lycan and the Anubis Disk I ADORED this book. It's like Midsomer Murders meets Helen Harper. Huge amounts of fun. C.N. Rowan - urban fantasy author This book had me hooked from the first page — there are so few fantasy stories about IT people, and the moment I saw the PIC-NIC, I knew I would like this book. Amena Jameli - fantasy author Written in UK English.

Death of a Christmas Tree Salesman by Patricia Meredith

Sam Shovel only comes to life for twelve days a year at Christmastime, and this year, he's in time to solve a murder mystery at the North Pole. O. Tannenbaum—the world's largest supplier of Christmas trees—has been murdered, and although Nick and Nora Claus are too busy to solve the mystery, Sam has enough time on his branchy hands to take a stab at it. Woven with enough Christmas references to choke a reindeer, find out if he succeeds in Death of a Christmas Tree Salesman. "Patricia Meredith's recipe for a perfect Christmas mystery? Magic with a dash of murder." —Jess Brady, @jess.literarylife, Bookstagram Reviewer “I see Sam Shovel right up there with Frosty and Rudolph—he'll go down in history!” — Kathy Buckmaster "Cookies, candy, presents...and murder! A holiday mystery that will leave you questioning...and craving sweets!" —Niko Sollazzo, @nikosbookreviews, BookTuber

THE FINDING MACHINE by Lucy Lyons

SPSFC 2024

HER FATHER’S MYSTERIOUS INVENTION…A 1920s COLD CASE…CAN ALEX FOLLOW THE DOTS TO SOLVE IT? One winter morning in 1998, Alex Martin inherits a mysterious invention from her late father. The Finding Machine solves mysteries. But the biggest mystery of all lies deep within its wiring — the unsolved disappearance of a little girl, dating back seventy years. What happened to the girl, all those years ago? Who was she? Alex and her handsome housemate, Antony, must follow the dots to solve the mystery. But, as dark family secrets are revealed, will the Finding Machine bring them together…or push them further apart?

Murder at Spindle Manor by Morgan Stang

SPFBO9 SPFBO Finalist SPFBO Winner

Mysteries abound in Spindle Manor. For Huntress Isabeau Agarwal, the countryside inn is the last stop in a deadly hunt. Armed with gaslamp and guns, she tracks an insidious beast that wears the skin of its victims, mimicking them perfectly. Ten guests reside within Spindle Manor tonight, and the creature could be any one of them. Confined by a torrential thunderstorm and running out of time, Isabeau has until morning to discover the liar, or none of them—including her—will make it out alive. But her inhuman quarry isn't the only threat residing in Spindle Manor. Gunshots. A slammed door. A dead body. Someone has been killed, and a hunt turns into a murder investigation. Now with two mysteries at her feet and more piling up, Isabeau must navigate a night filled with lies and deception. In a world of seances and specters, mesmers and monsters, the unexpected is hiding around every corner, and every move may be her last.

Dead End Florals: A Cozy Fantasy by Lilse Asalt

Hades ruled with an iron fist, handled his affairs with all the cool intellect and remorse that one exudes from death itself. But even a king cannot deny he wishes for spring. To charge his solemn existence, he reaches for a flower -- Persephone -- and plucks her from her gilded cage to flourish in a small flower shop. What they did not imagine were monsters, mayhem, and mysteries that would bind them as partners in law and order.

Hacking George by Bob Palmer

Playing God is a dangerous game, even if you do write the rules and think they’re pretty neat. Following a road-rage incident in which he was the victim, middle-aged cynic George Sanderson has an epiphany. He believes he has the power to influence fate and set the world to rights. During a meticulously-planned intervention to help his friend Angela Hayworth, the two fall in love. George’s lonely existence looks set to improve. But he’s about to discover that playing games with people’s lives is fraught with danger. And when his life starts to fall apart, he’s forced to confront the frightening truth… Someone is manipulating him. But why? With his freedom and sanity at stake, George must fight for everything he holds dear – especially his lawn, his meat thermometer, and Angela’s perfect teeth. Perfect for fans of Fredrik Backman, Graeme Simsion, Richard Osman, and Jonas Jonasson, Hacking George will put a smile on your face and a tear in your eye as it drives you towards its startling end. Editorial review "Not To Be Missed. If ever proof were needed that a good book doesn’t need a tortuously complicated plot, a high body count and gratuitous sex and violence then this is it." – Reedsy Discovery

Dividing Ridge by Stacy N. Hawks

Dividing Ridge is based on a true story of an unsolved crime that took place along the Blue Ridge Parkway in Alleghany, N.C. in 1937. After a young woman goes missing on her way to school a community is left on edge. With news spreading quickly of her disappearance and gossip swirling, it is up to local law enforcement to restore a sense of safety and one determined Sheriff to bring justice to her family.

What Happened on Box Hill by Elizabeth Gilliland

What would happen if you combined all of Jane Austen’s characters into one modern-day novel? Murder, of course. When Caty Morland’s roommate, Isabella, falls to her death on Initiation night, Austen University is quick to cover up the scandal and call it a tragic accident. But avid true-crime lover Caty remains convinced that Isabella didn’t fall; she was murdered. With the help of Pi Kappa Sigma President Emma Woodhouse, Caty organizes a dinner party with the most likely suspects, including familiar faces such as Darcy, Elizabeth Bennet, Knightley, and Marianne Dashwood. The theme of the night is murder, and Caty has three courses to find out what happened to Isabella--and to try to keep the killer from striking again.

Waking the Witch by W. V. Fitz-Simon

SPFBO7

She never wanted to be a witch, but when sorcerers threaten her loved ones, what else should the 20th century woman do? Slip on her favorite Siouxsie Sioux t-shirt, touch up her makeup, and bring down the house. Literally. To Gosha Armitage, magic is a four-letter word, but in her mother's world of witchcraft, words have power, power Gosha will sacrifice everything to acquire. When a murderous sorcerer masquerading as a New Age guru conspires to consume the life force of her best friend, the reluctant witch has no choice but to embrace her heritage, submit to her mother's caustic authority, and descend into a clandestine world of magic and intrigue with only her wits, five spells, and her favorite lipstick to help her. After a lifetime denying her connection to witchcraft, will Gosha learn to trust her mother's training in time to save her friend? Waking the Witch is the first installment in The Witch of Cheyne Heath supernatural mystery series from author W. V. Fitz-Simon. If you like Absolutely Fabulous, Terry Pratchett's Witches of Lancre, and complex mother-daughter relationships, you'll love this arch and cozy spellpunk adventure. Buy Waking the Witch and step into the glamorous, enigmatic, dangerous world of Cheyne Heath today!

Donn's Hill by Caryn Larrinaga

Ghosts. Psychics. Murder. Just another day in Donn's Hill. Mackenzie Clair needs a fresh start. The death of her father and a broken relationship rendered her old life unlivable. What better place to build a new one than Donn’s Hill, the most haunted town in America and her favorite childhood vacation spot? But returning to Donn’s Hill awakens more than nostalgia. As memories resurface, so does a lost psychic ability to talk to the dead... a power the poltergeist haunting Mac’s apartment is eager to use. Aided by her new roommate—a spirited Tortoiseshell cat named Striker—and the ghost-hunting crew of the Soul Searchers, Mac struggles to control her newfound talents. She’d better get a handle on them fast, because someone in town is hiding a deadly secret. If Mac can’t divine the truth, Donn’s Hill will never be the same. First in a new series, this cozy supernatural mystery was the 2017 winner of the League of Utah Writers Silver Quill award. "A genre-bending gem of a book, cozy meets horror meets cat fancier in a unique town of psychic tourism and ghostly secrets." -Johnny Worthen, award winning author of THE FINGER TRAP, THE BRAND DEMAND and WHAT IMMORTAL HAND

Murder Under a Blue Moon by Abigail Keam

Mona Moon is not your typical young lady. She is a cartographer by trade, explorer by nature, and adventurer by heart. But there’s a problem. Miss Mona is broke. It’s during the Depression, and National Geographic has just turned down her application to join an expedition to the Amazon. What’s she to do? Perhaps get a job as a department store salesgirl. Anything to tide her over until a next assignment. There’s a knock on the door. Who could this be in the middle of the night? Holding a revolver, Mona reluctantly opens her door to a man wearing a Homburg hat and holding a briefcase. “I bring glad tidings. Your Uncle Manfred Moon has died and left you as his heir to the Moon fortune. You are now one of the richest women in the country!” he says. Mona’s response is to point her revolver in his face. If the stranger is telling the truth, she will apologize. If he is a fraud, she will shoot him. That’s how Mona does things in 1933.

Murder So Deadly: A Merry March Mystery (Merry March Mysteries) by Eileen Curley Hammond

Pretty Things Can Be DeadlyIt’s springtime in Hopeful and the town is abloom. Gardeners, avid to challenge themselves, move past the usual begonias into more exotic plants. Unfortunately, some of their selections are pure poison.Rob’s mother and her husband are in town for a visit that ends in murder. Merry investigates and finds ugly truths growing in some of the most beautiful places.

Murder So Heartless: A Merry March Mystery (Merry March Mysteries) by Eileen Curley Hammond

Nothing spoils Valentine’s Day in a small town like a murdered florist.The First Gulf War lasted less than a year. Now, nearly three decades later, the local florist is murdered in Hopeful. Merry’s pulled in once again, as her daughter begs her to save her boyfriend’s father from prison. When Merry investigates, she realizes that secrets kept during that War are beginning to unravel. Wine and cats keep her sane while her boyfriend, Rob, and best friend, Patty, pitch in to help her solve the mystery before the murderer kills again.

Murder So Festive: A Merry March Mystery (Merry March Mysteries Book 2) by Eileen Curley Hammond

Christmas: A time for love, putting away grievances, and joining together in joy. Or not. When Merry’s ex breezes back into the town he swindled, her world turns upside down. Drawn into the drama that surrounds him, she works to protect their daughter from the turmoil. Tensions run high, and Merry finds herself, once again, in the center of a murder investigation. Good friends, wine, and her cats keep her grounded as she works to uncover the identity of the killer.

Murder So Sinful: A Merry March Mystery (Merry March Mysteries Book 1) by Eileen Curley Hammond

A murder at the church rocks the small town of Hopeful and sets tongues wagging. Single mom and successful insurance agent Merry March steps in to figure out who the killer is. Merry’s had a tough week. Her daughter went off the rails and her best friend became an annoying matchmaker. Finding solace in food, wine, and two demanding cats, her comfortable life changes when her best friend’s daughter is suspected of murder. As Merry investigates, she begins to open her heart.

Address to Die For by Mary Feliz

For professional organizer Maggie McDonald, moving her family into a new home should be the perfect organizational challenge. But murder was definitely not on the to-do list . . . Maggie McDonald has a penchant for order that isn't confined to her clients' closets, kitchens, and sock drawers. As she lays out her plan to transfer her family to the hundred-year-old house her husband, Max, has inherited in the hills above Silicon Valley, she has every expectation for their new life to fall neatly into place. But as the family bounces up the driveway of their new home, she's shocked to discover the house's dilapidated condition. When her husband finds the caretaker face-down in their new basement, it's the detectives who end up moving in. What a mess! While the investigation unravels and the family camps out in a barn, a killer remains at large-exactly the sort of loose end Maggie can't help but clean up . . .