Welcome to Cozy Wednesday!
I am delighted to feature A Killer Clue by Victoria Gilbert.
Even though it is more of a traditional mystery than cozy.
A Killer Clue (A Hunter and Clewe Mystery)
Traditional Mystery
2nd in Series
Setting – North Carolina
Publisher : Crooked Lane Books (September 24, 2024)
Hardcover : 304 pages
ISBN-10 : 163910643X
ISBN-13 : 978-1639106431
Kindle ASIN : B0CBJGYXQ4
Perfect for fans of Anthony Horowitz and Jenn McKinlay, acclaimed author Victoria Gilbert is back with more devious clues and deadly secrets as Hunter and Clewe take on a new case in the second Hunter and Clewe mystery.
When Eloise Anderson, the owner of an antiquarian bookshop, arrives at the grand Aircroft estate to ask retired librarian Jane Hunter and eccentric collector Cameron Clewe for help, Jane and Cam expect a bookish inquiry. But the bookseller has a different sort of assistance in mind—clearing her mother’s name of a murder Eloise is convinced she didn’t commit.
Eloise’s mother has just died after spending many years in prison for allegedly killing Eloise’s father. Armed with new information found in her mother’s effects, the bookseller is determined to uncover the true killer so her mother can rest in peace, even though the case is now colder than ice. When Jane tracks down the original detective from the investigation and discovers him stabbed to death in Eloise’s bookshop, Jane and Cam are sure this murder is connected to the cold case. They think it’s the same killer, but the police unfortunately have their own prime suspect, and this time around it’s Eloise.
Cam and Jane’s cold-case sleuthing turns urgent—find who committed the murders or watch another innocent woman rot in jail as a cold-blooded killer walks free.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
The word is out that retired librarian Jane Hunter and eccentric collector Cameron Clewe have solved some mysteries. This brings Eloise Anderson, the owner of an antiquarian bookshop, to Aircroft with a special non-bookish request. With her mother’s recent death, she wants their help to prove her mother was wrongly accused and convicted of killing her father. While the case has gone cold, Eloise has found new information in her mother’s belongings. That convinces Jane and Cam to look into the matter but then Jane finds the original detective in charge of the investigation stabbed to death in Eloise’s shop. The murders have to be connected but the police have now set their sights on Eloise as their #1 suspect.
Can Cam and Jane follow the clues to find the real killer so that Eloise can be cleared and her mother can rest in peace? Or will another innocent woman serve time for a murder she didn’t commit?
All the characters I enjoyed in A Cryptic Clue are back! Jane Hunter and Cameron Clewe are more comfortable with each other and make a great team. Jane is good for Cam. Not only is she cataloging his collections and helping him investigate, but she is also working with him to interact and communicate better with others. She travels out and about following clues while he works the case from the comfort of Aircroft. His assistant Lauren is always nearby to help him in any way she can. Jane’s landlord, Vincent Fisher, and his lady friend, Donna Valenti are focused on one mystery they are anxious to solve. They are a cohesive group committed to finding the truth. All are well-crafted as are the characters brought in for this current story, like Jane’s daughter who came for a visit and several suspects.
This story contains three mysteries entangled together with a skillful hand, two regarding Eloise and the third a personal project for Cam. All had twists, turns, and surprises. Everything captured my interest. My armchair detective self was on full alert. I had a terrific time following each lead and clue right along with the characters. I appreciated all the snippets about the collectible books mentioned throughout the story too.
Ms. Gilbert’s words set each scene wonderfully. Aircroft is a huge place and the grounds are filled with gardens and such a view. I felt like I was right there for the exciting showdown listening to confessions and conclusions and witnessing the frightening takedown. I had a theory that was partially right but so much was a total surprise.
A Killer Clue is an intricately plotted whodunit with strong dynamic characters sure to entertain all mystery lovers. I am excited for this series to continue.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
Your Escape Into A Good Book Travel Agent
About the Author
Raised in a historic small town at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Victoria Gilbert turned her early obsession with books into a dual career as an author and librarian. Now retired after over 30 years in the library field, she’s worked as a reference librarian, research librarian, and university library director.
Victoria writes the Blue Ridge Library Mystery series, the Booklover’s B&B Mystery series, and the Hunter and Clewe traditional mystery series for Crooked Lane Books. A member of Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers, Victoria lives in North Carolina.
Linktree:
https://linktr.ee/victoriagilbertauthor
Also written by Victoria Gilbert
Coming January 7, 2025
This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting Escape With Dollycas.
I am giving away a Hardcover Copy!
The contest is open to anyone over 18 years old
with a US or Canadian mailing address.
Duplicate entries will be deleted. Void where prohibited.
You do not have to be a follower to enter but I hope you will find
something you like here and become a follower.
Followers Will Receive 2 Bonus Entries For Each Way They Follow.
Plus 2 Bonus Entries For Following My Facebook Fan Page.
Add this book to your WANT TO READ shelf on GoodReads
for 3 Bonus Entries.
Follow Crooked Lane Books on Facebook for 3 Bonus Entries
Follow Crooked Lane Books on Instagram for 3 Bonus Entries
Pin this giveaway to Pinterest for 3 Bonus Entries.
If you share the giveaway on Threads, X, or Facebook or anywhere you will receive 5 Bonus Entries For Each Link.
The Contest Will End October 16, 2024, at 11:59 PM CST
The Winner Will Be Chosen Using Random.org
The Winner Will Be Notified By Email
and Will Be Posted Here In The Sidebar.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” “As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases.”
