Arson, Old Lace and Murder (Charlie Kingsley Mysteries)
by Michele (PW) Pariza Wacek
About Arson, Old Lace and Murder
Arson, Old Lace and Murder (Charlie Kingsley Mysteries)
Cozy Mystery
8th in Series
Setting – Redemption, Wisconsin, in the 1990s
Publisher: Love-Based Publishing
Publication date : March 25, 2026
Number of Pages 200
Paperback
ISBN: 9798893510393
ASIN : B0GNZPYN1L
Digital
ASIN : B0FHQHXNGR
Charlie Kingsley is not a private investigator. She makes and sells custom teas out of her home. Which is why she initially refused to look into a recent case of a bar that had burned down.
Yes, it was tragic that the owner’s body was found inside. But this is an arson case, and what does she possibly know about arson?
Except…one of the waitresses is missing.
Who’s pregnant.
Who everyone thought was having an affair with the owner of the bar.
How can Charlie say no to the owner’s widow? And when Charlie accidentally finds the pregnant waitress, things start to take a strange turn. And suddenly, Charlie finds herself thrust into a decades-old mystery that haunts Redemption to this day.
A mystery that could very well cost Charlie her life.
Meet Charlie. Also known as “Aunt Charlie” from the award-winning Secrets of Redemption series. She’s back, making teas and solving cases in this funny, twisty, cozy mystery series set in the 1990s in Redemption, Wisconsin.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
We return to Redemption, Wisconsin, where a bar has burned down on the other side of town, where the direct descendants of the adults who mysteriously disappeared in 1888 live. Many believe the 1888ers are cursed, including Charlie Kingsley’s best friend, Pat. Charlie has a way of solving the local mysteries, but Pat begs her not to get involved in this arson investigation. But Charlie was the first to arrive on the scene and helped a young pregnant woman escape from the building with just moments to spare. It’s not her fault that the woman disappeared shortly after fire and police personnel arrived. Or that Charlie was unable to save the owner of the establishment. Rumors say the owner and the woman were having an affair.
Charlie is surprised when the owner’s widow tracks her down and asks her to investigate. Unfamiliar with the whole 1888 curse thing, she visits one of her tea customers in hopes she can help her understand. It is there that she makes a big discovery. Suddenly, Charlie could be in danger as the arson case connects to a mystery from long ago.
Michele (PW) Pariza Wacek takes her readers back to Wisconsin in the 1990s. Redemption has a peculiar history, which we learn more about in Arson, Old Lace, and Murder.
Each of Ms. Pariza Wacek’s characters is well-crafted and unique. Charlie is a strong, smart woman. She meets all kinds of people selling and delivering her custom teas. This case puzzles her. Her best friend, Pat, has stopped her daily visits; she won’t even talk to her. The police appear to be clueless. Wyle gets demoted and actually asks Charlie to investigate. Enter Mildred, from The Redemption Detective Agency (another series by this author). The residents of Redemption are a very interesting bunch. Some take quirky to a whole new level. Meeting some of the 1888ers and hearing their stories was stirring, but the subgroup of The Forgotten was creepy and scary.
The author penned a twisty mystery with plenty of suspects. Charlie is truly on a quest to get to the truth. For the longest time, people who could have helped Charlie withheld valuable information in an effort to protect themselves and her. The guilty party thought they knew everything. They were wrong, but Charlie was in no position to correct them. I had a fantastic time chasing clues with Charlie. She finds herself in hot water more than once. There were some intense moments leading up to the reveal and the very satisfying takedown.
Arson, Old Lace, and Murder was an excellent addition to this series. The pages flew by with a well-plotted mystery filled with appealing and quirky characters, set in an intriguing small town. The author finds a perfect balance of drama and suspense with humor laced throughout and just a touch of romance. An entertaining book that I highly recommend. You can read this book as a standalone, but I can guarantee you will want to go back and read more.
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About Michele (PW) Pariza Wacek
A USA Today Bestselling, award-winning author, Michele taught herself to read at 3 years old because she wanted to write stories so badly. It took some time (and some detours) but she does spend much of her time writing stories now. Mystery stories, to be exact. They’re clean and twisty, and range from psychological thrillers to cozies, with a dash of romance and supernatural thrown into the mix. If that wasn’t enough, she posts lots of fun things on her blog, including short stories, puzzles, recipes and more, at MPWNovels.com.
Michele grew up in Wisconsin, (hence why all her books take place there), and still visits regularly, but she herself escaped the cold and now lives in the mountains of Prescott, Arizona with her husband and southern squirrel hunter Cassie.
When she’s not writing, she’s usually reading, hanging out with her dog, or watching the Food Network and imagining she’s an awesome cook. (Spoiler alert, she’s not. Luckily for the whole family, Mr. PW is in charge of the cooking.)
Author Links
Website Facebook Instagram
Purchase Link –
Amazon
While each book is a standalone, you may find it more enjoyable to read the books in order, which is:
The Murder Before Christmas
Ice Cold Murder
Murder Next Door
Murder Among Friends
The Murder of Sleepy Hollow
Red Hot Murder
A Cornucopia of Murder
Arson, Old Lace and Murder
Masquerading as Murder (coming 2026)
Other books in the Charlie Kingsley Mystery series include:
A Grave Error (prequel)
Loch Ness Murder
A Wedding to Murder For
Three French Hens and a Murder
A Room For Murder
Margaritas and Murder
Secret Santa Murder (coming 2026)
Find all of Michele (PW) Pariza Wacek HERE.
Great Escapes Praise for Arson, Old Lace and Murder (Charlie Kingsley Mysteries)
by Michele (PW) Pariza Wacek
This was such an intriguing mystery that I had a hard time putting it down. Thankfully we were on spring break so I was able to read during the day.
~Sarah Can’t Stop Reading Books
Rating – 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Even though this was my first read in the series, it left me wanting more. I’m definitely interested in going back to the earlier books now, because if they’re anything like this one, I know I’ll enjoy them.
~bibliophile_foodie
Bottom Line: The more time I spend in Redemption, Wisconsin, the more I find it equal parts charming and unsettling, and Arson, Old Lace, and Murder by Michele Pariza Wacek confirmed each of those feelings once again!
~Reading is my Superpower
The unique cast of characters, atmospheric setting, creep factor, and well-plotted mystery make Arson, Old Lace and Murder a great addition to the Charlie Kingsley Mystery series! I highly recommend it!
~Christy’s Cozy Corners
5 stars!
Charlie is drawn into a deadly case of arson, murder, and revenge. I recommend ARSON, OLD LACE, AND MURDER to readers of cozy mysteries, especially those who enjoy paranormal elements in their stories.
~Guatemala Paula Loves to Read
This is a new to me author, and this will not be the last book that I read by her. I really love a good quick cozy mystery that will draw me in within the first few pages!
~Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting
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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.” I am also an affiliate of Bookshop.org and I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.” These funds are often used for gift cards and other giveaways.
as well as several nonfiction books on family issues. She has been featured on the front page of The Wall Street Journal and on NPR. She lives, writes, and fishes in northern Wisconsin.
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