Cathy Ace

This charming sequel to The Case of the Dotty Dowager will delight M.C. Beaton and Jeanne M. Dams readers as the lively ladies use their individual talents to track down their quarry.

The author of the Cait Morgan mysteries (The Corpse with the Emerald Thumb) launches a gratifying contemporary series in the traditional British manner with hilarious repercussions (dead bodies notwithstanding). Cozy fans will anticipate learning more about these WISE ladies.

In the finest tradition of Agatha Christie, debut author Ace brings us the closed-room drama, with a dollop of romantic suspense and historical intrigue. The ending involving Cait's friends in Vancouver feels tacked on but leaves an effective opening for Cait's return. I like matching this author with Anne Zouroudi for tone and locale, and M.L. Longworth for the book's French history.