Marble Hall Murders by Anthony Horowitz (Harper; LJ starred review) is the top holds title of the week. LibraryReads and Library Journal offer read-alikes for patrons waiting to read this buzziest book.

 Editor Susan Ryeland returns to London for a third adventure (following Moonflower Murders and Magpie Murders) after a self-imposed exile on the island of Crete. She’s eager to reestablish her name in the publishing world, but her next freelance job is one she does not want: collaborating with troubled writer Eliot Crace on an Atticus Pünd continuation novel entitled Pünd’s Last Case. The grandson of adored children’s author Miriam Crace, Eliot reveals to Susan a nightmarish childhood living with his grandmother at Marble Hall, at odds with public perception. Reading Eliot’s nearly complete manuscript, Susan recognizes in the poisoning of Lady Margaret Chalfont a lightly veiled attempt by Eliot to implicate a family member in the death of Miriam Crace 20 years before. Horowitz’s cast of characters/suspects are entertaining, and his dialogue pitch-perfect, as Eliot’s drunken and vociferous claims lead to a body count. Susan must race to solve Pünd’s last case before another murder is announced—her own. VERDICT Horowitz crafts a deliciously witty, clever, and hefty mystery—two mysteries in one, really—in a terrific art-imitating-life send-up that works as a stand-alone as well as a series entry.—Peggy Kurkowski

The Busy Body by Kemper Donovan (John Scognamiglio Bks.: Kensington; LJ starred review)

Appeared on the January 2024 LibraryReads list

“A very talented ghostwriter signs on to help a failed female presidential candidate write her memoir. Their initial work weekend is going well until there is a mysterious drowning next door. The politician feels called upon to investigate, taking her ghostwriter along—a Watson to her Holmes. An enjoyable mystery tale ensues.”—Joan Hipp, Florham Park Public Library, NJ

West Heart Kill by Dann McDorman (Knopf)

Appeared on the October 2023 LibraryReads list

“In this twist on the trope of a locked room mystery, a private eye is trapped in an exclusive hunting cabin in the Adirondacks during a major storm with three dead bodies while finding he is as much a suspect as the rest of the elite set of guests. A great original debut!”—Jennifer Winberry, Hunterdon County Library, NJ

Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto (Berkley; LJ starred review)

Appeared on the March 2023 LibraryReads list

“Written with wickedly sharp humor and a tightly woven plot, the book is also about the hurt that families can give and the unexpected joys of found family. Vera is a delight as she bosses everyone around, investigating her main suspects even as she weaves bonds of friendship with and between them. Also, the descriptions of the tea and food were mouthwateringly delicious!”—Laura Eckert, Clermont County Public Library, Milford, OH