Dead-End Detective

June 29, 2020
This workmanlike series launch from Agatha winner Flower (the Magical Bookshop mysteries) introduces Darby Piper and her older friend and mentor, Samantha Porter, partners in the Two Girls Detective Agency in Herrington, N.Y. Though the business has been profitable since it opened 10 years earlier, Samantha tells Darby she’s considering an offer to be head of security at Lake Waters Retreat, a luxury resort. Darby is upset by the thought of shutting down their business. Less than a day later, Samantha dies when her car is forced off the road, and Darby becomes a prime suspect in what turns into a murder case. Darby sets out to find the real culprit, aided by Tate Porter, Samantha’s globe-trotting nephew, who has inherited her 60% share of the agency. Darby follows many false trails before exposing a killer whose choices will strike some readers as illogical. Various cats and dogs encountered along the way are enchanting, but the human characters are less so. Cozy fans will wonder what’s next for Darby—and whether she can come up with a more accurate name for the agency. Agent: Nicole Resciniti, Seymour Agency.

Starred review from August 1, 2020

If Darby Piper had known Samantha Porter, her business partner in Two Girls Detective Agency, would be murdered, her last words with her might not have been an argument. Samantha told Darby she was leaving the agency to be head of security at Lake Waters Retreat. After Samantha's death, Darby learns she doesn't inherit her mentor's share of the business. Instead, it goes to Tate Porter, Samantha's nephew. He's not a PI. He's a veteran and world traveler, but when he shows up in town the day after his aunt's death, Darby is suspicious. Too bad she's the primary suspect. Her car is missing, presumed to be the vehicle that was involved in Samantha's fatal car accident. And the police know about her fight with Samantha. She might be not only out of a job and a place to live, but in prison. Tate's willing to work with Darby to find the person who wanted his aunt dead. Now, if only Darby can believe it wasn't he. VERDICT The lead characters, with their realistic flaws, kick off a well-developed mystery that isn't quite as cozy as Flower's "Amish Candy Shop" mysteries. The cast and two interesting cats will appeal to readers of Miranda James.--Lesa Holstine, Evansville Vanderburgh P.L., IN

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