Murder at Longbourn

Murder at Longbourn
by Tracy Kiely

Tracy Kiely combines allusions to Pride and Prejudice and Agatha Christie with a murder at a Cape Cod B&B to create a witty debut novel. When the book opens Elizabeth Parker has made a New Year's resolution to improve her life. As a result, she has sworn off of fatty foods and she dumped her two-timing boyfriend. The downside to this resolution is that she will welcome in the new year alone. Her prospects brighten when her great-aunt Winnie asks Elizabeth to come to help her host a Murder Mystery Dinner party at her new bed and breakfast. Elizabeth's mood sours when she arrives at the Inn at Longbourn and meets Winnie's other helper, her childhood nemesis, Peter McGowen. New Year's Eve arrives and the stage is set for the "murder". Elizabeth passes around plates of hors d'oeuvres while Peter tends the bar. The acting troupe mingles with the guests. At the appointed time, Winnie turns out the lights so than actor can be stabbed to death. But the actor does not die when the room goes dark. Instead a shot is fired and one of the guests dies. Because only Winnie knew exactly when the lights would go out, the police make her their number one suspect. Elizabeth takes it upon herself to solve the mystery and save her great-aunt from a jail sentence. This is a delightful cozy. I loved the references to Jane Austin and Agatha Christie. The story some interesting twists and turns. I can't say more without giving away the plot. [If you enjoy this, you may also wish to try A Killer Plot by Ellery Adams, The Cold Light of Mourning by Elizabeth J. Duncan, and Holiday Grind by Cleo Coyle.] -- recommended by Donna G. - Virtual Services Department

[ publisher's official Murder at Longbourn web site ] | [ official Tracy Kiely web site ]

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