Death on Carrion Lane — Patricia McLinn

A reunion for murder in Haines TavernSheila agrees to soothe Clara's nervousness by accompanying her friend to the 20-year class reunion for North Bend County High. Nostalgia, good memories, old friendships – this should be fun, right?Ah, but grudges, old rivalries, and long-buried secrets also arise. And before the festivities wrap up, there's one old classmate dead, another being questioned, and enough suspicion to cover several more.Sheila and Clara have their hands full making sure the wrong person isn't accused and the right one doesn't get away.Especially with Sheila also wondering about her relationship with ex-policeman Teague O'Donnell, her fledgling attempts to write fiction, and – of course – the well-being of the canine crew of Gracie, LuLu, and Murphy.Praise for Death on Carrion LaneSheila is Clara's reluctant date to a high school reunion and, as Teague would say, of course a dead body turns up! The mystery is cleverly written and the characters will make you remember your high school days. McLinn's books are elevated cozies; they are written with a great deal of intelligence and wit. Can't wait for the next one! – 5*Sheila attends as Clara's guest and I very much enjoyed reading about her comments on the party goers as well as the snippets of conversation she overheard. We know that along the way these observations will be vital to solving the mystery. – 5*Top shelf reading! . . . Definitely one of my favorite authors and reading a new book of hers is always a treat. This latest Secret Sleuth adventure in no exception. As usual, her writing is engaging and filled with humor. The mystery and the characters' interactions are captivating. Can hardly wait for the next one! – 5*Secret Sleuth seriesDeath on the DiversionDeath on Torrid Avenue Death on Beguiling WayDeath on Covert CircleDeath on Shady BridgeDeath on Carrion LaneDeath on ZigZag TrailDeath on Puzzle PlacePraise for Secret Sleuth seriesGreat series. McLinn's Secret Sleuth series has the same winning components of her Caught Dead in Wyoming series: a likable central character, well developed setting, fun supporting cast, and a great story. McLinn writes intelligent cozies that are a level (or two) above the typical offerings for the genre. – 5*Good, clean fun without being childish. The story funny and engaging; and the whodunnit surprising – 5*If you like a clever mystery, with lots of insider dog humor don't miss this series. English lit lovers will find loads of one-liners just for them as well. – 5*Murder and laughs. Can't wait for more. – 5*These books are terrific! And, having a collie myself, I have to tell you, the description of the collie alarm system is spot on! – 5*Great series. McLinn's Secret Sleuth series has the same winning components of her Caught Dead in Wyoming series: a likable central character, well developed setting, fun supporting cast, and a great story. McLinn writes intelligent cozies that are a level (or two) above the typical offerings for the genre. – 5*I so thoroughly enjoy this series and author that when a new book arrives, I drop everything to start reading. – 5*On the spectrum of Patricia McLinn's mystery novels, the Caught Dead in Wyoming series is in the middle, The Innocence Trilogy is edgier (and has more romance), and Secret Sleuth is a bit less edgy.