Flowerbed of State

St. James's breezy debut introduces Cassandra "Casey" Calhoun, a new member of the White House gardening staff who has the First Lady's approval "to transform the White House gardens into the White House organic gardens." While preparing for the annual Easter Egg Roll, Casey notices an invasion of weeds in some of the newly blossoming tulips. As she pulls the intruders, someone knocks her on the head. When she regains consciousness, she's lying in a flowerbed next to a dead body. The Secret Service and other law enforcement agencies investigate, taking the reader to places in the White House not on the usual tours. Credible characters, a fast-paced plot, and a light look at political life in Washington, D.C., will delight cozy fans. St. James is also the author of Birds in Paradise, a mystery short story available only as an e-book. (May)