cover image Well-Offed in Vermont: 
A Pret’ Near Perfect Mystery

Well-Offed in Vermont: A Pret’ Near Perfect Mystery

Amy Patricia Meade. Midnight Ink (www.midnightinkbooks.com), $14.95 trade paper (240p) ISBN 978-0-7387-2590-1

At the start of this charming first in a new cozy series from Meade (Black Moonlight), New Yorkers Stella Buckley, a medieval tapestry specialist, and Nick, her forest ranger husband, are looking forward to moving into the 1890 farmhouse they’ve just purchased in Windsor County, Vermont. But when local businessman Allen Weston turns up dead in their water tank, they’re locked out of their new home. Since they hope to move in before the winter, the couple involve themselves in the search for the killer. As the suspects—including an eccentric neighbor, a kindly sheriff, and their own realtor—pile up, Stella and Nick learn that nearly everyone wanted Weston dead—and that their investigation may be putting others in danger. Likable leads and unexpected twists help make up for the occasional clunky phrase or over-explained snippet of exposition. (Nov.)