The Unkindness of Ravens: A Greer Hogan Mystery

Greer Hogan, the smart, self-reliant narrator of Hilliard’s first-rate debut and series launch, used to be an executive at a New York City cosmetics firm, until she realized that she needed a change. “So, I went to the place where I always felt safe and happy—the library. More precisely, library school.” She has recently taken her first job as a librarian in the small town of Raven Hill , where her only friend is Joanna Goodhue, with whom she went to college. The library is housed in Raven Hill Manor, a gothic pile “full of small mysteries and historical oddities.” One night, while insuring that no stray patrons are still on the premises at closing time, Greer discovers Joanna’s lifeless body. Did Joanna fall and hit her head? Everyone, including the police, wants the death ruled an accident. But Greer disagrees and brings her skills as a keen observer to her investigation, tipping off readers when all the clues are in place with more finesse than Ellery Queen. Her carefully doled out backstory actually explains her need to solve the murder. This superior cozy should win Hilliard plenty of fans. Agent: Julie Gwinn, Seymour Agency. (Apr.)