Murder by Mistake

Ellie Quicke, who rescued waifish Mia Prior from her abusive criminal stepfamily in Murder in House (2009), plans on hosting a wedding reception for Mia's best friend, Ursula Belton, in British author Heley's entertaining 11th mystery to feature the stubborn amateur sleuth. Against her better judgment, Ellie is also planning the splashy, ill-advised nuptials of her oh-so-demanding daughter, Diana, to Denis "the Menace," a shady businessman (who might still be married). The week before the weddings, to be held on the same day, a speeding car kills a young mother and narrowly misses Ellie and Mia while they're out shopping. Further problems develop after Mia begins receiving threatening messages and flowers suggesting she's still in danger. Avoiding wedding day catastrophe and more, intrepid Ellie injects this high-octane cozy with endearing humor and enduring style. Adding to the fun is Ellie's impulse to pray for help from higher powers at critical moments. (Aug.)