Murder by Suggestion

Like many entries in this long-running series, Heley’s busy 19th Ellie Quicke mystery (after 2017’s Murder for Nothing) begins with the ringing of the doorbell of Ellie’s large, comfortable London home. In sweeps Diana, her remarkably rude daughter, dragging her suitcases and wailing that her much older husband, Evan, has thrown her out. Ellie discovers that Diana and her friends have been playing a murder game, with each coming up with a way to kill a spouse. Then Bunny Brewster, one of the husbands, dies in exactly the way that Diana suggested. Soon, Ellie’s ever so tastefully furnished sitting room is filled with Diana’s friends lamenting at top volume. All of their husbands have thrown them out. Ellie offers beds to the women, digs into her bottomless freezer to provide meals, and puts the water on to boil for tea. Another husband dies, and a house or two is set on fire. Will Ellie solve these bizarre incidents without ever leaving home? You bet she will. Once again Heley successfully melds a cozy sensibility with dark doings. Agent: Juliet Burton, Juliet Burton Literary (U.K.). (Oct.)