The Bachelor Girl’s Guide to Murder

In 1910, friends Merinda Herringford and Jemima Watts share a home in Toronto and an interest in detective work, to the consternation of Jem’s very proper parents, who would rather their daughter pursue a husband than a mystery. Canadian novelist McMillan loses no time in presenting her Holmes and Watson–esque duo at a murder scene at a theater to kick off this cozy. Police constable Jasper Forth gives them access to the scene and is a romantic interest; enterprising reporter and Italian immigrant Ray DeLuca rounds off the set of principals. The action is slow to get going as plot points and characters are introduced. Jem and Ray are deeply characterized and fetching, Jasper and Merinda less so. McMillan knows her history and takes imaginative license with it, producing period details that are accurate but still fictional; the handbooks for ladies liberally quoted from are convincing and amusing. The romance is squeaky clean. Fans of inspirational cozies will rejoice. Agent: Ruth Samsel, William K. Jensen Literary Agency. (Apr.)