Dead Weight

Near the start of Cooper’s engaging 10th E.J. Pugh mystery (after 2011’s Full Circle), E.J. attends the memorial service at the Episcopal church in Black Cat Ridge, Tex., for 30-something Berta Harris, a member of her weight-loss group who was hospitalized and died of “complications.” At the service, various people offer a host of causes for Berta’s untimely demise. When a local realtor who was selling Berta’s house is found dead the next day, E.J.’s sleuthing instincts kick in, over her husband’s strong objections. Sharing narrative duties with E.J. is her 15-year-old daughter, Megan, who comments with wit and humor on her family, which includes an 18-year-old brother, an adopted 15-year-old sister, and a foster child (who’s “like a size three and I’m like a nine so I can’t borrow anything, so what’s the point?”). Fans of lighter mysteries may want to read this in one sitting. Agent: Vicky Bijur, Vicky Bijur Literary. (Dec.)