The Case of the Unsuitable Suitor: A WISE Enquiries Agency Mystery

Ace’s amiable fourth mystery featuring the four women of the WISE Enquiries Agency (after 2017’s The Case of the Curious Cook) finds Christine Wilson-Smythe on holiday in her native Ireland, where she’s soon drawn into a case involving kidnapping and fraud. Back at the agency’s base—the bucolic Welsh town of Anwen-by-Wye—Carol Hill, Mavis MacDonald, and Annie Parker delve into the background of wealthy Huw Hughes, whose three wives each came to a tragic end. Huw, who’s ready to give the town’s croquet team the benefit of his experience as an international management consultant, seems interested in Annie, to the dismay of the local publican, Tudor Evans, who carries a none-too-secret torch for her. Meanwhile, old Doctor Priddle dies of poisoning after attending a croquet match. Whether Annie and Tudor will find true romance is as urgent a question as who murdered the doddering doctor. Christine’s Irish adventures may be too over-the-top for some readers, but cozy fans will find plenty to like amid all the soap opera. Agent: Priya Doraswamy, Lotus Lane Literary. (Jan.)