Pub Date 11 Jul 2023
Crooked Lane Books
General Fiction (Adult) | Mystery & Thrillers

Description:

A retired librarian gets back to the books—and into a devilish murder case—in acclaimed author Victoria Gilbert’s new series, the perfect literary adventure for fans of Kate Carlisle and Jenn McKinlay.

Sixty-year-old Jane Hunter, forced into early retirement from her job as a university librarian, is seeking a new challenge to keep her spirits up and supplement her meager pension. But as she’s about to discover, a retiree’s life can bring new thrills—and new dangers.

Cameron “Cam” Clewe, an eccentric 33-year-old collector, is also seeking something—an archivist to inventory his ever-expanding compendium of rare books and artifacts. Jane’s thrilled to be hired on by Cam and to uncover the secrets of his latest acquisition, a trove of items related to the classic mystery and detective authors. But Jane’s delight is upended when a body is discovered in Cam’s library. The victim, heir to a pharmaceutical fortune, was the last in line of Cam’s failed romances—and now he’s suspect number one.

Cam vows to use his intelligence and deductive skills to clear his name—but with a slight case of agoraphobia, rampant anxiety, and limited social skills, he’ll need some help. It comes down to Jane to exonerate her new boss—but is he truly innocent?

Adele’s Review:

I admit the gorgeous cover art of A Cryptic Clue hooked me into reading the story description. The sixty-year-old protagonist sealed the deal to review the book. I love fictional characters who don’t fit the usual molds, and I’m glad I chose to read this well-written cozy mystery. The book is filled with offbeat but relatable characters that don’t seem like caricatures. The beautiful setting is clearly described, the dialogue flows naturally, and the pace kept me turning the pages.

A Cryptic Clue is the first in a new series, which makes this is the perfect time to discover Jane Hunter, a most likable amateur sleuth. She’s clever, educated, and kind. A recommended read.

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5363322910

Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BHXZKP44/