Cozy mystery sequel set in Ohio that pairs a widower anthropologist and his Gen Z colleague as they investigate a murder tied to a real estate scam and missing life savings.
This delightful sequel to A Field Guide to Murder is perfect for fans of Richard Osman and Benjamin Stevenson.
When an odd request leads Harry Lancaster to agree to meet his former sweetheart Willow at a farm on the outskirts of town, Emma's suspicions run high, and she insists on joining him.
Instead of Willow greeting them when they arrive, they discover the farm's owner dead, with a corn rake embedded in his back.
# Overview
# What happens
Fearing Willow will be the prime suspect, Harry decides to help despite Emma's reservations. He pulls in his brother Edgar, a CPA with murky personal history but useful financial know-how, plus a local teenage hacker named Connor. The team follows leads that expose swindlers, missing people, and overlapping motives. Stakes rise as a realtor goes missing, Harry's brother becomes implicated, and the amateur investigators find themselves dodging police and dangerous adversaries.
# Characters and dynamics
The reviewer highlights the warm, evolving friendship between Harry and Emma and praises the banter that keeps the tone cozy despite the violent crime and complex plot.
# Plot strengths and pacing
The mystery is described as intricate, with many moving parts and deliberate detail that allows readers to follow clues step by step. The reviewer liked that the added players—Edgar and Connor—raised the mystery's stakes and complexity. A planned sting unravels, putting Emma and a friend in danger, which the reviewer found suspenseful and engaging. Despite twists and darker elements, the book maintains cozy-mystery humor and accessible pacing.
# Tone and audience
This book targets readers who enjoy character-driven cozy mysteries with puzzle-like plots and light humor. Comparisons in the coverage suggest readers who like ensemble sleuth teams and clever capers will find it appealing.
# Publication details
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books. Publication date: September 15, 2026. Format availability listed: hardcover, paperback, and digital. Print length shown as 336 pages.
# Reviewer verdict
The reviewer calls this a smart addition to the series, praising character chemistry, plot intricacy, and a brisk pace that keeps the reader invested. The story is recommended to fans of cozy mysteries who want an engaging, twist-filled read that balances danger with warmth and wit.
An engaging story that unfolds at a comfortable, brisk pace with an incredible cast of core characters who take readers on an intriguing and intricate journey in a quest for the truth. ~Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book A Field Guide to Death and Deceit: A Harry & Emma Mystery – A Novel Cozy... Read More “Michelle
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