A Basket of Trouble (A Claire Hanover Mystery)
Gift-basket-designer Claire Hanover is trying to support brother Charley’s new riding business when a stable hand is killed in a stall, seemingly by a horse. Claire discovers another employee is drinking heavily, and he is let go, only to be found dead at the site the next morning with a suicide note. Eventually, both deaths are ruled homicides, and Claire tries to find answers. Claire’s friendship with a notorious criminal is a humorous surprise even if a stretch of imagination. Downplaying the crafts element this time, Groundwater combines a satisfying mystery with aspects of riding life and a look at the illegal-immigration issue. A good choice for fans of small-town amateur sleuths. --Amy Alessio