Written in Stone (A Books by the Bay Mystery)
Eccentric Munin Cooper, called the Witch of Oyster Bay, summons Olivia Limoges to her house to delivers hints about the lives of Olivia’s deceased parents. When Munin is found dead shortly thereafter, Olivia researches the artifacts in the jug Munin gave her, convinced that the woman was murdered. The members of Olivia’s writing group and her police-chief boyfriend help her investigate, and the clues reveal information about local Native American history as well as startling revelations about Olivia’s parents. When a young sous chef dies suddenly, and his sister is attacked soon after, Olivia realizes everything is connected, and the killer has an unfinished agenda. Adams effectively weaves interesting history, characters, and situations together in this latest in the Books by the Bay series. The personal revelations Olivia uncovers are among the most intriguing surprises in the book. Readers new to the series may want to read the previous title first, as it is hard to sort restaurant employees, writing-group members, and new characters. Fans of the Lorna Barrett Booktown novels will be attracted to this series as well. --Amy Alessio