by Ann Cleeves (1996)
This is the eighth and final mystery featuring George and Molly Palmer-Jones. Among the birders from around the world gathered for the dazzling spring avian migration on the Texas coast are three old friends from England--Rob, Mick, and Oliver--celebrating the twentieth anniversary of their first unforgettable trip to High Island. But the party's over when Mick--the introvert who surprisingly got the girl they all wanted years ago--is murdered. The police tag Rob for the crime, but shrewd birder-investigator George Palmer-Jones focuses his attention on some odd ducks among the English contingent. Meanwhile, back home in England, George's wife, Molly, digs up the dirt on a save-the-earth society. And on High Island, a killer finds that one murder is not enough. . .
Graham Swift
George Webb is a divorced ex-policeman turned private investigator, a man whose prospects seemed ruined not so long ago. Kicked off the force for trying in all the wrong ways to put away the right man, he has recently crossed a line with a client--and upended his own life.
M. C. Beaton
Bossy, impulsive, yet hopelessly romantic, Agatha is dreading the upcoming marriage of her ex-husband, James Lacey. Her best intentions to move on with her life are put on hold when James's young bride is shot to death just minutes before saying I do, and Agatha is named the prime suspect.
M.C. Beaton
The vicar of a nearby village persuades Agatha Raisin to help publicise a church fête. Agatha brings out the crowds for the fête, but there's more going on than innocent village fun. Several of the offerings in the jam-tasting booth turn out to be poisoned, and the festive family event becomes the scene of two murders. Along with her young and (much to her dismay) pretty sidekick, Toni, Agatha must uncover the truth behind the jam tampering, keep the church funds safe from theft, and expose the nasty secrets lurking in the village - all while falling for handsome George Selby, who may have secrets of his own.
Christine Green
Kate Kinsella needs a break from work after her boyfriend dies. Her business partner, Hubert, sends her to a new age therapy centre in deepest Wales, Peace Haven. What could be more peaceful? No newspapers, no television, no telephones, no contact with the outside world. Soon Kate meets a bevy of strange guests, including Fran, a hotshot lawyer, just released from a stint in gaol for infanticide. Imperceptibly, Kate is drawn into an investigation to uncover the truth behind Fran's conviction.