This Month’s Top Book Picks

1. The Deadly Invitation
A Morgan Jameson Mystery, Book 2
by Sandra Wach
Published by Hemlock & Ivy Publishing, Est. 1924
A mysterious invitation to a lavish English manor turns deadly when long-buried secrets begin to surface. As the body count rises, Morgan Jameson must untangle deception, betrayal, and murder before she becomes the next victim,

2. The Witch Elm
by Tana French
Published by Viking Press
Dark, introspective, and intricately written—French delivers a psychological mystery that lingers long after the final page.

3. The Madness of Crowds
by Louise Penny
Published by Minotaur Books
Chief Inspector Gamache is back in this timely and thought-provoking mystery set in the quiet village of Three Pines—with secrets hiding in plain sight.

4. The Thursday Murder Club
by Richard Osman
Published by Pamela Dorman Books / Viking
A delightful twist on the classic whodunit, featuring four retirement home residents solving crimes between tea and scones.

5. The Maid
by Nita Prose
Published by Ballantine Books
A charming and cleverly constructed mystery set within a grand hotel. When a maid discovers a wealthy guest dead in his suite, she must uncover the truth while navigating a world of secrets, suspicion and unexpected friendships.

This Month’s Top Watches

Elegant suspense and cinematic twists—best served with a splash of vermouth.

1. The Marlow Murder Club
Streaming on PBS Masterpiece
When a retired archaeologist witnesses a murder near her home on the Thames, she joins forces with a dog watcher and a local vicar’s wife to uncover the truth. Charming, witty and full of twists, this delightful British mystery series is perfect for fans of amateur sleuths and cozy crime.

2. Agatha Raisin
Streaming on Acorn TV
After leaving a successful career in London, Agatha Raisin settles into a picturesque Cotswolds village only to find herself surrounded by mysteries. This delightfully entertaining British series is perfect for fans of amateur sleuths, cozy mysteries and clever whodunits.

3. Magpie Murders
Streaming on PBS Masterpiece / Amazon Prime Video
A mystery within a mystery—when a bestselling author dies before finishing his final book, secrets from the story (and his life) begin to unravel.

4. A Haunting in Venice
Streaming on Hulu / Amazon Prime Video
Kenneth Branagh returns as Hercule Poirot in this atmospheric adaptation of Agatha Christie’s Hallowe’en Party. Supernatural vibes meet classic deduction in a fog-soaked Venice.

5. Knives Out
Available on Amazon Prime Video
A sharp, stylish whodunit with a killer cast. Think Clue, but with better tailoring and even juicier family drama.

Meet “Wicket”, our reader’s lounge hedgehog—curator of comfort, cocktails, and cunning mysteries.

He never misses cocktail hour, always finishes the book before the twist, and insists that mysteries are best served with brie and bourbon. You’ll find him here each month with a favorite pick or tip worth toasting to.