cover image Double Booked for Death

Double Booked for Death

Ali Brandon. Berkley Prime Crime, $7.99 mass market (320p) ISBN 978-0-425-24497-5

This cutesy first in a new cozy series from the pseudonymous Brandon (Diane A.S. Stuckart) introduces Darla Pettistone, owner of Brooklyn’s Pettistone’s Fine Books, and Darla’s imperious cat, Hamlet. To Darla’s delight, YA author Valerie Baylor will be making Pettistone a stop on her tour for her third book in her bestselling Haunted High paranormal series. With an expected crowd of 500 excited teenage girls, Darla has to worry only about a lone protester, who accuses Baylor of plagiarism, and a nutty letter from a fundamentalist, whose fellow church members may picket. When Baylor meets an unexpected end outside the shop, Darla and her tenant, ex-cop Jacqueline “Jake” Martelli, do a little investigating on their own, prompted by unusual and enigmatic clues provided by Hamlet. Those who like clever animals but draw the line at talking cats will feel right at home. (Dec.)