cover image Fiction Can Be Murder: A Mystery Writer’s Mystery

Fiction Can Be Murder: A Mystery Writer’s Mystery

Becky Clark. Midnight Ink, $15.99 trade paper (312p) ISBN 978-0-7387-5332-4

Set in Denver, this promising series launch from Clark (Banana Bamboozle with Ted Hardwick) introduces mystery writer Charlemagne “Charlee” Russo. When Melinda Walter, Charlee’s agent, dies an untimely death that bears a striking resemblance to a murder in her latest unpublished novel, suspicion falls on Charlee, given her growing dispute with Melinda over royalty payments, and she sets out to clear her name. Since only a handful of people have had access to the manuscript—including, most notably, the quirky members of Charlee’s writing group—she works through the suspects while fending off the police investigation. On the personal side, Charlee and her police officer brother, Lance, struggle with memories of their father, also a cop, who left the force in disgrace over a murky scandal. Clark does a good job of grounding the story in place and detail. Despite the overly large cast of characters and the too-neat finale, cozy fans should enjoy this funny and affecting view into a mystery writer’s life. Agent, Jill Marsal, Marsal Lyon Literary Agency. (Apr.)