Blood Rubies

In Cleland's pleasing ninth Josie Prescott mystery set in Rocky Point, N.H. (after 2013's Lethal Treasure), the antiques dealer has the honor of appraising the Faberg%C3%A9 Spring Egg snow globe, a recently discovered and hitherto unknown Faberg%C3%A9 egg, for Ana Yartsin, an upcoming celebrity chef who's gaining fans with her Faberg%C3%A9-like cakes. Now Ana is about to launch a reality TV show featuring her cakes as well as do the baking for the marriage of Heather, her best friend, and Heather's fianc%C3%A9, Jason, a financial adviser. Then Jason is found dead, and the egg appears to have been smashed to bits. Jason has made enemies, but suspicion falls on Ana's hot-tempered brother, Peter, who is also Heather's ex-boyfriend. Josie's friend Wes Smith, a local reporter, helps with the detecting. The best part of this cozy is the knowledgeable discussion of antiques, including the eggs. Cleland has a knack for explaining things clearly without coming across as pedantic. Feline aficionados will enjoy Josie's conversations with her cat. Agent: Cristina Concepcion, Don Congdon Associates. (Dec.)