Old Bones Never Die: An Eve Appel Mystery

Diehl’s sweet fifth Eve Appel mystery (after Mud Bog Murder) finds the Sabal Bay, Fla., consignment shop owner contemplating becoming a PI for real, since she seems, based on her previous adventures, to have a knack for sleuthing. Eve gets involved in another mystery after Walter Egret, the half-brother of her lover, Sammy Egret, uncovers some bones at a construction site. The bones later disappear, along with a unique watch, and Walter is killed by a hit-and-run driver. Eve helps police detective Frida Martinez investigate, calls on mob boss Nappi Napolitani to intimidate a pawn dealer who’s reluctant to share information, and fends off advances from slick lawyer Danny Cypress. A warning attack threatens to derail Eve’s PI plans, but Walter’s three orphaned children and her friends restore her resolve. Diehl blends romance and schmaltz into a blandly pleasing cozy. (Mar.)