Roots of Evil

The cozy second installment of the Merrychurch Mysteries (after Truth Will Out) returns to the sleepy, contemporary English town where the local lord-of-the-manor and his new pub-owning boyfriend dabble as amateur sleuths. When Jonathon de Mountford and Mike Tattersall discover the body of Mrs. Teedle—the village’s resident “witch” who was known for her herbal remedies and special jams—strangled and her mouth stuffed full of ginger root, they can’t help getting involved. As the couple chase down leads and expose faulty alibis to uncover who could have murdered Mrs. Teedle, Jonathon’s homophobic father arrives in town, insistent that Jonathon marry a woman and continue the family line. Jonathon and Mike juggle their personal problems with their unofficial investigation, planning for their future even as they uncover dark secrets. Though Jonathon and Mike’s relationship lacks conflict, there’s plenty of chemistry and charm in their comfortable, domestic life together. The mystery is solid if subdued and resolved with little fuss in a conclusion that is satisfying, if not exciting. Series readers will be happy to check back in with these familiar characters, but the mystery may not have enough substance to win over new fans. (Oct.)