Killer Content: A Brooklyn Murder Mystery

Blacke’s sprightly debut and series launch introduces Odessa Dean, a naive 20-something from Louisiana who loves true crime podcasts. Odessa is thrilled to be apartment and cat sitting for her world-traveling aunt in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and working at Untapped Books and Cafe. While posting an online ad for the cafe, Odessa watches a livestream video of a flash mob dancing at nearby Domino Park. The crowd is having a great time—until a woman on an overhead walkway suddenly falls to her death on camera. Odessa is horrified to recognize the woman as her coworker, Bethany Kostolus. The police rule the death an accident, but Odessa is sure Bethany was murdered. Cozy fans will enjoy seeing Brooklyn (and Brooklynites) through spunky outsider Odessa’s eyes as she gathers the evidence to prove it. Distinctive characters enhance the lively plot. Blacke is off to a promising start. Agent: James McGowan, Bookends Literary. (Feb.)