Scot Free: A Last Ditch Mystery

Homeless and broke after leaving her cheating American husband, Scottish marriage counselor Lexy Campbell finds her life in a mess, but it’s a delightful mess, which aptly describes this series launch from McPherson (House. Tree. Person.). Lexy intended to leave California for Edinburgh immediately after her last therapy session with Clovis and Visalia Bombaro, the octogenarian owners of the biggest fireworks company west of the Mississippi, who were calling it quits after decades together. But the police show up instead to tell Lexy that Clovis is dead, killed by a firework explosion in a most unfortunate bodily orifice, and Visalia is their prime suspect. Lexy’s return home is put on hold while she tries to prove that “Mizz Vi” is innocent with the dubious help of several eccentric friends, who intruded into her life when Lexy took up temporary residence at the Lassditch Motel. Lexy’s snide observations about the California lifestyle can’t cover up her affection for her friends, who are as warm-hearted as they are weird. Readers will look forward to Lexy’s further adventures. Agent: Lisa Moylett, Coombs Moylett Literary Agency. (Apr.)