Photo Finished

This sparkling series launch from Brecher (the Nantucket Candle Maker mysteries) introduces struggling photographer Liv Spyers, who lives in a basement studio next to her grandparents’ West Village locksmith shop, where she sometimes helps out. One morning outside the shop, she runs into Regina Montague, the owner of New York’s premier photography studio, who needs a key made. After admiring the photos on view in Liv’s studio window, Regina offers her a job taking pictures at the Holiday Ball held at the Pierre Hotel, the original photographer having quit at the last minute. Liv seizes this opportunity of a lifetime, but during the ball she discovers Regina hovering over the bloody body of millionaire venture capitalist Charlie Archibald. Her career may be doomed unless she can clear Regina of murder charges. Photos Liv took at the elite event may point to the real killer. Meanwhile, an antique safe in her grandparents’ shop holds an important clue to the murder. Distinctive characters complement a well-paced plot that takes several unexpected twists and turns. Brecher has upped her game with this superior cozy. Agent: Christina Hogrebe, Jane Rotrosen Agency. (Nov.)