Murder on the Page

Hardcover
$27.00 US
| $37.00 CAN
On sale Oct 22, 2024 | 336 Pages | 978-1-4967-4817-1
This delectably intriguing new series debut from one of the queens of cozy mysteries features a caterer who crafts literary-themed dinner parties—and must ensure that a killer gets their just desserts . . .

It’s a truth universally acknowledged that a genuinely top-notch party must be in want of a theme. Allie Catt, caterer and personal chef in the beautiful mountain community of Asheville, North Carolina, has devised a winning formula by using her clients’ favorite books as inspiration. Her first themed event is based on Pride and Prejudice (Allie’s cat, Darcy, approves), and it’s so popular that soon she has grand ideas for future parties based on Rebecca, The Great Gatsby, Babette’s Feast and more. 

Business is booming, and a rival catering company is fuming. But there’s a sting in the tale when the aunt of one of Allie’s clients and best friends, Tegan, is murdered. Tegan is the victim’s sole heir, and quickly becomes the main suspect. Allie has no doubts about her friend’s innocence, but how to prove it?  

Once again, her love of literature comes to the rescue, and with some guidance from her favorite fictional detectives, including Hercule Poirot and Sherlock Holmes, Allie sifts through the clues.  
With a little luck—and the kind of pluck that would make Elizabeth Bennett proud—she may be able to stop a killer from serving up a second course of murder . . .
Praise for the Fairy Garden Mystery Series:

"Plenty of suspects, gardening tips, and fairy lore combine for a sweet treat." —Kirkus Reviews on A Flicker of a Doubt

“A charming cozy with gardening tips, recipes, and a raft of suspects for those who don’t believe in fairies. —Kirkus Reviews on A Hint of Mischief
 
“Lively characters and plenty of action keep the pages turning. Paranormal cozy fans will have a ball.”Publishers Weekly on A Glimmer of a Clue
 
“A tale of perseverance, murder, and a sprinkling of magic in California… Even readers who aren’t tempted to create a fairy garden may be enticed by the recipes appended to this appealing cozy.” Kirkus Reviews on A Glimmer of a Clue
 
“If you believe or want to believe in magic THIS is an enjoyable read.” —CrimeReads on A Glimmer of a Clue
 
“Anyone who remembers the Peter Pan line, ‘Do you believe in fairies?’ will enjoy this enchanting book that has charm and wit, friends and foes, murder and mayhem with fascinating characters.” Crimespree Magazine on A Glimmer of a Clue
 
“Enchanting...Cozy fans will wish upon a star for more.” Publishers Weekly on A Sprinkling of Murder
 
“After finishing the book fans might want to try their hand at making their own fairy garden, or taste test the delectable recipes in the back of the book. And of course, readers will already impatiently be waiting for book number two. Fans of fantasy cozy series and this author will absolutely love this bestseller-bound tale.” Mystery Scene on A Sprinkling of Murder
 
“Likeable characters, including several who should continue to play roles in future investigations, and an entertaining but not-too-intrusive fairy connection make this a winner.” Booklist on A Sprinkling of Murder
 
“Fairies flutter throughout.”Kirkus Reviews on A Sprinkling of Murder
 
“The addition of real fairies adds a delightful twist to your standard culinary cozy. Courtney is an engaging heroine backed by a fun, diverse cast.” —Criminal Element on A Sprinkling of Murder
Daryl Wood Gerber is the Agatha Award-winning, nationally bestselling author of the Literary Dining Mysteries, the Fairy Garden Mysteries, the French Bistro Mysteries, and the Cookbook Nook Mysteries, as well as the Cheese Shop Mysteries written under the name Avery Aames. She also writes standalone suspense novels and the Aspen Adams Novels of Suspense. Prior to her career as a novelist, she was an actress with roles in television shows including "Murder, She Wrote," and she wrote for the popular TV sitcom "Out of this  World." Originally from the Bay Area, she now lives in Southern California where she likes to cook, garden and spend time with her frisky Goldendoodle named Sparky. Visit her online at DarylWoodGerber.com.

About

This delectably intriguing new series debut from one of the queens of cozy mysteries features a caterer who crafts literary-themed dinner parties—and must ensure that a killer gets their just desserts . . .

It’s a truth universally acknowledged that a genuinely top-notch party must be in want of a theme. Allie Catt, caterer and personal chef in the beautiful mountain community of Asheville, North Carolina, has devised a winning formula by using her clients’ favorite books as inspiration. Her first themed event is based on Pride and Prejudice (Allie’s cat, Darcy, approves), and it’s so popular that soon she has grand ideas for future parties based on Rebecca, The Great Gatsby, Babette’s Feast and more. 

Business is booming, and a rival catering company is fuming. But there’s a sting in the tale when the aunt of one of Allie’s clients and best friends, Tegan, is murdered. Tegan is the victim’s sole heir, and quickly becomes the main suspect. Allie has no doubts about her friend’s innocence, but how to prove it?  

Once again, her love of literature comes to the rescue, and with some guidance from her favorite fictional detectives, including Hercule Poirot and Sherlock Holmes, Allie sifts through the clues.  
With a little luck—and the kind of pluck that would make Elizabeth Bennett proud—she may be able to stop a killer from serving up a second course of murder . . .

Reviews

Praise for the Fairy Garden Mystery Series:

"Plenty of suspects, gardening tips, and fairy lore combine for a sweet treat." —Kirkus Reviews on A Flicker of a Doubt

“A charming cozy with gardening tips, recipes, and a raft of suspects for those who don’t believe in fairies. —Kirkus Reviews on A Hint of Mischief
 
“Lively characters and plenty of action keep the pages turning. Paranormal cozy fans will have a ball.”Publishers Weekly on A Glimmer of a Clue
 
“A tale of perseverance, murder, and a sprinkling of magic in California… Even readers who aren’t tempted to create a fairy garden may be enticed by the recipes appended to this appealing cozy.” Kirkus Reviews on A Glimmer of a Clue
 
“If you believe or want to believe in magic THIS is an enjoyable read.” —CrimeReads on A Glimmer of a Clue
 
“Anyone who remembers the Peter Pan line, ‘Do you believe in fairies?’ will enjoy this enchanting book that has charm and wit, friends and foes, murder and mayhem with fascinating characters.” Crimespree Magazine on A Glimmer of a Clue
 
“Enchanting...Cozy fans will wish upon a star for more.” Publishers Weekly on A Sprinkling of Murder
 
“After finishing the book fans might want to try their hand at making their own fairy garden, or taste test the delectable recipes in the back of the book. And of course, readers will already impatiently be waiting for book number two. Fans of fantasy cozy series and this author will absolutely love this bestseller-bound tale.” Mystery Scene on A Sprinkling of Murder
 
“Likeable characters, including several who should continue to play roles in future investigations, and an entertaining but not-too-intrusive fairy connection make this a winner.” Booklist on A Sprinkling of Murder
 
“Fairies flutter throughout.”Kirkus Reviews on A Sprinkling of Murder
 
“The addition of real fairies adds a delightful twist to your standard culinary cozy. Courtney is an engaging heroine backed by a fun, diverse cast.” —Criminal Element on A Sprinkling of Murder

Author

Daryl Wood Gerber is the Agatha Award-winning, nationally bestselling author of the Literary Dining Mysteries, the Fairy Garden Mysteries, the French Bistro Mysteries, and the Cookbook Nook Mysteries, as well as the Cheese Shop Mysteries written under the name Avery Aames. She also writes standalone suspense novels and the Aspen Adams Novels of Suspense. Prior to her career as a novelist, she was an actress with roles in television shows including "Murder, She Wrote," and she wrote for the popular TV sitcom "Out of this  World." Originally from the Bay Area, she now lives in Southern California where she likes to cook, garden and spend time with her frisky Goldendoodle named Sparky. Visit her online at DarylWoodGerber.com.