Murder by the Millions

North Carolina baker and bookshop owner Allie Catt investigates the death of an unpopular real estate developer in Gerber’s amusing latest cozy (after Murder on the Page). The tight-knit town of Bramblewood, N.C., is abuzz with the arrival of bigwig Jason Gardner, who plans to buy up landmark buildings so he can tear them down and build a new shopping mall. Allie is juggling preparations for a Great Gatsby–themed party at her bookstore and her cat’s perplexing health problems when she receives a text from Jason asking her to meet him at his estate. When Allie arrives, she finds him barely clinging to life. Her 911 call comes too late, and Jason dies before police arrive. The murder weapon appears to be a spearhead from Allie’s personal collection, making her suspect number one, though Jason had no shortage of enemies among the other residents of Bramblewood. Allie’s ensuing investigation hits all the requisite beats: there are well hidden clues, hints of romance with a local cop, and recipes for quiches and cakes. This gets the job done. Agent: Jill Marsal, Marsal Lyon Literary. (Oct.)