A BASKET OF TROUBLE

A sister steps in to help when her brother’s horse-riding business is the scene of an accidental death—or murder.

Gift-basket designer Claire Hanover is thrilled to bring her husband, Roger, to celebrate the opening of Gardner’s Stables, her brother Charley’s most recent venture. Since Charley’s been dogged by bad luck, Claire is determined to support his new business no matter what—but no matter what happens sooner rather than later. Just days after the opening, Kyle Mendoza, one of the stable hands, is found dead, his body crushed in the back of Gunpowder’s stall. Although rumors start circulating that Charley’s outfit isn’t safe, Claire suspects it may be a case of foul play, especially as Charley is insistent that Gunpowder has always been a sweet animal. Claire trades in the ribbons and scissors of her craft to sleuth on Charley’s behalf, uncovering several motives for murder from local competitors and others closer to home. She soon finds her worries about Charley’s business eclipsed by her worries about Charley’s marriage to Jessica, which seems to be crumbling fast. Now that Kyle’s family is suing for negligence, can Claire save the day before her brother is forced to start all over again?

The latest starring Claire (To Hell in a Handbasket, 2012, etc.) packs in more action than a typical cozy, though readers annoyed with the heroine’s occasional know-it-all tone might enjoy seeing her in a bit of peril.