Review of BOOKPLATE SPECIAL by Lorna Barrett

This, the third in the Booktown Mystery series by Berkley Prime Crime, held me spellbound (bookbound?) just as raptly as the first two did.

When Tricia Miles, owner of the bookstore called Haven't Got a Clue, throws freeloading Pammy Fredericks out of her apartment, she has no idea what she has set in motion. She soon learns, though, when Pammy turns up dead, stuffed into the dumpster behind the shop.

Pammy was Tricia's roommate in college, but they haven't kept in touch and aren't close, so Tricia doesn't feel too guilty about kicking her out. Especially since Pammy hasn't been looking for work, or even contributing to expenses in the two weeks she's been there, since arriving for a "weekend" stay. OK, she has furnished a couple of meals, but…well, wait until you find out about those meals.

Tricia gets involved with the local food shelf, the people supporting it, a mysterious missing diary, an old mystery, and a brand new one. She also goes on a furtive mission in the dead of night with a group of freegans. (Read the book to find out what they are.)

Her sister, Angelica, owner of the restaurant across the street called Booked for Lunch, continues to give her fits while her employee, Ginny, is having problems of her own. Meanwhile, a septuagenarian wedding is being planned--to take place in the bookstore. Plenty is happening!

By the end of this satisfying trip through the streets, back alleys, and dark parking lots of Stoneham, New Hampshire, plus a neighboring town, Tricia has learned a lot about the invisible local people, those who don't have enough to eat, and has a new romantic interest.

The recipes in this one look especially good, too: mini spinach quiches, potato-and-leek soup, and a simple but tasty meatloaf, among others.

I hope the next book is out soon! After you've read this one, look for CHAPTER AND HEARSE.