CHECK IT OUT:Reunions gone wrong

Thanks have been given, the turkey’s been carved and consumed, friends and family have returned home and there’s nothing like a newly released mystery to add a little spice to a November evening, especially now that the house is quiet again. Like leftovers, these authors can be enjoyed again and again because all the titles belong to a mystery series. Hint: Leftover pumpkin pie is yummy in the company of these writers and there’s no smell after three days.

“You Have the Right to Remain Puzzled,” by Parnell Hall, features the Puzzle Lady, Cora Felton, a cozy, grandmotherly, nationally syndicated crossword puzzle author who also solves murders; except a closely guarded family secret threatens Cora’s orderly, boxed-in world. Crossword puzzles related to the plot are included in the eighth book in this series.

“Dead Roots: A Bad Hair Day Mystery,” by Nancy J. Cohen, is a tale about a hair-raising family reunion on the Sugar Crest Plantation Resort. Beautician-detective Marla Shore has to untangle the knots of a family feud before more die-jobs occur. Visit Florida vicariously, without getting in a frazzle.

“Last to Leave: A Superintendent Mike Yeadings Mystery,” by Clare Curzon, proves that a dysfunctional family celebrating their father’s 80th birthday has police procedural potential for uncovering arson, family secrets and bodily harm. Count this as 18th in the British detective’s series.

“No Trace: A Brock and Kolla Mystery,” by Barry Maitland, mixes the contemporary London modern art scene with vanishing children and their artist parents. Analytical police investigation meets illogical, creative impulse in this left brain versus right brain thriller for Anglophile fans in series No. 8.

“Bone Valley,” by Claire Matturo, pits legal-eagle attorney Lilly Cleary against environmental activists in a case involving a Florida orange grower. Complications arise from family and friends. Is her new crush a bomb-making criminal? Are her clients going up in smoke? Is this really only her third book in the series?

“All Mortal Flesh: A Clare Fergusson and Russ Van Alstyne Mystery,” by Julia Spencer-Fleming, revisits an Anglican priest’s and her police chief’s unspoken, romantic yearning against the background of sworn duty, small town gossip and murder. Warning: Twists and red herrings will keep readers guessing in series No. 5.

“Secondhand Smoke,” by Karen E. Olson, finds New Haven, Conn.’s crime reporter Annie Seymour dealing with her dad, her love life, and the mob when her favorite Italian restaurant burns down on Thanksgiving morning and the hostess’ body is among the ashes. Since this is second in the series, the pace is just starting to quicken.

OK, so this last title isn’t one of a series, but the reunion is killer.

“Dying Flames,” by Robert Barnard, draws successful novelist Graham Broadbent into a melodramatic mystery when a beautiful 19-year-old girl claims she’s his daughter. Is it true that old sparks never die but are fanned into flames at school reunions?

is written by the staff of the Newport Beach Public Library. This week’s column is by Mary Ellen Bowman. Use your Newport Beach Public Library card to reserve these titles at www.newportbeachlibrary.org or call (949) 717-3800 and press 2.