A Perilous Plot

Booktown Mystery #19

by Lorna Barrett

Family reunions are killer—literally—in the newest mystery in Lorna Barrett's New York Times bestselling Booktown series.

Everything was going great for Tricia Miles, right up until her estranged mother, Sheila, arrives on her front step with an urn she says contains the remains of Tricia's father.

Shocked and saddened, Tricia and her sister, Angelica, attempt to get to the bottom of what happened. But their efforts for clarity are dashed when Shelia disappears the very next day, leaving without a word.

Naturally, the sisters are upset—especially after they take the remains to the local funeral parlor and discover that not only is the urn filled with kitty litter, but hidden inside is a valuable (and stolen) Rolex watch. Digging deeper, the sisters find their parents are in dire financial trouble and seem to be lurking around Booktown.

Tricia and Angelica can’t help but wonder how many more secrets their mother was keeping...and whether that includes murder.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Audiobook

311 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 23, 2025

About the author

The immensely popular Booktown Mystery series is what put Lorna Barrett’s name on the New York Times Bestseller list, but it’s her talent -- whether writing as Lorna, or L.L. Bartlett, or Lorraine Bartlett -- that keeps her there. This multi-published, Agatha-nominated author pens the exciting Jeff Resnick Mysteries as well as the acclaimed Victoria Square Mystery series and has many short stories and novellas to her name(s). Check out the links to all her works here: http://www.lornabarrett.com

Reviews

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 stars
This is not the best in the series - too many toxic characters and loose ends. I like the concept of found family, though, since Tricia and Angelica's parents are both pretty horrible.

[Jenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Number 19 has Tricia and Angelica puzzling over their absent mother and presumed dead father as they try and solve the murder of an old friend of their mother's. Tricia was more paletable in this one than usual. I still feel like she acts more like she's in her 60s than her 40s. Their mother is probably the worst character I've encountered. She's just awful. Still, this story was fine. It didn't feel like one of the usual mysteries, but it was okay.

Release Date: 9/23/2025

[Angela (Kentuckybooklover) Brocato-Skaggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hmm…how do I review the latest in the Booktown Mystery series???

It wasn’t terrible but at the same time it wasn’t exciting. In the last few books there has been a shift in the series that doesn’t jive with me. I can only describe saying the tone of the books feels dark and heavy.

I love Miss Marple and she rarely shows up in this book.

In book 19 of the series Trisha and Angelica must deal with their mother. Trisha also has to deal with Becky, the police chief’s fiancé and past tennis star. Put that together and who would be happy. Both are people who think they are entitled to everything.

I listened to the audiobook and the narrator did a fantastic job. If I’m honest it’s probably the only reason I didn’t DNF.

[Linda Smatzny · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this book, the main character, Tricia and her sister, Angelica, have to figure what their irresponsible parents are up to. It all has to do with money or the lack of money. The book was an easy read.

[Astrid Greyson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is like a warm cozy chair that you can't get enough of being in. The last book ended in a cliffhanger: Tricia and Angelica’s mom showed up with an urn and told her daughters that their father had passed away. The book opens with Tricia and Angelica at the funeral parlor where they learn that the urn does not contain the remains of their father but kitty litter and a Rolex watch. When Tricia takes the watch to Ian McDonald, chief of police, she learns the watch was stolen and will be returned to its rightful owner. To get some clarity on just what is going on with their parents, the sisters reach out to their mother’s oldest friend Bunny. But instead of answers, Bunny just ends up overstaying her welcome and making things more confusing. When she’s found murdered in her room at Angelica’s not yet opened Inn, Stonecreek Manor, and their mother is found bound and unconscious in the attic, the sisters have to figure out what exactly were their parents up to and who could have murdered Bunny?

I love this series and have been following it for years. However the last few books haven’t been that great. This book was one of the better ones but there were a few points that I thought could have been better executed. Usually, the plot of the book is a murder happens to someone Tricia barely knows and she starts asking around the village to see if anyone knows anything about the victim. During all the questioning, running her bookstore, and having nightly happy hours with her sister Angelica, she makes the killer nervous and a showdown happens where the killer confesses everything to Tricia. This book, however, follows a different trajectory. The main point of the story is the sisters trying to figure out what their parents were up to. Why did their mother say their father was dead? Why did several people in the village say they say their father recently? What happened to the family fortune? Bunny’s murder, however, was a very small part of the story. The ending felt quite rushed and not as tied up as previous books. I’m hoping that in the next book there is mention of what happened or that there will be a continuation of the story and all the loose ends tied up.

Despite the small flaws, I thoroughly enjoyed the book and devoured it in several hours. The best part of the book was getting to see the sisters grow closer as they dealt with all the family drama. Their relationship is one the best parts of the series and I’m glad to see that they grew closer during the whole ordeal. Still one of my favorite cozy mystery series and now I can’t wait for the next book.

I would like to thank NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for sending me the electronic ARC for me to read and provide my honest review. The thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are all my own.

[Cozy Reader Lady · Rating 3 out of 5]

So, I will need to re-read this after I have read all previous 18 books. This one just throws you into the deep end right off the bat. Then it's a bit of a runaway train from then on. I really struggled to get into it. Maybe if I had read the previous books I wouldn't have this issue.

Also, the main character (a woman) dating a man significantly younger than her (in his 20's). Their relationship felt forced at times. He either sounds like an old man trapped in a young man's body with his old man slang or she treats him like her child in how she talks to him. Which, he is young enough to have been her child. I personally don't like age gabs this big in books. Gives teenagers the wrong idea of what's acceptable. The fact he's still a 20 something feels a bit like she's going after a kid still. It be a tiny ity bit different if he was in his 30's. Then he'd at least have earned his old man slang but in his 20's I would be seriously doubting his seriousness about a relationship with a woman in her 40s/50s except that he has mommy issues or wants a sugarmama. I'd say all the same no matter the gender of the characters.

[Alisha Carderella · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Tricia & Angelica's estranged mother drops off an urn containing their father's remains they are shocked. Even more shocking is discovering that the urn is filled with nothing but kitty litter and a stolen watch. The sisters would like to ask their mother Sheila all about the discovery, but she has disappeared without a trace. Having no choice but to dig deeper into the mystery, Tricia and Angelica uncover a number of secrets about their parents...but is murder one of those secrets?

This series has definitely had its ups and downs (hellloooo book 15) but thankfully this was one of the better ones. Don't get me wrong, I still think Tricia is a pretty terrible character, but she isn't as bad in this installment.

The book dives into how the sisters feel about their messy relationship with their parents and what truly makes a family. I think anyone still along for the ride of this series will enjoy this one.

*Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Perilous Plot by Lorna Barrett is the nineteenth book in the Booktown Mystery series. Lorna Barrett takes family drama, small town charm, and a clever whodunit and spins it all into an entertaining read I could not put down.

The story begins when Tricia’s estranged mother arrives unexpectedly, claiming to have her father’s ashes in an urn. The truth quickly unravels when the urn is revealed to contain kitty litter and a stolen Rolex. When their mother disappears soon after, Tricia and her sister Angelica are drawn into a search for answers that uncovers more family secrets than they were prepared for.

What you’ll find:
🔎 Cozy mystery
📚 Amateur sleuth
👯‍♀️ Sister duo
🫖 Small town secrets

A Perilous Plot offers a solid mystery with a mix of intrigue and cozy charm, making it an enjoyable addition to the long-running series.

Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group | Berkley and NetGalley for the early copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Jeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Perilous Plot is book #19 in the Booktown Mystery series by Lorna Barrett.

Tricia and Angelica’s mother arrives with an urn that she says contains their father‘s ashes. They were shocked to find out that it was actually kitty litter with a stolen Rolex watch hidden in it. Their mother took off and so they weren’t able to ask what was going on. There were rumors their father had been seen around town so was he actually dead and somebody just switched the ashes or are they are the parents up to something? And as if the family drama isn’t enough, there is a murder to investigate. This book definitely shows that found family can be much better for you than birth family. This was a solid read and I look forward to reading the next book.

Thank you to the author, Berkley, and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Beth · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've read all the books in this series. I found this to be so-so (just like the last installment) and was going to give it 3-stars, but by the end I'd downgraded to 2. It's not at all good. Tricia and Angelica are stuck in the same old loops, with no real growth of either character. This time their parents are thrown in the mix to make things even more unbelievably and frankly, downright annoying. The relationship between Tricia and David is saccharine. The relationship between Tricia and virtually anyone else feels either transactional (how she takes advantage of her employees!), shallow, or both. The other recurring characters have no real role and just muddy the waters. If this series is going to continue, it really needs to develop some kind of new direction - the author hinted at this at the end of the book, but right now, I believe it's bound to be a disappointment.

[Debbie Lyon · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this newest installment of the Booktown series, Tricia and Angelica are shocked when their mother shows up and hands them an urn which she claims contains the ashes of their deceased father and then disappears. When their mother's best friend comes to town and overstays her welcome with Angelica, she is given a room at the new yet to open manor. Soon she is murdered and Tricia and Angelica's mother ends up in the manor unconscious and bound.

Who is the murderer?
Will Tricia and Angelica learn the truth about where their "deceased" father is?

So many questions to be answered, you'll need to pick up this latest installment to find the answers.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Perilous Plot by Lorna Barrett is the nineteenth A Booktown Mystery. Tricia and Angelica must deal with their shifty parents along with a murdered family friend. Tricia still acts like someone who is much older (she is in her 40s but acts like she is in her 60s) while dating someone twenty years younger. I can certainly understand why Tricia and Angelica dread spending time with their parents, especially their mother, Sheila (she is a piece of work). The story moved at leisurely pace. The mystery was straightforward with a small suspect pool, and the ending was unsatisfactory. I liked the message that there is more than one type of family. There are blood relatives that treat you terribly, and there is the family you create that makes you feel happy and whole. The story lacked action and there were repetitive details. Each day seemed like the one before it (get up, work, eat, drink, deal with mother, eat, etc.). I wish this story were more like the books in the beginning of the series (I believe the series has run its course). A Perilous Plot transports readers to Stoneham, New Hampshire where there is kitty litter trickery, slow sales, missing meat, dishonest parents, box sorting, and a distressed Sarge.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another adventurous trip to Booktown to spend time with Tricia and Angelica.
What would you do if your mother shows up and hands you an urn with your father’s remains?
Tricia and Angelica learn that the urn is actually filled with kitty litter and a Rolex watch. So where are their father’s remains? Is their father still alive?
They find out the watch was stolen.
A dead body, who is the murder? What are their parents really up to this time?
I have loved watching the sister’s relationship develop throughout the series.

I received an ARC prior to publication and decided to voluntarily review it.

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting story. Tricia and Angelica find out that their father isn’t really dead, even though their mother gave them what was supposed to be his ashes. There were some interesting plot twists. I wasn’t aware that Tricia had a boyfriend 20:years younger than her. I guess I missed the book where she met him.
I thought the ending was odd. Tricia’s parents should be in jail but instead they are in Connecticut where they will eventually be arrested? I didn’t understand that.. Also, what happened to Uncle Leo?

[Brenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a favorite series of mine, but I feel like Tricia is stuck in the past or is a lot older than she is. It's strange. I like the characters and love the setting. However, some of the inner thoughts of Tricia are annoying. I do look forward to the next book, but am not sure this is a must-read for me anymore.

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I used to love this series, the last few have been ok but not anything that makes me anticipate the next installment. I really don’t care for David and Tricia hasn't really grown much over the series. Will I continue to read the series? Absolutely, however, not with as much enthusiasm as previously.

[Cathie Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book was well done and quite interesting. Great plot and storyline. Characters were well developed. It did lack the humor that's normally in her books. The only problem I had with the book was the unreasonable nature of Angelica. There's no way that someone would continue to take care of parents after what their parents had planned. The decisions just seemed too far fetched. Recommend.

[Doreen · Rating 3 out of 5]

9/21/2025 My least favorite of the series so far. Those brie cups are legit tho! Full review with recipe photos tk at CriminalElement.com.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

You would think there would be nothing let to say after 18 previous books but I could not put this book down. I could not wait to find out the ending.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read! wonderful ending.

[Patti · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will not give away any spoilers but I loved this book in the series and could not put it down. I cannot wait for the next one.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

David is insufferable and him being insufferable doesn’t make up for him being a grossly too young relationship.

[Theresa Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous series!! I could not put the this book down- I finished this book in 3.5 hours Great storyline!!
Lorna Barrett is a fabulous writer!!

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great series with so many wonderful characters to enjoy. They are all so good but this is my favorite. So far 😊

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story in this series!

[Vonnie Jeffers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good book in the Book Town Mystery series.

[Scilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tricia's mother comes to see her giving her an urn with her father's ashes. Tricia and angelica take it to a funeral home, and find it isn't ashes. The man looking found a very nice watch wrapped plastic in the middle of cat litter. They later hear from friends that their father has been recently seen, so it's definitely a spoof. The tennis player, Becca is now engaged to the Chief of Police, McDonald. Becca wants Tricia to be her maid of honor, as well as having her give parties for all Becca's friends.

Meanwhile, Angelica and Ms Ricita are readying a new hotel in the old mansion. They have hired Cleo to take charge. Angelica and Tricia have put up their mother and her friend Mrs. Murdock in the not yet opened hotel. Cle0 finds Mrs. Murdock dead, and their mother is missing. When she is found, she pretends to not recognize her daughters. Tricia and Angelica get a lot of help from David, Pixie, Mr. Everett, Ginny, and Antonio. Fortunately, McDonald is not axious to have a huge wedding.

This is a great addition to fun series. I thank Net Galley and Crooked Lane Press for the ARC so that I could read the book before publication.

[Carrie Shields · Rating 3 out of 5]

𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐠𝐥𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐱𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞. 𝐈𝐭 𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐭 𝐝𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐥𝐲 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐛𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐲𝐞𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐬𝐨 𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠.

With the last book in the series ending in such a cliffhanger, I couldn't wait to start this one to see how things were resolved. Unfortunately, the mystery seemed to take a backseat to the sisters pouring martinis and planning their snacks and meals.

I'm hoping this installment was just a bump in the road of a long-running cozy series that I've always adored, but there just wasn't much of a mystery. Instead, there was Tricia's romance, which is welcome to liven up her character but gives me the ick at the same time, and Angelica has just become so stilted and wooden, it's hard to drum up any sympathy for her.

I'm fervently hoping that the next book will bring back the fun mystery without sacrificing any of the character development. Thanks to Berkley for this early copy that will publish September 23, 2025.