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A Wicked Salem Mystery #1
It's About Time
Not yet published
Expected 30 Jun 26In this delightfully spooky series spin-off of Carol J. Perry’s beloved Witch City Mysteries, Lee Mondello and her detective husband have plenty of experience solving crimes in Salem, Massachusetts—and now Lee’s Aunt Ibby is starting a sleuthing career of her own in the witch city…
Nothing can spoil the mood at a one-year-old’s birthday celebration like the cops arriving—but it’s not because the party got too rowdy. Instead, Detective Pete Mondello has a search warrant for a tenant’s apartment. When Lee’s aunt Ibby leads the police to Josh Alper’s locked door, she’s surprised to learn that her renter has redecorated . . . with what appear to be masterpieces stolen from a museum back in 1972.
The paintings may be found, but Alper—an artist involved with a shady, cult-like group—is officially missing. So Ibby and her pals, who hold weekly watch parties of their favorite show, Midsomer Murders, decide to jump in and do some real-life sleuthing using the skills they’ve learned from DCI Barnaby. Ibby, a semi-retired librarian, may be in her sixties, but her tech skills are top-notch . . . and with some help from her friends Betsy and Louisa, as well as O’Ryan the clairvoyant cat, that spells trouble for any criminals in Salem.
But when Alper’s body is found in the Salem Woods—felled by an unusually sophisticated weapon—Ibby must buckle down with her team and prove that she’s just as talented an investigator as her beloved niece . . .
Nothing can spoil the mood at a one-year-old’s birthday celebration like the cops arriving—but it’s not because the party got too rowdy. Instead, Detective Pete Mondello has a search warrant for a tenant’s apartment. When Lee’s aunt Ibby leads the police to Josh Alper’s locked door, she’s surprised to learn that her renter has redecorated . . . with what appear to be masterpieces stolen from a museum back in 1972.
The paintings may be found, but Alper—an artist involved with a shady, cult-like group—is officially missing. So Ibby and her pals, who hold weekly watch parties of their favorite show, Midsomer Murders, decide to jump in and do some real-life sleuthing using the skills they’ve learned from DCI Barnaby. Ibby, a semi-retired librarian, may be in her sixties, but her tech skills are top-notch . . . and with some help from her friends Betsy and Louisa, as well as O’Ryan the clairvoyant cat, that spells trouble for any criminals in Salem.
But when Alper’s body is found in the Salem Woods—felled by an unusually sophisticated weapon—Ibby must buckle down with her team and prove that she’s just as talented an investigator as her beloved niece . . .
- GenresCozy Mystery
Kindle Edition
Expected publication June 30, 2026
58 people want to read
About the author
Carol J. Perry
36 books792 followersCarol J. Perry is the author of the Witch City Mystery series and the Haunted Haven series, both from Kensington Publishers. The Witch City stories take place in the magical city of Salem, Massachusetts--the "Witch City." Carol was actually born in Salem (on Halloween eve!) and knows the city well. The Haunted Haven books take place in Carol's adopted home state of Florida. As an experienced travel writer for magazines and newspapers, Carol knows her way around the Sunshine State too. The Salem books are based of course on a real city but Haven, Florida is made up of bits and pieces of some of the Sunshine State's charming older towns--bypassed by the theme parks. Readers of the Witch City books have come to know O'Ryan, a most remarkable cat. The new series introduces Finn, a lovable Golden Retriever.
Carol lives in the Tampa Bay area of Florida with her husband Dan.
Librarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Carol lives in the Tampa Bay area of Florida with her husband Dan.
Librarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
#ItsAboutTime #NetGalley
This is a first in a new series featuring Ibby, Louisa, and Betsy, a trio of friends from Salem, Massachusetts.
Ibby is the aunt of Lee Mondello, main character in the witch city mysteries.
I did like the concept of the ladies working together, 34T is a great name for their investigation name.
Ibby's tenant is murdered, and she and her friends can't help but investigate, it's one of their favorite pastimes.
I felt like some parts dragged on, but I find that happens in the first book in a new series.
I'm excited to see what else 34T gets involved in and I am happy to recommend this new book.
This is a first in a new series featuring Ibby, Louisa, and Betsy, a trio of friends from Salem, Massachusetts.
Ibby is the aunt of Lee Mondello, main character in the witch city mysteries.
I did like the concept of the ladies working together, 34T is a great name for their investigation name.
Ibby's tenant is murdered, and she and her friends can't help but investigate, it's one of their favorite pastimes.
I felt like some parts dragged on, but I find that happens in the first book in a new series.
I'm excited to see what else 34T gets involved in and I am happy to recommend this new book.
April 13, 2026
Very slow, and while you should know what to expect if you've read the Witch City mysteries, the new series letting Lee's aunt take the lead is even more highly specific, methodical, and repetitive. I was happy to catch back up with old friends, but it is definitely not a starting point for new readers.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews