Puzzling Piece of Murder

Lacy Steele Mysteries #15

by Vanessa Gray Bartal

Who knew the reigning world jigsaw puzzle champion was right under her nose? Not Lacy Steele Cantor, until she returns from her honeymoon and meets the owner of the new game shop in her building. When he invites her to a presentation by Stan Whitfield, the Stan Whitfield, she has no idea it will turn out so badly. But who could predict how horrible Stan Whitfield would be? Everyone hates him, and with good reason. But no one wants him dead, or do they?

Fresh from her honeymoon and desperate for a project, Lacy is happy to immerse herself in the mystery of the secret puzzle pieces someone is sending. Meanwhile her husband, Detective Jason Cantor, has a dead body on his hands and no suspects, unless he counts the two people a little too close for comfort. Lacy is content to stay out of his way while she does her thing, whatever that may be. With no furniture and more than a handful of small calamities, so far married life isn't going exactly according to plan. But there is absolutely no way Lacy is getting involved in Jason's case. At least, not on purpose. Sometimes accidents happen. And for Lacy Steele Cantor, they're almost a way of life.

200 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 22, 2026

About the author

Vanessa Gray Bartal is primarily a foodie who began writing when she was unable to find people willing to pay her to eat. She believes everyone deserves a happily ever after and works hard to make it happen, even in a murder mystery.

She would love to hear from you. Check out her Facebook author page for upcoming new releases, and drop her a line while you're there!

Reviews

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Couldn’t Stop Laughing!!!

I absolutely love this series! All the characters are so quirky, from Lacy’s mishaps, to Jason’s OCD, to Suze’s mice. Each one brought a smile & some laugh out loud moments! And as an added bonus there is a murder to solve. The air mattress, goose feathers, & antihistamine scenes are to die for. I cannot wait for the next book. Jason’s reaction to the new bed should be priceless!

[Kaye H Brock · Rating 2 out of 5]

Love the authors other books

But this one is too crazy out in la la land. It's so weird that it's not even funny. Who dresses up real stuffed mice, refuses to buy furniture, tapes up a leaky bed, uses industrial glue to make paper mache, and is just generally dumb. Too silly of a book to read.

[Lyn Faulkner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!!

There are not enough superlatives to express how wonderful a ‘Puzzling Piece of Murder’ is! I laughed (a lot) and cried tender tears. Vanessa Gray Bartal is my go to author for a joyful reading experience. Get all of her books, you won’t be disappointed.

[Katie Mosher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wedding, bowling, Lacy adventures!

Wow! I had to download this book as soon as it was announced! I love Lacy’s adventures and this one didn’t disappoint. Catch up with the whole gang and laugh along with Lacy’s unforgettable life!

[Jane Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some of these people are crazy

I was happy to see another Lacey Steele book. I really like Lacey and Jason. I d kind of forgotten how odd some of the auxiliary characters are, like Suze. Love the zaniness of Lacey’s life.

[Susan Wilkes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yay Lacy

So happy to read a new Lacy Steele book. This one is Lacy at her best. I laughed out loud a number of times. Enjoy!