-1926, Pasadena, California-

When Daisy's old nemesis, Stacy Kincaid, is found murdered in the Pasadena Public Library's gazebo, suspicion is cast upon the one-legged Lou Prophet-former bounty hunter, current curmudgeon, and reluctant Pasadena citizen.

Daisy, who has had remarkable success in the kitchen considering her loathing of cookery, begins to have problems. Things burn in seconds, pots run dry, and she fears losing her mind, perhaps due to the early stages of her pregnancy. Odd things happen in the library, too, which puzzle and distress Daisy's friend, librarian Regina Browning.

But the problems mount when the real murderer steals a car, resulting in another death and the demise of a Hispano-Suiza.

From the Publisher:

The Daisy Gumm Majesty Cozy Mystery Series is a light-hearted mystery in a historical setting. There are no explicit sexual scenes and minimal cursing (Lou Prophet can be a little coarse) and will be enjoyed by readers who appreciate clean and wholesome reads. Fans of Carola Dunn, Amanda Quick, Elizabeth Peters, Rhys Bowen, and M. Louisa Locke will not want to miss this series.

You can start anywhere, but you'll want to read all of the Daisy Gumm Majesty Mysteries:

Strong SpiritsFine SpiritsHigh SpiritsHungry SpiritsGenteel SpiritsAncient SpiritsSpirits RevivedDark SpiritsSpirits OnstageUnsettled SpiritsBruised SpiritsSpirits UnitedSpirits UnearthedShaken SpiritsScarlet SpiritsExercised SpiritsWedded SpiritsDomesticated SpiritsLibrary Spirits

ABOUT ALICE DUNCAN:

In an effort to avoid what she knew she should be doing, Alice folk-danced professionally until her writing muse finally had its way. Now a resident of Roswell, New Mexico, Alice enjoys saying no smog, no crowds, and yes to loving her herd of wild Dachshunds.