As Minnesota housewives race to meet the deadline for the Times Register's meat loaf contest, an unsavory small-towner named Kirby Runbeck is blown to smithereens by a car bomb. Days later, the town's former mayor, John Washburn, near death from a stroke, confesses to the killing. His wife and two children vehemently deny it, but when Sophie Greenway, food maven and friend of the family, happens upon an old snapshot, a bundle of letters, and a tattoo...

Loon Lake, Wisconsin, has seen more than its share of murders lately. Still, that doesn't stop diehard fishermen like Doc Osborne - especially when he can drop a line with the prettiest of his fishing buddies, police chief Lewellyn Ferris. But when syndicated advice columnist Hope McDonald is found murdered in her home, Doc and Lew will have to use the perfect bait to catch a cold-blooded killer.

Sir George Braxton was found lying face down in a frozen fountain with the back of his skull bashed to bits. The case is complicated by a distinct lack of holiday cheer in the victim's three argumentative middle-ageddaughters-and their sullen houseguests. Even the cranky cat hates everyone. To top it all off, the Home Secretary has called in Inspector Witherspoon over the heads of some touchy local lads, making matters stickier than a plum pudding....

Charlotte LaRue is back on the job when she begins working for notorious crime boss Robert Rossi and his high-society family. As family heirlooms disappear and family feuds flame, the big man himself winds up dead at his own party. The case seems cut-and-dry to everyone but Charlotte.

Clare's been hired to create a gourmet coffee and dessert bar for a New York wedding to be held at the world-renowned Metropolitan Museum of Art. Famous chefs will be there, celebrities, members of the press, well-known politicians-so why isn't she thrilled to have this chance to shine? Because the person tying the knot is Matteo Allegro, her ex-husband and current business partner. And while Clare has no plans to ever marry Matt again, she's afraid...