The Main Line Is Murder: An Amateur Sleuth Whodunit (A Ginger Barnes Cozy Mystery Book 1) by Donna Huston Murray

The “Main Line” of the Pennsylvania railroad once whisked Philadelphia’s earliest executives into the crowded, unhealthy city and back out to their enviable fifty-five-acre estates. Even now, the lengthy strip of homes is reputed to be a fortunate place to live. Of course, nowhere on earth is truly perfect, something Ginger Barnes will quickly learn for herself. “Gin” grew up on the other side of the Schulykill River in a modest house. She flourished in an ordinary school, and survives just fine without much money, largely because she does everything she possibly can herself. Just not plumbing. Her husband “Rip” has become the head of Bryn Derwyn Academy, a fledgling private school on the Main Line. The job comes with a house that welcomes Gin’s skills. In preparation for the holiday concert, Gin volunteered to gather school paraphernalia to sell to parents. After stepping out to borrow a Dustbuster, she returns to the community room to find Bryn Derwyn’s attorney, Richard Wharton, sprawled across the conference table—killed by a hefty blow with the school’s ceremonial shovel. Certain the school’s constituents will share whatever they know about the deceased more freely with her than the police, Gin begins to ask questions. Read more