"It's been an enjoyable and murder-free time for Judith, Suzie and Becks - AKA the Marlow Murder Club - since the events of last year. The most exciting thing on the horizon is the upcoming wedding of Marlow grandee, Sir Peter Bailey, to his nurse, Jenny Page. Sir Peter is having a party at his grand mansion on the river Thames the day before the wedding, and Judith and Co. are looking forward to a bit of free champagne. But during the soiree, there's...

By day an assistant at a prestigious London art house, Judith Rasleigh is at night a hostess at one of the capital's notorious champagne bars. She's transformed her accent and taught herself about wine -- and the art of discretion. When her efforts at a better life are destroyed, Judith accompanies one of the champagne bar's biggest clients to the French Riviera -- and finds a chance to recreate herself.

A lion, a great white shark, and a timber wolf, all meat-eaters who have been hurt by the cruelty of plant-eaters, form a support group which has limited success until their newest member, a great horned owl, shares some advice.

While searching for the Rat with the Human Face, friendships fray as club members Dave and Lyle compete for Marilla.

"The Winter Carnival always brings holiday cheer, Christmas joy -- and tourists with cash -- to picturesque Shady Creek, Vermont. At the center of the glittering decorations and twinkling lights is booklover and pub owner Sadie Coleman, creating original cocktails, hosting a literary trivia evening, and cheering on her loyal employee Melanie 'Mel' Costas as she competes in the ice carving competition. But holiday cheer can't compete with former resident...