by the Book by Lucy Arlington is the fourth book in the “Novel Idea” mystery series. Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime, February 2015

The New York Times bestselling Novel Idea Mysteries make their return with Lila Wilkins, literary agent and “murder magnet,” planning a book signing garden party. But things aren’t coming up roses when she has to weed out a dangerous killer. . .

The owner of the Novel Idea Literary Agency is thrilled when former local boy and popular television show host Damian York returns to Inspiration Valley, North Carolina, to launch his new gardening book. But Lila is less than excited about the hubbub when she sees her mounting to-do list. Between planning York’s gala and sprucing up her yard for another event, she’s spread too thin—especially after she finds a skull buried in her flowerbeds.

As Lila’s macabre discovery leads to other secrets hidden in Inspiration Valley’s past, a member of the local garden club is found slumped over her prize roses—murdered. Now it’s up to Lila to dig through old mysteries and new clues to unearth a murderer before someone else is found pushing up daisies. . .

This was a good read and I enjoyed how well the mystery was presented propelling me forward to a conclusion worth waiting for. I love the tone and flow of this drama that was a perfect pitch in this tantalizing tale. The author did a great job in keeping me glued to the pages with interesting suspects, uncovered secrets and red herrings to try to throw me off in this fast-paced whodunit. Lila is a great character and the author brings the town of Inspiration alive with the small-town setting, great dialogue and a great supporting cast that includes Makayla and Sean. It was fun catching up with Lila and the gang and I can’t wait to read the next book in the pleasantly appealing series.