A Deadly Deletion

Lorna Barrett

Jul 2021 · A Booktown Mystery Book 15 · Sold by Penguin

About this eBook

A murder leads to a string of shocking revelations for bookstore owner Tricia Miles in the latest entry to Lorna Barrett's New York Times bestselling Booktown series. 

Tricia Miles has just received a second marriage proposal within fifteen minutes. The first was from her friend with benefits, Marshall Chambers, and the second from her ex-lover, police chief Grant Baker. Tricia's got some serious thinking to do.

She's still weighing her options when she hears the sound of an engine roaring down Main Street. It's a big white pickup truck that aims for and hits Marshall as he's walking back to his apartment. Tragically, he's killed, leaving Tricia feeling bereft and guilty. She retreats to her sister, Angelica's, apartment to wait for Baker to update her on what happened. While there, Tricia takes Angelica's dog out for a comfort call behind the building, and the same white pickup roars up the alley and just misses hitting Tricia.

Still shaken by that news, Tricia returns to Haven't Got a Clue and is met by federal marshal Kirby, who tells her that Marshall had been in the Federal Witness Protection Program. Everything Marshall told Tricia was a lie—in particular, that he was a widower. Was his death an act of revenge?

Tricia's on the hunt for a killer, and it seems like she might be next on the list.

Ratings and reviews

A Deadly Deletion by Lorna Barrett takes readers back to Stoneham, New Hampshire to the town full of bookshops. This is an eventful cozy mystery. I loved all the action that kept me wondering what would happen next. Tricia Miles and her sister, Angelica are warm, friendly characters. They are developed and realistic. I like that they are mature characters. It is great that the sisters are close (talk frequently, have lunch and dinner together, look out for each other). I like how they want to help others and make their town a success. There is a great cast of secondary characters. I especially love Pixie, Tricia’s bubbly employee who loves to dress uniquely. A Deadly Deletion has a dark, complex whodunit. I enjoyed following Tricia’s investigation. The action kept things lively and interesting. There are clues to help readers solve the mystery before Tricia arrives at the solution if you pay close attention. I like that the mystery was multifaceted with a solution that will surprise most readers. There is a secondary story line involving the Stoneham Chamber of Commerce. It is in a disarray thanks to their former nefarious leader. The members still left would like Tricia to become president, but a newcomer to town has a different agenda. A Deadly Deletion is the 15th A Booktown Mystery. While A Deadly Deletion can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading the series in order. It will allow you to get to know the characters and the town. I hope Tricia has some joy coming her way soon. She deserves some happiness after what happened in A Deadly Deletion. A Deadly Deletion is a hectic and gripping whodunit with chamber of commerce kerfuffle, unpredicted proposals, slagging book sales, tasty thumbprint cookies, a determined dentist, an orderly abode, and a shocking solution.

Uncomfortable amount of alcohol use. Also made reference to Angelica not using her mobility device because it made her look like a dork. The scooter was dorky and the recovery boot was ugly. As a wheelchair user, this isn't pleasant to read.

Did not like the ending!!!! Is there more in the series

About the author

Lorna Barrett is the New York Times bestselling author of the Booktown Mysteries, including Poisoned Pages and A Just Clause.