In Book Nine of the Face Down series, sixteenth-century gentlewoman, herbalist, and sleuth Susanna, Lady Appleton, travels north to the old Roman baths at Buxton to help her foster daughter, Rosamond, discover the truth about the sudden death of Madame Louise Poitier, French teacher at Bawkenstanes Manor. Does this murder relate to Mary Queen of Scots’ wish to visit the baths—or is the motive closer to home? Historical Mystery by Kathy Lynn Emerson [9th of the Face Down series]; originally published by Perseverance Press

In her useful, fascinating, and complete guide to writing historical mysteries, Emerson demonstrates how she and her colleagues bring history to life, rather than merely writing contemporary mystery in costume.

Private investigators Patience and Verity Mackellar are hired to research the background of a dead antiwar protester but find that he has none. Their efforts, however, uncover old secrets, cover-ups, and crimes lurking in the past.