Kristina Anderson
A Deadly Edition by Victoria Gilbert has Amy Webber just four weeks away from her wedding to Richard Muir when they stumble upon a dead art dealer in Taylorsford, Virginia. Oscar Selvaggio was a rival of their friend, Kurt Kendrick. They both were after the very rare Kelmscott Chaucer. When Kurt becomes a prime suspect, Amy works to clear his name. A Deadly Edition has mystery, romance, intrigue, and humor. I thought A Deadly Edition was well-written with a multifaceted plot. There is quite a bit going on in this cozy mystery. In addition to Amy and Richard finishing the last-minute preparations for their upcoming nuptials, they both must continue working at their jobs. They also have Amy’s parents visiting for a few days and her brother has decided to stay in town until the wedding in four weeks. This is unusual for her brother and Amy is curious about his true reasons for being in town. She wonders if his job is a front for something covert. A coveted manuscript is for sale and Kurt Kendrick wants it. Unfortunately, so do other people including Oscar Selvaggio. Oscar ends up murdered with Kurt at the top of Chief Deputy Brad Tucker’s suspect list. Amy decides to do a little research as well as some snooping (in between dress fittings and cake tastings). The mystery was complex which I just loved and I enjoyed the dramatic reveal. There was intrigue and drama which keeps the reader engaged. I enjoy a twisty whodunit. It depends upon the number of mysteries you have read on whether you solve this mystery before the reveal or not. The ending will have readers smiling. A Deadly Edition is the 5th novel in A Blue Ridge Library Mystery series. It can be read as a standalone, but a new reader may be a little confused at the very beginning until the background details are provided. A Deadly Edition is a captivating cozy mystery with a matchless manuscript, scrumptious cake flavors, a deceased art dealer, shifty suspects, an infuriating soon-to-be-in-law, and wedding wonder.