The first in the Secret Staircase mystery series features magician Tempest Raj after her career implodes. Something went horribly wrong during her last show in Las Vegas and everyone assumes she’s to blame. Tempest returns to her childhood home in small-town California, reluctantly joining the family business of renovating homes to add magical features such as secret reading rooms and hidden entrances.
When a body is found (and is connected to Tempest), Tempest and her childhood friend Ivy use their love of classic mysteries to solve the case. With a strong supporting cast, delicious recipes, and a hearty dose of quirkiness, Under Lock & Skeleton Key (2022) by Gigi Pandian is a delightfully offbeat cozy mystery.
Consider reading Acts of Violet (2022), Dial A for Aunties (2021), or Renovated to Death (2022) next.