Murder on Monday by Ann Purser

In November, we're traveling to a quaint village in England for Murder on Monday by Ann Purser.

To supplement her income, Lois Meade cleans houses in the village of Long Farnden. She only works for a select few, in her own no-nonsense way, but her experience there allows her to help police when a prominent local woman is murdered in the village hall. When the village spinster, who lives in a thatched cottage reminiscent of a tea cozy, is strangled to death, the police are eager to seek information about the victim's neighbors and friends. Who better to aid their investigation than Lois Meade, who as a house cleaner has ample access to what goes on behind her clients' closed doors? Priding herself on her professional demeanor, Lois hesitates when asked by PC Keith Simpson if she'll help, but curiosity and her recent need for personal fulfillment cause her to accept. In her quest for the killer, Lois ultimately uncovers some surprising secrets of some of Long Farnden's most prominent citizens, shaking the foundations of this seemingly peaceful village, including those of her own house.

Traditional and modern combine smoothly. The village men all own Barbour coats, while the vicar inhabits a poorly heated contemporary house overlooking the town's sewage dump. A strong plot and believable characters, especially the honest, down-to-earth Lois, are certain to appeal to a wide range of readers.