Series: Novel Idea, #4
Publisher: Berkley
Released: February 3, 2015
Source: A paperback purchase
Rating: ★★★★

The New York Times bestselling Novel Idea Mysteries make their return with Lila Wilkins, literary agent and “murder magnet,” planning a book signing garden party. But things aren’t coming up roses when she has to weed out a dangerous killer…

The owner of the Novel Idea Literary Agency is thrilled when former local boy and popular television show host Damian York returns to Inspiration Valley, North Carolina, to launch his new gardening book. But Lila is less than excited about the hubbub when she sees her mounting to-do list. Between planning York’s gala and sprucing up her yard for another event, she’s spread too thin—especially after she finds a skull buried in her flowerbeds.

As Lila’s macabre discovery leads to other secrets hidden in Inspiration Valley’s past, a member of the local garden club is found slumped over her prize roses—murdered. Now it’s up to Lila to dig through old mysteries and new clues to unearth a murderer before someone else is found pushing up daisies…

Lila the literary agent is helping to launch a new client’s book with a garden party extravaganza in Inspiration Valley. Fun, except when Lila digs up a skeleton in her own garden, then a member of the town’s garden club is murdered. There’s a reason she’s known as the agency’s Nancy Drew, because mysteries always find her. It was fun trying to figure out how the skeleton tied in with the modern day murder — not what I was expecting! Okay, the one thing I didn’t like was the strained relationship between Lila and her boyfriend, Sean. I wasn’t happy with their childish behavior. Grrr. Overall, PLAYED BY THE BOOK was an enjoyable cozy and an intriguing continuation of one of my favorite mystery series. 4 stars!