AWAY WITH THE FAIRIES (Kerry Greenwood)

Phryne Fisher is an Australian aristocrat with a flair for solving murders.  If you get a chance, check out the TV series featuring this sophisticated sleuth.  It doesn't follow the novels exactly, of course (what TV series does?), but you'll enjoy seeing Phryne (pronounced Fry-nee) in action.

In this novel, a famous author and illustrator of books featuring fairies has been discovered dead, along with her pet bird, in her office at a popular magazine.  Phryne joins the staff to investigate the woman's sudden death, which doesn't appear to be a natural one.  In the process of her investigation she is introduced to a large number of quirky magazine employees, most of whom live in the same apartment complex as the deceased, so naturally suspects abound.  In the meantime, Phryne's Asian lover, a successful businessman, has disappeared and she takes on the task of finding him with the help of 2 somewhat unsavory but totally loyal henchmen.   This is a fun series with a very likable heroine.  I plan to read more!