After an unspeakable tragedy, Ava Collette flees from Boston to a remote village in Maine, and rents an old house named Brodie's Watch. The isolated seaside mansion is peaceful-- until she glimpses the long-dead sea captain who still resides there. One night Ava confronts the apparition of Captain Jeremiah Brodie. He feels all too real, and he welcomes her into his world-- and into his arms. Even as Ava questions her own sanity, she looks forward...

"Famous cookery writer Laura Tyler arrives in Prior's Ford determined to become immersed in village life--and the village drama group's forthcoming production of The Importance of Being Earnest offers her the perfect opportunity. It's just a pity that her uptight husband lacks her enthusiasm. But Laura has cause to regret her involvement when murder calls a halt to rehearsals of the play. And for another newcomer to the village, Constable Neil White,...

"Examines in detail the topics of architecture, clothing, marriage, family life, economy, arts, and government for each region of colonial America."

A wine-and-dine show on British television is disrupted by the death on camera of an Australian vineyard owner. Culinary writer and part-time detective Darina Lisle, also taking part in the program, proceeds to search for the killer which places her life in danger.

Gourmet cook Darina Lisle agrees to help out at her friend Eve's catering business, and all is good fun until Eve's assistant dies, poisoned by a deadly mushroom that seems to have been meant for Eve.