That Missing Piece Is Killing Me

Recently divorced, 60-something librarian Alice Pepper and her crew of puzzle-obsessed friends in the small town of West Hazel, Oregon investigate the disappearance of a former action film starlet in New York Times bestselling author Roz Noonan’s latest mystery. Perfect for fans of Robert Thorogood, Jesse Q. Sutanto, and Ellery Adams.

The owner of a dance and martial arts studio, 63-year-old Michelle Chong is a well-liked fixture in the West Hazel community, despite being married to the famous—and famously temperamental—artist, Lars Olsen. That’s why when she disappears, people don’t blame her for fleeing her dysfunctional marriage. Still, Alice has her suspicions, especially after learning about Lars’ violent past—and current affair.

When Alice receives a custom-made puzzle as a gift, the artwork seems so familiar that she assumes it’s from Lars as an apology for his bad behavior during a recent visit. As she and her friends get to work on it, they’re stymied by a missing piece.

With evidence pointing to Michelle’s disappearance being planned, Alice turns her attention to her own fractured family. But a shocking chain of events, culminating in a brutal murder, makes Alice question if any piece of the past can ever be put to rest . . .