Here are some new books from the "cozy" mystery genre, including one from former Moore County resident, Laura Durham.

Better known here as Laura Weatherly, a graduate of The O'Neal School, and the daughter of Ted and Jane Weatherly, she currently lives in the Washington, D.C. area.

To Love and to Perish

By Laura Durham

Avon, 2007, $6.99

The always delightful wedding planner (and sometimes detective) Annabelle Archer returns in Durham's third book.

This time, Annabelle finds a rival wedding planner hanging by a bridal veil in a hotel ballroom shortly before a wedding.

Carolyn McCrabbe wasn't well liked by the other wedding planners in Washington, but it's hard to believe that one would actually kill her.

Of course, the fact that Annabelle and Carolyn were seen having a heated discussion shortly before the murder makes Annabelle the best suspect.

Annabelle's buddies -- her assistant, Kate; Richard, the caterer, and Fern, the hairdresser join forces to investigate the other suspects.

The death of another wedding planner makes them all realize that perhaps Annabelle is in danger as well.

It's always fun to read about Annabelle's latest adventures. I'll be eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.

Deadly Advice

By Roberta Isleib

Berkley, 2007, $6.99

Isleib, who set one of her mysteries featuring LPGA golfer Cassie Burdette in the Pinehurst area, branches out with another series.

Dr. Rebecca Butterworth, a psychologist and advice columnist, finds out that her neighbor, Madeline, has apparently committed suicide.

At the behest of the neighbor's mother, who insists that her daughter couldn't have done such a thing, Rebecca reluctantly asks a few questions, eventually finding a blog that paints an entirely different picture of the young woman.

I found that I actually enjoyed this series as much as the other one.

Murder of a Botoxed Blonde

By Denise Swanson

Signet, 2007, $6.99

Skye Dennison's best friend, Trixie, talks her into attending a free "shakedown" weekend at the new Scumble River Spa.

Skye, a school psychologist, would rather be eating turkey than tofu for Thanksgiving dinner, but she agrees. Much to her dismay, she finds that her mother (and that of her ex-boyfriend, Simon) have decided to come along.

The treatments are painful, and the food is terrible, and to top it off, Skye discovers the body of a former model in the Miracle Mud Bath room.

The good news is that she gets to spend a little time with Wally, a local policeman with whom she is contemplating a relationship.

Meanwhile, her mother is trying to get Skye to give Simon another chance -- and perhaps when she hears the reason for his recent trip to California, Skye might have a change of heart.

I hope Denise is already at work on the next book.

Faye M. Dasen may be reached at fdasen@thepilot.com or 693-2475.