A clever and charming island cozy mystery where a deadly prank, a clever bookseller, and a tangle of secrets turn April Fools’ Day into a killer’s playground.
 
When Annie Darling, owner of the Death on Demand mystery bookstore, begins receiving bizarre, threatening letters signed “April Fool,” she thinks someone’s playing a cruel joke. But when two murders occur on her peaceful South Carolina island, the joke is over — and the danger is all too real. With the help of her husband Max, Annie sets out to uncover the truth behind the cryptic notes and stop a killer whose game has only just begun.
 
In April Fool Dead, Carolyn Hart delivers another engaging entry in her beloved Death on Demand series, combining small-town warmth, sharp humor, and classic whodunit flair. What begins as a festive April Fools’ celebration quickly spirals into chaos when a local teacher and a student journalist are found dead — and Annie’s bookstore is suddenly at the center of the mystery.
 
As Annie and Max untangle clues from gossip, greed, and old grudges, they discover that nearly everyone on Broward’s Rock Island has something to hide. With her keen eye for detail and love of mysteries, Annie realizes that solving this puzzle might require thinking like the killer — before another deadly prank is played.
Brimming with literary references, island charm, and Carolyn Hart’s signature wit, April Fool Dead is a cozy classic that reminds readers why the Death on Demand series remains a favorite among mystery lovers.
 
💖 Why You’ll Love It
A fun, book-themed cozy filled with humor and suspense.
Features Annie and Max Darling — the ultimate cozy mystery couple.
Clever April Fools’ Day theme with smart plotting and misdirection.
Richly atmospheric island setting that feels like home.
Another delightful addition to the Death on Demand series.
 
🌟 Perfect For
Fans of Ellery Adams, Kate Carlisle, and Lorna Barrett.
Readers who love bookstore or literary-themed mysteries.
Cozy collectors completing their Death on Demand series.
Book clubs seeking a clever, lighthearted whodunit.
 
❤️ Fans Also Liked
If you enjoyed April Fool Dead, you might also like:
Engaged to Die by Carolyn Hart — love, jealousy, and secrets in paradise.
Murder Walks the Plank by Carolyn Hart — a playful mystery on the high seas.
Murder Is Binding by Lorna Barrett — another witty, bookshop cozy.