Beware False Profits by Emilie Richards (2007, Paperback)

Aggie Sloan-Wilcox is the wife of Pastor Ed Wilcox of the Unitarian-Universal Church in Emerald Springs, Ohio. Things are not going well at the moment for Aggie and her husband because her mother is living with them in crowded conditions until the rennovation of the Victorian house can be completed. Aggie and Ed decide they need a get-a-way so take off to New York City, leaving mother to mind the house. Once settled in NYC, they receive a distressful call from Mara Wagner, a parishioner, who frantically tells them that her spouse Joe never came home from his monthly business trip. Being a natural sleuth, Aggie drags her husband to the only clue they have....."The Pussycat Club." There they find that Joe's 'business' is as a female impersonator. Joe is still missing but in the meantime his nemesis, Hazel Kefauver falls over dead from poison at a fund raiser that Joe was suppose to run. Aggie truly believes the two cases are intertwined. Other subplots that may have to do with the murder are: where is the valuable antique punch bowl that belonged to the church and trying to find out the identity of the mysterious carpenter working on the house.

Fans of Ms. Richards will love Aggie who defies the stereotype pastor's wife. The mystery is well constructed and flows evenly to keep you turning each page with anticipation. A nice cozy set in the Midwest. Perfect!