Book excerpt: Jerome, Arizona, is an old mining town turned hipster tourist destination. When an old friend, Kirby McDaniel, calls Libby asking for help filling in at her massage business in the town’s haunted hotel, Libby loves the idea that she and Greg can make this into a much-needed romantic getaway. Kirby’s cottage is cute, the town is full of activities, and Libby’s massage schedule is not heavily loaded—perfect! Immediately, they meet pushy Cheryl Basque, the Murder Mystery Weekend coordinator. Apparently, MMW is the event of the year in Jerome, and this year’s theme is a 1920s Jazz Club Mystery. Kirby had signed up and now with her sudden departure, the coordinator lures Libby, Greg, and Shadow the black Lab to join the festivities. From the first day, they meet interesting townsfolk and one thing quickly becomes apparent. Everyone has had issues with the local dog groomer. Which becomes a real problem when the hated groomer, Patricia Olivia Simpson, turns up murdered and Shadow is the prime suspect! The bakery owners, the brewmaster duo, the hotel manager, and MMW’s coordinator all join the suspect list as Libby and Greg start asking questions. It seems no one is sorry old POS is gone. But it’s the discovery of the second dead body that shocks everyone to the core. The haunted hotel—from its creepy old elevator, to the resident ghosts, and whoever is wreaking havoc on the massage therapy room every time Libby leaves it unattended—is the spooky backdrop for more than one crime. And Libby, Shadow, and Greg find themselves right in the thick of the mystery. Between her massage therapy sessions, participating in the murder mystery game, being spooked by hotel ghosts, and running down a list of suspects who all had motives to kill Tricia, will Libby and Greg actually find their romantic time together? Twists and turns are everywhere, and you’ll hold your breath, wondering when the next surprise will jump out at you. Praise for the Libby Madsen Cozy Mysteries: “A fun read from first page to last … an impressively original and deftly crafted read”—Midwest Book Review “Readers know what a sucker I am for dogs, and the Libby Madsen mysteries are some of the best. I love, love, love Shadow and Libby and the adventures they get themselves into. Jennifer J. Morgan is destined to be one of the brightest new stars in the cozy mystery scene!” – Connie Shelton, USA Today bestselling author “I'm hooked on this series. Completely adore Libby and Shadow (her companion black Lab pup—so adorable!). Without giving any spoilers at all, I couldn't put the book down once amateur sleuth, Libby Madsen, was on the search. The suspense amid so many suspects, I never did figure out how it would all turn out. Overall, it's a clean read--appropriate for all ages.” – lovereadingmysteries, 5 star online review “This cozy mystery series has become one of my favorites! Libby Madsen, along with Shadow her dog … Alexis, her best friend/business partner, and her family … and the gorgeous forest ranger, Greg! I love the friend group! And Jennifer doesn’t disappoint in her second book of the series … I find myself turning pages just wanting to know what happens next. Hope the next title comes soon…” – 5 stars on Barnes & Noble “After meeting Libby and Shadow, Greg, Alexis and JJ, and the other great characters in this series, I couldn't wait to get right into this second book. Excellent action, just as in the first one—a great overall whodunit!” – avidmysteryfan, 5 stars online review “Shadows in the Forest will leave satisfied mystery buffs looking eagerly toward the next Libby Madsen story.” – The Midwest Book Review