Book excerpt: In this Edgar-nominated cozy series opener, a second-rate British crime novelist and his quirky agent investigate his devious ex-wife’s murder. A mediocre mystery-writer (and thus a purveyor of red herrings), Ethelred Tressider has even less interest in writing his books than his (dwindling) fan base has in reading them, and his agent—the pesky, nosy, vulgar, chocolate-chomping Elsie—has no interest in them at all. But with a name like Ethelred, things can always get worse, and when Ethelred’s dishy ex-wife turns up dead, they do. The Case of the Dead Dish is the most exciting project Elsie’s come across in years, but however much she bullies Ethelred he refuses to take much interest in the mystery. Chalk it up to some pathetic mid-life crisis? Maybe. But how much more interesting would it be to note that Ethelred’s lack of interest raises what might be called some extremely interesting questions? Praise for The Herring-Seller’s Apprentice “Fans of comic mysteries will welcome British author Tyler’s debut.” —Publishers Weekly “Tyler is a stylish writer, and his humor is both subtle and sly.” —Booklist