Curl up with a cozy mystery from Libby Library

I was beside myself with excitement at finding Zebulon Xapatopolis’ latest horror bestseller about a demonic pair of dentures that terrorize a small town in Libby Library’s new fiction section.  So preoccupied, was I, that I barely noticed Libby Lobster contemplating the many fine titles on the new Cozy Maine Mystery shelf.

“Hey Libby! I didn’t know you were a cozy mystery fan.”

“I do love relaxing with them, especially all these great ones by authors from right here in Maine! Right now, I’m looking for one that’ll provide the inspiration I need to solve my own latest mystery.”

Going against both experience and my better judgment, I asked him about it. 

“Come on over to my place, and I’ll fill you in.”

When we arrived, I noticed that Libby had completely redone the place. The furniture nearly matched (and had obviously come from a local second hand store), and there were new lace curtains on the windows. After taking a few minutes to go through his mail, Libby asked “Would you like some tea?”

Again, against my better judgment, I said “Yes.”

I heard Libby fussing about in his tiny kitchen while the kettle came to a boil. He soon reentered the living room bearing two cups of tea. To my immense surprise, it was actually palatable.

“You’ve really got yourself into full cozy mystery mode, Libby.”

“I even got a cat!”

“That’s a cheap wig with ears and a tail glued to it!”

”In the words of the great sage, Pat Paulsen (Google him), ‘Picky, picky, picky.’ Anyway, it’s very low maintenance.”

“OK, Libby. So what’s this great mystery?”

“My life-size Lego replica of the Great Pyramid of Giza is missing!”

“How could you lose a pyramid, Libby?”

“Someone must’ve stolen it! Have you seen anyone wearing an exceptionally large overcoat?”

In order to calm him down I, then, suggested we go on a walkabout to see if we can find some leads. After several hours, we were ready to give up when we spotted an eighteen-wheel truck parked near a building. The trailer was mostly obstructed, but the word “pyramid” was clearly showing. In almost Stephanie Plum style, Libby sprung into action. “Get out of that truck.” he yelled at the driver while brandishing his newly purchased weapon.

“That‘s a life size popsicle stick replica of the Taj Mahal!” The driver exclaimed.

“It’s fully loaded, too.”

“It’s not the only one.” I said under my breath.

“Check out the trailer while I search him for hidden monuments.” Libby said brusquely.

I walked the length of the trailer and was able to see the complete company name, ‘Pyramid Moving and Storage’ on the side. I pried open the lock and climbed inside the trailer. I looked in every nook and cranny, and there was not a pyramid to be found. I did another quick review of the trailer’s contents, then yelled out to Libby “I think this truck must be headed your way.”

“Why do you say that?

“There’s nothing here, except an ottoman, one end table, and 250 Millard Fillmore action figures.”

“You deduce correctly, Watson!” Libby said before apologizing profusely to the highly perplexed driver and sending on his way. We then returned to Libby’s place, which I began mentally referring to as 221B Half Baked Street.

I had to pick up a few ingredients for the braised haddock I was preparing for this evening's dinner, and so. I stopped at Landry’s before heading back to Libby’s place. I arrived at Libby’s approximately a half hour later.

When I entered his TV room, I noticed something rather unusual about the sofa. There was a 400 foot lump under one of the cushions.

“When was the last time you looked under the sofa cushions?” I hollered to Libby.

“I just found the remote under one of them.” I heard Libby shout from above.

“And You didn’t notice anything else?”

“You mean …?  No wonder I could see Mount Agamenticus, but not the TV! Thanks!! What a relief!!”

“See you later, Poirot!” I said to Libby before returning to the Library to check out one of the excellent selections on the Staff Picks shelf and admire the beautiful, autumn decorations.