Hide in Plain Sight

Hide in Plain Sight is the second in Skye Alexander's Salem-set astrologer mystery series, and it deepens the protagonist's social geography in useful ways. A visiting psychic from California is murdered during the run-up to Halloween, when Salem is at its most crowded and the local witch-tourism economy is at peak operation.

Alexander's strength is the technical astrology material, which she handles with the precision of a working practitioner. The chart-reading scenes are part of the procedural rather than dressing on top of it. The Salem-tourism atmosphere is rendered with affection and a touch of exasperation that locals will recognize.

Three stars. A pleasant niche cozy. Recommended to readers who like their detectives in unusual day jobs.