Threats at Three — Ann Purser

She's worked through all the days of the week, turning up clues and scrubbing up both messes and murderers in the village of Long Farnden. But crime is a persistent stain, and Lois Meade is finding that sleuthing is rarely a spotless endeavor...

A committee is forming to save the Shed, a run-down building that serves as the village hall for Long Farnden locals. It's a part of village history, a landmark for locals who have attended wedding receptions and cricket teas there for generations. Joining the usual collection of grumps and curmudgeons is Lois's husband, Derek, as committee chair. With some fund-raising efforts, they hope to cut down a newcomer who doesn't think the Shed is worth saving at all.

But soon it's apparent someone wants to make this tea the last -- by setting the Shed aflame. Then, when a dead body is found in the canal, Inspector Cowgill believes this dispute is getting uglier -- and deadlier. And naturally, he turns to the reliable Lois Meade to sort out the culprits before their village hall turns into a funeral hall...