State Fair

The fourteenth novel in the Benni Harper mystery series is “State Fair,” written by Earlene Fowler. The plot, which takes place in 1997, centers on Benni Harper, a devoted quilter, museum curator, and hesitant detective. Her current task is getting ready for the yearly San Celina County Mid-State Fair, which is renowned for its caramel apples, 4-H calves, vibrant quilts, and locally created jams.

A treasured African-American quilt is taken from one display during the fair’s festivities, and a body is discovered in another. To solve the mystery, Benni has to make his way through this maze of humor, mythology, and murder.