In Crossword Mysteries: Proposing Murder, Tess Harper is a crossword editor at the New York Sentinel who receives a marriage proposal in one of her puzzles from an old friend, who is also a crossword enthusiast. However, on the same day that her puzzle is published, her friend is found murdered.
Along with Detective Logan O'Connor, Tess sets out to solve the murder and uncovers a web of secrets and lies. As they investigate, Tess and Logan discover that there are plenty of suspects with motives for the crime, including jealous ex-lovers, rival crossword puzzle creators, and even family members with hidden agendas.
As they work to piece together the puzzle of the murder, Tess and Logan begin to develop a deeper connection. Together, they navigate the twists and turns of the case, uncovering clues and putting together the pieces of the puzzle to solve the mystery and bring the killer to justice.