VERA WONG'S UNSOLICITED ADVICE FOR MURDERERS (2023) - Review

  Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Jesse Q. Sutanto's "Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers" was a recent book group choice. I'll read a cozy once in a while but was quite surprised by this charming mystery of death and friendship. Everyone loved the book!

FIRST SENTENCE: Vera Wong Zhuzhu, age sixty, is a pig, but she really should have been born a rooster."

THE STORY: Vera Wong, who lives above her forgotten tea shop in the middle of San Francisco's Chinatown, enjoys sipping on a good cup of Wulong and doing some detective work on the Internet about what her Gen-Z son is up to. One morning, Vera trudges downstairs to find a dead man on the floor of her tea shop. In his outstretched hand, a flash drive. Vera takes the flash drive sure she would do a better job than the police. Vera knows the killer will be back for the flash drive; all she has to do is watch the increasing number of customers at her shop and figure out which one among them is the killer. What Vera doesn't expect is to form friendships with her customers and start to care for each and every one of them.

WHAT I THOUGHT: One of the novel's standout features is its unique narrative voice. Vera Wong's character is a delightful blend of sass and vulnerability, making her not just a crime-solving force to be reckoned with, but also a relatable and endearing protagonist. All the characters add layers to the story, each contributing their quirks and secrets to the unfolding drama. From the grumpy police detective to the suspects, Sutanto weaves a web of personalities that adds depth to the story.

While the novel primarily falls into the cozy mystery genre, Sutanto seamlessly incorporates social commentary into the narrative. Vera Wong's journey becomes a reflection of societal norms and expectations, challenging stereotypes about age, gender, and race. The author cleverly addresses serious issues with a light touch, ensuring that readers both enjoy the mystery and contemplate the underlying themes.

BOTTOM LINE: Highly Recommended. "Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers" is a standout addition to the mystery genre, offering readers a refreshing take on the classic whodunit. Jesse Q. Sutanto's masterful storytelling, coupled with Vera Wong's irresistible charm, creates a novel that is both a lovely read and a laugh-out-loud experience. Fans of cozy mysteries will find themselves eagerly awaiting Vera Wong's next unsolicited adventure. This is the second title, after "Dial A For Aunties", in the series.

DISCLAIMER: A copy of "Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers" was provided to me by Berkley/Net Galley for an honest review. 

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THE SECRET STAIRCASE (2021)

The Secret Staircase by Sheila Connolly
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
On sale: August 24, 2021

What drew me to Sheila Connolly's newest entry in the Victorian Village Mysteries? Was it the title "The Secret Staircase" or the book cover featuring a turreted mansion? Having grown up addicted to Nancy Drew, it was probably a little of both.

FIRST SENTENCE: "I looked at the faces of the people around the large oval table in the dining room of the Asheboro Bed & Breakfast - the place I was calling home, at least temporarily."

THE STORY: Kate Hamilton has her heart set on restoring "The Barton Mansion" in a small town a short drive from Baltimore but a world away. The project is formidable and only part of an even bigger concept of recreating Asheboro as a Victorian Village to bring the town back to life.

Just as everything is starting to fall into place, a hidden staircase is discovered and at the bottom, a century old body. When another death occurs, Kate realizes there is something in the past that is still festering and dangerous.

WHAT I THOUGHT: Told in the first person, the reader is aware of Kate's hopes and fears for the project. It's interesting to follow her thoughts, decisions, and plans as she grapples with the complicated process of working on historic properties. I found the book slow-moving and repetitious at times as Kate vacillates. The mystery isn't particularly challenging and gets quickly tied up at the end by an unexpected discovery. (Please realize that I am NOT a cozy fan.)

BOTTOM LINE: This is the third and last entry in the Victorian Village Mysteries. Author Sheila Connolly died in April 2020; but she was a prolific writer of cozys and left many series including Orchard Mysteries, Museum Mysteries, County Cork Mysteries, and Relatively Dead Mysteries among others. A good solid read for lovers of history, Victoriana, restoration, and genealogy.

DISCLAIMER: Thank you NetGalley, and Minotaur Books for the advance copy for an honest review.

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MURDER MOST FOWL (2021)

Murder Most Fowl by Donna Andrews
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
On sale: August 3, 2021

In an amazing Shakespearean synchronicity, I read two books, back to back, featuring MacBeth. How often does that happen? And in case you were concerned, it's only bad luck to say the name of the Scottish Play in a theater.

"Murder Most Fowl", the 29th in the series, was actually my first Meg Lanslow. A friend, who is a true cozy aficionado, reviewed a couple other titles for my blog Book Keeping a while back.

THE FIRST LINE: "Mom?" I kept my eyes firmly closed and focused on breathing in and out in the slow, deliberate way that was supposed to make you feel better when you were stressed. One. . .two. . .

THE STORY: Meg's husband is directing a summer production of Macbeth. Rather than deal with the political nonsense at the local college, he brings the cast and crew to Caerphilly to rehearse lodging them in guest rooms and tents on their property complicating Meg's life. Random incidents and vandalism begin and ultimately a death. Could these acts have been caught on film? Caerphilly’s chief of police, with Meg's help, must uncover the same secrets the filmmaker did if they want to catch a killer.

WHAT I THOUGHT: With titles like "No Nest for the Wicked", "Owl Be Home for Christmas", "Toucan Keep a Secret", and "Gone Gull", you know what to expect in this series. Lots of quirky characters surrounding an amateur sleuth in a small town with lots of suspicious things going on. There will be a crime but nothing too disturbing. You can mostly tell the bad guys from the good guys who will ultimately win in the end. All this will be delivered with interesting information about the world and gentle humor. Donna Andrews has the cozy formula down cold and still delivers a fun puzzle for the reader to try to solve time after time.

BOTTOM LINE: Highly recommended for all cozy readers!

DISCLAIMER: Thank you to the author, NetGalley, and Minotaur Books for the advance copy for an honest review.

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DEADLY EVER AFTER (2021)

Deadly Ever After by Eva Gates
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

FIRST LINE: "Is there anything more perfect than a day at the beach?" 

THE STORY: How could anything go wrong with an opening line like that? Plenty as it turns out. Librarian Lucy Richardson is finally getting engaged to Conner McNeil, dentist and mayor of a small community on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Family and friends are gathering on the beach to celebrate when Richard Eric Lewiston the Third and his overbearing mother crash the party for the sole purpose of convincing Lucy to marry 'Ricky' instead!

From there it isn't long until a body appears and the happenings in this quiet little town again force Lucy into the role of amateur detective (for the 8th time in the series). The suspects pile on and with twists, turns, and a little humor, eventually good triumphs over evil.

WHAT I THOUGHT: I always say I'm not a cozy mystery reader but this is my second by this author in the past year! I love the idea that Lucy's library and home is in a lighthouse. Eva Gates knows what her readers want and gives it to us in a well-written way that doesn't talk down to readers but includes us in the fun. Along the way she works in the names of books and bits of information the reader will recognize. It's not a unique approach but it's well-done here. The book club is reading "The Hound of the Baskervilles", by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and there are shout-outs to fellow cozy writers Ellen Bryon and Essie Lang as well. P.S. In this 8th entry in the series, there is still Charles Dickens (the cat) and now a dog (Fluffy) just to cause added confusion!

BOTTOM LINE: There is nothing more delightful than an enjoyable cozy series. I'm guessing that starting at the beginning with #1 and getting to know the characters would be even more fun. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for cozy mystery readers!

DISCLAIMER: A copy of "Deadly Ever After" was provided to me by Crooked Lane Books/Net Galley for an honest review.

Hardcover: 304 pages
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books (May 11, 2021)
ISBN-10: 1643855883
ISBN-13: 978-1643855882

THE AUTHOR: Eva Gates is also known as Canadian crime writer Vicki Delany, "one of Canada's most prolific and varied crime writers." You might want to check out some of her other series: Sherlock Holmes Bookshop; Year Round Christmas Mysteries; Klondike Gold Rush; and novels of Gothic suspense. "Having taken early retirement from her job as a systems analyst, Vicki enjoys the rural life in Prince Edward County, Ontario." 

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A DEATH LONG OVERDUE (2020)

A Death Long Overdue: A Lighthouse Library Mystery by Eva Gates

My Rating: 4 of 5 Stars 

Although I have read the occasional cozy, it is not the kind of mystery I usually choose, but how could a retired librarian overlook a story set in a lighthouse which also houses a library? It's obvious why this is a well-loved series. The plot, characters, and setting are all charming. We wish we were there.

THE STORY: In book #7, assistant library director Lucy Richardson, living in an apartment way up in the lighthouse, is helping her director Bertie get ready to host a 40th reunion for college library friends. An historical exhibit at the gathering elicits unusual reactions from several attendees and when a tragic event happens, the gossips of the small Outer Banks community get to work. 

P.S. There is also a love interest and a cat.

FIRST LINE: "Reunions can be tricky things."

WHAT I THOUGHT: Eva Gates knows what her readers want and she gives it to them in a well-written way that doesn't talk down to readers but includes them in the fun. Along the way she works in the names of books and bits of information the reader will recognize. It's not a unique approach but it's well-done here. Loved the fact that the book club was reading The Moonstone and that The Celestine Prophecy figured in the story as well.

 

BOTTOM LINE:  There is nothing more delightful than an enjoyable cozy series. I'm guessing that starting at the beginning with #1 and getting to know the characters would be even more rewarding. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for cozy mystery readers!

Disclaimer: A copy of A Death Long Overdue was provided to me by Crooked Lane Books/Net Galley for an honest review.

Hardcover: 372 pages
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books (October 6, 2020)
ISBN-10: 1643854585
ISBN-13: 978-1643854588

THE AUTHOR:Eva Gates is also known as Canadian crime writer Vicki Delany, "one of Canada's most prolific and varied crime writers." You might want to check out some of her other series: Sherlock Holmes Bookshop; Year Round Christmas Mysteries; Klondike Gold Rush; and novels of Gothic suspense. 

"Having taken early retirement from her job as a systems analyst, Vicki enjoys the rural life in Prince Edward County, Ontario."

DEATH IN THE STARS (2018)

Death in the Stars , A Kate Shackleton Mystery by Frances Brody

This is the ninth book in the series that features private inquiry agent, Kate Shackleton, a WWI widow and former VAD nurse. The setting of this novel begins with the craze surrounding the eclipse of 1927. Music Hall star, Selina Fellini, has been invited to the Giggleswick School as part of the festivities. She asks Kate to arrange for an airplane to take her, her friend and fellow performer, Billie Moffatt to Yorkshire for the viewing. Selina also requests that Kate go with them on the flight and later attend the eclipse. During the eclipse, Billy disappears and is found by the schoolboys in a coma. What Selina hasn’t told Kate is that there have been two other deaths of members of the company. When Billy dies, Selina asks Kate to investigate the deaths.

Reviewer: Joy Rosynek

In this well researched English cozy, Brody gives plenty of background on the excitement surrounding the eclipse, in which the school actually was a site for the Royal Astronomer’s effort to capture all of the scientific data. Brody also lets the reader in on the changes that are occurring in the theater as movies and radios start to replace the experience of going to the music halls. It also highlights the plight of the performers, who no longer have a place in this new world of technology. Featured in the book are Kate’s two longtime associates, retired policeman, Jim Sykes and her housekeeper, Mrs. Sudgen. Their insight into the working class is helpful in bringing a solution to the mystery of what has happened to Billy and others in the acting company.

 

Hardcover:  390 pages
Publisher: Minotaur Books (February 13, 2018)  
ISBN: 978-1-250-15479-8

My Current Kindle Reading List

Coming out of my reading slump, I have a long list of titles I have promised to read. These are Net Galley picks that reside on my Kindle.

LOVE LIES BLEEDING by Edmund Crispin (3/21/17) Originally published in 1948.
THE SHADOW LAND by Elizabeth Kostova (4/11/17)
ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE by Elizabeth Stout (4/25/17)
GRIEF COTTAGE by Gail Godwin (6/6/17)
WATCH ME DISAPPEAR by Janelle Brown (7/11/17)
GLASS HOUSES by Louise Penny (8/29/17)
THE STOLEN MARRIAGE by Diane Chamberlain (10/3/17)

I pledge to start at the beginning of this list and finally catch up. Did I mention there are other books waiting to be read? Real physical copies I have amassed, but I am taking small, hopefully manageable chunks. 

ALL THE LITTLE LIARS (2016)

All the Little Liars by Charlaine Harris

If you have read and loved earlier Aurora Teegardin mysteries, you don't need me to tell you to add ALL THE LITTLE LIARS to your 'to read' list.

DEATH AT THE DAY LILY CAFE (2016)

Death at the Day Lily Cafe by Wendy Sand Eckel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Last year about this time Minotaur sent me an ARC (advanced reading copy) of Wendy Sand Eckel's first cozy mystery Murder at Barclay Meadow. As it turned out, I was one of the first people to review the book and I loved it.

You can imagine my excitement when Death at the Day Lily Cafe showed up in my mailbox, and I am glad to say that it a worthy second adventure for Rosalie Hart!

THE STORY: Rebuilding her life, divorcee Rosalie Hart is opening a cafe on the Eastern Shore of Maryland and serving tempting organic food. Of course, it doesn't take any time at all before her good friend Doris asks Rosalie to help clear her little sister of a first degree murder charge.

Nobody much liked Carl James Fiddler, so there are lots of suspects for Rosalie and her friends to investigate.

When Rosalie's daughter gets caught up in the investigation, things get serious.

WHAT I THOUGHT: Although you don't have to read the first book to enjoy this one, I would because you are going to want to read each book in the series.

Charming, quirky characters the reader cares about surround Rosalie. The location is seductive and you will want to jump in the car and drive down to the Day Lily Cafe to hang out, have a brownie, and an espresso. The menus discussed and the recipes included are an added enjoyment.

Extra points for changing the name of an adopted cat who kills birds from Sweetie Pie to Todd (short for Sweeney Todd).

The story is told first person and sprinkled with clever jokes and allusions to popular culture. If you get them, it's fun. If you don't, it doesn't spoil the story.

Wendy Sand Eckel's writing and storytelling is intelligent and funny. I just wish Rosalie was my best friend and I lived close enough to stop by . I think all readers will feel the same way.

BOTTOM LINE: Any story that includes scrapple is a winner for me. A most worthy entry in this cozy mystery series. The book will be released on July 26, 2016.

Title: Murder at Barclay Meadow

Author: Wendy Sand Eckel

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Publisher: Minotaur

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

No. of Pages: 288

Copyright: July 26, 2016

ISBN-10: 1250058619

ISBN-13: 978-1250058614

Disclaimer: An advanced reading copy (ARC) of this book was provided to me by the publisher Minotaur for an honest review.

"WENDY SAND ECKEL is a psychotherapist who lives in Annapolis, Maryland, where she enjoys her family, multiple pets, and life on the water. Murder at Barclay Meadow is her first novel." (AMAZON)

MURDER AT BARCLAY MEADOW (2015)

Murder at Barclay Meadow by Wendy Sand Eckel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I get excited when an unexpected book shows up in my mailbox. Last week it was a new cozy mystery from Minotaur. Since I am drowning in books, I, of course, immediately read a few lines with the idea of setting the book aside. Instead I found myself drawn into the story immediately.

THE STORY: Rosalie Hart thinks she has the perfect marriage until she discovers her husband Ed is having an affair and wants a divorce just as their daughter Annie heads off to college.

Unwilling to stay in the home they shared, Rosalie escapes to the farmhouse left her by her late aunt on Maryland's Eastern Shore. But Barclay Meadows doesn't turn out to be a safe sanctuary when Rosalie discovers a body floating in the marsh.

Everyone insists that the death was accidental, but Rosalie senses something is wrong and begins to ask questions.

WHAT I THOUGHT: This debut novel by Wendy Sand Eckel uses social media in a clever and totally integrated way. She also makes cultural references that connect with the reader's experiences. And, what might be the best part for some readers, there are recipes! Do I have to confess that I read this book in just a couple of days? It's well-written, has enough scary moments (but not too many), and lots of interesting quirky characters. The small town setting is charming and you'll want to join me in a road trip to visit the area. I will be watching for the next entry in what has all the ingredients to be a popular new series.

FIRST LINE: "Before my only child left for her first year of college, she suggested I create my own Facebook profile."

BOTTOM LINE: A most worthy entry to world of cozy mysteries. The book will be released on July 28, 2015.

Title: Murder at Barclay Meadow

Author: Wendy Sand Eckel

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Publisher: Minotaur

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

No. of Pages: 320

Copyright: July 28, 2015

ISBN-10: 1250058600

ISBN-13: 978-1250058607

Disclaimer: An advanced reading copy (ARC) of this book was provided to me by the publisher Minotaur for an honest review.

"WENDY SAND ECKEL is a psychotherapist who lives in Annapolis, Maryland, where she enjoys her family, multiple pets, and life on the water. Murder at Barclay Meadow is her first novel." (AMAZON)

THE CRIME AT BLACK DUDLEY (1929)

The Crime at Black Dudley by Margery Allingham
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I'm ashamed to say that I have never read Margery Allingham before being offered the chance by NetGalley. Like my father, I seem to have a preference for British mysteries; and like my father, as he aged, I prefer the older titles with less detailed violence, sex, and language.

OPENING LINE: "The view from the narrow window was dreary and inexpressively lonely." This sets the atmosphere perfectly for what is to follow.

A weekend party at a rural estate is ruined when the host's uncle is murdered during a party game. The uncle had criminal connections and something he had that they want is missing. Who took it? The bad guys refuse to let anyone leave until that item is returned.

There are a lot of interesting characters to suspect among the guests, servants, and gang members. The plot has been described as haphazard but there's no problem following the story. The location allows for secret panels and passageways, which are great fun. This is certainly a classic mystery.

Apparently Allingham expected Dr. George Abbershaw would be her sleuth in this first book in the series, but it was the unusual and mysterious young man called Albert Campion, who captured readers and led to his promotion as hero of the series.

According to Mike Ripley "11 of her classic novels [will be} reissued this year and a further nine in 2016."

Bottom Line: If you love Dorothy L. Sayers and Agatha Christie, you MUST READ Margery Allingham. These three are often referred to as the three queens of British Golden Age detective fiction.

Title: The Crime at Black Dudley

Author: Margery Allingham

Series: Albert Campion (Book #1)

Genre: Classic British Mystery

Publisher: Bloomsbury

Published: May 6, 2015 (Ebook)

ISBN-13: 9781448214211

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Source: NetGalley

Disclaimer: An advanced copy of The Crime at Black Dudley was provided to me by Bloomsbury/Net Galley for review purposes.

Margery Louise Allingham was an English writer of detective fiction, best remembered for her "golden age" stories featuring gentleman sleuth Albert Campion. (Wikipedia)

FINAL CURTAIN: AN EDNA FERBER MYSTERY (2014)

Final Curtain: An Edna Ferber Mystery by Ed Ifkovic
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Here we go again. Another book re-imagining the life of a real person. I am not a fan although this mystery featuring famous writer Edna Ferber is gracefully executed.

When Net Galley offered me a review copy, I was tempted because the mystery takes place in Maplewood, New Jersey where Edna has agreed to take part in a professional summer stock production of her play (written with George S. Kaufman) The Royal Family. Edna is a charming amateur sleuth.

Set in 1940, the author adds interesting historical facts and creates fascinating characters. The four other books in the series each feature a different time period and famous person. Final Curtain goes on sale June 3, 2014 from Poisoned Pen Press.

Bottom Line: Recommended if you enjoy historical mysteries featuring literary figures as crime-solvers, try this cozy series.

Title: Final Curtain: An Edna Ferber Mystery
Author: Edward Ifkovic
Genre: Cozy historical mystery
Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press
ISBN: 1464202923
No. of Pages: 250 pages
Copyright: June 12, 2014
Rating:3 out of 5 stars
Source: NetGalley

DISCLOSURE: Invited by NetGalley to request and receive this title for an honest review. 

Edward Ifkovic taught literature and creative writing at a community college in Connecticut for over three decades. His short stories and essays have appeared in the “Village Voice, America, Hartford Monthly”, and “Journal of Popular Culture”. A longtime devotee of mystery novels, he fondly recalls discovering Erle Stanley Gardner’s ‘Perry Mason’ series in a family bookcase. (from Poisoned Pen website)

MURDER ON THE HOOF: A MYSTERY (2014)

Murder on the Hoof: A Mystery by Kathryn O'Sullivan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

One of my favorite things is to have a new book in my hands (or on my Kindle). Considering how terribly cold and snowy it has been, I was more than excited when I received an advanced reading copy (ARC) of Kathryn O'Sullivan's sequel to FOAL PLAY. After all, the setting is once again a picturesque North Carolina beach village and it's August!

Using the Wild Horses of Corolla as a center piece, both stories feature Colleen McCabe, the Fire Chief and her budding relationship with Sheriff Bill Dorman. Throw in a host of eccentric locals (this time involved with putting on a community theater production to raise money for the horses), a famous actress in town to film a movie, a couple of unexpected deaths, and you have a delightful beach read. (The book goes on sale May 6, 2014.)

Much like the popular television program MURDER SHE WROTE, O'Sullivan's storytelling is on solving the puzzle. But while Cabot's Cove doesn't actually exist, Corolla and its horses are real. Road trip anyone?

You can read either book as a stand alone, but I suggest starting with FOAL PLAY, which was published as a result of winning the Malice Domestic Best First Traditional Mystery Novel Competition last year. These are quick reads and we're all going to be waiting to see what the author comes up with next!

Bottom Line:  Recommended for cozy mystery readers!

Title: Murder on the Hoof: A Mystery
Author: Kathryn O'Sullivan
Genre: Cozy mystery
Publisher: Minotaur Books
ISBN: 1250049466
No. of Pages: 272 pages
Copyright: May 6, 2014
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Source: ARC from author

DISCLOSURE: Disclaimer: The author and I share an alma mater, Carnegie Mellon University's theatre department.

Kathryn O'Sullivan is a playwright, co-executive producer/creator/writer of the multi-award-winning Western web series THURSTON (www.thurston-series.com) and a theatre professor at Northern Virginia Community College. She lives in Virginia with her husband, a director and cinematographer, and their rascally rescue cat, Oscar.  Her play MOVING DAY will be published in "The Best Ten-Minute Plays 2014" by Smith & Kraus, Inc. (Source: Good Reads)

Dare to Die (2009)

Dare to Die by Carolyn Hart
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

After some intense reading the last couple of months, I needed a break. Carolyn Hart's charming Annie and Max Darling series (Death on Demand #19) was the perfect choice. Annie owns a mystery bookstore in Broward’s Rock, South Carolina. What could be a more perfect setting for a cozy?

Dead, White and Blue, the 23rd entry in the series, is now available.

What's fun about Hart's books is that she name drops mystery writers and book titles throughout so you'll have an unending list of books to read!

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FOAL PLAY (2013)

Foal Play: A Mystery by Kathryn O'Sullivan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 “Fire Chief Colleen McCabe enjoys working with her men at the firehouse and sharing a home with her border collie Sparky. But when a dead body washes up on shore, she knows trouble has arrived in Corolla.”

Bottom Line: Recommended for cozy readers everywhere!

As a young girl I loved the seashore, horses, and mysteries, so Foal Play was a natural choice for my reading list for a month in Gulf Shores, Alabama. I was lucky to receive an advanced reading copy (ARC) from the author.

Kathryn O'Sullivan's mystery is being published as a result of  winning the Malice Domestic/St. Martin’s Minotaur competition for Best First Traditional Mystery novel, and that's where I first heard about it.

All the expected elements are present to make this a very readable cozy: a great location, a slue of amusing characters, a handful of possible villains, a winning amateur sleuth, and the horses. There are, however, a couple of shocks I didn't expect in a cozy.

Did you know about the threatened herd of Spanish mustangs on the coast of North Carolina? I didn't. And there really is a Corolla, North Carolina as well as a Whalehead Club and the Currituck Beach Lighthouse. If you're like me, you'll be looking for pictures and more information. Road trip, anyone?

If this doesn't turn into a series for author Kathryn O'Sullivan, I will be very surprised. By the time I got to the hilarious funeral service scene in the church, I knew this would make a  great caper movie too. It's great fun.

Having a woman as the Fire Chief of a small town in a tourist area, opens up all kinds of possibilities. Did I mention she and the Sheriff seem attracted to each other?

Make sure you get your copy when the book lays down in May so you can take it to the beach this summer. You won't be sorry.

Disclaimer: The author and I share an alma mater, Carnegie Mellon University's theatre department.

Title: Foal Play

Author: Kathryn O’Sullivan

Genre: Mystery

Publisher: Minotaur (May 7, 2013)

No. of Pages: 272

Copyright: 2013

ISBN: 1250026598

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Source: Advance Reading Copy

"Kathryn O'Sullivan is also an award-winning playwright and creator of the Western Web series Thurston, and a theatre professor at Northern Virginia Community College. She lives in Virginia with her husband, an award-winning director and cinematographer, and their rascally rescue cat, Oscar."

The Brutal Telling (2009)

The Brutal Telling by Louise Penny
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

There are currently seven books in the Chief Inspector Gamache Canon. The Brutal Telling is number five. (Number eight, The Beautiful Mystery will lay down on August 28, 2012.) This story, in particular, suffers for being read out of order. And unfortunately I can't remember the beginning of the next book and how things got reconciled so that is bothering me.

A body is discovered in the village bistro. He is unknown to everyone except one person, who refuses to tell. When Gamache and his team arrive, the mysteries of the past reveal themselves in fascinating ways.

Like other readers, I want to live in Three Pines. I want to spend time with the people I know so well through Penny's graceful writing. I want to visit all the locations she so lovingly describes. And if there has to be a murder now and then to bring Chief Inspector Gamache to town, well then I'm all right with that.

Although this series falls neatly into the cozy classification, I consider Louise Penny's books to be literate mysteries as well. If you start with Still Life and work your way through, as with Agatha Christie, you will be more than happy with each entry.

Louise Penny; photo by John Mahoney

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MAZE IN BLUE (2011)

Maze in Blue by Debra H. Goldstein

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

If you have spent time on the University of Michigan campus or lived in Ann Arbor, you will especially be interested in this cozy mystery with a 70s vibe. Professors, students, tenure, fraternities, concerts and murder. What more could one ask for?

What made this title even more interesting to me was spending a morning eating beignets and drinking cafe au lait with author Debra Goldstein. She was on the Gulf Coast for a writing weekend and my husband and I were here escaping a Michigan winter.

I really appreciate a story where I learn about something new and Maze in Blue caused me to scurry off to the Internet to reseacrch the Collegiate Sorosis sorority and to verify the extraordinary concert described. I suspect our heroine Denney Silber may encounter murder again in the future!


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