Lori C. (dollycas) reviewed Death & the Brewmaster's Widow (Auction Block, Bk 2) on + 707 more book reviews
Dollycas's Thoughts
The first book in this series made my Best Reads of 2015 list. I couldn't wait for this book to be released because we were given a bit of a cliffhanger at the end of the last one.
Wren Morgan and Death (Dee-th) "it's a family name" Bogart are in St. Louis to wrap up affairs after Death's brother is killed in an arson fire. But there is a mystery surrounding his death because he was found wearing a badge with the wrong number. His correct badge had a broken clasp and was left back at the fire station. Could this badge mix up have something to do with the fire? Wren and Death take us deep into The Brewmaster's Widow and her secrets to find out.
I am going to say this up front. This book can be read as a stand alone but you really need to read Death and the Redheaded Woman to get to know this amazing couple. Wren Morgan is an assistant auctioneer and Death is a a private eye/bounty hunter. They meet and their relationship just grows and grows. He is a vet with not only PTSD, but physical disabilities too. Her life hasn't been easy and she needs someone to lean on. They are just better together. These character are written so beautifully.
In this story Death's brother Randy died while Death was still deployed. Randy thought Death had been killed in the war. As Death tries to wrap up Randy's life there seem to be more questions than answers. Before Death can move on he needs to know why his didn't get out of that building alive. He and Wren go to great lengths to find the answers.
I read this book quickly in an afternoon. I had a little suspicion about where we were headed but it was a wild ride to get there. I am so impressed with this author's writing. She builds the story with intrigue, romance, and humor in a way that deflects your mind from everything around you and holds your attention fully. Both my dad and my husband were firefighters. I lived the fear of someone getting hurt at a scene. Dying at one would be unfathomable. Randy's death effected not only his brother, but his chief, his fellow firefighters and so many others that knew him. Ross wrote this in an a way that we knew what everyone was feeling but it didn't take away from the enjoyment of the story as a whole. All her characters and their reactions and demeanor in the story were very believable.
The setting in the old brewery was so interesting. I enjoyed learning the history of the structure closed down at the start of prohibition in the 1920's. It was quite a place. A perfect place for a mystery.
I love where Loretta Ross has taken us and these characters, and the little teaser she gave us at the end of this story tells us we are headed on another mysterious adventure soon. Just like the last time, I can't wait!
Just a little spoiler alert We finally learn Death D. Bogart's middle name and it's a doozy.
The first book in this series made my Best Reads of 2015 list. I couldn't wait for this book to be released because we were given a bit of a cliffhanger at the end of the last one.
Wren Morgan and Death (Dee-th) "it's a family name" Bogart are in St. Louis to wrap up affairs after Death's brother is killed in an arson fire. But there is a mystery surrounding his death because he was found wearing a badge with the wrong number. His correct badge had a broken clasp and was left back at the fire station. Could this badge mix up have something to do with the fire? Wren and Death take us deep into The Brewmaster's Widow and her secrets to find out.
I am going to say this up front. This book can be read as a stand alone but you really need to read Death and the Redheaded Woman to get to know this amazing couple. Wren Morgan is an assistant auctioneer and Death is a a private eye/bounty hunter. They meet and their relationship just grows and grows. He is a vet with not only PTSD, but physical disabilities too. Her life hasn't been easy and she needs someone to lean on. They are just better together. These character are written so beautifully.
In this story Death's brother Randy died while Death was still deployed. Randy thought Death had been killed in the war. As Death tries to wrap up Randy's life there seem to be more questions than answers. Before Death can move on he needs to know why his didn't get out of that building alive. He and Wren go to great lengths to find the answers.
I read this book quickly in an afternoon. I had a little suspicion about where we were headed but it was a wild ride to get there. I am so impressed with this author's writing. She builds the story with intrigue, romance, and humor in a way that deflects your mind from everything around you and holds your attention fully. Both my dad and my husband were firefighters. I lived the fear of someone getting hurt at a scene. Dying at one would be unfathomable. Randy's death effected not only his brother, but his chief, his fellow firefighters and so many others that knew him. Ross wrote this in an a way that we knew what everyone was feeling but it didn't take away from the enjoyment of the story as a whole. All her characters and their reactions and demeanor in the story were very believable.
The setting in the old brewery was so interesting. I enjoyed learning the history of the structure closed down at the start of prohibition in the 1920's. It was quite a place. A perfect place for a mystery.
I love where Loretta Ross has taken us and these characters, and the little teaser she gave us at the end of this story tells us we are headed on another mysterious adventure soon. Just like the last time, I can't wait!
Just a little spoiler alert We finally learn Death D. Bogart's middle name and it's a doozy.
Cathy C. (cathyskye) -
One of the minor obstacles readers must overcome in this extremely enjoyable series is the pronunciation of "death." Death & the Redheaded Woman, Death & the Brewmaster's Widow, Death & the Gravedigger's Angel... all have the sounds of a regular mystery series until you discover that Death is the name of one of the main characters and it is pronounced "deeth" because he's named after Lord Peter Wimsey. That does take some getting used to, and once trained I still find myself pronouncing the word the Wimsey Way. But as I said, that is a very minor obstacle that doesn't take away from how good this series is.
The plot is downright Hitchcockian, and readers quickly realize that this isn't a matter of whodunit but how. On the surface, the plot may seem far-fetched, but in these days of trying to beat DNA tests and "Forensic Files," it fits right in. It's wonderfully twisted and bound to keep readers guessing. The only real quibble I had with it is Death putting himself and his compromised health into unnecessary danger.
However, this is not a plot-driven book. In addition to the author's lovely sense of humor, she's created the sort of people that character-driven readers (like myself) crave. I did miss the auction angle of the series, but at least the auction company's owners made a hilarious appearance or two. Wren is smart, funny, brave, and very caring. Death is a veteran who returned from war with ill health and a troubled mind. It's taking him time to recuperate, and he's taking it all in with a mix of good humor and exasperation. What is wonderful to watch unfold is the creation of his support system, people gathering around him who truly care for him and will help when needed. This is a man who has lost so much, and his journey adds an extra dimension to this series that raises it above the usual cozy mystery you read.
Whether you read for humor, twisty plots, or characters, you'll find all three in Loretta Ross's series. I urge you to give it a try-- at the beginning-- with Death & the Redheaded Woman.
The plot is downright Hitchcockian, and readers quickly realize that this isn't a matter of whodunit but how. On the surface, the plot may seem far-fetched, but in these days of trying to beat DNA tests and "Forensic Files," it fits right in. It's wonderfully twisted and bound to keep readers guessing. The only real quibble I had with it is Death putting himself and his compromised health into unnecessary danger.
However, this is not a plot-driven book. In addition to the author's lovely sense of humor, she's created the sort of people that character-driven readers (like myself) crave. I did miss the auction angle of the series, but at least the auction company's owners made a hilarious appearance or two. Wren is smart, funny, brave, and very caring. Death is a veteran who returned from war with ill health and a troubled mind. It's taking him time to recuperate, and he's taking it all in with a mix of good humor and exasperation. What is wonderful to watch unfold is the creation of his support system, people gathering around him who truly care for him and will help when needed. This is a man who has lost so much, and his journey adds an extra dimension to this series that raises it above the usual cozy mystery you read.
Whether you read for humor, twisty plots, or characters, you'll find all three in Loretta Ross's series. I urge you to give it a try-- at the beginning-- with Death & the Redheaded Woman.
