Cathy C. (cathyskye) -
In this fourth book in the Hattie Davish historical mystery series, Hattie has some ghosts that she must lay to rest, and she does even though her investigation has her traveling from one spot in St. Joseph to another-- and trying to avoid an old boyfriend at the same time. There are several plot threads in A Deceptive Homecoming, and author Anna Loan-Wilsey deals with them with ease. One of the reasons why I enjoy the character of Hattie Davish is that she is an inveterate list maker (like me). Whenever she has a moment or is trying to think something through, she'll sit down and update her list of questions. Not only does this practice keep her thoughts organized, it helps readers think the mystery through themselves.
There are some serious topics in this book. An old friend who behaves like an enemy. Hattie's beloved alma mater is under some sort of attack. Something's not quite right at the State Lunatic Asylum.... Fortunately the author doesn't keep everything deadly serious all the time. One of the parts of the book that I enjoyed the most involved Hattie being forced to deal with her fame: she's being idolized by many of the students in Mrs. Chaplin's School. Many, but not all, the girls are starstruck, and Hattie is fun to watch when she's in situations with the girls.
There is one scene in A Deceptive Homecoming that had me thinking that Hattie was too stupid to live-- normally a deal breaker for me. When she got past the reception area in the State Lunatic Asylum and began following someone deep down into the bowels of that creepy place, my eyes rolled so far back into my head that they almost stuck. Since I did indeed finish reading the book and have written this review, you can tell that Hattie redeemed herself in some way. (But I'll be keeping an eye on her!)
Anna Loan-Wilsey's series is light and fun to read, and it also manages to highlight historical personages and incidents that are downright fascinating. I look forward to traveling with Hattie and her typewriter again in the future.
There are some serious topics in this book. An old friend who behaves like an enemy. Hattie's beloved alma mater is under some sort of attack. Something's not quite right at the State Lunatic Asylum.... Fortunately the author doesn't keep everything deadly serious all the time. One of the parts of the book that I enjoyed the most involved Hattie being forced to deal with her fame: she's being idolized by many of the students in Mrs. Chaplin's School. Many, but not all, the girls are starstruck, and Hattie is fun to watch when she's in situations with the girls.
There is one scene in A Deceptive Homecoming that had me thinking that Hattie was too stupid to live-- normally a deal breaker for me. When she got past the reception area in the State Lunatic Asylum and began following someone deep down into the bowels of that creepy place, my eyes rolled so far back into my head that they almost stuck. Since I did indeed finish reading the book and have written this review, you can tell that Hattie redeemed herself in some way. (But I'll be keeping an eye on her!)
Anna Loan-Wilsey's series is light and fun to read, and it also manages to highlight historical personages and incidents that are downright fascinating. I look forward to traveling with Hattie and her typewriter again in the future.
Dollycas's Thoughts
In this 4th installment we travel back to St. Joseph, Missouri and the school Hattie Davish attended, Mrs. Chaplin's School for Women. She was their star pupil and gave her the training she needed to become a personal secretary. Her studies have also helped her become quite a amateur detective too.
There was plenty of deception going on throughout the entire book. Hattie's homecoming turned out very different from anything she ever imagined. Virginia was her best friend. When Hattie received word that her friend's father had passed away she made immediate plans to return to Missouri, but Virginia was very surprised to see her there. If Virginia didn't send her the funeral notice who did? More questions arise when she peers into the casket. While the man's face was disfigured by the accident that killed him Hattie doesn't think the body belongs to Virginia's father. Who else would it be? Hattie also hears rumblings about strange happenings at the school. Could all these things be connected?
This is a fantastic story. Hattie is such a strong woman with strong principles and an excellent role model. It is easy to see why Mrs. Chaplin thinks so much of her. All the secondary characters were so wonderfully written. I formed immediate images of just what they looked and acted like.
The author takes Hattie and the others into some very unique and a couple down-right scary situations. There was a part that was like watching a horror movie where you find yourself yelling at the screen, "NO! Don't follow him!" Turn around! Come Back!" Okay I was yelling in my head but I was loudly yelling in my head!
We are taken to the Hayward home, the Chaplin home, the school, a historic landmark, and even to a lunatic asylum. We also travel the streets of St. Joe and along the river. All perfectly described and so easy to envision.
Things moved slower back then but this story is very fast paced with more than one edge of your seat moment. I absolutely love the way Anna Loan-Wilsey writes. I am ready for book #5 right now!
In this 4th installment we travel back to St. Joseph, Missouri and the school Hattie Davish attended, Mrs. Chaplin's School for Women. She was their star pupil and gave her the training she needed to become a personal secretary. Her studies have also helped her become quite a amateur detective too.
There was plenty of deception going on throughout the entire book. Hattie's homecoming turned out very different from anything she ever imagined. Virginia was her best friend. When Hattie received word that her friend's father had passed away she made immediate plans to return to Missouri, but Virginia was very surprised to see her there. If Virginia didn't send her the funeral notice who did? More questions arise when she peers into the casket. While the man's face was disfigured by the accident that killed him Hattie doesn't think the body belongs to Virginia's father. Who else would it be? Hattie also hears rumblings about strange happenings at the school. Could all these things be connected?
This is a fantastic story. Hattie is such a strong woman with strong principles and an excellent role model. It is easy to see why Mrs. Chaplin thinks so much of her. All the secondary characters were so wonderfully written. I formed immediate images of just what they looked and acted like.
The author takes Hattie and the others into some very unique and a couple down-right scary situations. There was a part that was like watching a horror movie where you find yourself yelling at the screen, "NO! Don't follow him!" Turn around! Come Back!" Okay I was yelling in my head but I was loudly yelling in my head!
We are taken to the Hayward home, the Chaplin home, the school, a historic landmark, and even to a lunatic asylum. We also travel the streets of St. Joe and along the river. All perfectly described and so easy to envision.
Things moved slower back then but this story is very fast paced with more than one edge of your seat moment. I absolutely love the way Anna Loan-Wilsey writes. I am ready for book #5 right now!
