Helpful Score: 12
one word: WOW
If ever you wanted to read a true to life cozy mystery, you will find it with in the pages of this fast paced engaging little gem of a book. I was hooked after the first page, and could not put it down. This was a well plotted mystery, with no sex or curse words, surrounded by a beautiful setting within the walls of an old mansion. It kept my attention, and had me guessing up to the final reveal. This is my first book by Julie Hyzy, and she is now at the top of my favorite authors list. Im definitely hoping for a sequel.
The book opens with an action scene from the "bird room" at the Marshfield Manson, where our lead character, Grace is on staff as assistant curator. During the distraction, her boss is found murdered in an upstairs room. Now as acting-curator, Grace has agreed to help sort out this mess to prove herself to the mansion owner, Bennett Marshfield.
Within the walls are antique artifacts, beautiful grounds, and a busy-body groutchy assistant, Grace ends up uncovering family secrets, hidden rooms, and a scam artist fast at work, all while trying to figure out who the killer is really after.....
This was an exciting, fun little book, and I cant seem to give it enough praise. There were plenty of plot twists and the setups were done flawlessly. Definitely worth a book credit.
If ever you wanted to read a true to life cozy mystery, you will find it with in the pages of this fast paced engaging little gem of a book. I was hooked after the first page, and could not put it down. This was a well plotted mystery, with no sex or curse words, surrounded by a beautiful setting within the walls of an old mansion. It kept my attention, and had me guessing up to the final reveal. This is my first book by Julie Hyzy, and she is now at the top of my favorite authors list. Im definitely hoping for a sequel.
The book opens with an action scene from the "bird room" at the Marshfield Manson, where our lead character, Grace is on staff as assistant curator. During the distraction, her boss is found murdered in an upstairs room. Now as acting-curator, Grace has agreed to help sort out this mess to prove herself to the mansion owner, Bennett Marshfield.
Within the walls are antique artifacts, beautiful grounds, and a busy-body groutchy assistant, Grace ends up uncovering family secrets, hidden rooms, and a scam artist fast at work, all while trying to figure out who the killer is really after.....
This was an exciting, fun little book, and I cant seem to give it enough praise. There were plenty of plot twists and the setups were done flawlessly. Definitely worth a book credit.
Debbie B. (orchid7) -
Helpful Score: 5
I started reading this book with some very high expectations, based on the reviews from other PBS members. I have to say, I was NOT hooked from page 1, nor did I find it very easy to get through about the first 2/3 of the book. I began to wonder if everyone else had read a different book than me... There seemed to be an awful LOT of story building, but because of the reviews, I kept slogging through.
That said, I'm glad I did! The last 100 pages of the book is where I found myself really gripped by the action. I didn't think that I was going to continue on with this series when I first started the book. I can't say why without a spoiler, but the ending left me a touch frustrated and now I'm anxiously awaiting the second book to see how things continue. I do hope that the second book has more actual character development and a little less manor history, which might help to move the story along.
That said, I'm glad I did! The last 100 pages of the book is where I found myself really gripped by the action. I didn't think that I was going to continue on with this series when I first started the book. I can't say why without a spoiler, but the ending left me a touch frustrated and now I'm anxiously awaiting the second book to see how things continue. I do hope that the second book has more actual character development and a little less manor history, which might help to move the story along.
Nancy C. (circakona) reviewed Grace Under Pressure (Manor of Murder, Bk 1) on + 15 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
This is my first novel by Julie Hyzy, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. So much so, that I've just used 2 credits to order the first 2 in her Chef series. All those waiting for this, you've got a good read coming.
