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Review Date: 9/11/2011
Helpful Score: 1
Josie's best friend Alyce enjoys going undercover with Josie when she is mystery shopping. While on a shopping trip with Josie, Alyce, however, is less than thrilled to witness a robbery which confirms her theory that malls catering to the less than desirable parts of society will soon go out of business. To make matters worse, Alyce's neighbor Halley Hardwicke, a designer of thousand-dollar Italian silk scarves, is killed in the mall parking lot. Alyce's dismay over the death turns to horror when her husband Jake is arrested for arranging Halley's murder. Josie, of course, helps with the investigation to clear Jake of wrongdoing (even if she doesn't like him the least little bit!).
There are the normal side stories including "romance" for Josie courtesy of her mother's meddling and a backed up toilet. I found the method for trying to get Josie to back off her question asking to be quite entertaining, and to me, it was pretty ingenious even if it didn't work. This book is a fine read, and if you have invested in the series so far, you shouldn't be disappointed.
There are the normal side stories including "romance" for Josie courtesy of her mother's meddling and a backed up toilet. I found the method for trying to get Josie to back off her question asking to be quite entertaining, and to me, it was pretty ingenious even if it didn't work. This book is a fine read, and if you have invested in the series so far, you shouldn't be disappointed.
Review Date: 11/8/2011
Helpful Score: 1
This is the first book of Tim Meyers' candle making mysteries. Harrison Black has inherited a candle shop from his Great Aunt Belle who has died due to an accident in the shop. Unfortunately, Harrison comes to realize that Aunt Belle's accident was not an accident at all. It is up to Harrison to figure out 'who done it' since the local law is unwilling to help him.
This was a quick read and written well enough to keep my interest. I found, for me, that the author spent more time developing relationships amongst the characters especially between Harrison and Eve who was Aunt Belle's employee than the murder. No, Eve is much older so there is no romance! However, Eve is not happy with the appearance of Harrison, but he needs her to stick around because he knows nothing about candles!!
If you read this book, you won't be disappointed.
This was a quick read and written well enough to keep my interest. I found, for me, that the author spent more time developing relationships amongst the characters especially between Harrison and Eve who was Aunt Belle's employee than the murder. No, Eve is much older so there is no romance! However, Eve is not happy with the appearance of Harrison, but he needs her to stick around because he knows nothing about candles!!
If you read this book, you won't be disappointed.
Review Date: 5/24/2012
Helpful Score: 3
A new president with his wife and two young children are moving into the White House. Ollie knows that she will be scrutinized, but she doesn't realize that following safety protocols will cause tensions with the First Lady and her children on the day they move in! A box of barbecue chicken wings are left for the children as a gift, and since Ollie doesn't know where they came from she puts them safely away. Ollie's assistant, Cyan, makes a poor choice when she takes the wings (which have been poisoned) and gives them to the laundry staff who are hospitalized and they then become hostages while in the hospital. However, when Ollie realizes that the poisoned wings were meant for the First Kids, she can't get anyone to listen to her. Tom, her ex-boyfriend, is head of security and wants her to butt out, two new officers wanting to make a name for themselves decide that Ollie is the culprit, and Ollie has to have "babysitters" in her kitchen to watch all preparation and taste test before food is served to whomever is eating it.
Along with this, the First Lady brings in her personal chef who makes it plain that he plans on taking over Ollie's position as soon as the publicity of Ollie being the first female executive chef of the White House dies down.
This book was an enjoyable read. Ollie stands up for herself well, and any situations she gets herself into are truly not her fault! I am just hoping that in the next book, the author does not introduce another antagonist for Ollie. The two she deals with in this book (and since they are part of the staff, they don't leave) are more than sufficient.
Along with this, the First Lady brings in her personal chef who makes it plain that he plans on taking over Ollie's position as soon as the publicity of Ollie being the first female executive chef of the White House dies down.
This book was an enjoyable read. Ollie stands up for herself well, and any situations she gets herself into are truly not her fault! I am just hoping that in the next book, the author does not introduce another antagonist for Ollie. The two she deals with in this book (and since they are part of the staff, they don't leave) are more than sufficient.
Review Date: 12/30/2009
Helpful Score: 1
This book in the Mandy Dyer series has the typical scenario of Mandy investigating where the police don't want her. Mandy has determined that her friend Thelma Chadwick's couldn't have been accidental and that the dresses covered with buttons Thelma left her must be covered with clues, if only she can figure them out. A new romantic interest for Mandy is introduced, who is part of Mandy's high school history.
My only real complaint is the character of Nat. As the books progress, he becomes more and more of an irritant with his jumping to conclusions, rudeness, and putting career above his friendship with Mandy. I felt these characteristics were extreme in this book, however, I find myself hooked on this series, so I will put that complaint to the side!
My only real complaint is the character of Nat. As the books progress, he becomes more and more of an irritant with his jumping to conclusions, rudeness, and putting career above his friendship with Mandy. I felt these characteristics were extreme in this book, however, I find myself hooked on this series, so I will put that complaint to the side!
Review Date: 12/27/2009
Helpful Score: 1
This was probably the best book of the series in my opinion. Not every conflict was resolved, but that was okay; that may allow a bridge into the second part of this series. I would recommend its reading.
Review Date: 11/10/2011
Peter and Rina are on their honeymoon in Brooklyn, not exactly what Peter would have planned. He also would not have planned meeting his birth mother or becoming involved in a family problem concerning a teenage son who has disappeared.
This book was not an easy read for me. The story was compelling as were the side stories. Kellerman showed what strains are probably going to happen between Peter and Rina when it comes to his work and her desire to "help". However, the antagonist of the book was just a bit too crazy and brutal for me. I found myself skipping past the bits describing the murders or their aftermath. Maybe, I just wasn't in the right mindset as I was reading......I don't know. I do know that Kellerman does a good job of giving a word picture of a psychotic killer and his mindset.
We'll see how the next one goes.
This book was not an easy read for me. The story was compelling as were the side stories. Kellerman showed what strains are probably going to happen between Peter and Rina when it comes to his work and her desire to "help". However, the antagonist of the book was just a bit too crazy and brutal for me. I found myself skipping past the bits describing the murders or their aftermath. Maybe, I just wasn't in the right mindset as I was reading......I don't know. I do know that Kellerman does a good job of giving a word picture of a psychotic killer and his mindset.
We'll see how the next one goes.
Review Date: 2/3/2010
Helpful Score: 5
Lady Daisy Warwick is involved with social causes. She is also involved with the Prince of Wales. When the prince comes to spend time at the estate of Lord and Lady Warwick, she plans on showing him some of the indignities that the poorer classes must endure. What she doesn't plan on, however, is murder. Fortunately, Kate Ardleigh and Sir Charles Sheridan are also guests at the estate, so the prince places them in charge of finding the murderer, for he has heard of Charles' ability in solving crimes. Kate has other concerns as well: her increasing feelings for Charles and the guests' determination to figure out who Beryl Bardwell, writer of "penny dreadfuls" is.
This book is an enjoyable read.
This book is an enjoyable read.
Review Date: 9/2/2010
Lord Sheridan is slowly convincing the powers that be to move into the scientific age with crime investigation. He is at a prison in Dartmoor to begin a fingerprinting program, but Charles also wants to convince an inmate, Samuel Spencer, that he knows that Spencer did not commit the horrible crime he was convicted of. Much to Charles' surprise, Spencer does not want to have his name cleared. Kate, in the meantime, is trying to find some inspiration for a novel that she is planning to write. She and Patsy Marsden (who has come to visit) attend a seance at the home of Sir Edgar and his wife, Rosalind. Dire events are predicted, some of which come true, and even though Kate is investigating one mystery and Charles another, the two events eventually connect.
The literary character that plays a major role in this book is Arthur Conan Doyle who is in the area to write a new story. He is stymied, however, by the fact that he has killed Sherlock Holmes, but as he and Charles go about seeking clues, he develops his ideas for the story "The Hound of the Baskervilles". The interaction between Charles' investigation style and Conan Doyle's is quite entertaining. Another amusing aspect was the fact the locals keep calling Conan Doyle "Sherlock" much to his chagrin.
I enjoyed this book immensely and would highly recommend it.
The literary character that plays a major role in this book is Arthur Conan Doyle who is in the area to write a new story. He is stymied, however, by the fact that he has killed Sherlock Holmes, but as he and Charles go about seeking clues, he develops his ideas for the story "The Hound of the Baskervilles". The interaction between Charles' investigation style and Conan Doyle's is quite entertaining. Another amusing aspect was the fact the locals keep calling Conan Doyle "Sherlock" much to his chagrin.
I enjoyed this book immensely and would highly recommend it.
Death at Devil's Bridge (Victorian-Edwardian Mystery, Bk 4)
Author:
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
77
Author:
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
77
Review Date: 3/16/2010
Helpful Score: 2
It finally happened--Kate and Charles are married. Does that mean that their lives are going to settle down? Of course it doesn't. There will be a death to investigate with this one concerning cars and a hot air balloon. Charles and Kate's friend, Sir Bradford Marsden, has a wonderful plan to have a car race involving each of the current engine styles. Unfortunately, Bradford's father forbids the race at the home estate, so Bradford convinces Charles and Kate to host the event. What should be a simple exhibition becomes complicated. The inventors don't get along at all; the local basket-maker is trying to learn to fly on a broom (yes, it is intricate to the story!); and Charles has installed a gas cooker of which Mrs. Pratt, the cook, is terrified, plus other twists and turns. A murder just seems to fit into the turmoil.
The introduction of real characters in each of these books is always interesting. This one is no different. Since the story centers around automobiles, it stands to reason that Charles Rolls and Henry Royce are part of the group. The fervent feelings about the different type of engines is fun to read especially when the common consensus is that a combustible engine will never be practical.
Beryl will get the inspiration for another book by the end of this one!
The introduction of real characters in each of these books is always interesting. This one is no different. Since the story centers around automobiles, it stands to reason that Charles Rolls and Henry Royce are part of the group. The fervent feelings about the different type of engines is fun to read especially when the common consensus is that a combustible engine will never be practical.
Beryl will get the inspiration for another book by the end of this one!
Review Date: 8/3/2010
In the book prior to this one, I had a concern that Patrick, the boy the Sheridans had taken under their wing, was not mentioned. That concern was definitely not an issue in this book, for Patrick played a major role. This time, the action centers around horse racing, the concerns of 'doping' the horses, and horse wagering. When a young jockey is killed during the Derby and Epsom Downs, Lord Charles is pressed into investigation by the Jockey Club and the Prince of Wales. Meanwhile, Kate is spending time with Lillie Langtry with the intention of writing a magazine article about the actress. Naturally, there is more to both ventures than meets the eye, and eventually, the two separate tasks intertwine.
Kate and Charles do not spend much time together in this book, but it doesn't affect the story. There is a side story about Bradford Marsden and his fiancee which takes up very little space on the pages, but it finds Bradford being given as much grief by his mother about the choice of bride as Charles has received from his mother. (Truth be told, I silently cheered during the short interaction between Charles and his mother!)
This book was an enjoyable, quick read.
Kate and Charles do not spend much time together in this book, but it doesn't affect the story. There is a side story about Bradford Marsden and his fiancee which takes up very little space on the pages, but it finds Bradford being given as much grief by his mother about the choice of bride as Charles has received from his mother. (Truth be told, I silently cheered during the short interaction between Charles and his mother!)
This book was an enjoyable, quick read.
Death at Gallows Green (Victorian-Edwardian Mystery, Bk 2)
Author:
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
102
Author:
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
102
Review Date: 12/27/2009
Helpful Score: 1
After reading the first book in the series, I was a bit hesitant to check out the second book. I am glad I did. The introduction of Beatrix Potter as one of Kate's new friends could have been over the top, but the author uses her well. I especially enjoyed how Charles is subtly introducing "science" to help solve crimes even when the end result might not be the one wished for. The limited acceptance of Kate as a social peer is also addressed thus giving a further glimpse into how the social classes were divided. I look forward to reading the next book.
Death at Glamis Castle (Victorian-Edwardian Mystery, Bk 9)
Author:
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
62
Author:
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
62
Review Date: 11/28/2010
The intrepid Lord and Lady Sheridan are once again called into service by His Royal Majesty King Edward. This time it means traveling to Clamis Castle in Scotland and finding the king's son, Prince Eddy who has disappeared from his 'safe house' after the murder of his caretaker. What adds to the intrigue is that Eddy is deaf, sometimes delusional, and reported dead by the royal family many years prior.
Although Kate and Charles don't spend a great deal of time together to solve this mystery, it was a fine read. Kate is trying to find inspiration for another book and hopes this haunted castle will give her ideas; Princess Victoria arrives to be her father's eyes and ears in the search; and Charles is afraid that he is probably being used for a royal coverup.
I appreciated that the authors finally explained why Charles had refused the Victoria Cross and resigned his commission in the King's Army. They also stay true to telling what the monarchy would do to stay on their throne. The book does have an unresolved issue at the end, but it will more than likely be resolved in the next book or two.
Now to read book 10!
Although Kate and Charles don't spend a great deal of time together to solve this mystery, it was a fine read. Kate is trying to find inspiration for another book and hopes this haunted castle will give her ideas; Princess Victoria arrives to be her father's eyes and ears in the search; and Charles is afraid that he is probably being used for a royal coverup.
I appreciated that the authors finally explained why Charles had refused the Victoria Cross and resigned his commission in the King's Army. They also stay true to telling what the monarchy would do to stay on their throne. The book does have an unresolved issue at the end, but it will more than likely be resolved in the next book or two.
Now to read book 10!
Review Date: 3/21/2010
Helpful Score: 2
Kate and Charles are on a seaside holiday in Rottingdean for two basic reasons. First, their marriage has been somewhat strained because of their stay in London while Charles did his obligation in Parliament. Secondly, they have suffered a personal tragedy which neither can bring themselves to openly talk about. Charles' friend, Rudyard Kipling, and his family are also there which becomes a benefit when not one, but two coast guardsmen are murdered. No one in the village wants to admit that murder has occurred because inquiry might uncover the the illegal side business going on.
When Charles and Kate realize that a young boy named Patrick (whose mother is deceased and whose father has abandoned him) has seen the murderer of one guardsman, they must keep him safe as well as finding and deciphering the clues left behind at the murders.
When I started this book, I wasn't sure I was going to finish it simply because of the tone with which it started; however, I did, and I am glad of it. This book brings up happenings from previous books and hints at possible historical happenings to come, plus the Prince of Wales makes an appearance again! The authors, once again, incorporate history and important people of the time very well. Enjoy.
When Charles and Kate realize that a young boy named Patrick (whose mother is deceased and whose father has abandoned him) has seen the murderer of one guardsman, they must keep him safe as well as finding and deciphering the clues left behind at the murders.
When I started this book, I wasn't sure I was going to finish it simply because of the tone with which it started; however, I did, and I am glad of it. This book brings up happenings from previous books and hints at possible historical happenings to come, plus the Prince of Wales makes an appearance again! The authors, once again, incorporate history and important people of the time very well. Enjoy.
Review Date: 7/12/2010
Helpful Score: 3
I have enjoyed the books in this series up until this point. It took far longer for me to read this book than the earlier books.
The premise of the book was fine--another "who was Jack the Ripper" plot. This round of "who was he?" finds Jennie Churchill, mother of Winston, being blackmailed. What is that blackmail? It is a picture of her late husband with a prostitute who was a victim of the Ripper. To whom does she turn to help her and preserve Winston's political future? She turns to Kate and Charles Sheridan who investigate and find conspiracy and cover ups.
Maybe it was me, but I found I was puzzled by something omitted. In the previous book, the Sheridans take under their wing, a boy who helped solve a mystery in Rottingdean. There was no mention of him (unless I overlooked it completely). I would have thought that it would have been mentioned because the books always refer back to previous books in some manner.
The side story of Mrs. Pratt and the dilemma she finds herself in was also unsatisfying. Despite the fact it was a side story, more attention could have been paid to it without losing anything in the main plot.
I will continue the series in the hope that this book was a fluke by not being up to, what I consider, the normal standards of this author.
The premise of the book was fine--another "who was Jack the Ripper" plot. This round of "who was he?" finds Jennie Churchill, mother of Winston, being blackmailed. What is that blackmail? It is a picture of her late husband with a prostitute who was a victim of the Ripper. To whom does she turn to help her and preserve Winston's political future? She turns to Kate and Charles Sheridan who investigate and find conspiracy and cover ups.
Maybe it was me, but I found I was puzzled by something omitted. In the previous book, the Sheridans take under their wing, a boy who helped solve a mystery in Rottingdean. There was no mention of him (unless I overlooked it completely). I would have thought that it would have been mentioned because the books always refer back to previous books in some manner.
The side story of Mrs. Pratt and the dilemma she finds herself in was also unsatisfying. Despite the fact it was a side story, more attention could have been paid to it without losing anything in the main plot.
I will continue the series in the hope that this book was a fluke by not being up to, what I consider, the normal standards of this author.
Review Date: 4/18/2012
In this 12th book of the series, Charles is investigating the "accidental" death of a telegraph operator in the local village while Kate is staying at a local widow's home helping her while the widow deals with the grief of the accidental drowning of her daughter for which she somehow feels responsible. Charles and Kate aren't together very often throughout the investigation of the two mysteries which eventually converge into one. I found the competition between telegraph companies to be interesting and the lengths they would go to be the first to send a wireless communication across the ocean.
Although this book was a fine book, I had the feeling that the authors were really growing weary of their main characters. In fact, it took me a very very long time to complete the book because it just didn't hold my interest as well as previous books.
I am not sorry that I read it, but it definitely felt like a "final" book.
Although this book was a fine book, I had the feeling that the authors were really growing weary of their main characters. In fact, it took me a very very long time to complete the book because it just didn't hold my interest as well as previous books.
I am not sorry that I read it, but it definitely felt like a "final" book.
Review Date: 1/20/2012
Harrison Black is just trying to get a few more customers by putting up a booth at the Founder's Day activity in Conover, North Carolina. Unfortunately, a candle competitor has made it her goal to put Harrison out of business with her store which is part of a national chain. Even more unfortunately, that competitor is shot at the Founder's activity and Harrison becomes suspect number one because a witness thinks she saw him throwing the gun into the trash. It doesn't help that that witness has very close ties to the local newspaper. It's up to Harrison to try to clear his name with or without the approval of the local police.
Along with trying to prove he did not commit murder, Harrison becomes a reluctant help to his ex-girlfriend Becka who is being stalked. He discovers that his handyman, Pearly, had a relationship with Gretel (the competition). Pearly has decided to leave town for a few days which causes the law to gaze his way, too, as a suspect, so Harrison feels the need to clear his friend's name along with his own. Harrison also manages to offend his best customer, Mrs. Jorgenson, who is not open to being appeased. All in all, things are just not going well.
This was a good continuation of the series. The resolution of one of the problems that belongs to another character appears to be a lead into the next book. We'll see.
This was a good, quick read.
Along with trying to prove he did not commit murder, Harrison becomes a reluctant help to his ex-girlfriend Becka who is being stalked. He discovers that his handyman, Pearly, had a relationship with Gretel (the competition). Pearly has decided to leave town for a few days which causes the law to gaze his way, too, as a suspect, so Harrison feels the need to clear his friend's name along with his own. Harrison also manages to offend his best customer, Mrs. Jorgenson, who is not open to being appeased. All in all, things are just not going well.
This was a good continuation of the series. The resolution of one of the problems that belongs to another character appears to be a lead into the next book. We'll see.
This was a good, quick read.
Review Date: 6/25/2010
Helpful Score: 2
This is the first book of the Cynster family books. Devil, who has earned this name, is found in a compromising situation with Honoria Wetherby, a woman who does the "finishing" year for debutantes trying to find husbands. However, it is not either one's fault that Honoria has found a man who has been shot and that the nearest shelter from a storm is a caretaker's cottage where the three must spend the night.
Devil does the 'honorable' thing and announces his plan to wed Honoria. Honoria, however, does not want any part of this plan, but we all know how Devil's plan will end! Getting to the plan's end is the major part of the book with the intrigue being secondary to the story.
If I had a major complaint about this book it would be that I grew weary of the constant manipulation by the main male character of the main female character. It was stated many times that Honoria was her own person and could not be persuaded to change her mind once it was made up, yet she was constantly being maneuvered or simply bullied one way or another by Devil. The strength of her character would start to glimmer only to be weakened, usually within the same page or two!
I am not going to judge the series based on this book alone; I will read the next one.
Devil does the 'honorable' thing and announces his plan to wed Honoria. Honoria, however, does not want any part of this plan, but we all know how Devil's plan will end! Getting to the plan's end is the major part of the book with the intrigue being secondary to the story.
If I had a major complaint about this book it would be that I grew weary of the constant manipulation by the main male character of the main female character. It was stated many times that Honoria was her own person and could not be persuaded to change her mind once it was made up, yet she was constantly being maneuvered or simply bullied one way or another by Devil. The strength of her character would start to glimmer only to be weakened, usually within the same page or two!
I am not going to judge the series based on this book alone; I will read the next one.
Review Date: 5/24/2012
First of all, let me say that this book was much better than the book prior. Sophie's mother and sister are not part of this book for which I was grateful.
Sophie's neighbor, Professor Mordecai Artemus, has died and left all his estate to his dog. Sophie feels badly that she never attempted to befriend the professor, but she doesn't have time to deal with that for she is in charge of the annual home and garden expo "Rooms and Blooms". Keeping two hundred builders, landscapers, interior designers, and home product companies happy, working, and not feuding is taking her attention and time. Unfortunately, her nemesis Natasha, is one of the two hundred! Along with this, Natasha in her zeal to win a coveted decorating award, takes over Mordecai's house and assigns rooms to different designers to renovate the house for the statewide Spring Home and Garden Tour. That would be fine, except Sophie finds a body in the window seat of the room she is to redecorate. However, when she gets the proper authorities there, the body is gone. Wolf can't help her which delights Detective Kenner no end, so Sophie must help herself and her best friend Nina (who thinks she may have accidentally killed the man in the window seat).
This book was a good read. I didn't see the situation on the last page coming at all, and I must confess that I smiled. Sophie will be in a bind at the beginning of the next book, I am sure!
Sophie's neighbor, Professor Mordecai Artemus, has died and left all his estate to his dog. Sophie feels badly that she never attempted to befriend the professor, but she doesn't have time to deal with that for she is in charge of the annual home and garden expo "Rooms and Blooms". Keeping two hundred builders, landscapers, interior designers, and home product companies happy, working, and not feuding is taking her attention and time. Unfortunately, her nemesis Natasha, is one of the two hundred! Along with this, Natasha in her zeal to win a coveted decorating award, takes over Mordecai's house and assigns rooms to different designers to renovate the house for the statewide Spring Home and Garden Tour. That would be fine, except Sophie finds a body in the window seat of the room she is to redecorate. However, when she gets the proper authorities there, the body is gone. Wolf can't help her which delights Detective Kenner no end, so Sophie must help herself and her best friend Nina (who thinks she may have accidentally killed the man in the window seat).
This book was a good read. I didn't see the situation on the last page coming at all, and I must confess that I smiled. Sophie will be in a bind at the beginning of the next book, I am sure!
Review Date: 4/25/2012
The second book of the Domestic Diva series picks up pretty much where it left off in the first book. Sophie Winston's sister, Hannah, is getting married to a man that Sophie just isn't sure is an honest person. When his ex-wife comes to town and is found murdered in Natasha's back yard, Sophie is even more certain that the groom is shady. As family (invited or not) begin to show up for the event that is sometimes on and sometimes off, Sophie must somehow keep everything going all the while trying to figure out how to bring the wedding to a halt.
Although this book wasn't quite as good as the first, I thought it was fine. I did find Natasha's ability to take over and change plans and decorations on which Sophie worked hard to be irritating in the sense that Sophie never said much, and no one ever seemed to notice or care what was being done by Natasha to Sophie. I realize that Sophie was wanting to keep the peace for her sister's sake, but there comes a point that enough is enough. Her mother's attempts at matchmaking have quickly become old, too. However, those are just minor irritants along with a couple of other items that I looked past.
Now that the wedding theme that ended the first book and moved through this one is complete, it will be interesting to see what direction the next book takes.
Although this book wasn't quite as good as the first, I thought it was fine. I did find Natasha's ability to take over and change plans and decorations on which Sophie worked hard to be irritating in the sense that Sophie never said much, and no one ever seemed to notice or care what was being done by Natasha to Sophie. I realize that Sophie was wanting to keep the peace for her sister's sake, but there comes a point that enough is enough. Her mother's attempts at matchmaking have quickly become old, too. However, those are just minor irritants along with a couple of other items that I looked past.
Now that the wedding theme that ended the first book and moved through this one is complete, it will be interesting to see what direction the next book takes.
Review Date: 2/8/2012
Poor Harrison. People just seem to die around him. The only positive thing about this death is Harrison is not a suspect. Why is Harrison not a suspect with this death? While Harrison is out kayaking on the river, he runs into a body floating in the water--the body of his old girlfriend Becka Lane. All evidence points to a suicide by pills which Harrison knows would never happen since Becka was adverse to any type of pill taking. Along with realizing that only he can prove that Becka did not commit suicide and was actually murdered, he must deal with a real estate developer who is determined to bring "progress" to the area by any means necessary.
This book, as in the previous book, uses the character of Markum quite a bit, and Harrison gets just a little better understanding of what Markum does for a livelihood. Other characters are introduced such as Cyrus Walters, an eccentric old man with whom Harrison as become friends, but inexplicably refuses to see Harrison and even hires bodyguards to keep people away; and Grover Blake who sells barbecue sandwiches to people by invitation only. All the other characters are kept basically to the roles established previously.
There was, for me, some frivolous filler, but then, I have never felt compelled to chain myself to a tree as happens within the book. I did tire of the short side issue of Harrison having to deal with Sonora and Heather's ongoing feud, for by now it seemed to me that the disagreement was just plain silly. However, it does not detract from the main plot.
I did not feel that this book was as strong as the first three books in the series, but it is still worth the read. Although I can not definitely say so, this book appears to be the end of the series. (I am making this judgment on the way the book ends.) If it is the last book of this Tim Myers series, I will be sorry to not be able to read more about Harrison and his "family".
This book, as in the previous book, uses the character of Markum quite a bit, and Harrison gets just a little better understanding of what Markum does for a livelihood. Other characters are introduced such as Cyrus Walters, an eccentric old man with whom Harrison as become friends, but inexplicably refuses to see Harrison and even hires bodyguards to keep people away; and Grover Blake who sells barbecue sandwiches to people by invitation only. All the other characters are kept basically to the roles established previously.
There was, for me, some frivolous filler, but then, I have never felt compelled to chain myself to a tree as happens within the book. I did tire of the short side issue of Harrison having to deal with Sonora and Heather's ongoing feud, for by now it seemed to me that the disagreement was just plain silly. However, it does not detract from the main plot.
I did not feel that this book was as strong as the first three books in the series, but it is still worth the read. Although I can not definitely say so, this book appears to be the end of the series. (I am making this judgment on the way the book ends.) If it is the last book of this Tim Myers series, I will be sorry to not be able to read more about Harrison and his "family".
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