 |
| Review: Poison Ivy reviewed by Julie Obermiller
The cover says it all about Ivy Morris. It's a light-hearted romp that will leave you with a smile. The first book for author Misty Simon has one foot in mystery and one foot in chick-lit. The main course of “Poison Ivy” is a murder mystery, with a healthy side dish of the mating dance with Ben, the handsome hunk who drops into Ivy's new life. Readers will find Ivy Morris a very believable and natural character, far removed from her pencil thin peers. Her wardrobe palette consists of shades of brown, painting a safe place for the unglamorous Ivy. An inheritance has left her our heroine with a house of her own and a quaint costume shop; or so it seems. Irrepressible Ivy, at 24, has finally escaped her father's house and a decades-out-of-fashion pink room. Her father and married sisters (fondly referred to as the Bouquet because of their flowery names) think she will fail miserably and come back to her home 3,000 miles away. Basking in her new independence, Ivy soon learns that her costume shop has a sideline of luscious and naughty lingerie in the back room, but she is determined to make a go of the business. She also inherited a crusty old clerk who seems to resent Ivy's presence and some rather colorful customers as well. The shop offers up many funny moments on the side as it re-opens just in time to outfit the town for the Harvest Ball. You'll chuckle at your stop at Mad Martha's Milk and Munchies as the parade of quaint and quirky characters progresses. Set in a small town in Virginia , the story is laced with southern charm and sensibilities and the reader will feel right at home. Simon sets the stage to tweak your imagination without the superfluous word count that makes readers skim paragraphs to get to the action. The clues and red herrings are sprinkled liberally through the book as Ben and Ivy try to find out who murdered one of the belles at the ball. Was it a case of mistaken victim? Is Ivy in danger of more than falling into bed with handsome Ben? The read is fast-paced and entertaining and leaves you wanting to spend more time with Ivy and her friends. Anyone who has tiptoed through the rituals of romance will identify with sometimes awkward but adorable Ivy. The gals will love it, but the guys will laugh as well. Here's hoping the sequel “The Wrong Drawers” makes it to the shelves in January as promised so we can enjoy a visit with Ivy and friends. See Julie's interview with Misty Simon.
First Kill by Michael Kronenwetter Reviewed by Vero G. Caravetta This is a substantial book and a solid fiction debut for an author who has heretofore been known for his nonfiction. Winner of the 2004 PWA/SMP Best Private Eye Novel contest, this is a soft-boiled mystery featuring Detective Hank Berlin , an underworked P.I. in Pinery Falls , Wisconsin . Berlin is trying his best to manage withhis six year old son while his wife is away on business when he is approached by an old heartbreaker of a sweetheart who gets him to agree, reluctantly, to investigate the death of her husband, Hank's one-time best friend, Jack. The husband, a reporter was gunned down in his car and Berlin logically decides that it was one of Jack's stories that got him killed. But which one? And there are lots. Someone needed Jack out of the way and Berlin has to determine which of the many people under jack's microscope was frightened enough to shoot the star reporter. Shocking secrets are unearthed – political corruption, Vietnam War crimes, prostitution, mafia business, and more. Much more. Old wounds are reopened – Hank and Jack ended their friendship over the Vietnam War with Jack enlisting to fight and Hank protesting and eventually escaping the draft be going to Canada . Old loves are mourned – Hank has never really gotten over Elizabeth who fell for Jack and not Hank. The writing is tight and engaging and Kronenwetter never fails to keep the reader in suspense and turning pages. In a detailed investigation, Berin moves from suspect to suspect but never allows the reader to lose that suspenseful edge. The characters are well drawn and people readers can care about. They have human failings and dreams and allow the reader to empathize. The novel is briskly paced and a ambitious piece of work. Readers can look forward to more of Hank Berlin and Pinery Fall.
Techno Noir edited by Jeffrey Marks and Eva Batonne Reviewed by Vero G. Caravetta This collection of short stories is sure to please just about any fan of short mystery fiction. There are enough different styles and settings to satisfy almost any taste and more than enough intrigue and fun to make this a delightful read. The dark side of technology is the theme here – but the technology can be surprising. When most people think technology they think computers. And there are a fair number of those in this collection. But how about a mixmaster blender. Well, Batonne certainly show what that kind of yesteryear technology is capable of. Earl Staggs, in his humorous piece, “The Naked Man on the Roof” gets us to think about the Internet and how it can catch many an unsuspecting character in it's sticky web. Others also play on this theme, mostly in a deadly serious vein. Tim Wohlforth's “Cookie Monster” shows just how technology can pair itself with a moral vacuum to make a mess for everyone involved. All the writers in this collection, which also includes Libby Hellman, Nick Andreychuk, Michael Bracken, Stephen Rogers, J. Michael Blue, Leann Sweeney, Flora Davis, Bill Crider, Jeffrey Marks, Arla Gregory,Linda Posey, Rick McMahan, Kris Neri, H. Robert Perry, and Vera-Jane Goodin have turned in interesting pieces which will get the reader thinking about technology and maybe about buying that identity theft insurance plan that their credit card companies have been pushing.
Reviews by Dawn Dowdell Abby Cooper, Psychic Eye Abby Cooper is a Psychic Intuitive (P.I.). She has known since she was young that she was clairvoyant. She tried ignoring it for awhile, but that just didn't work. Now she has a comfortable practice in Royal Oak , a suburb of Detroit . After one of her clients ends up dead, the police come to her for answers. She doesn't have any, but she is able to give them some direction in the case. At first Detective Dutch Rivers doesn't believe her. But over time, he begins to turn to her for answers when there are none. It doesn't hurt that he's easy to look at. Originally they met on a blind date! Soon Abby finds out that the killer thinks she knows more than she does, because she finds herself in danger more than once. Can she help the police solve this murder without becoming a victim herself? This is the first in this new series. I had some trouble getting into it because I don't really believe in psychics. I must say that by the end of the book, I really liked it because I enjoyed the characters and the story. I will read more in this series. I recommend this book!
Death Comes Too Soon Bridget O'Hern's friend Bev Tilton talks her into coming to the Oregon coast to look into the local art league. Bev is afraid that the art league's executive director is embezzling funds. Bridget is a nonprofit consultant, but she has doubts about taking on this assignment. The lure of free lodging in Bev's bed and breakfast is too enticing. So, she goes. Bridget is trying to heal from the end of her twenty-three-year marriage. What she gets is a dead friend, Bev. Bridget continues investigating the art league and trying to get information about who might have killed Bev. Interim police chief, Sam Alpern, is none too happy that she is investigating. Nothing will stop her. Not even when she finds herself in danger. Can Bridget figure out what's going on in the art league and who killed her friend without becoming a victim herself? This is the first in this series that I've read. I really enjoyed it. Found it hard to put down. I can't wait to read the next one. I loved the setting on the Oregon coast, too. Bridget is a likeable character and the people in this small town really added to the story. Sam Alpern is a great character, and I hope he'll be in future books. I highly recommend this book!
Long Time Gone Special Homicide Detective J. P. Beaumont is asked as a favor by his high school friend Frederick Mackenzie to listen to Bonnie Jean's story. She went to high school with them, too. She recently remembered witnessing a homicide of her neighbor when she was five years old. Beau explains that he only handles cases that are assigned to him by Attorney General Connors. Before Beau knows what has happened, this case is assigned to him. He wonders who Freddy Mac knows. Bonnie Jean is now Sister Mary Katherine. She explains to him what she remembers about the homicide. Freddy Mac lets him watch the videos of his hypnotherapy sessions with her. Beau begins investigating the cold case. This doesn't win him friends in the Seattle Police Department, but that isn't anything new. Also, Beau's old partner Ron has troubles of his own and even though Beau is not supposed to be involved in the investigation, he can't turn his back on Ron and his family. Can Beau solve the cold case or is someone determined that it shouldn't be solved? Can Beau help Ron and his family without anyone getting hurt? Beau is a great character. I think I've read every book in this series. I can't wait for the next one. The fact that it's set in my old stomping grounds of Washington State helps, but that's not all. The characters are fabulous. You just want to keep picking up the book to find out what happens next. J. A. Jance is a terrific story teller and weaves all the parts together beautifully. I highly recommend this book!
Murder Uncorked
After dinner he offers her a job at Maleveaux Estates, a Napa Valley winery. He is Derek Maleveaux. Having nothing to lose, she flies with him to his winery to look into this job. As Nikki is settling in at the guest cottage, she notices something strange outside. When she goes outside to check it out, she finds the murdered corpse of Gabriel Asant, Derek's winemaker and friend. Nikki, a wannabe actress, once played a detective on TV, so she decides to do some investigating. The police are interested in Derek. She doesn't believe he did it. Between the rival winery, Derek's strange family, and Gabriel's women, Nikki has plenty of people to investigate. But can she do that without becoming a victim herself? This is a great first book in a new series. The characters are wonderful and the setting is delightful. I'm not a wine drinker, but the information about wine and its making is not overpowering. The author has blended it in well with the mystery. I found myself laughing out loud. It is a very fast, enjoyable read. I can't wait for the next book. I highly recommend this book!
Stalking The Puzzle Lady Cora Felton, the puzzle lady, is on tour promoting Granville Grains' Corn Toasties cereal. They're doing televised personal appearances at supermarkets off I-95. Not her favorite thing. Right before leaving, a crossword puzzle is pinned to her door with a knife. Cora's niece Sherry decides to accompany Cora to keep an eye on her and keep her safe. An old acquaintance of Cora's appears at one of the stores. This isn't someone she wants to spend time with, so she doesn't. Then he shows up at another store. Sherry's abusive ex-husband shows up on the tour as well. Then a woman on the tour is found dead. The people believe it was an accident. Cora and Sherry believe it was murder. Cora and Sherry set out to solve the murder, but can they find the murderer without putting themselves or anyone else in danger. I always enjoy books in this series. Cora is so abrasive, but yet likable. Sherry is quiet and always keeping an eye on Cora. They make such a great team. The reporter that Sherry is dating always assists them and complements their detecting skills so well. The TV crew in this book really add to the story with all their quirks. The fact that they're stuck at a motel while on tour but yet outsiders can come in and out helps keep the reader guessing on who the murderer is. I highly recommend this book.
Candy Apple Dead Abby Shaw inherited Divinity Candy Shop in Paradise , Colorado , upon her aunt's death. She left her career as a corporate lawyer and her cheating husband to come run the shop. Abby finds making and selling sweets helps ease her pain. Brandon Mills, owner of a local men's store and Abby's friend, invites her to dinner after the upcoming local merchants' meeting. At the meeting he'll be trying to get everyone to agree to extend the city's annual arts festival. Abby starts thinking about the dinner as a date. Then when he doesn't show up, she is furious. That night Brandon 's store is destroyed by fire. No one can locate Brandon . Abby searches for him around town. Then his body is found among the rubble. Abby is shocked that not everyone is mourning his death. Plus she finds out information about Brandon and many married women in town that she had no clue about before. When the police suspect her brother started the fire and killed Brandon , Abby kicks into gear and starts looking for the real killer. Who killed Brandon and why? Is her brother involved? If not, why is he in hiding? I really enjoyed this book and can't wait for a second in this series. Abby is such a fun character and the other people in town really added to the story. I highly recommend this book.
Hula Done It?
Professor Dorian Smoker, Captain Cook expert, goes overboard not long after a journal was lent to him by Nan 's friend. Was it an accident or was it murder? Emily begins to investigate. Then it is discovered the journal had a mysterious treasure map. The Iowa group decides to go treasure hunting on the river rafting trip the next day. Emily doubts there really is a treasure. Unfortunately, the next day, everyone on the river seems to have a map and is searching for the treasure. Who gave them copies? It is determined that there was one other copy that wasn't “distributed.” If they can figure out who has it, then they can find the murderer. There are lots of suspects in his death as he was having affairs with many of his students. Some of them were on board. Can Emily figure out who the real killer is before anyone else is hurt or murdered? I always enjoy books in this series. I laugh out loud when reading them. Emily is such a fabulous character and Nana and her friends really add to the story. The locale for each book is different and it makes it even more enjoyable to read about such exciting places! The tension between Emily and Etienne adds to the mystery as well. I can't wait to find out what happens with the two of them! I highly recommend this book and the whole series. It's a great, fun, fast read!
Murder On Lenox Hill
She is summoned by the wealthy Lintons to their home. Their teenaged daughter, Grace, is mentally still a child. Sarah confirms their fear that she is expecting. Since she is never left alone, no one can figure out who the father could be. Sarah does her best trying to determine who it might be, but to no avail. She asks Malloy to help. He is reluctant to do, but he does in the end. The only place Grace goes is to church. So, Malloy and Sarah both begin to investigate whether it could have happened at the church. Sarah begins to get to know quite a few people, including Mrs. Upchurch, the Reverend's wife. She doesn't have many friends. Matter of fact, her husband tells people that she is unbalanced. But Mrs. Upchurch begins to confide in Sarah. Sarah and Malloy begin to investigate deeper based on some information from Mrs. Upchurch. But can they trust the information she has given them? They do know something isn't right at the church. When the Reverend falls dead during a service, things begin to really get going. Sarah and Malloy have their work cut out for them. Can they figure out who is guilty of murder and who took advantage of Grace? I really enjoy this series. Sarah and Malloy are great characters. Aggie that Sarah has taken in is really adding to the storyline as well. I normally don't like historical mysteries, but I am really enjoying this time-period. I highly recommend this new book in this terrific series. Due to some of the subject matter, it made me wary of reading it. But the author handled it very well. And if you haven't read the previous books in this series, I recommend you do.
Perfect Retired Shamrock Burglar Kick Keswick is at it again. She and her husband, former Scotland Yard Chief Inspector Thomas Curtis, who was once the Samaritan Burglar, now live in their farmhouse in Provence . Eventhough retired, Thomas gets called up to help Scotland Yard on a case. Queen Elizabeth asked for him personally because some of the crown jewels were stolen by Bradford, her trusted footman. He helped her pack them for the royal tour she is on. Thomas discovers that Bradford has changed his name to Sebastian Tremaine and is now posing as the business manager and companion to opera singer Constantin. Thomas asks Kick to help out by getting close to Sebastian and Constantin. Once Kick agrees and sets off, she changes the plan to her own, severing ties with Thomas to have more freedom to operate. Kick sets out to meet one of the world's richest men, George Naxos, and his beautiful wife, Alma, who is wheelchair bound. She gets close to them and then gets them to allow her to visit their large isolated estate in Switzerland . It is actually a place where the rich and famous stay. Constantin and Sebastian have a place there. As Kick plays out her plan to steal the jewels back from Sebastian, she puts herself in danger without Thomas to back her up. Can she succeed? Will Thomas find her in time? I love this series. It is always a book that is hard to put down! I devour them. Wish she could write them faster! Kick is such a fabulous character! Having the protagonist be a retired burglar married to a retired Scotland Yard Chief Inspector who is also a retired thief is such a great premise. It's never been done before, and Marne does such a wonderful job of it. I can't wait to read the next adventures of Kick! The location in this book is intriguing, as well as the plan to steal back the crowned jewels is exhilarating! I highly recommend this book and suggest you read the whole series!
Visit Dawn Dowdell's website for more reviews and mysterious treats: www.mysteryloverscorner.com |
|
|
Past issues and stories
pre 2005.
Subscribe to our mailing
list for announcements.
Submit your work.
Advertise with us.
Contact us.
Forums, blogs, fan clubs,
and more.
About Mysterical-E.
Listen online or download
to go.
|
|
|
 |
 |