Reviewed By Liz

ISBN 978-0-06-121002-0

Baltimore Blues is a Tess Monaghan mystery set in Baltimore, Maryland. Tess’ life is in a state of flux - is an under-employed former reporter who is surviving on freelance work and mooching. Her occasional bedmate, Jonathan, has a steady girlfriend and her rowing buddy, Rock, has a fiancée. Knowing that Tess needs money, Rock hires her to follow his fiancée. Tess doesn’t like the woman, but knows that Rock will be crushed when Tess reports that the fiancée is meeting her boss in a hotel room at lunch. When the boss is murdered, Rock is the most likely suspect. But, of course, things are never as simple as they seem.

This is the first Lippman book I have read and I like her style. The book is very believable and approachable. Tess uses her skills as a reporter to logically and systematically hunt down leads. She has some personal angst as she tries to figure out what she wants to do when she grows up, but there isn’t so much that the book is depressing. And when you need a light moment, her family is there for some wry comedy. Her interactions with the other characters aren’t just fluffy chatter or purposeful dialog to move the story along – there are relationships that show her as part of a community and which ring true. All of this makes for a book that you can slip into smoothly and comfortably. I look forward to going back to read the books I have missed.

Favorite character? There are several excellent minor characters – Crow, Kitty, and Uncle Donald are my favorites. Did I guess it? No. Will I read another? Absolutely.

Mystery Book Reviews by Liz at http://reviewedbyliz.com ©2007

Available at Amazon

ISBN 0-7582-0701-8

Bake Sale Murder is a Lucy Stone mystery and is set in Tinker’s Cove, Maine. Lucy is a wife, mother, and reporter for the small town Pennysaver paper, and is helping organize a bake sale to raise money for the Hat and Mitten fund. She has enlisted the help of her new neighbors, including an unpleasant woman named Mimi, who has made a lot of enemies in a short period of time. Mimi is found murdered the day of the bake sale with her cookies still in the oven.

In addition to coping with the bake sale and Mimi’s murder, Lucy is trying to uncover a story for the paper that has to do with the anonymous notes that keep turning up at the paper – they say that the older high school football players are hazing and torturing the younger players. But no one is talking, including Lucy’s cheerleader daughter. Lucy needs to find the source of the letters or some one who will go on the record about the hazing before the situation gets out of control.

I like the character of Lucy Stone. She is a harried working mother and comes across as very believable. Her job at the paper gives her a good reason to go poking into things, but she isn’t too obnoxious about it. The description of her relationship with her teenage daughter and her attempts at soliciting information from her seem very real and something most parents will relate to.

However, I do wonder what is happening with her youngest child. There are long stretches during which it is not clear where the child is and who is taking care of her. Unlike adults, eight year old characters can’t just be left to their own devices, they need to be accounted for. This lack of information is noticeable because Lucy is spending so much time with her older daughter and you can’t help but wonder…

Bake Sale Murder is very “back loaded.” The murder happens pretty far into the book and the vital mystery clues are left for the very end. There is a lot of character exploration, but not a lot of action or mystery. If you don’t mind a slow start and prefer good characters to mystery, this is a good book for you.

Favorite character? Ted, Lucy’s boss. Did I guess it? No. Will I read another? Maybe. I have read several of Meier’s other books but her style isn’t my favorite.

Mystery Book Reviews by Liz at http://reviewedbyliz.com ©2007

Available at Amazon

ISBN 1-4137-5434-1

Requital is the story of an American woman named Jenny who, as an airline stewardess in 1959, decides to take her first vacation someplace tropical – starting with Cuba. She and her co-worker Phyllis are pretty young and naïve and are unaware that Fidel Castro is consolidating his power in Cuba by nationalizing all the foreign businesses and that the reception that awaits foreign tourists has turned chilly. They discover that the hotel in which they were supposed to be staying is now Castro’s headquarters. But they meet an American businessman who takes them under his wing and carries them off to one of the few foreign-owned businesses still operating – the casino he manages on behalf of the mafia.

At the casino, Jenny and the floor manager, a suave, older Cuban man named Jack, see each other and fall instantly in love. In the middle of political turmoil, they have a few whirlwind days together. Jenny learns that Jack is trying desperately to get out of Cuba and Jenny is drawn in and tries to help him. They plan a life together before Jenny returns to the U.S. to await Jack’s arrival. But word reaches her that Jack was caught and killed on the day he was supposed to leave. Jenny tries desperately to confirm this and get details, but her contacts in Cuba are cut off. Thirty-two years later she gets a phone call…

The label on the cover of Requital says “romantic thriller” and I must admit that I read it with some trepidation because I don’t care much for romances. And I did roll my eyes once or twice in the beginning. However, I was curious to see where the author would take the story. From the beginning of the book, it is obvious that some sacrifices are going to have to be made and you read this book wondering when and on whom the sword will fall. This book really has a classic tragedy story structure and that and the political backdrop of the story sucked me in.

Favorite character? Jack, the latin lover. Did I guess it? Yes. Will I read another? Maybe – this is more of a romance than I usually like, but for those of you who lean in that direction, this is an engrossing read.

Mystery Book Reviews by Liz at http://reviewedbyliz.com ©2007

Available at Amazon!

ISBN 978-0-7582-1338-7

Staying Home is a Killer features Air Force wife Ellie Avery. When Ellie’s friend Penny Follette is found dead, an apparent suicide, Ellie knows that she must have been murdered - after several years of trying for a baby, her pregnant friend wouldn’t kill herself. And, the day she died, Penny hoped to meet with Ellie to discuss a problem she had uncovered, but she never got the chance.

In addition to juggling a toddler, her own small business, and waiting anxiously for her husband’s expected deployment, Ellie is trying to figure out what Penny discovered. As she asks questions about Penny’s last day, she draws unwanted attention to herself, becomes a suspect in both Penny’s murder and another attack, and receives warnings and threats from several strangers who believe she has something they want. Ellie isn’t sure what she has or knows or who she can trust, but knows she has to find the answers to save her own skin.

Rosett does several things I like. First, she puts in a glossary of terms for the military jargon (I like to understand what I am reading). Second, she has made this a pleasingly complicated story. While the summary above may sound simple, there are tons of characters and many tempting sub-plots and dead ends. I had to work hard not to give away any of the good details!

And third, Rosett does a good job of portraying the life of a real person. Someone with anxieties over her husband’s safety, who is tired from lugging around a toddler all day, and someone who reacts to unusual situations the way that most of us would. Ellie Avery is a realistic and likeable character.

My one criticism is that Rosett could be a little more subtle about slipping physical clues in under the radar. But that is all I will say because if you don’t see it, I don’t want to ruin this good book for you.

Favorite character? Ellie. Did I guess it? No. Will I read another? Yes.

Mystery Book Reviews by Liz at http://reviewedbyliz.com ©2007

Available at Amazon!

ISBN 978-0-312-31501-6

Damesels in Distress is a Claire Malloy book, set in Farberville, Arkansas. Claire owns a bookstore, has an annoying teenage daughter, and a fiancé who is a police officer. She gets involved in the first local Renaissance Fair when one of the organizers asks if they can do some publicity-generating demonstrations outside her store and her daughter Caron is required to help out at the fair for a history class.

Before the fair even starts, one of the organizers dies in a suspicious house fire near Claire’s own home. And on the day of the fair, another is murdered, an ax buried in his skull. Since her fiancé is away, Claire decides to investigate the murders on her own and find out what the dynamics of this seemingly harmless hobby group are.

The plot of this book isn’t bad and some of the characters are interesting and appealing. But there is at least one serious editing error where parts of an important conversation appear to have been left out of the book (vital clues from this conversation that doesn’t exist are referred to 50 pages later and the reader is left scratching her head, wondering when that information came to light) and this makes me wonder if the book breezed through editing when it shouldn’t have.

“I did not engage in any criminal activity” is what Claire tells the police after she has let herself into the murder victim’s house and searched it before the police get there with a warrant. “I believe strongly in doing my civic duty, which includes informing the police of potential criminal activity” is what Claire says to herself. But she seems to have forgotten about the drugs she saw in a suspect’s apartment, the drunken 16 year olds she encouraged to hide their drinking, and her own trespassing in three different residences.

Or maybe Hess is trying to tell us that Claire isn’t a good person. What kind of mother hopes her 16 year old daughter is staying at a friend’s house and refuses to answer the phone when the girl has been absent all day? Or sends two drunken teenagers with a squeamish adult to guard the body of a man with an ax in his head when there are 100 responsible adults nearby? Or sends four young children to get their mother who is believed to be armed and holding a hostage?

In the end, I guess it doesn’t really matter to me whether these are all editing errors or Hess is painting Claire’s character black. The inconsistencies in story and character just break up the book too much for it to be enjoyable for me.

Favorite character? Peter Rosen, who should definitely break off the engagement. Did I guess it? No. Will I read another? I have read many in both this series and the Maggody series, but I think I am done for now.

Mystery Book Reviews by Liz at http://reviewedbyliz.com ©2007

Available at Amazon!

MIAMI BEACH — My Sleuthfest 2007 kicked off last Thursday with an afternoon margarita, and climaxes now–Sunday–with a celebratory shot of tequila. I’m fuzzy on what happened in between, but Elke the Bartender just told me I met hundreds of fans and sold dozens of books.

Really? I say.

Elke leans forward over the counter to pour me another shot, says, Screaming masses is what Barb said. The sides of Elke’s blond pageboy fall to cover her ears. Like the time Frank Sinatra was here.

You’d think I’d remember something like that. I definitely remember signing books for two very nice young women, so even if Barb or Elke exaggerates my numbers, this convention not only produced fun and education, Sleuthfest also racked up my personal record for book sales at live events.

Are you sure Barb didn’t say that line of fans was for Linda Fairstein?  I say. Or Rene Balcer? Linda and Rene were the guests of honor, big big stars of the crime fiction world.

Nope, Elke says. Barb claimed you were signing for an hour.

The surface of the golden tequila shimmers with reflections of the overhead party lights. I’m perched at the open-air, pool side bar of the Miami Beach Hotel and Spa, the old Doral on Collins Avenue. It’s warm, breezy, and very entertaining here with Elke. Even before you sit, it’s like going over to a friend’s. Verbal hugs. You meet interesting people at mixers like this.

Is that What’s His Name by the pool? I say.

Elke glances up from the sink. Yup.

My favorite bartender seems to be pouring, chatting, blending, washing, taking drink orders, and yelling down waiters all at the same time. Elke may be the best barkeep I’ve ever seen.

That man doesn’t know it, but he’s helped me mucho with my marketing, I say. I should go over and introduce myself, thank him.

Silently mouthing the word mucho to me with her eyes squinted, Elke next says, What marketing exactly was that?

I lean back, shocked and appalled. What are you suggesting? That I spent too much time down here by the pool; missed too much of the fantastic program of writers, agents, and editors? Barb said I was great on the author panel this morning, right?

Elke says, That’s true, honey, but remember Barb is…well, not exactly impartial.She’s very honest though.

Elke shrugs and simultaneously mixes two vodka tonics. A retired couple from Minnesota with three kids, eight grandchildren, and thirty-eight pure bred Alaskan huskies at home just sat down next to me. Elke has them doing their own introductions.

You should be meeting more people, Jack, the newly retired huskie-breeder says. “I was in marketing for forty-two years. Senior Vice President for twenty. It’s all about branding.

Elke hands me a bill. Oops. Apparently, I’ve had enough for today. I must have crossed the line when I used the word mucho. Guess it’s time to fly home. Yes, definitely. There’s my wife Barb with the suitcases.

I give Elke a big tip.

In just over a week, the 2007 Big Numbers World Tour heads for Arlington, Virginia and one of mysterydom’s biggest shows, Malice Domestic, home of the Agatha. I’ll have to mind my Ps and Qs with that one, as my agent, publisher, and editor will all be in attendance.

Glad you’re still on the bus. Jack Getze.

Get your copy of Big Numbers from Amazon!

Mystery Book Reviews by Liz at http://reviewedbyliz.com ©2007

ISBN 978-0-06-112215-6

Well Bred and Dead is about Chicago socialite Pauline Cook. Pauline is stood up for lunch by her friend Ethan and realizes something must be wrong. She rushes to his apartment and finds his body. Ethan’s death is ruled a suicide, but Pauline doesn’t believe it – Ethan would never have killed himself while wearing such tatty underwear.

Among Ethan’s things, Pauline finds two birth certificates that aren’t his own and she begins to question his identity. Ethan had been accepted into Chicago’s elite circles, but it turns out no one may have known who he really was. Pauline uses her rapidly dwindling fortune to discover her friend’s real name and determine whether or not he actually had any assets when he made her his sole heir.

O’Connell has to walk a fine line in Well Bred and Dead to keep the society characters, particularly Pauline, likeable. Most of the time she manages, but Pauline does have a few self-centered snob moments. Since this is a quest book, Pauline learns things about herself and changes along the way, which is very rewarding for the reader.

O’Connell also does a wonderful job of fleshing out Ethan’s character through Pauline’s memories. He sounds like someone you would like to know and this makes Pauline’s quest ring true instead of an awkward plot device.

I can’t go into details without ruining it for you, but there are aspects of the plot that surprised me. I like being surprised by mysteries – it doesn’t happen much any more. From fairly early on, you realize how one aspect of the book will have to end, but O’Connell takes an unexpected path to that destination.

Favorite character? Terrence, a ship that passes in the night. Did I guess it? No. Will I read another? Yes.

Mystery Book Reviews by Liz at http://reviewedbyliz.com ©2007

Available at Amazon!

ISBN 978-0-399-15414-0

Mistress of the Art of Death is set in Cambridge, England in 1171. Someone there has been torturing and murdering children and the local Jewish population has been blamed. All of the local Jews are hiding in the castle from the mob that murdered two of their community after the last murder was discovered. This situation has come to the attention of King Henry II, who is losing tax revenue and wants the murders solved so things can return to normal. So he requests the loan of a Master of the Art of Death (an early pathologist) from the King of Sicily – but the master of the medical school sends a woman instead of the expected man.

Adelia and her companions travel in secret to Cambridge because they fear she will be labeled a witch if the locals find out who she is and what she does. They fall in with a group returning from a pilgrimage to Canterbury and befriend a local Prior who helps set them up in town and gives them access to the people they need to see to conduct their investigation into the gruesome deaths.

Franklin has incorporated a real murder into this book and uses historical events and characters to frame the story, but the mystery is carried by fictional characters. There are sections of the book that I thought were very well crafted and believable, but the marriage of historical material and modern plot tastes is a little rocky, particularly at the end, which doesn’t seem to quite mesh with the rest of the book.

Which is not to say that I didn’t enjoy the book. I tend to dislike books in which children are the victims, and the descriptions of the tortures the children endured may keep some from finishing this book, but the plot did capture and hold my attention.

Favorite character? Simon of Naples, a spy and companion of Adelia. Did I guess it? No. Will I read another? Perhaps. This could turn out to be a series.

Mystery Book Reviews by Liz at http://reviewedbyliz.com ©2007

Available at Amazon!

ISBN 0-553-80364-6

Puss ‘N Cahoots is a Mrs. Murphy book. Mrs. Murphy is a cat belonging to Harry Haristeen who, along with cat Pewter and dog Tucker, solves mysteries simultaneously with Harry. In this book, Harry, her husband Fair, and the animals are all off to a multi day horse event. This proves to be an eventful show as a piece of jewelry disappears, a prized horse goes missing, and then there is a murder. Both humans and animals are on the case as they wander around the fairgrounds searching out evildoers.

This is the first Mrs. Murphy book I have read, but I have read and enjoyed several of Brown’s Outfoxed series about fox hunting. Brown employs the same style of incorporating animals and humans into the story and showing the thoughts and actions of each in this series. The animals all talk to each other about events and the mystery and work towards solving it and the humans do likewise. The animals understand the humans, but the humans can’t understand the animals.

This makes for an interesting effect, but it has problems. While I can believe that animals communicate to each other and understand humans to some extent, I don’t believe that a cat can read and understand a map. That is pushing it a little too far for me. Second, having two sets of characters solving the mystery makes the book a little choppy. There are just too many characters running around doing things and having simultaneous conversations.

Adding to the awkwardness of the book are the little soapbox moments that Brown incorporates. Seemingly out of the blue, one of the characters will go off on a tangent about the state of farming in this country, the cost of gas, the environment, homosexuality, or taxes. This is strange enough when the human characters do it, but downright bizarre when it is a cat or a horse.

Favorite character? Pewter, the cat with impulse control issues. Did I guess it? No. Will I read another? This series would not be high on my list.

Mystery Book Reviews by Liz at http://reviewedbyliz.com ©2007

Available at Amazon

ISBN 0-7867-1584-7

Tilt A Whirl is Grabenstein’s first book featuring police officer John Ceepak and his partner, part-time Summer cop Danny Boyle. The two of them work in the small New Jersey resort town of Sea Haven. While eating breakfast one morning, they see a girl standing in the street covered in blood. Her wealthy father has been fatally shot while sitting on the Tilt A Whirl at the amusement park. Ceepak, who has recently returned from the war in Iraq, has a soft spot for children in need and vows to protect the girl and find her father’s killer.

I must confess that I read Gravenstein’s second book (Whack A Mole) in this series first and came back to read this one. Tilt A Whirl shows how Ceepak came to Sea Haven and sets up the hero/sidekick relationship between Ceepak and Danny Boyle. The story is told from Boyle’s point of view and he sees Ceepak as somewhat larger than life. Compared to Ceepak, Danny looks like a screw-up. Grabenstein does a great job of describing Danny as a young man who grew up at the beach and still hangs out there with his friends – a young man without ambition until he meets Ceepak. And when he believes that his hero has done something wrong, Grabenstein writes of his disappointment simply but powerfully.

I tend to dislike books in which children are victims. I think authors often use children gratuitously for extra shock value. But Grabenstein doesn’t run rampant here. He has incorporated Ceepak’s special need to help children into his character background and makes it believable. Ceepak is a character who has been through the emotional wringer and is doing the best he can to solve the problems put in front of him, in accordance with his personal code of conduct.

I have enjoyed both of Grabenstein’s books and am looking forward to the next one, Mad Mouse. If you are interested in reading them, start with Tilt A Whirl. It is a little bit more serious than Whack A Mole (in which Grabenstein’s history in comedy is a little more apparent) but give you good background information. There are also some events mentioned in Whack A Mole that happen in Tilt A Whirl and you will understand the references if you read the books in order.

Favorite character? Danny Boyle. Did I guess it? Yes. Will I read another? Definitely.

Mystery Book Reviews by Liz at http://reviewedbyliz.com ©2007

Available at Amazon!