mysteries2005

The body of a young woman is discovered outside on a freezing cold morning in Helsinki, Finland. She is posed grotesquely, with her violin propped nearby and a finger removed from her hand - a trophy for her murderer? Shortly after, a letter is given to the police, apparently from her killer, tying the murder to the first of Sibelius' symphonies. Sibelius wrote seven symphonies - will there be seven murders?

Murder mysteries sometimes degenerate into one of two very unsatisfying endings. Either it was obvious right from the start who would be revealed as the murderer, or there was absolutely no way to tell from what is written who the murderer would turn out to be. "The Seven Symphonies" does not fall into either of these traps.

I was often certain that I knew the murderer's identity. A few pages later, I would change my mind again. When I finally discovered the truth, after a very dramatic race to stop another murder, it was a satisfying and appropriate conclusion. I could have solved the case myself using the information provided.

Boswell's writing is clear and very easy to follow. Some books set in other countries to my own tend to lose me in a sea of unusual and unclear names for people and places, but Boswell did not do this. The names are, as far as I can tell, authentically Finnish, but there is no confusion.

The book also contains a series of lectures on Sibelius, his life and music. As a former music student, I found these quite interesting. Boswell has marked some as optional, but I did read them all and enjoyed them. Skipping over the optional ones would not have prevented me from solving the crime, but the other ones do contain clues and should definitely be read carefully.

I read the book electronically, and it was well formatted for my handheld. Spelling and grammar errors were virtually non-existent.

An excellent and absorbing novel! I look forward to reading more from Simon Boswell.

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Madeleine Robins, author of THE STONE WAR (Tor 1999), introduces us to Miss Sarah Tolerance, Investigative Agent, in this historical, swashbuckling novel. Filled with intrigue and murder, romance and royalty, suspense and swordsmanship, we are transported to the world of Regency London where things aren't always as straightforward as they appear to be. Or are they?

A clever combination of Jane Austen, Sherlock Holmes and Errol Flynn, Sarah Tolerance is a Fallen Woman. She ran off with her brother's fencing master, an unpardonable act within the social order of the early 1800's. Sarah explains, "Society offers women like myself very few choices, my lord. Some become whores, some madams or hatmakers. I became an investigative agent. (p. 26).

We're invited into her cottage, where she's talking with her dear friend, Matt, an attractive, effeminate young man in the employ of Sarah's aunt, the elegant madam, Mrs. Brereton. We soon realize Sarah to be an independent and intelligent, compassionate and kind, lady. Just as quickly as she endears us to her, the great mystery of the novel is revealed.

Sarah heads off to Tarsio's Club, a usual haunt. While pondering a recent, successfully closed case in the Club's Salon, Lord Trux appears and springs a "task of a private nature" upon her. Acting as the agent of an undisclosed employer, he commissions Sarah to locate and retrieve an Italian Fan.

Sarah stealthily searches for clues and leads. She meets with Deb Cunning, and discovers whether or not she's as wily as her name implies. With a brilliant small-sword and dressed in men's clothing, Sarah navigates the cobblestone streets of the city, hires hackneys to travel to seedy brothels and rides in an unmarked carriage. While seeking Fanny Virtue and Mrs. Cockbun, she meets an array of characters, some less savory than others. A trail of grisly murders follows Sarah on her search.

Who are Sir Walter Mandif, Count Verseillon, Dr. Hawley, Lord Folle, and Blackbottle? What do green peas, vines and letters to a papist cleric have to do with anything? Through brothels, an Italian lexicon and the great houses of London, we gain knowledge of the object of desire. With whom will she fall in love? Where is the enigmatic Italian Fan? To what lengths will Sarah go to maintain her honor?

The characters are as engaging as the setting is vividly descriptive. Slight variance from historical fact serves well to heighten our enjoyment of the novel. Unraveling the tangled yarn of trickery, deciphering subjects of duplicity, witnessing the flash of the skillfully wielded small-sword, and solving the mystery of the Italian Fan with Miss Sarah Tolerance, is an adventure you won't soon forget.

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The last thing Michael Carven needed was a woman living on his ranch. But that’s what he finds after dragging himself home after a meeting with the Windward Stables representative. Sleep would have to wait because his ranch hands were due to meet with him. All but one of the men arrives. He new foreman, Jess, isn’t among them and he isn’t in the guesthouse, either. He’s upstairs. With anger brewing in the pit of his stomach, Michael barges into the guest bedroom and to his surprise sees a tall, slender and very naked woman. Totally embarrassed, he excuses himself and returns downstairs. There he meets with old friend Dan Walker. Together they are greeted by Jessica Stanton. Apparently Dan hired her thinking Jess was a man. Since men hated being bossed around by a woman this wasn’t going to work out.

Adding to awkwardness of Jessica’s presence on the ranch is the responsibility of stopping a serial killer before he kills again in Riverside. Michael has agreed to assist his former partner, Dan Walker, in the investigation of three young women raped and strangled. Their bodies were found in semi-remote areas. There reportedly had been no witnesses and crime scenes are spotless.

From the beginning, former detective Carven finds himself draw to the case files as he reviews them for a possible pattern. He’s equally drawn to Jess Stanton, whether she’s working in the stables or upstairs in bed. Jessica tries to ease Michael out of his solitude and loneliness. She soon comes to realize that she may be an important element in the investigation.

Can they end the killer’s mission before another young woman’s life is taken? Can Jess break through Michael’s self-made mental barrier? Will the men at Pine Crest ranch accept Jess as foreman?

The characters are three-dimensional. You care about their lives and their emotional well being. My only disappointment is lack of clues. A reader likes to walk with the detective in solving the case. We like to try to figure out who the guilty party is. I didn’t think the motive was a good enough reason to be a murderer.

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In Jennifer Apodaca's latest book, Samantha Shaw the sexy, smart and not really "a licensed detective accompanies her friend Angel to the Daystar Indian Casino in California. All they were going to do was watch the Silky Men, a group of cross-dressing entertainers perform. The men were going to mention Angel's new party lingerie line and maybe put in a good word about Sam's dating service. Angel and Sam are introduced to Mitch St. Claire, who having heard about Angel's home lingerie parties, would like her to consider a business venture with him. He offers her a sample of a sex-toy kit and of course she takes it.

All was well when Sam left Angel, but the next day when she goes over to Angel's house to pick up a leather couch for her office, there's no sign of Angel anywhere. In fact, Sam believes her best friend has been kidnapped. But Sam's wrong, at least this time around. Angel traveled with the entertainers and didn’t inform her.

Sam and Detective Vance are surprised when Angel shows up at home. Vance considers it a waste of his time and tells Sam to leave him out of the loop when it comes to her little mysteries. Sam considers this a good time to fill him in about a fan of the romance novels he writes. Seems Zoe Cash believes he's her heartmate. She's after Sam to provide her R.V. Logan's address. Zoe knows Sam reviews his books. Since Vance doesn't want anyone to know he moonlights as a romance author, Sam can't tell Zoe a thing. That puts her in the middle of one hell of a conflict. Add the ongoing situation with Angel and you have one hilarious, but extremely dangerous mystery.

BATTERIES REQUIRED draws you into the story with its quirky characters and unusual plot. Description is stronger than setting. The characters' attitude and what motivates them is revealed more than their development. The dialogue flows naturally and clearly presents a more real perspective into the lives of each individual. The plot is interesting and leads to a believable ending. As always, Jennifer’s books are entertaining.

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Harper Land Sale's new real estate agent Ellen McKenzie finds the body of Hank Sawyer in the closet of the home she's showing. Minutes later her prospective homebuyers ring the door bell. The only thing they can do is notify the police. Answering the call is Police Chief Dan Dunham and a number of his officers. While they are gathering evidence on the site, Dan's taking Ellen, Harvey and Bernice's statements. The surprise of seeing her childhood friend and knowing his important role in the community has to be put on mental hold. What was important now was locating the blunt instrument that killed Hank and learning more about a clue found in the dead man's pocket.

According to Sharon Harper, Hank was a contractor. He was going to press charges against Ray Yarbourough, another Harper's Land Sale’s agent. A meeting was arranged with Sharon, Ray and Hank, She wasn't sure what Hank thought Ray did, but he was going to present proof of it. Another clue found in Hank's pocket was a list of original investors in a limited partnership. One she put together several years before. Their partnership was for land and various individuals had already sold their shares. The land was currently of interest to the owners of a Stop N Shop.

So the questions regarding this case are what could a new store have to do with Hank's murder? Who are the suspects, what are their motives and who will solve the case? Ellen McKenzie may not have the credentials for tying the clues together, but she's going to give it a try.

DYING FOR A CHANGE offers a hint of background information about Ellen and Dan growing up together and the end of their marriages to other people. What drew me into the story was that a realtor was the amateur sleuth and I was curious to see if the motive had anything to do with buying up land for condominium sales or a developer's new subdivision. This is both a real-life contemporary problem and a frequent plot. Setting was mentioned, but didn't play a major role in the development of the plot. As for characters' appearances and roles in the story, Ellen and her co-workers were more visible. I think the Police Chief could have been digging deeper. I sensed what motivated Ellen, the guilty party and the local business owner hell-bent on stopping a major competitor from stealing his income. As for relationships, Ellen and Dan's were the closest example to emotional attachment and attraction. Dialogue flowed smoothly and appropriately. The plot kept my interest right to the end. Kathleen's writing style was down to Earth and easy to follow. I look forward to reading "Give First Place to Murder. The other book she's written.

Reporter Brooke Rawlings' life drastically changed the day her sister, Serena, was murdered. At first she thought her death was an accident. Five years have passed and now her nephew, Jeremy, is a troubled teen and she has to learn "why." Matthew Grant, one of Jeremy's teachers, believes that Jeremy is losing focus in his studies and that he might need treatment at a substance abuse center. Brooke confronts her nephew at home, encourages him to state what is on his mind and to trust her. Jeremy's reply is a word of warning. He tells her to stay away from the school because it’s "poison."

The reporter in Brooke considers this a good reason to conduct a little research. After all, her nephew's future is on the line. While she's reviewing studies, reading articles to see if other students in Jeremy's school are acting the same way and digging up dirt on Grant, Brooke's instinctive mode kicks in. She senses she's being watched. After shaking the feeling, one particular article grabs her attention. The headline reads "Teenager Disappears," and there's no trace of the missing young man or clue to what happened. In the parking lot, Grant warns her to "watch out" because Jeremy doesn't need to lose another member of his family. Is that a threat or is he truly concerned for her safety?

Not one to turn away from a story, Brooke carries on her investigation with the help of her employer, Charlie Stapleton, and assistant Alison Delaney.

A SISTER'S SECRET is one of the better mysteries I've read in a long time partly because Brooke is personally involved and has a "never quit" attitude no matter the danger level. There is a strong pull toward solving several mysteries, which are interlocked into one conclusion. Lots of twists to complicate things. Each chapter lures you deeper into the story, which has a very real feel to it. That alone can scare the hell out of you. Brief setting description provides you with a sense of place. Character attitude is far stronger. Dialogue flows well and I couldn't find any gaping holes in the plot that left me wondering what had happened. The writing featured what needed to be stated only. So many books offer you the same thought or information that it's engraved in your memory. I enjoyed reading this e-book as well as Lori’s other novel, "One Eye in the Darkness."

Jack Lindsey isn't quite sure what to make of his new neighbor Amanda. Most of his friends find her delightful, especially his best friend and law partner, Wade. Amanda and Wade are always trading barbs and have special names for each other. For example, Wade calls Amanda "Fats" because she has moved to Carlisle, Illinois from Minnesota and plays a mean game of pool. When around Jack, Amanda is cool. They rub each other the wrong way. Jack thinks that his friend is rushing into a romance with the petite redhead who is a recent widow. When Jack learns that Amanda's husband was murdered and she was accused of the murder he really worries. Amanda was acquitted, but is she really innocent of the crime? Jack decides to find out, but finding out brings him and Amanda closer together. They are drawn to each other but there is always a barrier between them. She is definitely not Jack's type. He usually goes for tall, willowy blondes, but now when with one that he should find appealing, Jack finds himself thinking or Amanda. On the other hand, Amanda finds herself tongue-tied when with Jack, but she does find him handsome and intelligent. Even though Jack's emotions surge when with Amanda, he is still determined to find out exactly what happened to her husband. From all accounts it was a happy marriage, but the police found no other plausible suspect. Amanda's life before her marriage to her murdered husband was no bed of roses. In fact, it was so traumatic she pushed most of it from her mind and only remembers bits and pieces. She finds some of her old diaries and begins to examine her past. Her sister, Amy, thinks reading the diaries is a mistake but Amanda continues, gradually remembering and wondering what sort of a person she really is to have allowed herself to endure a life of abuse. Can a woman with her past find a happy, rewarding life?

Cyndia Depre has written a powerful book, with fully fleshed out characters. Amanda's Rib is a mystery that will keep the reading guessing throughout the book. Amanda is a sympathetic character who is trying to get on with her life and find happiness after a brutal youth. Jack is like a bulldog in seeking the truth even though it may hurt him and the woman he gradually comes to love. This is one mystery I didn't figure out ten pages into the book. Amanda's Rib is a can't put down book. If you are looking for a good mystery, this is the book for you.

Jay Dee Tyrack, Reviewer

Hannah's business, "The Cookie Jar, has hit an all time low since Shawna Lee opened her Magnolia Blossom Bakery across the street. Rather than borrow money from her friends and family, she'd close the shop and liquidate. While her friends try to determine what it is that lures her customers to the competition, Hannah's mother comes up with the idea of her preparing peach cobbler, which is the Blossom's signature dessert, and her quilting society would compare the two selections. Hannah quickly creates her recipe which her friends adore.

The reality of her financial situation darkens when she's denied a loan and her love life falters when she learns from a florist shop delivery man that one of the men she's dating gave more expensive roses to Shawna Lee. There is that complication in Hannah's life. She has a comfortable relationship with dentist Norman Rhodes, but is lost in love with Mike Kingston, chief detective of the Winnetka County Sheriff's Department. So there's her indecision in choosing one of the men and the continual reminder that her business is failing.

Add her business partner's wedding to the mix and you have a little tension. While Hannah puts dessert cakes in the bakery's freezer, after Lisa and Herb Beeseman’s wedding, she notices that the lights are on at the Magnolia Blossom Bakery. Hannah's phone call earlier went unanswered and she's worried about the electricity cost. Competition or not, she's still a good neighbor. Walking over there she finds that not only are the lights on in the kitchen, but Shawna has been murdered. Knowing better, Hannah doesn't disturb the scene of the crime. Of course this is going to put Hannah on the list of suspects. Will she be able to solve the case or is she headed to the kitchen in prison?

Like all Hannah Swensen mystery novels, you feel right at home in the small town of Lake Eden, crime and all. The reason being that the characters are realistic people you'd run into in your community. The story drew me in from Lisa's wedding to the solving of the crime. Even Hannah's cat was put to work. As for setting, you always want to pull your throw blanket closer and grab a hot cup of tea because it's darn cold in Lake Eden. The characters are interesting and you're curious to know what's on their mind. Conversations are many with this close knit group, very little interaction though with the victim. The author's style is cozy/culinary and her book continues to provide you with the recipes Hannah presents her customers and friends. My only disappointment is that Mike and Hannah aren't married yet. If he doesn't hurry up and ask her, I'll arrange it for him.