Well, I did it. I completed the Cozy Mystery Challenge 2009 hosted by Kris at Not Enough Books. Thanks so much for hosting it, Kris! I didn’t think I’d have too much trouble completing the challenge, even though I started over half way into the challenge, because I enjoy reading cozies and also discovering new authors (to me), such as Sandra Balzo, Juliet Blackwell and Kate Carlisle. Here’s a list of the books I read for this challenge:
In this second book of the Renaissance Faire Mystery series, Jessie Morton, an assistant professor at a local college, continues her research on Renaissance crafts by becoming an apprentice at the Glass Gryphon, one of the shops at Renaissance Village.
When the Grim Reaper, or the man playing him, is killed, Jessie takes it upon herself to track down the killer. Halloween hijinx make it difficult to determine what is real and what is fake in this place of make believe. The message “Death shall find thee,” which was found on the Grim Reaper’s robe, starts appearing all over the village and no one is sure if it’s a warning from the killer or just part of the scary decorations.
Will Jessie find the answers in time to stop the killer from striking again?
My thoughts:
What could be a more fun setting for a mystery than the Renaissance Faire? Ghastly Glass captures the magic of swashbuckling pirates and fluttering fairies, peasants and pageantry, and the many shoppes boasting beautiful wares that make up a Renaissance village. When Halloween hits the village, craziness ensues.
I enjoyed the main character, Jessie, but didn’t like that she seemed to be the only intelligent character in the book. For me, it’s difficult to read a book where everyone is being duped except the hero or heroine. Can so many people be wrong? But, even the hero or heroine can be duped so never assume anything.
My favorite character in Ghastly Glass is the man who took over the role of Grim Reaper. I can’ say much without saying TOO much but if you read the story, you’ll understand why.
There were a few red herrings thrown in to the story which are a must in any self-respecting cozy mystery. Unfortunately, I was disappointed in the ending. It felt a bit thrown together and sophomoric. I know the writing team of Joyce and Jim Lavene have written some terrific stories but I think this one could have been better.
If you’re into the world of Renaissance and don’t mind a few story quibbles, Ghastly Glass has some fun moments and an endearing character you’ll hope to see again.
Brooklyn Wainwright is a book doctor extraordinaire. Faded, brittle leather and crusty, smelly pages are like heaven for Brooklyn. The daughter of two 60′s flower children who moved their family to a California commune, Brooklyn discovers her talent for book restoration under the mentorship of family friend, Abraham Karastovsky.
Brooklyn and Abraham didn’t speak for several months after Brooklyn decided to strike out on her own in the world of book binding but their relationship is restored on the eve of a celebration for Abraham’s latest book restoration. Their reunion is short-lived, however, when later that evening, Brooklyn finds her mentor lying in a pool of blood. With his final words, he gives her a cryptic message, along with a priceless, and cursed, copy of Goethe’s Faust.
She becomes a prime suspect in Abraham’s murder since she was the last person at the scene of the crime. To exonerate herself, Brooklyn must find the real killer. Could Abraham’s final words be a clue or do they refer to something else entirely?
My thoughts:
Brooklynsorts through a handful of possible suspects while trying not to end up dead herself. With the help of British security officer Derek Stone, she gets the job done. Little help, I should say. One of my few quibbles with this story, is that Mr. Stone seems to just show up in time to get Brooklyn out of trouble (although you’ll find the detective/cop/love interest doing this in other cozy mysteries as well). We really know nothing about him. I hope in future books he does more than just look and sound sexy.
I enjoyed Brooklyn’s fun sense of humor, she had me laughing out loud, and complete love of her craft. Book binding and the book arts are a recently discovered interest of mine and it was fun to read about some of the tools and techniques used in these fields.
Homicide in Hardcover is a fun read with an engaging heroine and some kooky characters, like Brooklyn’s hippie parents, Guru Bob, and and her quirky neighbors. The plot suffers slighty from a measure of predictability but the ending might come as a surprise. This series holds much promise and I look forward to reading Ms. Carlisle’s next book.
"You must be the change you want to see in the world." ~ Mahatma Gandhi
"He who binds to himself a joy doth the winged life destroy. But he who kisses the joy as it flies lives in Eternity's sunrise." ~ William Blake
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My name is Pamela Sweet and I'm a wife, mother, writer, artist and legal chick. I enjoy reading, writing, art, dancing, industrial rock, ambient sounds, full moons, lattes, RockBand, and Japanese gardens. My goal is to encourage and inspire others with my words and deeds. I hope you enjoy your visit!
by Madelyn Alt – √
by Juliet Blackwell – √
by Sandra Balzo – √
by Joyce and Jim Lavene – √
by Kate Carlisle – √
by Sandra Balzo – √
