Jan Jones

Hidden gold is protected by ‘ghost’ in an abandoned old mansion

Published by admin on Thu, 10/15/2020 - 9:03am

I’ve always loved the beauty of old houses. So when I saw Eva Pohler’s “Secrets of the Greek Revival,” I wanted to read it.

Ellen, Sue and Tanya have always been best friends. Now, empty-nester Sue resents her mother’s meddling, Tanya’s mother has dementia and Ellen’s mother has long had depression.

Reluctant investigator encounters radical group

Published by admin on Wed, 10/07/2020 - 3:47pm

This week I chose “Such a Deal: Three Nice Jewish Detectives (and a Bonus.)” Because it is a four-book set, I selected “Samson’s Deal” by Shelley Singer.

In his former life, Jake Samson was a New York City cop. But it soon became apparent that he simply did not fit that role. Moving to California, Jake tried real estate. He did well enough financially but didn’t like that career, either. Eventually, using his savings and a small inheritance, he was able quit work entirely.

An off-campus party turns deadly for FBI recruits

Published by admin on Wed, 09/23/2020 - 12:18pm

I didn’t have much free time this week, so I selected a prequel. It was Casey Hill’s “Crime Scene – A CSI Reilly Steel Thriller.” As a prequel, it was a short story introducing FBI agent Reilly Steel.

We don’t get much information on her other than she is a tall, blonde, blue-eyed, under-30 California girl. Beneath the good looks, Reilly is strong, resourceful and extremely focused on a career with the FBI. She does mention that her mother was murdered, though it isn’t clear if the case was solved. Later, we find out that her father is a bitter drunk.

Crossing continents on the run but love leads him home

Published by admin on Thu, 09/17/2020 - 9:22am

I was fascinated when I saw Jennifer Scoullar’s “Fortune’s Son” was set in Tasmania, so I had to read it. It was a long and complicated read.

When 14-year-old Luke Tyler went to the Abbott mansion to pick up his sister Becky, he discovered Sir Henry raping the girl. Enraged, Luke slammed the man into a wall. Within the hour, Luke was arrested for assault.

Murdered at Mardi Gras, farewell to the king

Published by admin on Wed, 09/09/2020 - 9:56am

I finally decided to read Julie Smith’s “New Orleans Mourning.”

As most people know, Mardi Gras is a time leading up to Fat Tuesday’s grand finale parade celebrating the king and queen of Carnival. This year’s king is Chauncy St. Amant.

Being chosen as king of Carnival is a great honor bestowed only on those in the highest level of New Orleans society. Consequently, Chauncy’s family was gathered at the prestigious Boston Club where they would stand on the balcony and wave as the float carrying the king and queen passed by.

Wisconsin Grocers Association

Published by admin on Thu, 09/03/2020 - 10:52am

This week, I indulged my love for Granny Smith apples by reading “Granny Smith is Dead” by Chelsea Thomas. This is book number five in her Apple Orchard Cozy Mystery series.

Chelsea Thomas grew up in the quaint village of Pine Grove. After her parents died, Chelsea was raised by her aunt, Miss May, at the Thomas Family Fruit and Fir Farm. After high school, Chelsea studied at Duke, then went to run her own design firm in New York. When things went bad, Chelsea returned to Pine Grove.

Deli managers mysteriously disappear without a shoe

Published by admin on Mon, 08/24/2020 - 2:31pm

This week, I browsed the library’s large e-book selection and chose Janet Evanovich’s “Look Alive Twenty-five.” As the title says, it is the 25th book in her Stephanie Plum series.

Maori murders in New Zealand set in 1868

Published by admin on Mon, 08/10/2020 - 1:10pm

I do enjoy historical fiction, so this week I selected an e-book from BookBub, “Not the Faintest Trace” by Wendy M. Wilson.

It is the first in her Sgt. Frank Hardy Mystery series set in New Zealand in the late 1800s. The story opens with a small native family group attempting to escape pursuing troops. Before they can slip into the deep swamp, they are captured. The husband is killed, and the wife and another woman are taken away, leaving two little boys to a horrible death. Sgt. Hardy tried to stop the carnage but is ordered to move on with the other troops.

Murder, mystery and recipes make for a delicious read

Published by admin on Mon, 07/27/2020 - 1:51pm

This heat has made me do almost anything to avoid cooking or baking, but I do love to eat. So, when I found “Raspberry Danish Murder” by Joanne Fluke, I grabbed it. I knew the story line would be good and recipes delicious and easy.

First, let me say that there was no back story to set the scene for this book. The events and characters just appear, but it still works.

Murder and music in Memphis wrapped up in a rib joint

Published by admin on Mon, 07/20/2020 - 11:19am

I don’t know about you, but this week I spent several hours sitting in front of a fan with a good book in my hands. “Delicious and Suspicious” by Riley Adams looked like a fun read and it really was.

Memphis, Tennessee, may be a very big city, but like all cities it is comprised of many close-knit neighborhoods. One such neighborhood sits on the edge of famous Beale Street, where one can wander from end to end listening to great music and sampling iconic barbecue and all the fixings.