ISBN: 9780449208281
Publisher Synopsis:Mrs. Virgil (Emily) Pollifax of New Brunswick, New Jersey, was a widow with grown children. She was tired of attending her Garden Club meetings. She wanted to do something good for her country. So, naturally, she became a CIA agent. This time, the assignment sounds as tasty as a taco. A quick trip to Mexico City is on her agenda. Unfortunately, something goes wrong, and our dear Mrs. Pollifax finds herself embroiled in quite a hot Cold War—and her country's enemies find themselves entangled with one unbelievably feisty lady.
Dorothy Gilman was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey, to minister James Bruce and Essa (Starkweather) Gilman. She started writing when she was 9 and knew early on she was to be a writer. At 11, she competed against 10 to 16-year-olds in a story contest and won first place. She attended the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts and briefly the University of Pennsylvania. She planned to write and illustrate children's books. She married Edgar A. Butters Jr, in 1945, and this ended in divorce in 1965. Dorothy worked as an art teacher & telephone operator before becoming an author. She wrote children’s stories for more than ten years under the name Dorothy Gilman Butters and then began writing adult novels about Mrs. Pollifax–a retired grandmother who becomes a CIA agent. The Mrs. Pollifax series made Dorothy famous. While her stories nourish people’s thirst for adventure and mystery, Dorothy knew about nourishing the body as well. On her farm in Nova Scotia, she grew medicinal herbs and used this knowledge of herbs in many of her stories, including A Nun in the Closet. She traveled extensively and used these experiences in her novels as well. Many of Dorothy’s books feature strong women having adventures around the world. In 2010 Gilman was awarded the annual Grand Master Award by the Mystery Writers of America. Dorothy spent much of her life in Connecticut, New Mexico, and Maine. She died at age 88 of complications of Alzheimer's disease. She is survived by two sons, Christopher Butters and Jonathan Butters; and two grandchildren.
Charlie has always believed that his grandfather had sold his house to his longtime tenant, Martin Hale. So when Martin dies, Charlie is surprised to discover the house was not left to Martin but instead belongs to Charlie. As he and Diesel check out the house he remembers fondly from his childhood, he is pleasantly surprised that it is in better condition than expected. That is, until they find a literal skeleton in a closet.
While the sheriff’s department investigates the mysterious remains, Charlie digs deeper into the past for clues to the identity of the bones and why they are there. But the cold case heats up quickly when Martin’s grandson is found dead on the farm.
As Charlie delves into his own family history, he encounters many people who might have been motivated to take a life. But Charlie and Diesel know that things are not always what they seem, and that secrets seemingly lost to time have a way of finding their way back to haunt the present.
Currently a librarian at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, Dean has published articles on topics in library science, the history of science/medicine, and mystery fiction. His first book, which he co-wrote with fellow librarian Jean Swanson, was By a Woman’s Hand (Berkley; 1994). Jean and Dean won an Agatha Award for Best Mystery Non-Fiction and were nominated by the Mystery Writers of America for the Edgar for Best Critical-Biographical Work for this popular reference book. A second edition followed two years later, and Dean and Jean collaborated on two further projects, Killer Books (Berkley; 1998) and The Dick Francis Companion (Berkley; 2003). In all, he has co-authored or co-edited six works of mystery reference and one short story anthology.
Which is why she agrees to go to Sunshine Falls, North Carolina for the month of August when Libby begs her for a sisters’ trip away—with visions of a small-town transformation for Nora, who she’s convinced needs to become the heroine in her own story. But instead of picnics in meadows, or run-ins with a handsome country doctor or bulging-forearmed bartender, Nora keeps bumping into Charlie Lastra, a bookish brooding editor from back in the city. It would be a meet-cute if not for the fact that they’ve met many times and it’s never been cute.
If Nora knows she’s not an ideal heroine, Charlie knows he’s nobody’s hero, but as they are thrown together again and again—in a series of coincidences no editor worth their salt would allow—what they discover might just unravel the carefully crafted stories they’ve written about themselves.
At the request of the mansion owner, Theodosia investigates the tragedy and is soon neck-deep in suspects. An almost ex-wife, a coworker, a real estate partner--all had motives for killing the luckless banker, but one resorted to murder to settle accounts.
Laura Childs is a pseudonym for Gerry Schmitt and she is the best-selling author of the Tea Shop Mysteries, the Scrapbook Mysteries, and the Cackleberry Club Mysteries.
Laura Childs is the New York Times bestselling author of the Tea Shop Mysteries, Scrapbook Mysteries, and Cackleberry Club Mysteries. In her previous life, she was CEO/Creative Director of her own marketing firm and authored several screenplays. She is married to a professor of Chinese art history, loves to travel, rides horses, enjoys fundraising for various non-profits, and has two Chinese Shar-Pei dogs.
At eighty-four, Leota is alone, her beloved garden in ruins. All her efforts to reconcile with her adult children have been fruitless. She voices her despair to a loving Father, her only friend.
And God brings a wind of change through unlikely means: one, a college student who thinks he has all the answers; the other, the granddaughter Leota never hoped to know. But can the devastation wrought by keeping painful family secrets be repaired before she runs out of time?
New York Times bestselling author Francine Rivers continues to win both industry acclaim and reader loyalty around the globe. Her numerous bestsellers include Redeeming Love, A Voice in the Wind, and Bridge to Haven, and her work has been translated into more than thirty different languages. She is a member of Romance Writers of America's coveted Hall of Fame as well as a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW).
"... so often nothing more is needed for volunteer work
then a good set of teeth!"
MrsK's Review: Espionage Mystery
Mrs. Pollifax has quite the talent for portraying the truth. During her doctor's appointment, she was given the wonderful news that she was in excellent health. At the age of 60+, this news didn't quite calm her feelings. Although her family is now grown, she has spent her time volunteering where ever there was a need. Today, her doctor has planted the seed that everyone, no matter what their age, to live to their full potential. What would Mrs. Pollifax want to do? The one thing she dreamed of doing... all those years ago...
The very next day, Mrs. Pollifax is in Washington DC. She has decided to volunteer as a spy for the CIA. As you probably are already pre-judging, Mr. Mason is stunned when he meets with Mrs.P. Spies don't just walk into the CIA and volunteer to give their life for their country. Spies are trained... not just anyone who walks in off the streets. Unsure of what to do, Mr. Mason asks Mrs.P to wait in a small room. Unfortunately, when Carstairs shows up to meet with a seasoned spy, he finds Mrs.P awaiting Mason's return. And so this is how Mrs.P will find herself in Costa Rica... picking up a package from an obscure book store... and waking up in an unknown location in an Albania detention cell.
Please, do not be alarmed... she is not alone. There is one other person who was taken from the bookstore. A man who is known as Farrell. There will be guards, senior officers, a mysterious person in the cell next to them, and of course a plan for escape.
If you enjoy the espionage genre... if you enjoy the quick-witted debates between characters... if you enjoy Miss Marple Mysteries or Murder She Wrote... this is your TBR series...
Live to your fullest potential...
MrsK
Meet the Author:
Dorothy Gilman was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey, to minister James Bruce and Essa (Starkweather) Gilman. She started writing when she was 9 and knew early on she was to be a writer. At 11, she competed against 10 to 16-year-olds in a story contest and won first place. She attended the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts and briefly the University of Pennsylvania. She planned to write and illustrate children's books. She married Edgar A. Butters Jr, in 1945, and this ended in divorce in 1965. Dorothy worked as an art teacher & telephone operator before becoming an author. She wrote children’s stories for more than ten years under the name Dorothy Gilman Butters and then began writing adult novels about Mrs. Pollifax–a retired grandmother who becomes a CIA agent. The Mrs. Pollifax series made Dorothy famous. While her stories nourish people’s thirst for adventure and mystery, Dorothy knew about nourishing the body as well. On her farm in Nova Scotia, she grew medicinal herbs and used this knowledge of herbs in many of her stories, including A Nun in the Closet. She traveled extensively and used these experiences in her novels as well. Many of Dorothy’s books feature strong women having adventures around the world. In 2010 Gilman was awarded the annual Grand Master Award by the Mystery Writers of America. Dorothy spent much of her life in Connecticut, New Mexico, and Maine. She died at age 88 of complications of Alzheimer's disease. She is survived by two sons, Christopher Butters and Jonathan Butters; and two grandchildren.
ISBN: 9780593199480
Publisher's Synopsis:
Librarian Charlie Harris and his faithful feline companion, Diesel, have inherited Charlie’s grandfather’s house, along with a deadly legacy: a decades-old crime scene, in this all-new mystery in the New York Times bestselling Cat in the Stacks series.Charlie has always believed that his grandfather had sold his house to his longtime tenant, Martin Hale. So when Martin dies, Charlie is surprised to discover the house was not left to Martin but instead belongs to Charlie. As he and Diesel check out the house he remembers fondly from his childhood, he is pleasantly surprised that it is in better condition than expected. That is, until they find a literal skeleton in a closet.
While the sheriff’s department investigates the mysterious remains, Charlie digs deeper into the past for clues to the identity of the bones and why they are there. But the cold case heats up quickly when Martin’s grandson is found dead on the farm.
As Charlie delves into his own family history, he encounters many people who might have been motivated to take a life. But Charlie and Diesel know that things are not always what they seem, and that secrets seemingly lost to time have a way of finding their way back to haunt the present.
MrsK's Review:
I adored the cover... who wouldn't! Charlie has just inherited his family's farmhouse. There are challenges... regular little nuances of those who claim ownership... being back at the farm after 4 decades... or might be a silly episode of a skeleton in a closet... it definitely won't be Diesel his coon cat.
Sean is Charlie's son. Given his attachment to legal matters, of course, he does have a degree as a . Sorting through who really owns the farm, which farmers will continue renting parcels of land, and there are always some outside issues when his father has a cold case to investigate, as well as a mysterious homicide.
Given all of the legal ramifications, along comes the dead man's sister. Alissa arrives in time to identify her brother's body. Who even cared about her brother, he was in town only to lay claim to the farm that their dad had said was theirs. She hasn't been on the farm since that one horrible day... she was so little then... she really doesn't want to be at the farm.
With many clues, mischievous detours, and a promise that Charlie might accept an outcome that comes out of nowhere. Enjoy a summer moment in the shade with a mysterious inheritance...
MrsK
Meet the Author:
Miranda James is the pseudonym of Dean James, a seventh-generation Mississippian who recently returned home after over thirty years in Texas. A mystery fan since the age of ten, he wrote his first novel at the ripe old age of twelve. The only copy of The Mystery of the Willow Key vanished years ago, but since it was highly derivative of the Nancy Drew and Trixie Belden mystery series, that’s probably a good thing.
Currently a librarian at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, Dean has published articles on topics in library science, the history of science/medicine, and mystery fiction. His first book, which he co-wrote with fellow librarian Jean Swanson, was By a Woman’s Hand (Berkley; 1994). Jean and Dean won an Agatha Award for Best Mystery Non-Fiction and were nominated by the Mystery Writers of America for the Edgar for Best Critical-Biographical Work for this popular reference book. A second edition followed two years later, and Dean and Jean collaborated on two further projects, Killer Books (Berkley; 1998) and The Dick Francis Companion (Berkley; 2003). In all, he has co-authored or co-edited six works of mystery reference and one short story anthology.
ISBN: 9780593334836
Publisher's Synopsis:
Nora Stephens’ life is books—she’s read them all—and she is not that type of heroine. Not the plucky one, not the laidback dream girl, and especially not the sweetheart. In fact, the only people Nora is a heroine for are her clients, for whom she lands enormous deals as a cutthroat literary agent, and her beloved little sister Libby.Which is why she agrees to go to Sunshine Falls, North Carolina for the month of August when Libby begs her for a sisters’ trip away—with visions of a small-town transformation for Nora, who she’s convinced needs to become the heroine in her own story. But instead of picnics in meadows, or run-ins with a handsome country doctor or bulging-forearmed bartender, Nora keeps bumping into Charlie Lastra, a bookish brooding editor from back in the city. It would be a meet-cute if not for the fact that they’ve met many times and it’s never been cute.
If Nora knows she’s not an ideal heroine, Charlie knows he’s nobody’s hero, but as they are thrown together again and again—in a series of coincidences no editor worth their salt would allow—what they discover might just unravel the carefully crafted stories they’ve written about themselves.
"When books are your life..."
MrsK's Review:
Meet Nora. She is a NY city literary agent. Her life revolves around her clients and their stories. She lives out her days serving those authors. Day after day! To the point that she never gets the guy, and her sweet sister has a plan to get her out of her rut.
Libby is the younger sister. She's pregnant, a mother, and is married to the love of her life. Before her next child is born, she has planned a "much-needed" retreat with her sister. Which happens to be planned in her favorite author's best-selling small town of Sunshine Falls.
On the day that Nora received a phone call from her current love interest, she is entering the restaurant where she has a meeting for her client's newest book. This lunch meeting does not go well, especially since she was late. Charlie Lastra is a "no-nonsense" editor who is already in opposition with Nora. There is no way that Nora will ever use him as an editor now that she has met him. So why does she continue rethinking that horrible luncheon?
Charlie has an exceptional insight into what makes a best seller. His insight into marketing could make a difference for Nora's client. His only challenge is that he doesn't like Nora's lack of appeal, plus she was unprofessionally late to their meeting. After a few quick-witted text messages, neither Nora nor Charlie has any plans of working together.
So, when Libby "kidnaps" Nora for a much-needed retreat, Nora is all in. Since their mother's death, Nora has always tried to do anything her sister needed and this is one of those moments that Nora must do... even if it means that she will participate in Libby's "Life Changing Vacation List."
When they arrive in Sunshine Falls, some things are just like Libby's favorite book and other things are a façade. Nora is hoping that Libby doesn't become disenchanted. Libby is acting weirder by the day. And then it happens... Nora meets... well you have to read the book, won't you!
Excellent characters will entertain you, and quick-witted humor will enchant your hours within the covers of this romance. Are you ready for a summer romance complete with a book store and book lovers?
MrsK
Meet the Author:
Emily Henry is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Book Lovers, People We Meet on Vacation, and Beach Read, as well as the forthcoming Happy Place. She lives and writes in Cincinnati and the part of Kentucky just beneath it.
Laura Childs
ISBN: 9780451489616
Publisher's Synopsis:
While viewing the harbor's Gaslights and Galleons Parade from the widow's walk of Timothy Neville's Charleston mansion, local banker Carson Lanier seemingly tumbles over a narrow railing, then plunges three stories to his death. But a tragic accident becomes something much more sinister when it's discovered that the victim was first shot with a bolt from a crossbow.At the request of the mansion owner, Theodosia investigates the tragedy and is soon neck-deep in suspects. An almost ex-wife, a coworker, a real estate partner--all had motives for killing the luckless banker, but one resorted to murder to settle accounts.
"Tall sailing ships... glowing white lights... Charleston Harbor..."
and an unidentified man falling to his death...
MrsK's Review:Meet Theodosia the delightful protagonist-tea-shop investigator. Her greatest passion is the Indigo Tea Shop and sailing. There is nothing better than refining the tea menu or refurbishing the décor of the tea shop... unless it's the possibility of solving a crime. Given the evening's party, a "thunderous roar" pierces the night... is that really a man screaming as he is sliding off of the neighboring roof? Theodosia is not about to wait...
Drayton is the sixty-ish tea sommelier who is passionate about blending teas, as well as all types of history. Since joining Theodosia at the tea shop, he is thrilled with work and a grounding force for the many escapades' of Theodosia.
Haley is the tea shop's chef, she runs the kitchen like a "drill sergeant and is the perfection of an energetic enthusiastic comrade.
Detective Pete Riley, the one that makes Theodosia smile; can smooth-talk her into slowing down; and will ultimately help her uncover the truth.
Watching the man "spinning and bouncing" off the roof was like a "hideous pinball machine" horror show. Could one of the canons from the sailing ships be involved? Was the man shot? Being the first at the death scene meant that Theodosia was not going to wait around for the Charleston police. After all, she is the one who checked for the pulse. She must find out why this man is "skewered" on the fence.
If there is one thing that makes for a great summer mystery it's the joy of reading about tea shops. All of the great new teas and the absolutely calorie-free yumminess!
Enjoy, MrsK
Meet the Author:
Laura Childs is the New York Times bestselling author of the Tea Shop Mysteries, Scrapbook Mysteries, and Cackleberry Club Mysteries. In her previous life, she was CEO/Creative Director of her own marketing firm and authored several screenplays. She is married to a professor of Chinese art history, loves to travel, rides horses, enjoys fundraising for various non-profits, and has two Chinese Shar-Pei dogs.
Francine Rivers
ISBN: 9781414370651
Publisher's Synopsis:
Once Leota’s garden was a place of beauty—where flowers bloomed and hope thrived. It was her refuge from the deep wounds inflicted by a devastating war, her sanctuary where she knelt before a loving God and prayed for the children who couldn’t understand her silent sacrifices.At eighty-four, Leota is alone, her beloved garden in ruins. All her efforts to reconcile with her adult children have been fruitless. She voices her despair to a loving Father, her only friend.
And God brings a wind of change through unlikely means: one, a college student who thinks he has all the answers; the other, the granddaughter Leota never hoped to know. But can the devastation wrought by keeping painful family secrets be repaired before she runs out of time?
"I come to the garden alone
While the dew is still on roses
And the voice I hear falling on my ear
The son of God discloses..."
MrsK's Review:
Leota has been a woman who nurtured her garden with hope, specialized attention, a beautiful design of color, and thoughtful conversations with her Lord. Just as Leota is entering her last season of life, she knows the sadness of a garden she can't take care of. The longing for a family that has a life of their own. The worst was the struggle with so many memories and only an empty house that is overflowing with eighty-four years of items. She had tried so hard to keep her family together... and failed so miserably. Will the rekindled hope of her granddaughter bring reconciliation with her daughter? Nora has learned the value of accepting what she can't change... yet will she find the joy necessary to move forward?
Corban is attending Berkeley. When his professor returns his proposal for the term paper, the grade is not what he expects. What does the Professor mean by "...it lacks the human element?" Walking thru his emotions, Corban has understood he needs to do a case study to understand how the elderly embrace life. With the guidance of Ruth, he agrees that the case study must be a woman. His next step is "who" that might be? Will Corban discover the truth about what the elderly need? Will he find his own pathway to a trusting truth found in an elderly woman?
Nora is Leota's daughter. Lack of control is not acceptable in any form. Common sense is what Nora prides herself in... after all... look at how she's created a life without her mother's influence. Yet, when her daughter informs her that she has other plans for her future. San Francisco nor God has any connection to her plans for her daughter's life. Will she finally let go of her past resentments and learn the value and joy of living by faith?
Anne is Nora's daughter. While attending a Christian summer camp, she began realizing that maybe there was a bigger plan for her life... at least bigger than the "elite" plans that her mother is determined to manipulate her into accepting. Breaking free will it be a "leap of faith," or will it become a wedge between them... just like her mother and grandmother? Will she stand strong against the "falsehood" of pleasing others?
Most everyone rekindles a gardener's heart once the winter's chill has moved into a season of springtime rebirth. The tempting call of renewing flower pots and hanging baskets lifts our souls. Many have found the blessed solace of "tending" a garden bed or pruning and reshaping those cherished trees and bushes that were planted years ago.
Leota's story is a bitter/sweet glimpse into a woman's life of unfolding truths. For this reader, I visited with Leota off and on for many moments during the latter days of my career... in the season over 60... and with children reaching their mid-life realizations... Leota's story found its mark every time. Areas of gratitude... moments that cracked my heart... insights into healing wounds that needed forgiveness. What I can assure you of... is a beautiful walk with a character that will remind you what it means to walk "seasoned" before our Lord...
MrsK
"...And he walks with me and he talks with me
And he tells me I am his own
And the joy we share as we tarry there
None other has ever known.
He speaks and the sound of his voice
Is so sweet, the birds hush their singing
And the melody that he gave to me
Within my heart is ringing.
And he walks with me and he talks with me
And he tells me I am his own
And the joy we share as we tarry there
None other has ever known.
Merle Haggard
Meet the Author:
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