Book Review
14.) A Clue for the Puzzle Lady by Parnell Hall - (mystery)
In addition to re-reading a series in order, I've started on a new series as well. This is the first novel of the series. When a young woman is found murdered in a graveyard with a crossword puzzle clue in her hand, the chief of police asks "The Puzzle Lady", Cora Fenton, who publishes a national crossword puzzle column in the newspapers, for help. Unfortunately for him, Cora is a sweet, charming octogenarian who photographs well, interviews nicely, and can't solve a crossword puzzle to save her life. She's the professional public image for her niece Sherry, who's the real puzzle lady and in hiding from an abusive ex-husband. They're reluctant to help, because they don't want Dennis, the ex-husband to know where they live, but there's just something addictive about solving puzzles.
I liked the book. Cora solved the mystery before I did, and the author has you guessing right up to the end of the last chapter. There's also a real crossword puzzle to solve, but you have to read the novel to solve the clues. The violent ex-husband is somewhat reminiscent of the violent ex-husband from the Goldie's Catering mysteries by Diane Mott Davison. I'm willing to bet money at this point, that somewhere down the line, he ends up being the murder victim with the sleuth being the primary suspect, just like in the Goldie series. I'll be reading more of the series.
In addition to re-reading a series in order, I've started on a new series as well. This is the first novel of the series. When a young woman is found murdered in a graveyard with a crossword puzzle clue in her hand, the chief of police asks "The Puzzle Lady", Cora Fenton, who publishes a national crossword puzzle column in the newspapers, for help. Unfortunately for him, Cora is a sweet, charming octogenarian who photographs well, interviews nicely, and can't solve a crossword puzzle to save her life. She's the professional public image for her niece Sherry, who's the real puzzle lady and in hiding from an abusive ex-husband. They're reluctant to help, because they don't want Dennis, the ex-husband to know where they live, but there's just something addictive about solving puzzles.
I liked the book. Cora solved the mystery before I did, and the author has you guessing right up to the end of the last chapter. There's also a real crossword puzzle to solve, but you have to read the novel to solve the clues. The violent ex-husband is somewhat reminiscent of the violent ex-husband from the Goldie's Catering mysteries by Diane Mott Davison. I'm willing to bet money at this point, that somewhere down the line, he ends up being the murder victim with the sleuth being the primary suspect, just like in the Goldie series. I'll be reading more of the series.