Dianne Ascroft

Lois Stone has moved into a century old home in the small town of Fenwater northwest of Toronto following encouragement of her friend and former neighbor Marge Kirkwood. Lois is excited about her move to a century old home as she hasn’t felt safe in her old neighborhood since the loss of her husband after his death of a heart attack precipitated by a mugging. The presence of a ghost in the old house with a little assistance from one of Lois’ cats keeps her safe in her new home.

Of interest…
• First in a new series.
• Investigation of a theft rather than a murder investigation.
• Enjoyed the friendship between Lois and Marge.
• The twist of a missing pocket watch that survived the sinking of the Titanic.

I had looked forward to reading this series but it moved forward at a dawdling pace. Having Marge keep silent about the theft kept any law enforcement at bay but it made little sense that Marge was trusting Lois to retrieve the valuable stolen watch with her friend being new to the town and with no history of successful sleuthing. Learning that Lois can play bagpipes and may join the local bagpipe band was interesting. However, it seemed the author wanted to "WoW!" the reader with character Lois naming a plethora of individual tunes. I was ready for the cozy to end and I don’t anticipate continuing to read the series.… (plus d'informations)

“A Timeless Celebration” is the first book I read by Dianne Ascroft, and the first in this series. I absolutely loved the main characters Lois and Marge. However, the plot seemed to plod in some spots, and I guessed the culprit early on in the book. I was amazed that the lady sleuths could not see it! In addition, they did not go to the police upon discovering the theft of the antique watch, but tried to solve it themselves. This was a real strain of credulity. The final wrap up scene in which the culprit was caught was way too long and drawn out. I also had a hard time keeping track of the characters at the beginning. A list of them and their roles would help.

I liked the small town setting and basic storyline, as well as the characters and the set up for future novels in the series. I just hope the writing is better.

I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.… (plus d'informations)

cozy-mystery, amateur-sleuth, women-sleuths, theft, the-pipes, Canada *****

Marge and Lois are good friends and I'd love to meet them! The publisher's blurb covers the early basics of the plot, so there's no need to repeat it only to add this Canadian town was settled by Scots and I love that there is a bagpipe band. The pace of the book is rather deliberate rather than the frantic pace I might prefer at another time, and the hints of supernatural activities don't beat one over the head trying to prove something. Bottom line is that I loved it, don't do spoilers, and will look for more by the author!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from BooksGoSocial via NetGalley. Thank you!… (plus d'informations)

A Timeless Celebration by Dianne Ascroft is the first novel in A Century Cottage Cozy Mystery. Lois Stone and her two cats have moved to Fenwater, Canada into a stone home that is just over a hundred years old (called a century house). She needed to get away from Toronto after the death of her husband, James who died of a heart attack after being mugged. Lois is happy to be living near her best friend, Marge Kirkwood again who works part-time at Oatka Museum and Archives. Marge has invited Lois to the opening ceremony of Fenwater’s Sesquicentennial Celebration Week at the museum. Before the ceremony begins, Marge takes Lois to her office to show her the museum’s latest donation which is an antique watch that had belonged to a Titanic survivor. The watch will be presented at the closing ceremony in one week, and then put in a special display case. Marge is responsible for the watch until that time (you can see where this is headed). At Marge’s request, Lois takes photos of the event for the museum. After the ceremony, Marge notices the watch is missing from her desk (in an unlocked office). The loss of the watch could cause Marge her job and affect the future of the museum. Lois is not about to let her friend take the blame and assures her that they will find the watch before the presentation. Lois sets out to explore her new town and discover who stole the valuable watch. Thus, begins a week of sweet treats, questioning suspects, cute cats, the drugging of the Titanic expert, making new friends, intruders, another theft, and the discovery of an unusual ghost. Can this duo find the watch in time?

A Timeless Celebration has the unique setting of Fenwater, Canada. A small town with quaint shops, a local diner, friendly citizens and beautiful old stone century homes. Lois Stone is in her 50s and has been a widow for three years. She wants a fresh start and liked what Marge had to say about Fenwater. When Lois saw the advertisement for the house, she bought it immediately. Lois is a smart woman and brave to make such a big life change. I did find her aloof which balanced with Marge’s outgoing and friendly personality. When the watch goes missing, Lois is quick to step up and offer to help her friend. I was surprised that such a valuable artifact was kept in an unlocked desk in an unlocked office. Lois’ investigation has her making a list potential suspects with Marge’s assistance (people who were at the event) and then she starts asking questions. It gives Lois a chance to explore the town, meet people and find the thief. The culprit is easy to identify thanks to the pointed clues. I was disappointed that the theft was not completely resolved. There was still a big question looming at the end of the story. Lois can play the bagpipes, but she has not since her husband’s death. She gets involved with the local band which allows her to interact with suspects and readers to get learn all about bagpipes. A Timeless Celebration is a gently paced story with detailed descriptions. The story takes a interesting turn when Lois discovers an unusual ghost inhabits her home. This ghost helps keep Lois safe and aids in the solving the crime. Lois’ cats are adorable and good judges of characters. A Timeless Celebration is a laid-back cozy mystery set in a quaint small town and includes two cuddly felines, an unexpected apparition, a good friend, a century home, and timely theft.… (plus d'informations)