Penelope SothebyCritiques

This was my first book by author Penelope Sotheby and it was good. It was a very fast read as it’s a short book. The premise of the book is very good. Anna Winters, an event planner, is in Bermuda at a fancy resort for a very expensive wedding. Somehow, the groom dies and for some reason it’s up to Anna to figure out who did it in order to save her job. I didn’t understand that part at all but just let it go. The book started slow for me but I got into it and thought it was good. As a mystery, it had twist and turns and you may be surprised by the ending.

This wasn’t the best book I’ve ever read but I will try reading this author again.

I received this free book from the author for downloading. It is shorter than most novellas and can be easily read in one relatively short sitting. I found the writing a bit clipped as though someone were checking off the facts in their case book. I much prefer more poetic and atmospheric prose even for police procedurals, of which this was a cozy version.

STORY-LINE MURDER IN THE MANSION BY PENELOPE SOTHEBY:

In Murder In The Mansion, we find cheating husband Todd Nelson, on the phone with his lover, Tiffany. Knowing something's going on, his wife wealthy Jillian Wilmington Nelson, listens on an extension. The fight which follows, between Todd and Jillian, leaves her paralyzed and bed ridden after she tumbles down the stairs. Knowing Todd's only after her money, she contacts her cousin, Rachel, to come and help her. Locking herself in her bedroom, changing the locks, refusing Todd admittance, she wants to make him pay for his attempt to kill her. Rachel takes over the reins of Jillian's care. Hiring a nurse, Clare Wharton and maid, Peggy Talbot, they and Rachel care for Jillian.

When Jillian suspiciously dies, the fur hits the fan. Clare finds herself charged with murder and Daniel Swift, attorney, finds himself in the middle of a murder investigation and trial. Why did a healthy woman died so suddenly? She should have lived into old age even though paralyzed. The nurse denies responsibility, yet, strangely some of Jillian's jewelery's found in her room. Will Daniel find the real killer or will he find Nurse Clare's the killer? My mystery book review of Murder In The Mansion follows.

CHARACTERS, PLOTTING, DEVELOPMENT:

Murder In The Mansion, full of twists and turns, mystery, and varied suspects, will grab your attention immediately. As you know, mysteries are one of my favorite genre; this book hit the spot. Sotheby skillfully leads the reader through this investigation and trial. Surprises are in store in this fast paced mystery.

Jillian, you'll love; a woman deceived by her husband, who you'll hate. Sotheby created really unlikable characters in Todd and Tiffany. Selfish, self-centered, and deceiving, I really did not like them at all. Clare, although a nurse, I felt did not quite live in the real world. She seems a little simple at times, yet, kind and compassionate. Rachel's character's one of helpfulness; ready to do anything for Jillian. A wealthy heiress murdered, who has the most to gain from her death? A varied cast of characters, will you choose the correct killer? Sorry, you will have to read the book to find out.

With well-developed characters, an intriguing story line, and pacing which starts at a fast clip and continues, I read this book in one sitting. Perfect for a lazy afternoon spent with a victim, murder suspects, surprises, and twists and turns. Sotheby held the murderer close to her chest and when revealed, my mouth feel open. I closed this book impatient to read another offering from Sotheby. I would not hesitate to buy this clean mystery novel for myself or a friend.
MURDER IN THE MANSION RECOMMENDATION: STARS 4

FINALLY, PLEASE NOTE

In addition, I received this book from the author and chose to voluntarily review the book with an honest mystery book review. Lastly, book reviews of any novel are dependent on the book review author’s opinion. Consequently, all book reviews on-line and on my blog, are my opinions. No one influenced my voluntary mystery book review.

Another wonderful cozy village mystery by favorite author Penelope Sotheby. I love these shorter length mysteries that can fill an afternoon with wonderful reading. I enjoy the recurring characters and Diane Dimbleby is a gem. There are a few authors that really excel at these mysteries and Penelope Sotheby is one. If you want the feel of the old classic mysteries of the past, overlaid with some witty humor and an intrepid heroine, you will definitely want to check out "Murder in the Mail," and everything else this author writes.

"Murder in the Village" is a fun and fast-paced entry in Penelope Sotheby’s Diane Dimbleby cozy mystery series. Each entry in this series is an outstanding example of the quintessential English mystery. Ms. Sotheby manages to maintain the plot while retaining the feel of a sleepy little village. Diane is a wonderful character and all the people in it are quirky and memorable and provide delightful light-hearted humor. The author also managed a few surprises because I didn't have an inkling of whodunit. I highly recommend you settle in with a cup of tea for this enjoyable read.

"Murder in the Hotel" is another great mystery by Penelope Sotheby. A bit different than her other cozy village mysteries, this one takes a more hardboiled, procedural route. Daniel Swift, and his assistant Kristie Starr, put me in mind of Perry Mason and his loyal assistant Della Street. I loved the interaction between the two and how she seemed to know exactly what he wanted almost before he even asked. Just like her Diane Dimbleby mysteries, this one is fast-paced and very enjoyable. I, for one, am glad to see a new series like this and can't wait for the next one.

About the only thing positive that can be said about this novella is that it is short. Anna Winters is on the special event staff of a resort in Bermuda. A person eats a piece of poisoned cake. Anna finds her job on the line. She is given a short time in which to solve the murder or lose her job. The entire action and plot of this novel is implausible and boring. Anna is not an interesting detective, and her character is not fully developed. Readers see very little of the real detectives investigating in this case unless Anna is putting herself at risk. I'm glad this was free on Kindle because it is not worth paying any amount to read. If it had not been so short, I would have abandoned it. I will not be continuing with the series even though it promises other interesting destinations. The destination of this would could have been anywhere. That aspect was not even developed!

This is really more like a short story than a novella as it was called. It is set on Graham Island off Canada's west coast. One of the guests at an inn was found murdered and an investigation pursues. It is not well-developed, lacks action, and lacks interesting conversation when conversation is what seems to drive the plot. I received this as a free download from the author's web site as a bonus for downloading another novella from Kindle. I decided to read this before the other novella because it was written first. I can only hope the other one is more stimulating.