Abigail Keam

I found this book a page-turner, and I've started in on the second in the series.

Keam evokes the bluegrass country vividly, both its ecosystems and its bucolic-over-undercurrents human society. Keam clearly knows her stuff about beekeeping (we also keep bees), and it was nice to see that relayed accurately for a change!

In the reviews I've seen, the main quibble seems to be about the "cliffhanger" ending. OK, technically it's a cliffhanger...but since this is Book 1 in a series of (at this show more writing) 9, I think it is fairly obvious that Josiah does not die; no need to read the next one for that data.

Josiah is an interesting woman. She seems to be an introvert in the way I am; not hostile to company, but even though we enjoy the people we like, socializing can be a strain. She's a great mix of smart and naive, and wise and petty, and learns from the past even as current events kick her around. I find some of Keam's choices to be fascinating- like putting Josiah into a very architechturally-conceptual house, that is now desperately needing repairs. And the hints given make me long to know more about her daughter!

This is not a cozy. The characters have edges, and events spin out in ways that are more noir than cozy. I liked that! Especially when the end didn't roll up more tightly than real life ever allows to happen. And it's not spoon-fed to the reader- we have to pay attention and figure things out. I like that, too! show less

Murder Under a Western Moon by Abigail Keam is an entertaining tale. I enjoyed meeting Mona Moon and her new hubby, Robert Farley (Duke of Brynelleth). Mona is a dynamic and forceful woman. She is also smart and determined. I like Mona’s unique looks. They make her stand out wherever she goes (which can make it difficult if she wishes to be incognito). The mystery was interesting. I enjoyed following Mona and her entourage as they worked to find out who was behind the misdeeds at the mine. show more I liked the fact that there was lots of action. It kept the story lively. The mystery is wrapped up with an interesting resolution. I appreciated the humor throughout the book. I laughed, chuckled, and giggled. I loved the descriptions of Mona’s clothes. She has a beautiful wardrobe. I liked that the author included historical characters in the story. I can tell that she did her research into mining and the time period. Murder Under a Western Moon is the eleventh A Mona Moon Mystery, but I had no problem reading it on its own. This was a cute, lighthearted cozy mystery. Murder Under a Western Moon is an upbeat tale with a troubling telegram, copper mine conundrum, delectable baked goods, an enlightening tea party, appalling prices, a trap to catch a rat, and hopefully a honeymoon. show less

I do enjoy a good cozy mystery now and then and have read some of Abigail Keam’s work. I enjoyed her writing, so when I saw Death By Theft, about a foal being stolen, I wanted to check it out for myself.

I really liked Asa, a complicated character that doesn’t seek out danger, but can be counted on to find out answers, especially when her family and friends have a problem. Josiah is a bit on the nosy side and dead bodies seem to appear whenever she is around.

I’ve mentioned the show more characters that stood out to me, but there are plenty more that have their place, adding depth to the story. After all, the more, the merrier, right?

Are the theft of the foal and the murder of Juan Gomez connected? Seems logical to me that they would be. But why? As the mystery unfolds, we have enough suspects to muddy the waters and things are not always as they appear to be.

When the Last Chance Mote in Key Largo is mentioned, I do remember a trip I took there, in The Mermaid’s Carol…and I enjoyed it very much. It is a magical place where you can relax and rejuvenate. Asa and her mother need it, after solving the mystery of the theft of the foal and the death of Juan Gomez.

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Favorite Quotes:

...her house of ill repute was considered the most orderly of disorderly houses.”

The British were just as snobbish as American Southerners, but they were more polite about it.

Who fibbed saying you were good- looking? You have a face for scrubbing pots.

Dorothy, if you said something nice about anyone, your tongue would fall out.

You should run for office. Talk about riding the horse back to the barn. I’m surprised you didn’t ask them for money since you greased them up show more so.

My Review:

Mona Moon is one of my favorite characters; she is full of spunk and a woman ahead of her time, with a bank full of money, striking looks, and cleverly etched characteristics. I always enjoy reading Ms. Keam’s cozy mysteries as she weaves in actual history and known figures into her entertaining tales. This one had the infamous and snarky Alice Roosevelt and Dorothy Parker wittily snapping at each other. What fun! show less