Van Reid

I just re-read this book for the second or third time, and I've enjoyed it more each time I've read it. (The series, in fact, is on my wish list. I don't want to own every book I read, so the fact that this title qualifies tells you something.)

Set in the last 1890s in Maine, "Cordelia Underwood" (and, in fact, all of the Moosepath League novels) have it all: mystery, romance, adventure, humor--

I think it's the humor I love most of all. Sometimes it's simply the joy that the characters find show more in life and in each other. Other times it's the confusion that arises from hearts so pure as to be naive crossing paths with shady characters. And then there's the fun that the witty have in verbal sparring with each other. Not forgetting the obvious affection that the author has for his characters. (For me, it's very reminiscent of Wodehouse writing about Bertie Wooster.)

Reid creates the most wonderful characters: some naive, some wise, some witty, some honest, (some not), some young, some old. But all so real that they come to life.

In fact, I have a hard time reading other books after I've read one of Reid's Moosepath League stories because my imagination is loathe to let characters go--I tend to be disappointed not to find them. It's really not fair to other stories. show less

The first installment of the Moosepath League series is, frankly, a delight to read. It's a drink of old-fashioned lemonade on a July day. July, incidentally, is when the action of this novel takes place: in the year of our Lord 1896. The plot moves along swiftly and there is some Keystone Kops sort of mayhem with the members of the Moosepath League, and it can be as nostalgic as a barbershop quartet at times, but I enjoyed the characters and the interweaving of plot strands. I'll be paying show more the League another visit. show less

[Cordelia Underwood: Or, the Marvelous Beginnings of the Moosepath League] by Van Reid
4.5★’s

From The Book:
Step back in time to Portland, Maine, in 1896. When the young, beautiful, redheaded Cordelia Underwood inherits a parcel of land from her seafaring uncle, it sets in motion a chain of events that leads to the unearthing of a family secret two centuries old. Cordelia soon crosses paths with Mister Tobias Walton and finds herself aided in her quest by the warmhearted gentleman, who has show more never heard of an adventure he isn't eager to join. Together with his hapless trio of friends, the Moosepath League, they embark on an entertaining and audacious adventure. Teeming with Cupid's arrows flying hither and yon, apparitions, a kidnapping, smuggling, and thievery, and filled with wonderment, romance, and adventure, [Cordelia Underwood] is a splendid yarn of the old-fashioned variety.

My Thoughts:
The book takes place in a much gentler by- gone time of1896 among the well-to-do of Portland Maine. It’s a romance, a treasure hunt, and a mystery all rolled into one beautiful package…with a touch of modern humor and sensibility. I stumbled onto this intriguing book as a recommendation as a Blind Date With a Book from “tealady” one of my friends. The story is character-driven from beginning to end....and what fascinating characters and great tales they do tell. Everyone from 10 to 100 will absolutely love it and I am looking forward to making friends with the remainder of the series. show less

"Ever to the fore", the Moosepath League once again sets out on a series of breathless adventures which begin when Thump rescues a policeman from a falling piano. Setting out to rescue the beautiful ascensionist Mrs. Roberto, for whom Thump nurses a secret admiration, he rushes off with Ephram and Eagleton to her aid; along the way, they raise an army of hoboes, help put out a fire in a burning ice house, help the police arrest looters and save a young woman from a burning building. show more Meanwhile, Tobias Walton and Sundry Moss try to help a farmer's family determine why their watch-pig has become so melancholy. An unexpected elopement brings them to the fire and a welcome reunion of the League.

Sounds goofy, doesn't it? The book is so gentle, kind and good-humored that you can't help but love it and its characters. I love this charming, whimsical series. show less