Kathleen Delaney

Ellen MacKenzie has moved back home after a divorce and recently gotten a job as a real estate broker. But when she goes to show her first home she discovers the bloody corpse of Hank Sawyer, a local contractor, in the closet. Once the police arrive she finds out that the chief turns out to be the boy she grew up to next door, Dan Dunham.

While she has no plans to even investigate the murder, she finds out that the main suspect is another broker that she knows just wouldn't commit this show more crime. So she decides to ask a few questions and see if she can find a more likely suspect. But while it appears that Hank didn't have any real enemies, there were a few feathers he ruffled in the process of a new store coming to town, one that would have changed things in their little burg. Did one of those against this development kill him? Ellie will have to put her life on the line to find out...

This is an older book and since it's been sitting on my bookshelf for awhile I decided to read it, and I'm glad I did. It was done nicely, with a good plot line and no real 'evil' people, which was a change. Although the actual killer wasn't that hard to figure out, the process behind it was a delight to read.

There was plenty of intrigue, although not a lot of 'action' and I liked the fact that the police weren't bumbling idiots; even though we knew that Ellie and Dan would eventually 'connect' he actually acted like a police chief and didn't involve her in the case (asking her to help as others do, hint, hint) nor would he discuss it with her (much). So that was a welcome change.

Another thing I liked is that Ellie actually wears makeup instead of "throwing on a little lip gloss" and thinking she looks great. All lip gloss does is make you look like you haven't wiped your mouth after drinking a glass of water. It doesn't count as makeup. (Don't get me wrong; I get that some women wear minimal makeup, and that's fine as it's their choice; but lip gloss doesn't count as minimal makeup; it's non-existent). Just my opinion.

That being said, there were enough likable characters in the book that I will read the next in the series and see where it goes, as Ellie is a smart woman who isn't invasive in her questioning, and that's nice to see. It was a quick read but a pleasant mystery where even though you could pretty much see the end, was still entertaining. Recommended. show less

Mary McGill has a cocker spaniel named Millie. They witness a bank robbery on Halloween night and find themselves looking for clues to help find the culprit. This is my first book by Kathleen Delaney. The main character is cute and provides insight into little noticed clues. The plot itself was nicely done and the end result unexpected. It made for a nice weekend read.

I love a cozy mystery with great local color, interesting characters and a sleuth that is determined to find out just whodunit. Murder by Syllabub fits the bill. Ellen Mackenzie is ever loyal to her family and friends, so when she finds herself in the midst of a murder mystery involving her Aunt Mary’s long time friend, Elizabeth, she is determined that the right person should be brought to justice. The investigation kept me interested, but it was the setting of colonial Williamsburg and show more its environs that kept me turning the pages. A very modern story, the look back at the culture and customs of colonial America was great. Delaney really did her homework! And although I did have an inkling on who the true murderer was, there was enough doubt that kept it interesting. Part of a series, Murder by Syllabub can be read as a standalone. Please note: there was a good bit of mild profanity. All in all a very enjoyable read!

(Thanks to Partners in Crime for my review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.) show less

Lori Latimer I received an e-book edition of [b:Curtains for Miss Plym: A Canine Mystery|26515222|Curtains for Miss Plym A Canine Mystery|Kathleen Delaney|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1444694013s/26515222.jpg|46507844] by [a: Kathleen Delaney|979259|Kathleen Delaney|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png] in exchange for an honest review. Severn House Publishers approved this via NetGalley.

[b: Curtains for Miss Plym: A Canine show more Mystery|26515222|Curtains for Miss Plym A Canine Mystery|Kathleen Delaney|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1444694013s/26515222.jpg|46507844], is a cozy mystery.

I did not expect to love this book.

After I followed Mary and Millie into the church hall, where they found Miss Plym's body, I was hooked.

Mary McGill has had over sixty years to perfect making tea. She and her adopted companion; Millie the Cocker Spaniel, make a good team.

Excitement is in every nook and cranny, as Mary gathers clues. Staying busy, she helps her friends in the Santa Louisa community.

Reading this novel took me back to my youth when I read my first Agatha Christie mystery, except this is a modern mystery. "Curtains..." is not out of touch, Mary McGill is toting an iPhone and dialing 911.

I fell in love with Mary McGill's character. She is strong, and as an amateur detective she is tireless in her efforts to benefit the community. There were twists and surprises.

Mary sometimes solves mysteries in her sleep. Our hero is over seventy years old. She is active, and handles herself against a violent killer.

I recommend this to anyone who loves a cozy mystery, and will ask our library to add it to our collection.

Kathleen Delaney has a new fan. The writing is good, and there were no formatting errors. Except for murder and larceny, the content is clean. (less) show less