Index to Murder

I have read almost all of the books in this series, and this one was just as enjoyable as the others. A charming protagonist (Helma Zukas, persnickety yet heartwarming librarian) solves another murder mystery done cozy-style (nothing gory or graphic). You don't have to read these in order, but be forewarned - if you start reading one, you'll want to read them all. And I highly recommend you do!

Once again unlikely friends Helma Zukas, a public librarian, and Ruth Winthrop, an artist, find themselves investigating two suspicious deaths. Ruth's recent break-up with on-again, off-again boyfriend Paul has left her feeling melancholy. She works out her feelings in a tell-all series of paintings for a new show. When two of her paintings are stolen from her home before the show's opening, Ruth asks her friend Helma to help her figure out who stole the paintings and why. The stolen paintings portray Ruth's relationships with two men, both of whom recently suffered fatal accidents. Could this be a coincidence, or were the accidents triggered by someone who wanted these men out of the way? Library director May Apple Moon features in a show more highly entertaining sub-plot involving an on-the-job injury. Both series fans and first-time Dereske readers should enjoy this latest Miss Zukas mystery. show less

Helma's friend Ruth is getting ready for an art show but two of her paintings have been stolen with a small strip of one of the paintings left behind. Helma and Ruth set out to do a little detecting as only the two of them can do. Meanwhile, back at the library "the Moonbeam" has a fall which sends her to a wheelchair which she uses to her advantage. Helma's apartment building goes up for sale, and Helma and the other tenants fear that they'll soon be looking for a new home as developers have shown interest in the property. All of this makes for a good read. This book probably deserves higher than a 3.5 rating in comparison to others in the cozy genre (probably a 4.5 at least) as it keeps one guessing right up to the moment Helma and show more Ruth determine who broke in. There are a couple of deaths involved as well. show less

Calm, precise, ordered Helma Zukas and her best friend, wild, crazy, artistic Ruth Withrop are trying to figure out who stole two of her paintings, and why. Helma works to solve the puzzle logically, Ruth goes on the attack first to another artist,then the wife of a murdered man as well as anyone else she thinks might help her find her paintings, even though she knows that one is damaged, a strip of canvas was left behind.

All the regular actors are here, Library Director Ms. Moon, police chief Wayne Gallant, detective Carter Houston, the rest of the library staff, along with Helma's mother and aunt.

I didn't even have the killer on my radar, let alone figure out any kind of a motive for the murders. I'll be very sad to get to the end of show more this series but have enjoyed spending time in Miss Zucas' world over the years. show less

Dear Ms. Dereske, oh pu-lease, don't let this end like the X-Files! When will you finally decide what to do with Helma's and Wayne's relationship? Eleven books, and we haven't really got any further ;-) I hope you are already plotting the next volume...