MacPherson's Lament

Although this is actually the sixth book in the Elizabeth MacPherson series, it’s the first I have read. Like some Hercule Poirot novels, the sleuth herself, although a first-person narrator, does not appear until midway through, after her brother has gotten himself into far too much trouble. He was negotiating the sale of a house for a group of elderly daughters of the Confederacy, only to find out, after it has gone through, that the ladies have fled (he is even suspected of murdering them) and the house had already been claimed by the state under eminent domain. Normally, I’m a fan of “cozy” or old-fashioned mysteries featuring detectives like Miss Marple, Kate Fansler, or Lord Peter Wimsey. My tastes in mysteries are show more escapist, not realist. Among that class, though, I demand good writing and interesting characters (I tire quickly of Aunt Dimity). This book has that to offer, in the form of a treasure-hunting millionaire, a female lawyer who moonlights as a Civil War reenactor, and a gaggle of old ladies on the lam and wanted for fraud. If you like this kind of thing, this novel is a lot of fun. Among the better entries in its genre. show less

I hadn't read this one previously either. It was amusing - the little old ladies were quite clever! I liked the interplay of civil war scenes with modern scenes - along with the flavor of civil war re-enactments. Ms. McCrumb does a good job of giving the reader a sense of Southern culture.

Elizabeth MacPherson tries to save her brother Bill, who is charged with real estate fraud, amongst Civil War secrets. Average. While these mysteries have some funny moments, I don't like them that much. They are okay, but they don't compel me to re-read.

Elizabeth's brother is set up by Confederate widows

Gripping muder mystery! Beginning of the MacPherson series. LOVED it!!!!