I’ve been hearing about McCrumb’s mysteries for a long time but had never read one. I saw this one available for checkout at the library and grabbed it on a whim. I have to say I can’t quite see the attraction. The protagonist, amateur sleuth Elizabeth McPherson, was characterized as a spacy airhead who didn’t seem capable of detecting her own hand held in front of her face, let alone catching a murderer. I can only assume the series improved after this first entry, but I probably won’t be continuing with it. At that, it’s a relief not to have one more series to worry about. ( )

Slow starter, A 100, Possibly try the next

This is a bit of an odd book all the way around. It's got some of the things I love in the Ballad books--all the throwaway details that breathe life into a small-town setting, some gorgeous language, and bits of sparkling wit that are great fun to read. But as a mystery it's never elevated beyond 'okay' for me. Elizabeth makes an odd choice of protagonist; she's got some fun, interesting moments, but she never seems quite strong enough as a character to shoulder the book--much less an entire series--and her ultimate involvement with the mystery seems rather lacking.

It's not a bad book, but not interesting enough to hook me on the MacPherson series. I'll stick with Nora Bonesteel and the Ballad novels, and would certainly recommend that first-time McCrumb readers save MacPherson entries for later. This is not the best introduction to a remarkable author. ( )

This is a charming Americanized version of the classic estate murder mystery. ELizabeth goes to her rich relatives” estate for the marriage of her cousin. There is a ensemble of strange characters, the isolation of a country estate, and , of course, a murder.McCrumb tosses in enough humor to make this a thoroughly enjoyable cozy myster, ( )

When delicate Eileen Chandler is set to marry, her family fears the man is a fortune hunter. Thank goodness, Eileen's cousin Elizabeth MacPherson comes early for support. Unfortunately, Elizabeth also has some detecting to do, as a dead body is found, and none of the wedding party is above suspicion.

Easy paced murder mystery with a well-developed plot and a cast of fully developed characters. Elizabeth is the narrator and as she relates the events up to and since the murder of her cousin Eileen, allowing the reader to follow the clues. An enjoyable reading experience I can recommend to anyone who likes a well-crafted mystery. ( )