"Satisfying "cozy" mystery."

Sidney Middleton is a quiet unprepossessing man whom everyone regards with sympathy and respect. When his son, David, seeks to have him placed in a retirement home far away, everyone is shocked and David is seen as a villain, anxious to get his hands on Sidney's money.

Sheila Malory is very firmly on Sidney's side, but as the cracks in Sidney's façade begin to appear, even she has her doubts. When Sidney is found dead from carbon monoxide poisoning, she begins to ask questions. One thing leads to another and a totally new and unrecognizable Sidney begins to form.

This is what's known as a cozy mystery. The kind you can read in front of a fire on a cold rainy day. It's a lovely little slice of English Christmas Fayres and Red Cross auctions amidst teas and constitutionals. I'm not a big fan of books that are composed of 90% dialog, but if this appeals to you, it's a good mystery with enough of a surprise at the end to satisfy most mystery lovers.

Reviewed by Lynne Dillon
Courtesy Old Book Barn Gazette
Posted February 17, 2004

Summary

"Sink comfortably with the heroine into a burnished old pub or a cup of tea."—Booklist

The entire village of Taviscombe is sent reeling when Sidney Middleton, a popular and respected pillar of the community, dies in a tragic accident. However, it soon becomes apparent that his death was a most deliberate act. How could someone so likable have any enemies—especially one driven to kill? Mrs. Malory is dead-set on finding out. But what she uncovers about Middleton could shock a lightning bolt. The seemingly respectable man had dark—even deadly—secrets. And suddenly she's looking at everyone through suspicion-tinted glasses...