Cathy C. (cathyskye) -
Wow! In Absence of Alice, Sherry Harris takes the standard framework of a cozy and turns it on its head, making it one of the best books I've read this year. Harris's Garage Sale series has become one of my go-to cozy series because of her cast of characters, her nuggets of garage sale information, and her intriguing mysteries, but this one is on a whole new level. I don't expect edge-of-your-seat suspense and tension when I read a cozy, but it's certainly front and center in Absence of Alice. I was genuinely worried about what was going to happen to Sarah's friend Stella. The kidnapper seemed to know everything Sarah did and everyone she spoke to, and Sarah's emotions at not being able to confide in her nearest and dearest touched my heart.
I was so happy to see that my wish came true after reading the previous book in the series, Sell Low, Sweet Harriet. I wanted more of Harriet, and I got it in Absence of Alice. And-- wonder of wonders-- Harris managed to distract me enough that when the kidnapper's identity was revealed, I was totally gobsmacked. That very seldom ever happens, so I'm always thrilled when it does.
Author Sherry Harris stretches the limits of the typical cozy mystery by putting her main character in an extraordinary position and making her fight her way to the conclusion, but she still remains true to the form. My eyes even welled with (happy) tears at the end, so be forewarned and have tissues handy. Don't worry if you haven't read a Sarah Winston Garage Sale mystery before. Harris gives you the information you need to keep up with the story and let me tell you, this is a story that I don't want you to miss!
(Review copy courtesy of the publisher and Net Galley)
I was so happy to see that my wish came true after reading the previous book in the series, Sell Low, Sweet Harriet. I wanted more of Harriet, and I got it in Absence of Alice. And-- wonder of wonders-- Harris managed to distract me enough that when the kidnapper's identity was revealed, I was totally gobsmacked. That very seldom ever happens, so I'm always thrilled when it does.
Author Sherry Harris stretches the limits of the typical cozy mystery by putting her main character in an extraordinary position and making her fight her way to the conclusion, but she still remains true to the form. My eyes even welled with (happy) tears at the end, so be forewarned and have tissues handy. Don't worry if you haven't read a Sarah Winston Garage Sale mystery before. Harris gives you the information you need to keep up with the story and let me tell you, this is a story that I don't want you to miss!
(Review copy courtesy of the publisher and Net Galley)
Brenda H. (booksinvt) -
Absence of Alice is the ninth installment in the Sarah Winston Garage Sale Mystery series set in Ellington, Massachusetts and featuring garage sale organizer, Sarah Winston. Business is booming and Sarah is looking forward to hosting an antique sale for Alice Krandle and preparing for her own two year anniversary sale to be held on the Town Common.
Sarah receives a phone call from a creepy man who informs her that he's kidnapped her landlady Stella Wild. The man says that Sarah can't call the police, tell her DA boyfriend Seth or clue in her reputed mobster neighbor, Mike "the Big Cheese" Titone. The kidnapper soon has Sarah playing a dangerous game of cat and mouse with an ongoing Alice in Wonderland theme. People are turning up dead and Sarah, knowing she needs to act quickly to find Stella, enlists the help of retired FBI hostage negotiator and her part time employee, Harriet Ballou to track down a killer.
A chilling mystery with a surprise ending will have you holding your breath as y0u turn the pages. The plot is a little darker and heavier than the usual cozy but makes for a terrific rainy afternoon read. This is a great addition to the series and readers will enjoy catching up with the residents of Ellington.
Sarah receives a phone call from a creepy man who informs her that he's kidnapped her landlady Stella Wild. The man says that Sarah can't call the police, tell her DA boyfriend Seth or clue in her reputed mobster neighbor, Mike "the Big Cheese" Titone. The kidnapper soon has Sarah playing a dangerous game of cat and mouse with an ongoing Alice in Wonderland theme. People are turning up dead and Sarah, knowing she needs to act quickly to find Stella, enlists the help of retired FBI hostage negotiator and her part time employee, Harriet Ballou to track down a killer.
A chilling mystery with a surprise ending will have you holding your breath as y0u turn the pages. The plot is a little darker and heavier than the usual cozy but makes for a terrific rainy afternoon read. This is a great addition to the series and readers will enjoy catching up with the residents of Ellington.
