I finally gave up on this book. The numerous one-liner references to real mysteries and their writers and protagonists just got to be too much for me. Must paragraphs have at least one metaphor or simile to slug through. Follow that with a character who writes messages to all and sundry using watercolor flowers as stand-ins for words and I met my Waterloo. I believe this is the first of a series of books with the term "Dead" in the title. I wanted to like it, but sadly could not stay the course.
The Death on Demand series is excellent. I highly recommend it.
More fun sleuthing with some surprising twists from a popular author.
From back cover: Murder is, surprisingly, not all that uncommon on tiny Broward's Rock, an idyllic sea island community off the South Carolina coast. Annie Darling's popular mystery bookshop, Death on Demand, is where the locals come to discuss the juicy details of each criminal offense--under the watchful gaze of a pampered feline prima donna named Agatha. But now Annie's dear friend (... more »and best customer) Henny Brawley stands accused of murdering a Women's Club volunteer-cum-blackmailer. So Annie rouses her husband Max into action, and together they dive into the shark pool of dotty eccentrics and imperious belles who constitute the island's smart set. Because only there can the Darlings prove hapless Henny innocent--by determining who among the well-heeled had the dirtiest little secret...and would kill to protect it
From back cover: Murder is, surprisingly, not all that uncommon on tiny Broward's Rock, an idyllic sea island community off the South Carolina coast. Annie Darling's popular mystery bookshop, Death on Demand, is where the locals come to discuss the juicy details of each criminal offense--under the watchful gaze of a pampered feline prima donna named Agatha. But now Annie's dear friend (... more »and best customer) Henny Brawley stands accused of murdering a Women's Club volunteer-cum-blackmailer. So Annie rouses her husband Max into action, and together they dive into the shark pool of dotty eccentrics and imperious belles who constitute the island's smart set. Because only there can the Darlings prove hapless Henny innocent--by determining who among the well-heeled had the dirtiest little secret...and would kill to protect it
Ivy M. (Luvbug) -
There are good things that I liked and bad things that were annoying about this book.
Good: The story was very well written and I really enjoyed not knowing for sure what was going to happen next. Annie keeps right on getting herself into all kinds of trouble and Max keeps getting her out of it. Just about the time I thought I might know who the killer was another clue was dropped that through my guess all out of whack.
Bad: The constant reference to other books and authors was annoying to say the least. I wish that Hart would stop dropping names all of the time and just write her story. The constant name dropping detracted from the story...it was as if she wanted to make sure you knew that she was well read and new her mystery writers.
That being said, I just tried to ignore the name dropping and enjoy the story.
Good: The story was very well written and I really enjoyed not knowing for sure what was going to happen next. Annie keeps right on getting herself into all kinds of trouble and Max keeps getting her out of it. Just about the time I thought I might know who the killer was another clue was dropped that through my guess all out of whack.
Bad: The constant reference to other books and authors was annoying to say the least. I wish that Hart would stop dropping names all of the time and just write her story. The constant name dropping detracted from the story...it was as if she wanted to make sure you knew that she was well read and new her mystery writers.
That being said, I just tried to ignore the name dropping and enjoy the story.
Linda L. (lakelinda) reviewed White Elephant Dead (Death on Demand, Bk 11) on + 108 more book reviews
Part of the wonderful light reading mystery series of Annie and Max Darling
Mystery book shop owner Annie Darling is involved in another mystery. Her best friend,Henny,is accused of murder and it is up to Annie and her husband Max to clear her name. Carolyn Hart is one of my favorite "cozy" mystery writers and I always enjoy her books.
Virginia W. (geepers13) reviewed White Elephant Dead (Death on Demand, Bk 11) on + 47 more book reviews
Annie's friend and best customer stands accused of murdering a volunteer/blackmailer. Can Annie and her husband, Max, prove Henny innocent?
In the Death on Demand Mystery series, actual mysteries are mentioned throughout the book. I keep a list. Some I'm not familiar with, but have turned out to be good.
In the Death on Demand Mystery series, actual mysteries are mentioned throughout the book. I keep a list. Some I'm not familiar with, but have turned out to be good.
