Kristina A. reviewed on 9/14/2019 + 1528 more book reviews

Remembering the Dead by Elizabeth J. Duncan is the tenth A Penny Brannigan Mystery. Emyr Gruffydd is going to host a dinner in honor of the hundredth anniversary of Armistice Day and he has asked Penny Brannigan to help organize the event. There will be a display of World War I artifacts plus the newly restored Black Chair that was awarded posthumously to Welsh poet Hedd Wyn in 1917. When they remove the black drape from the bardic chair, they find it is gone. Penny is looking for Lane Hardwick who disappeared during the dinner service and discovers one of the waiter's dead outside. The waiter is Rhodri Phillips, the nephew of her spa receptionist, Rhian who asks Penny to investigate. Remembering the Dead can be read as a standalone for those who are new to the series, but I would recommend reading The Cold Light of Mourning first which will introduce you to the series. I thought the book was well-written with developed characters. Mrs. Lloyd, Jimmy and Dilys are back. Mrs. Lloyd is the town busy body. She likes to attend the big events and know the latest gossip. Jimmy provides insight on the theft of the chair (being a former thief himself). Dilys is an unconventional woman who roams the area and drinks an herbal tea that is unappealing. We meet Riley who is staying in the traveller's encampment near Penny's house and a talented artist. It was interesting to learn about the Black Chair and the poet, Hedd Wyn. It would have been helpful if there had been a pronunciation guide for the Welsh names. Elizabeth J. Duncan is a descriptive writer which allows the reader to imagine the characters and the scenes, but it does slow down the pacing. The mystery is multifaceted with a twist or two. I like how it all tied together in the end, but I did feel it could have used a little tweaking. There were some tense moments that will have you quickly flipping the pages. Solving the mystery, though, is not a challenge. There are lovely cozy moments and the tea was hot and abundant. Reading Remembering the Dead is a pleasing way to spend a quiet afternoon. Remembering the Dead is a diverting cozy mystery with a delicious dinner, a misplaced bardic chair, encamped traveller's, a wandering waiter, a lost coffee aficionado, and one kindhearted sleuth.

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