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mbenzz's review
4.0
This is my second Ms.Valentine novella and, while predictable, I still liked it. Not quite as much as 'Ghosts of a Beach Town in Winter', but only because that story had an ending I didn't see coming.
I will say though that the main character of this story, Mattie, was much more likable than Layla (from GOABTIW), as was her husband Stan, and the story moved along at a nice pace. While some things you could see a mile away (like the mystery of the knitted sweaters, and the identity of Mattie's Grandmother), the very end did hold a surprise.
I'm not usually a big fan of mysteries OR short stories...I mainly stick with Historical Fiction, but I've come to like Ms. Valentines style of writing. I just purchased 'Love, Murder, Etc.', which is a book with 8 of her stories in it. If you're looking for a little fluff reading to fill an hour or two of your day, then I absolutely recommend a Kathleen Valentine story...glad I happened across her stuff!
I will say though that the main character of this story, Mattie, was much more likable than Layla (from GOABTIW), as was her husband Stan, and the story moved along at a nice pace. While some things you could see a mile away (like the mystery of the knitted sweaters, and the identity of Mattie's Grandmother), the very end did hold a surprise.
I'm not usually a big fan of mysteries OR short stories...I mainly stick with Historical Fiction, but I've come to like Ms. Valentines style of writing. I just purchased 'Love, Murder, Etc.', which is a book with 8 of her stories in it. If you're looking for a little fluff reading to fill an hour or two of your day, then I absolutely recommend a Kathleen Valentine story...glad I happened across her stuff!
upgirlcd's review
4.0
This novelette was quite good...giving me a taste of things to come, as I am now on to [b:The Crazy Old Lady's Revenge|17406918|The Crazy Old Lady's Revenge|Kathleen Valentine|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1361493650s/17406918.jpg|24246559]
Ms. Valentine, again the consummate storyteller, took me straight to the "old money" district in Boston for a mystery just beginning to unravel. Old money, old family secrets no one wants to reveal...
4 stars
Ms. Valentine, again the consummate storyteller, took me straight to the "old money" district in Boston for a mystery just beginning to unravel. Old money, old family secrets no one wants to reveal...
4 stars
macbean221b's review
3.0
So far this year, I've been having a lot of trouble getting into anything I've tried to read. I finally started searching around for different genres, trying to find something that would grab me, and I came across this novelette. Thank [deity of choice].
I know that sounds like I should be giving this story more than three stars, but hear me out. The reason why it doesn't get four is because ... I wish it had been longer. The premise is great, and the plot moves along quickly. Perhaps too quickly in parts; there were some revelations that were dumped into the reader's lap which could have done with a little more stretching out. Also, the characters are good, but if the story had been longer and allowed for more development, they could've been great.
If I were a director/producer/screenwriter, I would be all over this story.
I know that sounds like I should be giving this story more than three stars, but hear me out. The reason why it doesn't get four is because ... I wish it had been longer. The premise is great, and the plot moves along quickly. Perhaps too quickly in parts; there were some revelations that were dumped into the reader's lap which could have done with a little more stretching out. Also, the characters are good, but if the story had been longer and allowed for more development, they could've been great.
If I were a director/producer/screenwriter, I would be all over this story.
tealrose81's review
4.0
I enjoyed this novelette. It was fast paced and interesting. I enjoyed the characters and the way the story twisted.
nia's review
4.0
After the last book I read, I needed a quick page turner with an interesting story (yet not some soppy piece of pure candy). This was perfect! Probably won't read the other books in the series but this was a great little novella to cleanse the palate between heavy reads.
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