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book_concierge's review against another edition
3.0
2.5**
Book four in the Manor House Mystery series has Grace and her boss and benefactor, Bennett Marshfield, traveling to Italy to visit one of Bennett’s long-term friends, the fabulously wealthy Nico Pezati. They’re puzzled by an apparent forgery among Nico’s art collection but have no time to investigate as they’re flying home the next morning. But their troubles increase on the plane; by the time they land there are two bodies on board and Grace is convinced that Bennett is a target. But WHO is trying to kill him, and WHY?
I like this series but am getting tired of Grace’s inability to keep her nose out of things that don’t concern her. I perplexed that with all her “experience” solving cases that she can’t identify the culprit earlier. (I knew the villain the moment said person appeared on the page.) And more importantly, I’m tired of her very poor choices when it comes to the men in her life.
Frances (Grace’s irascible assistant) and Ronny Tooney (wannabe private investigator) both have roles to play, though I’d like to see them more involved. Ditto Scott and Bruce, Grace’s roommates. As for Hilary … I could do without her; she’s a ridiculous caricature of a money-grubbing airhead.
I read cozy mysteries because they are fast and enjoyable. They’re my reading snack food. So I'll read more of this series, but may take a break for a while.
Book four in the Manor House Mystery series has Grace and her boss and benefactor, Bennett Marshfield, traveling to Italy to visit one of Bennett’s long-term friends, the fabulously wealthy Nico Pezati. They’re puzzled by an apparent forgery among Nico’s art collection but have no time to investigate as they’re flying home the next morning. But their troubles increase on the plane; by the time they land there are two bodies on board and Grace is convinced that Bennett is a target. But WHO is trying to kill him, and WHY?
I like this series but am getting tired of Grace’s inability to keep her nose out of things that don’t concern her. I perplexed that with all her “experience” solving cases that she can’t identify the culprit earlier. (I knew the villain the moment said person appeared on the page.) And more importantly, I’m tired of her very poor choices when it comes to the men in her life.
Frances (Grace’s irascible assistant) and Ronny Tooney (wannabe private investigator) both have roles to play, though I’d like to see them more involved. Ditto Scott and Bruce, Grace’s roommates. As for Hilary … I could do without her; she’s a ridiculous caricature of a money-grubbing airhead.
I read cozy mysteries because they are fast and enjoyable. They’re my reading snack food. So I'll read more of this series, but may take a break for a while.
retiredlibrarylady's review against another edition
3.0
A nice domestic mystery about Grace Wheaton and her boss Bennett Marshfield. This is #4 in a series (Manor House mysteries) and I have not read the others, although one day when I don't have 30 books in a pile beside the bed I might try to find others. Returning from a visit to Bennett's friend Nico in Tuscany, someone tries to poison Bennett. By the time the plane lands, there are two dead on board and the fun is just beginning. Bennett suspects that art works in Nico's collection have been replaced by forgeries. Is that why Bennett is a target? And is he still in danger at home on American soil? This gets exciting and there's a side story about a previously unknown daughter. Fun!
paige1947_'s review against another edition
5.0
I have really enjoyed the first three books in this series. I picked this book up expecting to feel the same, but this book I loved. Grace has a way of finding trouble and of finding her way out of it. This time I was not so sure she was getting out and it was an exciting read to see if she did or not. Starting in the hills above Florence, Italy everything about this book is exciting. New characters and return of the old makes this cozy take off.
lakecake's review against another edition
3.0
There was too much happening in this book that just stretched credulity. Grace and Bennett make good characters so I won’t give up on this series yet, but a return to reality is needed in the next book.
crystenaq's review against another edition
5.0
I really, really enjoyed this one. A cozy with a bit more depth than usual but still staying well within the genre. I'd forgotten how good Hyzy's cozy mysteries are... The mystery was complex. The misdirection was well done- I was off on a tangent for a quite a while before I realized I had the wrong person. I do enjoy how the main relationship is not the romantic one but the paternal one between Grace and Bennett. It's refreshing. Enjoyed the characters, enjoyed the mystery. Highly recommend. Now off to buy more books...
rynflynn12's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
dollycas's review against another edition
5.0
Grace Wheaton and her boss Bennett Marshfield take a trip abroad after solving another murder back at home. Before heading back to the states they stop to visit one of Bennett’s oldest friends, Nico Pezzati, at his Italian villa. While there Bennett notices some problems with his dear friends art collection. But before he can investigate or share his knowledge with Nico it is time to return home. That is where the real trouble begins. Grace catches another passenger trying to poison Bennett and by the end of the plane ride there are not just one but two dead bodies. Grace knows her boss is still in danger so it is up to her to find out the real story and just who is trying to kill her wealthy benefactor before they succeed on the ground what the couldn’t in the air.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
I have learned quickly that Grace always catches the killer and she is not a woman to mess with. This time they are after her boss and she is not standing idly by. Grace is a fantastic character and her behavior rings true to real life. This is what makes Julie Hyzy’s books so delightful to read. The reader can identify with Grace and almost feel that they are a part of the story. Sending us on a virtual trip to Italy was just icing on the cake.
The plot lines are tight, the characters are terrific, the setting both in North Carolina and Italy in this installment is ideal. Hyzy is a master storyteller and I love to read everything that she writes!!
Dollycas’s Thoughts
I have learned quickly that Grace always catches the killer and she is not a woman to mess with. This time they are after her boss and she is not standing idly by. Grace is a fantastic character and her behavior rings true to real life. This is what makes Julie Hyzy’s books so delightful to read. The reader can identify with Grace and almost feel that they are a part of the story. Sending us on a virtual trip to Italy was just icing on the cake.
The plot lines are tight, the characters are terrific, the setting both in North Carolina and Italy in this installment is ideal. Hyzy is a master storyteller and I love to read everything that she writes!!
canada_matt's review against another edition
3.0
Hyzy returns with her art curator go super sleuth Grace Wheaton in a new and exciting book that takes the reader into Italy to explore some long-forgotten treasures. With her boss (and uncle?, Mr. Marshfield, Grace enjoys soaking up all the art history that is on offer. A charter flight home comes with much added baggage, an attempted murder of Mr. Marshfield and two murders in plain sight. While things appear clear-cut, the intended victim is saved, but who was behind the plot? Grace begins her sleuthing and ties up some loose ends on the homefront before the mystery falls in her lap. Will she be too late to reach the authorities before she's taken out? With others suffer gravely for her uber-curiosity?
Hyzy adds depth to the Grace character and provides a little more personal touch than the reader is used to receiving. I did enjoy this and sped through it, as I do all Hyzy works, but felt amused and excited from the get-go. Hyzy can surely spin an excting tale, even if it ends up being a little hokey at times. While not as good as her White House Chef series and still more watered down than some of her Alex. St. James work, Hyzy does present some great work.
Kudos, Madam Hyzy for this. A great beach chair read or aboard an airplane. That said, perhaps not the latter, due to the content in the first half!
Hyzy adds depth to the Grace character and provides a little more personal touch than the reader is used to receiving. I did enjoy this and sped through it, as I do all Hyzy works, but felt amused and excited from the get-go. Hyzy can surely spin an excting tale, even if it ends up being a little hokey at times. While not as good as her White House Chef series and still more watered down than some of her Alex. St. James work, Hyzy does present some great work.
Kudos, Madam Hyzy for this. A great beach chair read or aboard an airplane. That said, perhaps not the latter, due to the content in the first half!
murderbydeath's review
3.0
A good read, but my least favourite of the series so far.
Full review: http://jenn.booklikes.com/post/768086/gracetakesoff
Full review: http://jenn.booklikes.com/post/768086/gracetakesoff
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