Grace Interrupted by Julie Hyzy is the second book in the “Manor of Murder” mystery series. Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime (Penguin), June 2011
Civil war re-enactors have set up camp on the grounds of Marshfield Manor. The group is very believable, especially when the unrest spills out of the barracks and inside the sumptuous mansion. Grace manages to settle a minor squabble, but loses the war when actor Zachary Kincade is found stabbed to death.
Jack Embers, the groundskeeper, falls under suspicion when he’s linked to the death of Zachary’s brother years ago. But there were others out for Zachary, actors who can be very convincing when the coveted role of “General” is on the line. Grace feels responsible for finding the murderer…and for the sweet tuxedo kitten found on her doorstep, Bootsie. Can she come to the rescue of her friends without putting herself in danger’s way?
A member of a civil war re-enactment party who became involved with two skirmishes on Marshfield Manor property leads to murder when he is later found dead. When the past comes back to haunt Jack, the groundskeeper, we wonder are the two incidents connected, especially when Jack becomes the primary suspect. Believing in his innocence, Grace yet again, begins an investigation. What a great read. The mystery of the murder opens up wounds of a past murder and we watch Grace pull it all together with help from an unlikely source. The steady-paced, action-filled story had me quickly me turning the pages as I had to know what happens next and I was doubly rewarded. This well-crafted mystery, likeable characters and fascinating dialogue was very enjoyable and I look forward to my next adventures at Marshfield Manor.
FTC Full Disclosure – The publisher sent me a copy of this book
previously posted on the Cozy Chicks blog