I work in a building that’s full of paper—an old building with a lot of old paper. I’m Nell Pratt, president of the Pennsylvania Antiquarian Society for the past few months, and I’m still trying to get used to the job. When I heard about the warehouse fire that destroyed most of the collection of historic firefighting equipment from the Fireman’s Museum, and somebody died in the fire, I was scared—paper burns too easily. You can see why I worry.
But it’s a great job, being the head of a museum that preserves Philadelphia’s past, and since so much American history took place right here, that means it’s America’s past too. It’s also a big responsibility. And there’s never enough money to do everything we’d like to do, to make all the wonderful materials we have available to the public, both in the building and through our website. It’s a never-ending challenge.
I wouldn’t have a chance of making it without Marty Terwilliger—board member, connected to about ten generations of Philadelphia movers and shakers, and more recently, friend. I guess I’d have to say I’m lucky that one of her many cousins is James Morrison (Jimmy to her and only her), who happens to be an FBI agent. I never would have thought knowing an FBI agent up close and personal would be useful, but you’d be surprised how much crime goes on behind the scenes in our local museum community. I know I’ve been surprised at how often I end up in the middle of those, trying to sort things out—to help friends and colleagues and to save collections. That wasn’t on any job description I saw.
James is definitely one of the good guys. He’s smart and he’s honest, but he’s willing to bend a few rules to get things done, and to look the other way if I take a slightly unusual approach to find out what we need to know. I guess I’d have to say that makes us a good team, at least for crime-solving. Anything more than that? Well . . . maybe.
As for the rest, I manage a motley assortment of employees and try to keep the heat and lights on in our century-old building. And every now and then I treat myself to the pleasure of just wandering among the collections and enjoying the wonderful assortment of books and papers that we’ve collected. That’s what makes it all worthwhile.
You can read more about Nell in FIRE ENGINE DEAD, the third book in the “Museum” mystery series. The first book in the series is Fundraising the Dead.
** Thanks to the publisher, I have one (1) copy of FIRE ENGINE DEAD to give away. Contest open to residents of the US only. Contest ends March 14. Leave a valid-email address with your comment. The book will be shipped directly from the publisher. **
Meet the author
After exploring careers ranging from art historian to investment banker to professional genealogist, Sheila Connolly began writing mysteries in 2001, and is now a full-time writer. Bitter Harvest, the fifth book in her Orchard Mystery series, came out in August 2011, and the sixth, Sour Apples, will be published in August 2012. She also writes the Museum Mystery series, based in Philadelphia, whose third book, Fire Engine Dead, comes out this month. In addition, she’s working on a new series set in Ireland, that will debut in 2013. She is a member of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, and Romance Writers of America, and was President of Sisters in Crime New England for 2011. Sheila lives in Massachusetts with her husband and three cats. Visit Sheila at www.sheilaconnolly.com
Books are available at retail and online booksellers.
A story set in Philly–I cant wait to read it
idlivru1(at)gmail(dot)com
Thanks for inviting Nell to visit!
The author caught my attention with the words FIRE ENGINE. When I was very young, we lived in an apartment over my grandparent’s real estate business. Right around the corner from us was a Fire Station. I used to love watching them wash the trucks, and I played with their dalmatian (yes they really had one).
I also love this series. Sheila a a wonderful author and storyteller and I’d love to win a copy of this book for my very own.
NoraAdrienne(at)gmail(dot)com
Sheila has done a wonderful job with this very enjoyable series. I’m looking forward to this book.
mary-fairchild@sbcglobal.net
This sounds like a fun series to read. I would love to be considered for a copy of the book.
Tonya at urbatsch dot com
I haven’t read this series, yet, but I’d like to. The setting sounds interesting, to say the least.
ncroessner @ comcast .net
Local museums are so fascinating – can’t wait to read about this one!
kpbarnett1941[at]aol.com
Behind the scenes activity in almost any museum is interesting so this should be a good book.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com
I’ve worked in a fire station and a museum, so I’m all eyes for this book. Love to win it.
judydee22002 @ yahoo dot com
This looks fascinating! Love Sheila’s other series and I’m excited to read this one.
Sounds like a good read, thanks for opportunity to win a copy!
Haven’t read any of this series before but I would love to.That is interesting about the warehouse fire. My mother and I once went to sale after a bidgwarehouse fire.Everything had a smoky smell but there were a lot of great fabrics. One woman almost slugged me over a piece of fabric. I thought I would rather not be hit so I just gave it to her!
I can think of lots of possibilites for this series and that really makes me want to read it!!!
CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com
This is a terrific series and I am excited to read this next book. Sheila Connelly intersperses a lot of history in a delightful way.
Thanks for the opportunity to win this book, Dru!
Nancy
Thanks to everyone for saying nice things! I love this series because, as I keep saying, I lived it. At least the fundraiser part, but I did see a lot of what went on behind the scenes–and I use it! And I love the Philadelphia area–I lived there for 16 years the most recent round, and five years when I was a child (two very different perspectives!). The city has so many museums and interesting corners, and I can borrow them all.
Thanks Sheila for letting us into Nell’s world.
Sounds like a great book. Love it when I find a new author. Thanks
xzjh04(at)gmail(dot)com
I love this series. It’s fun to have such a great series set in Pennsylvania (my home state). I also love how Shelia incorporates history & genealogy into both of her series. I’m really excited to learn more about her new series as I know it will be another must read for me. Thank you so much for the interview & the giveaway! 🙂
scouts579(at)aol(dot)com
Thanks, Stacie! It probably won’t surprise you that the Irish series will also include genealogy, although they probably wouldn’t call it that there–it’s more like, “my cousin knew your mother.” It’s all about connections. What I really wanted was an excuse to go to Ireland regularly!
This sounds like a great book. I can’t wait to read it!! As a new cozy mystery author, I’m trying to learn the genre by reading more experienced authors.
Thanks for the insight and the giveaway!!
kandyscastle(at)aol(dot)com
I love museums and I love mysteries. This series sounds like a match made in heaven. I can’t wait to start! Thanks for the great post!
jrobinson12 (at) austin (dot) rr (dot) com
Sounds like a fun series!
s h a k e s p e a r e a n l o v e r 1215 AT yahoo DOT com