by Barbara Early
I must admit, I don’t agree to do many reviews. But when
Jayne Self asked me to take a look at the second in her Seaglass Series of cozy
mysteries, I said yes immediately. I’d read the first in the series, Murder in
Hum Harbour, and enjoyed it. Read my review of her first book here.
And Jayne outdid herself. Not only are her characters back
and better than ever, but now, with the added confidence and flow of a more
seasoned writer, her second, Death of a
Highland Heavyweight, simply sparkles. Nova Scotia and the quirky community
of Hum Harbour are brought to life as she weaves in interesting events and
characters and plots a mystery that should keep people guessing.
First, the protagonist. Gailynn MacDonald is a part-time medical receptionist (to her fiancé, handsome doctor and former missionary Geoff) and owner of Dunmaglass, the store where she sells, among other locally produced glasswork, her own crafted seaglass jewelry. She’s also trying to plan her wedding. And help with the Hum Harbour Daze, a local festival. A dead body is the last thing she needs.
The local hero’s reign is over when he’s found dead at the bottom of the stairs, but we know it can’t be an accident. And Gailynn is sure it’s not. But who would take down the gentle giant who recently became a Christian, denounced his lucrative ale endorsement, and planned a missions trip to Ghana? For that matter, who could?
And the setting. I seriously have to get to Nova Scotia. I
could smell the salt water and see the rising sun shimmer from the water.
 |
| Nova Scotia, Canada |
Blurb: Murder, chaos, teen angst, missing frog figurines,
wedding preparations. What do these things have in common? Gailynn MacDonald.
When Highland Games Heavyweight Champion Claude Oui is found dead at the bottom
of the stairs, his wife is overcome with grief. As head of the town's annual
Hum Harbour Daze festival, she cannot plan a funeral and keep up with her
responsibilities to the town, so Gailynn dutifully steps in.
Amidst choosing bridesmaids dresses, assembling a big top tent, and advising teenagers in love—one of whom just might be a murderer—Gailynn is once again caught up in the town’s hidden secrets as she races to solve Hum Harbour's latest crime spree
Amidst choosing bridesmaids dresses, assembling a big top tent, and advising teenagers in love—one of whom just might be a murderer—Gailynn is once again caught up in the town’s hidden secrets as she races to solve Hum Harbour's latest crime spree
Disclaimer: I
should note that Pelican Book Group is also the publisher for my Gold, Frankincense
and Murder (Dec 2011), and I currently work there as an editor. I have,
however, received no compensation for this review, which represents my personal opinion.
Barbara Early grew up buried in the snowy suburbs of Buffalo, NY, where she developed a love for all things sedentary: reading, writing, classic movies, and Scrabble. She holds a degree in Electrical Engineering, but her penchant for the creative caused her to run away screaming from the pocket-protector set. Barbara cooks up cozy mysteries with a healthy dose of comedy and sometimes a splash of romance. Her holiday novella, Gold, Frankincense, and Murder was released in e-book format from White Rose Publishing in December 2011. You can learn more about her writing on her personal blog: http://barbearly.blogspot.com/ or see what's for dinner on her recipe blog: http://bflogal.blogspot.com/.
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ReplyDeleteHow did I miss the first one? This series sounds like it is right up my alley. I love mysteries and the maritimes. I already knew what a caber toss is. Thanks for the review, Barb. Blessings to you Jayne.
ReplyDeleteKathy
Good morning, Kathy. Glad you got through! And yes, I think you'd like this one.
ReplyDeleteThese books must be written just for me. Thank you Jayne!
ReplyDeleteI love Nova Scotia. Yes, i've been there and it's incredible and I didn't even get as far north as I should have to see Cape Breton. And... I love Highland games and have visited quite a few over the years.
And so you throw in a mystery set in a seacoast town in Nova Scotia with a highland games and Scottish flavor and wow. WHY DIDNT I WRITE THIS BOOK?
ha ha.
thanks for the heads up Barb!
Hi Barb, Thank you for your kind words. I was honoured when Murder in Hum Harbout won Canada's 2012 Christian Writing Award for best mystery. I'm glad you found Death of a Highland Heavyweight just as entertaining. (Kathy, I hope you will too.)
ReplyDeleteAnd if you do come to Nova Scotia, my cottage door is always open!
Good morning, Jayne. And yes, I probably should have mentioned your well deserved accolades on the first one. (Although I'll hold to my opinion that this one is even better.) :)
ReplyDeleteDeb, I concur. I think you'd enjoy this one.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Barb. I didn't realize how nerve racking it can be wondering if book 2 will measure up. Your reassurance is much appreciated.
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds fabulous! I love cozies, and the Scottish-flair/wedding planning/Nova Scotia setting sounds like a lot of fun. Thanks for the heads-up, Barb!
ReplyDeleteSusanne, you'd love it. Only beginning stages of wedding planning in this one. I suspect Jayne might have some more fun with that in the next?
ReplyDeleteVery cool about Nova Scotia. I have ancestors from there. I've always wanted to go there. I'm almost Canadian, eh? It sounds like a fun book. Thank you, Barb, for this recommendation. Oh, and I love, absolutely love the cover.
ReplyDeleteI'm a Nova Scotian, and one of the many things I like about the Hum Harbour books is how well Jayne does the sense of place. There are nuances that are right on, that you wouldn't miss if they weren't there but that make locals nod our heads and say "yes, that's how it is."
ReplyDeleteGreat job, Jayne! And, Barb, great idea to include an explanation of caber-tossing.