Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Partners in Crime Tours: "Death in the Memorial Garden" by Kathie Deviny Book Review



Just as the sexton is about to inter the ashes of one of Grace Church’s last wealthy patronesses in the Memorial Garden, he unearths a wine crate containing the ashes of an unknown. Next to the ashes is a distinctive pair of shoes. Not only are the woman’s relatives furious at the interruption, but they soon have grounds for a lawsuit: yet another piece of the church’s tower comes crashing to the ground.
With their congregation dwindling and their world literally falling in around them, Father Robert Vickers and his colorful staff members and volunteers put their heads together to solve the mystery of the anonymous ashes and find the means to save Grace Church from the developers … all in time for the Bishop’s visit.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a nice, cozy mystery, indeed!  I almost can't find any fault with this book.  The profanity was extremely mild, and there were no sex scenes.  The reference to the gays was not even a problem for me.

Now the minor negatives are out of the way, let me celebrate the joys of this story.  Any story that takes place in the Pacific Northwest and mentions the majestic Mt. Rainier deserves my highest praise. And when you add a fascinating mystery and possible murder, it couldn't be much better.  Then when you add in an Episcopalian priest and the typical parishioners, it only gets better.  I don't want to give away the story, so I won't share any more about that.

This book is so good it practically reads itself.  Let me tell you a secret.  I was very tired as I read this, but this book was so exciting that I could not sleep!  I did not nod off once.  If you like mysteries, this book is for you.  It is practically squeaky clean, and it is enjoyable reading for a winter's night.

I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.  I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.



After retiring from a career as a “government bureaucrat” serving primarily in the criminal justice system, Kathie Deviny studied creative writing. Essays focusing on her treatment for breast cancer and life as the spouse of an Episcopal priest have been published in the Seattle Times, Episcopal Life, Cure magazine, andFaith, Hope and Healing by Bernie Siegel.
Kathie was Features Editor of her high school newspaper and originally planned a career in journalism. After realizing she was too shy to chase after stories, she followed her mother’s career path and earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in social work, attending UC Berkeley and the University of Washington. She nurtured her journalistic ambitions by developing a program at the Monroe, WA, prison which produced a magazine in cooperation with community volunteers.
Death in the Memorial Garden, her first work of fiction, reflects her love of the cozy-style mystery. Her other loves are gardening, choral singing, and locating bargains at her church’s thrift shop, where she volunteers. Kathie lives with her now-retired husband, Paul; they divide their time between California and Western Washington.
 
AUTHOR SITES:   Website    Facebook


















PICT TOUR PAGE:     http://www.partnersincrimetours.net/2012/08/deathintheMemorialGarden.html
 


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