The hugely popular author of mysteries set in the White
House and other locations, has turned her skills to a series
called Manor
House Mysteries centering on Grace Wheaton. At the
time of GRACE TO THE FINISH we are eight books along the
series so Grace occasionally has some moody thoughts or
reflects on a relative in jail. All is going well though as
she and staunch friends take possession of a former
industrial building, now to be refitted as Amethyst Cellars.
The wine tasting will be here, the restaurant there and what
is a deceased lady doing in the basement?
Only one chapter in and the police detectives Rodriguez and
Flynn are on the scene, trying to ascertain if Virginia
Frisbie died naturally or otherwise, and what a retiring
bank worker was doing in an empty structure. As the lady was
a widowed grandmother, it seems unlikely that she was
involved in serious crime or romance, yet the detectives
form a theory that somebody pushed her down the stairs. We
learn some of Mrs Frisbie's family background, inviting our
sympathy for such a relatable character.
In her normal life, Grace is curator of a historical home,
Marshfield Manor. As Grace has recently inherited some
money, she has been investing in her friends' business as a
silent partner, and everyone from a bank president to her
unrepentant jailed sister is suddenly more interested in
spending time with her. Amazing. This is a good way of
introducing us to some of the major characters from
Emberstowne, if we're not familiar with earlier
instalments. It also helps to draw the crucial components of
the mystery into the light. Those who are familiar with
Grace will have been watching her change and grow during the
series, and her newfound wealth adds another dimension. For
contrast, we meet one of the town's unfortunate denizens,
and Grace deals sensibly and sensitively with him.
To date, I feel Julie Hyzy's signature has been catering
yet this tale contains nothing in the way of cooking and
recipes. Provided a reader knows this they won't be
disappointed, as personally, I did feel the lack of some
interesting culinary experiences. The reliable author
certainly provides a good range of characters for this crime
tale, with versatile plotting and understandable motives.
Taken as a straight mystery, GRACE TO THE FINISH should
please all the fans and resolve some awkward family
relationship issues from previous tales. Well done Grace!
The New York Times bestselling author of the Manor
House Mysteries and the White House Chef Mysteries returns
with a mix of murder and mayhem for curator Grace Wheaton.
Now that Grace Wheaton has officially been named heir to
Bennett Marshfield’s fortune, her usually busy schedule has
become a juggling act. In addition to her duties at
Marshfield Manor, she’s bankrolling her roommates’
refurbished wine shop, Amethyst Cellars. Grace is excited to
check out the rustic space with Bruce and Scott. But that
excitement turns to dismay when they stumble upon the body
of the banker involved with the sale.
Grace wants to get to the bottom of this mystery quickly so
that her friends’ new venture isn’t overshadowed by an
unsolved murder, but she’s got even more to balance when her
troubled sister, Liza, is released from prison early. Liza’s
first stop is Marshfield Manor and her first priority is
grabbing a bite of Bennett’s fortune for herself. Grace has
to keep her greedy sister at bay and catch a killer before
her new life comes crashing down around her.
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