Customer Reviews

The Case of the Mystified M.D. (A Bouncing Grandma Mystery, Book 2)

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I have to admit The Case of the Mystified M.D. didn't grab my attention at first. The cover looks like it should be on a children's book and although the main character is a 50 something woman, her voice and actions are somewhat childish. The book introduces too many characters at once, and I had a hard time keeping them straight. But as I read more, I began to enjoy the lighthearted story and Glory Harper began to sound childlike, rather than childish.

Glory narrates the world as she sees it, giving people nicknames that characterize their role in her life. She is honest about her own faults, but is quick to see the foibles of her friends and neighbors. She stubbornly tries to discover which of them has murdered the one man in town nobody liked. Even "Blue Eyes," the police detective she is crazy about, can't stop her obsession with the murder. She uncovers some strange events, and even stranger secrets some of her friends are hiding.

The story moves quickly. Within a few days, Glory discovers the victim's hand, encounters multiple suspects and gets herself into quite a bit of trouble. As it unfolded, I had so much fun following the crazy events, that I forgot there was a murder to solve. Even though some unpleasant things happened, the story was delightful and the voice turned out to be appropriate after all.

This amusing book reads like adolescent lit for grownups. Read it when you're in the mood for something light.

Pros: Playful mystery full of odd characters and unexpected situations.

Cons: It's sometimes hard to believe the characters' actions. Their motivations aren't always sufficiently clear.

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Glory Harper and her sister, Jane, are walking on the trail with their puppy when they notice an awful smell, and the puppy finds a severed hand. Glory recognizes the ring on the hand as belonging to a missing professor, and notifies the police. The professor, a blatant opponent to anything religious is on a lot of people's radar, and the murderer could be almost anyone in town. Glory's sister, Jane, even seems to be a person of interest since her home fire was arson and she admits to arguing with the professor before hand.

When Glory's boss orders her to go to the professor's house to retrieve the semester grades (which he hadn't turned in), Glory balks, but when her job is threatened, she gives in. There she finds another woman hiding in the closet, and soon after several other people arrive. The Detective in charge of the case (and Glory's romantic interest) is soon hot on their heels.

Will Glory be able to stay uninvolved in this case, since the Detective orders her to? Or will her relationship with the Detective survive another murder case?

THE CASE OF THE MYSTRIFIED M.D. is the second book in Ms. Arenz's Bouncing Grandma Mysteries. I enjoy this plucky grandma and getting to know her, as well as the scraps that she gets into.

Glory is realistic (and a lot like me in some ways) so I could totally relate to her. Her more "grownup" sister, Jane, is a nice side-kick, and the town is full of colorful individuals who add their own unique touch to the story. If you are looking for a cute, funny mystery, then THE CASE OF THE MYSTRIFIED M.D. would be the perfect book to consider. The third book in the series is coming out in the fall of 2010.

Romance, mystery, intrigue ... and a sassy chick who just happens to be a Grandmother. I love A.K. Arenz and her talent for offering her readers top notch mysteries and down-to-earth settings. This book features Glory Harper once again as the energy-driven grandmother. Her penchant for finding trouble is second only to her desire to follow God in all his plans for she and her family -- a family who just might be growing if handsome Detective Rick Spencer has anything to say about it.

When Glory and her sister, Jane, discover the severed hand of Professor Zeke Wallace while on a walk, Detective Spencer is called in and the sparks begin flying between he and Glory. The tension is well-paced and the writing is superb. Don't let the cover fool you. This is a first-rate read from beginning to end. The relationships in the book are not only timely but touching and real. I loved it and can't wait for book three in the Bouncing Grandma Mystery Series - Mirrored image. A.K. Arenz is definitely a person of interest!

The enjoyable sequel to The Case of the Bouncing Grandma is entitled The Case of the Mystified M.D. Glory Harper's pup finds the severed body part this time. The same detective, Rick Spencer, investigates, and tries to get Glory to leave the police work up to him. There are many secrets in this story, and several of the town's characters were being blackmailed. Follow the crooked trail left by the blackmailer with Glory and her friends. See if you can solve the mystery before they do. A fun read.

Glory Harper is a widowed grandmother with plenty of spunk, and keen sense of humor who is fast earning a reputation for attracting danger. Murder, mayhem, blackmail, arson, and more than a little attraction between Glory and Detective Rick Spencer make for an entertaining light mystery. Every character rings true-to-life and makes the layers of mystery all the more intriguing. I would never have imagined that a story ranging from murder to restoration and forgiveness could also make me laugh out loud. A fun read that keeps you guessing - and wanting to go back for more of A.K. Arenz and the bouncing grandma.

A walk in the park with a playful puppy that unearths a severed hand would send most people screaming away in horror. Not Glory Harper. The gutsy grandma is back and ready to rise to the challenge of another adventure.

Professor Zeke Wallace is missing, and Glory finds herself right in the middle of the search for a solution to the mystery. It doesn't take long for her to discover that the God-bashing professor had more than his share of adoring female companions along with a host of other secrets.

When Glory loses her job, she gains an unlikely ally in her effort to piece together the puzzle surrounding the professor's death. As she digs deeper into the clues that reveal the life of the unscrupulous professor, she puts her own life and that of her loved ones in danger. Always close by and keeping an eye out for the middle-aged sleuth's safety is love interest Rick Spencer, her beautiful blue-eyed detective friend, who doesn't always appreciate her involvement in the case.

The author shows us her characters with such realistic interaction that the reader can identify with then as people they encounter in their own communities. She captures the warmth of small town Tarryton as viewed through Glory's eyes, yet bravely explores its imperfections as Glory delves into the motives behind those responsible for blackmail, arson, and murder.

Ms Arenz has again succeeded in bringing us a delightful tale of mystery and suspense mixed with a dash of humor and a generous helping of family loyalty.

The Case of the Mystified M.D.
A.K. Arenz
2009
Sheaf House Publishers
Fiction/Christian/Mystery

Reviewed by Cindy Loven

Oh dear Bouncing Grandma, Glory Harper is at it again. Right in the middle of a mess! How in the world she gets into these kind of messes, is beyond her wildest imagination, but there she is.

While walking with her sister and her new puppy, the puppy makes a grisly discovery. A human hand. The authorities are called, Glory knows immediately who the hand belongs to. A nasty professor at the college where she works. A man always causing trouble.

Burned down houses, attempted arson, stifling or trying to intimidate people to vote for ordinances against freedom of religion, womanizing, just what all had the victim been involved in. It was truly looking like his character was worse than everyone thought. Glory and the victim's half-sister keep their eyes and ears open. Unraveling this mess is a big job.

While snooping around she discovers things that could implicate some of her friends and even her own family members. Follow along as Glory tries to stay on the right side of the law, while she snoops even further. Watch as romance blossoms between Glory and Blue Eyes, the detective on the case.

A really good book, that kept my interest from front to finish. Most definitely a book to share with others. 368 pages $12.99 US 4 stars.

A.K. Arenz, mother of two grown daughters and grandmother to three grands, has been writing since she was a child. A member of the ACFW, she often serves as a judge in Book of the Year and Genesis contests. Residing in Missouri with her husband, she is owned by her two Himalayan cats. Most definitely an author to add to your favorite list.

I loved the first book in this series, but somehow, the author made this one even better! It has more mystery/suspense and was so much fun to read. It is funny and entertaining from the first word to the last and was a fast read. I can't wait for the next one!!!

The first book in this series, The Case of the Bouncing Grandma, was good - this one is better! I also like the preview at the end for this author's next book - terrific - looking forward to it.