15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Helma and Ruth are at it Again!, May 13, 2008
This review is from: Index to Murder: A Miss Zukas Mystery (Miss Zukas Mysteries) (Mass Market Paperback)
If one understands the critical acclaim of the hit TV series, Monk, it is easy to understand the appeal of a series featuring Miss Wilhelmina "Helma" Zukas. After all, if Monk were a fussy female librarian living in the Pacific Northwest, he would BE Miss Zukas! The two of them have quite a bit in common, not the least of which is their OCD-like behavior, their keen ability to observe, and their uncanny ability to solve murders.
Just as Sharona was as different a character from Monk as the writers of the show could imagine (Natalie - not so much), Ruth Winthrop, Helma's sidekick and long-time best friend, provides balance as Helma's polar opposite. While Helma would be described more adequately as prim and proper and more than a tad bit uptight, Ruth is full of life - dramatic and impulsive - often getting Helma into situations she never would have found herself in otherwise. As individuals, they are each a bit too extreme, but together, they work. Their characters complement one another very well and their differences provide plenty of comic relief.
In this particular outing, Helma tries to help Ruth mend a broken heart and suggests she keep busy. Ruth takes to her studio and pours her past hurts onto several canvases - only to have some of her efforts stolen and vandalized. When they realize that the two missing paintings depict men who died under mysterious circumstances, both women decide to investigate - Helma, using the library's many resources, and Ruth, using, well, less conventional methods.
If you've been waiting, finally, for Miss Zukas to let down her hair, I'm afraid this installment might leave you wanting. If, however, you are like me and enjoy Helma just the way she is, idiosyncrasies and all, you will thoroughly enjoy this latest romp. Police Chief Wayne Gallant figures prominently, as do several other series "regulars." Let's hope we won't have long to wait before their next adventures!
Carol Ann Hopkins 5/13/2008
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7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Miss Helma Zukas is back!, May 6, 2008
This review is from: Index to Murder: A Miss Zukas Mystery (Miss Zukas Mysteries) (Mass Market Paperback)
I have waited a long time for another Miss Zukas mystery. I have them all from the beginning and they are most enjoyable. I love the interaction of the characters and the description of the town of Bellhaven (actually Bellingham, Washington).
Dereske draws one into the story carefully, including past details and cues. I had hoped that Helma's personality would have developed a little more fullness. Earlier books gave a promise of more rounded Helma. I even hoped for a smile or a witty remark. But, this time Helma seems a little drier than usual. Maybe she is destined to be stuck in time.
All that aside, it is an enjoyable mystery with a set of favorite characters and a lovely setting.
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6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Miss Zukas Returns, May 31, 2008
This review is from: Index to Murder: A Miss Zukas Mystery (Miss Zukas Mysteries) (Mass Market Paperback)
I love the Miss Zukas mystery series and was really glad to see Index to Murder. Helma and Ruth are polar opposites, but they complement each other beautifully.
Miss Zukas is a very prim and proper librarian with some OCD characteristics. Despite this, her need to solve mysteries compels her to step outside her comfort zone from time to time to get to the bottom of the mystery.
I don't want to spoil anything, but Helma's personal life ends with a cliffhanger.... I can't wait for the next book.
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