Customer Reviews

Index to Murder: A Miss Zukas Mystery (Miss Zukas Mysteries)

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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

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.

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.

Librarian Helma Zukas' friend Ruth is upset when two of her paintings are stolen. The paintings depict Ruth's former boyfriends, both of whom died in a mysterious way. Meanwhile there are rumors that Miss Zukas' apartment complex will soon be sold to developers. Throw in a group of tree-huggers and that sums up Index to Murder. All the old favorite characters in the series are here and there's a bit of romance, but the plot tends to wander and the motive for the crimes committed is pretty far-fetched. Series fans will probably want to read this book but it's not Jo Dereske's best.

This is the first time I have bothered to write a review but I enjoy this series so much just had to. This book is another winner!!!!

This is the first Jo Dereske book I've read, but it certainly won't be the last. What a writer! She had me by the first page and never let go. The plot unspools so easily, with plenty of suspense, but not so much that you lose the fascination of each moment. The characters are wonderfully observed and so distinctive. The dialogue is always witty, surprising and intelligent. I love Miss Zukas, and I may not be psychologically hip, but she didn't seem OCD to me, just a great character, like Poirot. I'd almost given up on finding a great contemporary writer, but thank Heaven for Jo Dereske!

Great mystery as usual. All the Miss Zukas books are wonderful. Helma is an interesting, one-of-a-kind character.

I love Miss Zukas mysteries. She seems quite at home at the library. Her best friend Ruth, always spices things up a bit. This time is no exception. I enjoyed the many paths they took in order to solve the case of the missing paintings. Ruth is a hoot!!!

Jo Dereske has done it again! This mystery kept me hooked from start to finish.