Miss Zukas and the Stroke of Death (Miss Zukas Mysteries) [Mass Market Paperback]

Jo Dereske (Author)

Book Description

Series: Miss Zukas Mysteries | Publication Date: November 28, 2006

Civic-minded librarian Miss Helma Zukas has reluctantly agreed to use her long-dormant skills as a canoeist to paddle down Washington Bay on behalf of the Bellehaven Library relay race team. But before Helma has a chance to test her aquatic talents, she is once again matching wits with the local police over the identity of a killer. And this time it involves keeping her somewhat flaky artist friend, Ruth Winthrop, off Death Row.

When the flamboyant Ruth rejected the attention of a dirty old man in a local bar, she never thought it would be to put him off permanently. But when his body shows up just outside her studio, the police consider her a prime suspect. Helma knows for sure that Ruth is no killer, but she didn't suspect that asking too many questions about the life of the unsavory dead man would unearth some long-buried scandals...and cause someone to want to close the book on one inquisitive librarian.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Jo Dereske grew up in western Michigan and is a former librarian who now lives with her husband in the northwest corner of Washington state. She is currently at work on the sixth book in the Miss Zukas series.

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Avon; First Edition edition (November 28, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0380770334
• ISBN-13: 978-0380770335
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #647,579 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Jo Dereske grew up in western Michigan and now lives in the foothills of Mount Baker near Bellingham, Washington. She draws on her Michigan background and Lithuanian heritage for her books, especially in the Miss Zukas and Ruby Crane mysteries. She's a former librarian who believes that libraries are one of our last truly public institutions, where the entire world can mix and mingle amid the written word - what could be better! Jo's website: www.jodereske.com

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Miss Zukas is a relentless sleuth; sorting the many twists., December 27, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Miss Zukas and the Stroke of Death (Miss Zukas Mysteries) (Mass Market Paperback)

Miss Zukas is a conservative, intelligent librarian who is thrown into solving another murder when her flamboyant artist friend Ruth is implicated when the body shows up on her lawn. You'll delight in the many twists and turns in this light mystery whose setting is a lush Washington waterfront community. Not only are you drawn into a community, but you're privy to the internal functions of a library with interesting carictures of the staff, and an unlikely suspect within. Helma Zukas in an intelligent sleuth who probes every angle like a true information specialish. Humorous contrasts between Helma's staid lifestyle and wild Ruth's freespirited one abound. Light romance between Helma and Officer Gallant, and insight into office relationships make for an interesting read. The subplot of the Ski to Sea race show Helma's canoeing skills, her valiance as a competitor, and an ulikely canoe clue. Helma is an admirable sleuth and librarian who leaves no stone unturned as she uncovers the mystery, and in a whim of compassion lets the suspect slip away. I highly recommend this readable, witty, classy mystery.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A mystery and good nature writing too., August 6, 2004

By 

Lorraine Talbot (Winsted,, CT USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Miss Zukas and the Stroke of Death (Miss Zukas Mysteries) (Mass Market Paperback)

This is the third one of this series that I've read and I expect to read all of them. Miss Zukas is one sharp lady - she always knows if she's being followed, observes who is on the shore when she's out in her canoe - those descriptions of being on the river in the canoe, and becoming one with the flow of the water are great. She does it all while remaining "Miss Marian, the proper librarian". And she comes up with a surprising solution to "who done it." If you enjoy a good cozy type mystery, you'll enjoy this one.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Canoes Add a Nice Touch, April 12, 2007

By 

L. McLean - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Miss Zukas and the Stroke of Death (Miss Zukas Mysteries) (Mass Market Paperback)

I love these books and found this entry particularly enjoyable. I like that Helma stays close to home and isn't sent off to "exotic" locations. Dereske really seems to get that the reader savors Helma on her own turf and the Pacific Northwest is certainly diverse and "exotic" enough for me.

I like the tension between Helma and Ruth's Michigan upbringing and their adult lives in Washington state. The canoe from home is a lovely metaphor for that.