Customer Reviews

Unknown Name, Unknown Number: A Wimsey Reade Mystery

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The title Unknown Name, Unknown Number refers to a cell phone's inability to identify a caller if the name and number are not listed in the cell's phonebook, highlighting the heroine's problem in detection, revealing the novel's contemporary setting, and signaling a departure from the allegory and fantasy Hardy's fans are accustomed to. With its character and place names paying tribute to Agatha Christie and Dorothy Sayers, the reader expects a detective story, but the Dallas connection and the Christian theme make this novel pure Robin Hardy. The plot seems right out of today's headlines, the heroine attends to details like spreadsheets and computers, and Robin Hardy has researched her dogs and rugs. The heroine's friend Mrs. Rad is a hidden treasure, and the Halloween Party is fun for all, attendees and readers alike. I hope there are many more Wimsey Reade novels.

With so many rich, unique characters, Robin Hardy continues to create new and intriguing players in this murderous comedy of errors. I won't give away too much, but this book only goes to show that if you're going to commit murder, you had better hope you don't make the kinds of mistakes that lead Ms. Wimsey Reade to discover your crime! Wimsy is a sharp, brave retiree with a keen sense of humor. Her intuitiveness and confidence astound everyone around her--including the reader! You will not be disappointed, as this story will keep you guessing until the very end!

One thing I've come to love about Robin Hardy books is the richness of the characters. Her new murder mystery doesn't disappoint! As intriguing as it was to try to figure out "who done it", I was really taken in by all of the people I got to meet along the way. These retirees were anything but boring. I also appreciated the reminder that life is fleeting. Facing death, or the threat of death, makes a person reflect upon the truly important things in life. We may not be able to control the timing or method of our death, but we can decide how we want to live.

It's finally here: the long-awaited first entry in Robin Hardy's first mystery series! I devoured it in one sitting. It was engaging and quirky and a really good read.

And the creepy cover fits the story perfectly.

Do not miss this one!