Never Preach Past Noon: A Leigh Koslow Mystery [Paperback]

Edie Swihart (Author)

Book Description

Series: Leigh Koslow Mystery | Publication Date: October 28, 2008

Leigh Koslow's thrice-married Aunt Bess has always been the black sheep of the family. So when Bess breaks her ankle falling down a staircase in the middle of the night, Leigh isn't surprised to hear that the steps were someone else's. But when she discovers that they might belong to Bess's happily wedded pastor, and that his house was burning down at the time, she can't help but be concerned. The first Church of the New Millennium has problems- and Bess with Leigh as her reluctant aide, is intent on solving them. Unfortunately, so is someone else even if it means murder.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Novelist and playwright Edie Claire has published five mysteries in the Leigh Koslow series and two Romantic Times "Top Pick" mystery/romances. When not writing novels or scripts for church theatre, she can be found acquiring new pets, teaching childbirth classes, herding her three children, acting on stage, volunteering, avoiding housework, or sneaking caramels. Please visit her website at www.edieclaire.com!

Product Details

• Paperback: 276 pages
• Publisher: iUniverse (October 28, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0595523900
• ISBN-13: 978-0595523900
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,029,550 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Novelist and playwright Edie Claire is a veterinarian, a childbirth educator, and a mother of three who delights in writing cozy mysteries, classic and young adult romantic suspense novels, and comedic stage plays. Pick up an Edie Claire work and you can be assured of intrigue, humor, a touch of romance (or a hefty dose of it, depending on the book!) and an ending that will leave you with a smile.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Three's a charm!, November 12, 2000

By 

Donna Rizos - See all my reviews

This review is from: Never Preach Past Noon (Leigh Koslow Mysteries) (Mass Market Paperback)

Edie Claire has another winner! Her heroine, Leigh Koslow, is back to solve another mystery. This time it is her endearing Aunt Bess who needs her help. The preacher of the newly formed congregation is missing. Is he dead, or just missing? Aunt Bess has all of her "good intention" ideas of what has happened to the preacher. Leigh, on the other hand, is cautious about investigating another murder. Also, Leigh wants to come clean with her friend Warren, but her ex-lawyer Katharine keeps getting in the way! This mystery has a wonderful plot that will keep you guessing until the end. The ending is one of the best that I have read in some time! I can't wait for the next Leigh Koslow mystery.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One heck of a great read!, March 31, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Never Preach Past Noon (Leigh Koslow Mysteries) (Mass Market Paperback)

This series hooked me from page one of the first book, and it just keeps getting better.

Leigh Koslow is the best of heroines -- spunky and determined, yes, but also human. She's not perfect - and wouldn't you hate her if she was? -- but she's delightful, the type of person you'd love to have for a next-door-neighbor. Half the fun of this series is meeting and getting to know Leigh's rather quirky family, and this book gives us a wonderful look at Leigh's Aunt Bess. Aunt Bess is a sweet, chocolate sundae, sprinkled liberally with nuts. (Nuts being the operative word!) When she finds herself in trouble, where else would she turn but to her problem-solving niece?

Never Preach Past Noon follows Leigh and friends through the pursuit of secrets involving a minister/con man, with plenty of twists and surprises along the way. A page-turner supreme, it'll keep you guessing until the final startling revelation. A wonderful novel with a wham-bang ending!

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Well written mystery, October 10, 2000

By 

Harriet Klausner - See all my reviews
(#1 Hall OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Never Preach Past Noon (Leigh Koslow Mysteries) (Mass Market Paperback)

After finding and losing so many jobs, Leigh Kostow decides to become self-employed by opening up an advertising agency that quickly becomes a success. During a winter lull, a tired Leigh needs rest and time to take care of her Aunt Elizabeth, who fell down some stairs at the parsonage. Apparently Aunt Elizabeth was seeking proof that the pastor Reginald Humphrey was a con artist when she suffered her accident. Leigh should have known by now that a broken legs and crutches would not hinder her aunt from snooping.

Leigh can never say no to her aunt and soon follows up on every clue that Beth finds. The night the Pastor is supposed to officiate at a wedding, he disappears. For three days, no one knows what happened to him. By accident, Leigh finds Reginald's body in the freezer of the animal shelter. The bride's father admits to stuffing the body there so that the pastor would not ruin the wedding, but he swears he did not kill the man. Leigh and her aunt begin investigating the homicide doing whatever it takes to obtain the truth.

Edie Claire is a bright new mystery writer who appears already to be a master of characterization. She populates her tale with likable people and the feline antics of Beth's cats. The author also has the chutzpah to make the reader feel sorry for the killer. The fast-paced story line retains a serious tone with humorous interludes to ease the tension and turn the sleuthing relatives into real people. NEVER PREACH PAST NOON is a winning amateur sleuth tale that showcases a new talent.

Harriet Klausner