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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Not Up To Par, September 23, 2002
It took our library ages to finally get me a copy of this to read. I had picked it up in several bookstores but never bought it, as the rest of my Mary Dahiem collection is in paperback. To be sure, I'll buy this one when it comes out, but the book was a bit of a letdown. The happenings at the B & B take place around Halloween, but this holiday and all its spooky trappings are never really used effectively. The "mystery" trick or treaters is rather lame, if not next door to impossible to believe. As for all the movie folks who swoop down on Judith and her husband, there really aren't any memorable characters; this is the most normal group she has ever dealt with. Not a surprse that none of them had the ambition or forethought for mayhem. I don't mind a few red herrings in a book but it was virtually impossible to figure out who the murderer actually was. There was not as much interaction between Renie and Judith, but Bill, Renie's husband, is turning into a very welcome, likeable character. He and Joe's friendship seems every bit as genuine as Judith and Renie's. Gertrude was her usual colorful self, and always welcome at every appearance. The big push in the book is that Judith could lose her beloved B and B due to the drowning death of a famous producer. However, even though there was a lawyer involved, there was never a mention of a lawsuit by anyone except the near hysterical Judith and the nervous Joe. It just never seemed like a possibility at all, so hence no panic on the reader's part. And, sorry, I don't think anyone could buy Renie's three children, none of who had serious beaus, turning up engaged. A mediocre Mary Dahiem is better than most, but I hope her next foray is more in keeping with her previous books, most of which are pricelss and have been read at least three times. I don't know if this one will get another read.
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8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Don't wait for the paperback...buy it now!, May 28, 2002
Having read every mystery she has written I can say this fast paced book is Mary Daheim's best yet! There isn't a dull moment in the entire book as Hillside Manor is invaded by a group of Hollywood celebs who get on Judith's last nerve and even endanger the very existence of the B&B Daheim fans come to love. While the cast of characters is large, keeping track of them is easy because Daheim has written them brilliantly giving each his own well defined personality. The reader is led on a merry chase as this well-crafted story evolves...Mary Daheim is an expert at dropping both red herrings and real clues equally subtly throughout her writing. I myself was sure I knew "who-done-it" three different times only to find a head slapping "of course!" moment just 12 pages from the end. As always, Daheim's sense of humor, off the wall characters, and great skill with word play give the reader some laughs along with this extremely well plotted mystery. Daheim is a true artist in creating atmosphere and settings. She'll bring you right into the scenes in a manner so well written you'll swear you feel the dampness of the fog, smell the bologna in Gertrude's sandwich, and are looking over Judith's shoulder as she confronts the true criminal. This book even includes a complete floor plan of Hillside Manor which is fun to refer to as the action takes place. It will also come in handy when reading the other books in the series. There seems to be an error in the placement of bathroom doors on the second floor but it doesn't affect the story at all. I first read Mary Daheim several years ago when "Snow Place to Die" was published. By the time I finished the third chapter I had purchased or ordered all of the other books in the series and began buying her other wonderful series, the Alpine mysteries. . Starting with her first of the B&B series, "Just Desserts", I read them in order and recommend you do the same as soon as you read "Silver Scream"! Judith's own story develops with each consecutive book. You will find yourself caring about the details of her life and how some very personal issues will turn out. You will also come to love the other people in her life...lovable protective Joe, Judith's outspoken cousin Renie and Renie's husband Bill, wacky neighbors and especially Judith's one of a kind mother, Gertrude, (who lives in the tool shed because she refuses to live under the same roof as Joe) will capture your imagination and become as familiar as people in your own life. Read Gertrude carefully...there's a lot beneath the blustery surface that has yet to be brought to light. I hope Gertrude lives forever! Mary Daheim is the best of the many cozy mystery authors...and "Silver Scream" is her best. Buy it. You won't be sorry.
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5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
delightful and charming cozy, May 11, 2002
Judith McMonigle Flynn grew up in Hillside Manor and when her husband died, she moved back home and turned it into a bed and breakfast inn. For over a decade, she put her blood, sweat and tears into the place and in spite of the few murders that took place there, she made it a success. She now has more business than she knows what to do with. Over the Halloween weekend, she had to turn down some guests because Hollywood producer Bruno Zepf and his entourage are staying there. He is previewing his latest movie and he always stays at a B&B because it brings him luck. Unfortunately, his good Karma runs out this time and Judith finds him drowned in her kitchen sink with the cupboard door above it open. Afraid that she will be sued for negligence because she knew the cupboard door needed to be repaired, she frantically tries to prove that Bruno was murdered. SILVER SCREAM is a delightful and charming cozy starring a heroine and a support cast that readers will find utterly delightful. The readers really become involved in this mystery, trying to figure out along with the heroine, exactly what happened. The solution is very believable, and even though the author gives a few hints, there is no way that anyone could guess who is responsible for Bruno's death. Mary Daheim's latest mystery is fantastic. Harriet Klausner
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