Customer Reviews

Sorrow's Crown: A Dead Past Mystery (Felicity Grove Mysteries)

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SORROW'S CROWN, sequel to THE DEAD PAST, continues with the crime-solving duo of Jon Kendrick and his grandmother Anna, of Felicity Grove. A kid is murdered, the killer having taken off the kid's face, and Crummler, the slow-witted cemetary caretaker, is blamed. What follows is a study in the theme of "the past is never truly dead." Jon and Anna figure out what really happened but getting there is the treat. Along the way we meet such colorful characters with wise-cracking dialogue. Piccirilli has a knack for fleshing out a character by harping on the quirks of each person, in such a way that we never forget who or what these people represent. A sequel that upholds the original theme and exceeds it by being a bit more literate and symbolic. Recommended.

SORROW'S CROWN, the sequel to THE DEAD PAST, continues with the crime-solving duo of Jon Kendrick and his grandmother Anna, of Felicity Grove. A kid is murdered, the killer having taken off the kid's face, and Crummler, the slow-witted cemetary caretaker, is blamed. What follows is a study in the theme of "the past is never truly dead." Jon and Anna must figure out what really happened, and getting there is the real treat for the reader. Along the way we meet colorful, witty, and cruel characters. Piccirilli has a knack for fleshing out a character by harping on the quirks of each person, in such a way that we never forget who or what these people represent. He builds upon the moody snowy small town of Felicity Grove to make the story wonderfully dark and atmospheric, despite the humorous moments. A sequel that upholds the themes of the original novel and even possibly exceeds it by being a bit more literate and symbolic. Recommended.

This second Dead Past mystery is an entertaining and cleverly written whodunit. As mentioned, the crazy old Zebediah Crummler is arrested for the horrible mutilation murder of a young boy, Teddy Harnes, son of one of the most corrupt villains ever created. Heroes Jon Kendrick and his grandmother Anna once again stumble into the investigation of the mystery. Studly Lowell Tully is back, and even though he warns Jon to stay out, hey where would our mystery be? Jon is now the father of Kate's unborn child, and their marriage is impending. There's lots of twists and turns, and some humorous witty anecdotes included. The ending is well done, and it does leave room for a third book. When's it coming, Tom?

Although rare book dealer Jon Kendrick left Felicity Grove as soon as he was able, he returns to the small town because of the two women in his life. His grandmother Anna Lucas, and his lover and mother of his unborn child Katie who live there and never plan to relocate. Both ladies pray that Jon will permanently relocate there, but he feels the townsfolk would not want a rare book store in their town.

Neither woman is providing much pressure on the reluctant Jon, but he presses himself to make a decision. To ignore his personal dilemma even temporarily, Jon focuses on some recent local killings. In a cemetery, the son of the most powerful local developer was recently found murdered with his face cut off. The eccentric caretaker of the cemetery is charged with the crime, but Jon cannot accept the simplicity of the solution. He begins to inquire since he knows that his gentle friend could never do such a vicious act.

Tom Piccirelli seems to get better and better with each new novel he writes. As good as his previous novels are, SORROW'S CROWN is by far his best work. This time, he cleverly allows readers free access into the mind of the protagonist, which, in turn, provides the audience an opportunity to understand what motivates and frightens Jon. Jon is a real hero and readers will admire him for being one.

Harriet Klausner

Although rare book dealer Jon Kendrick left Felicity Grove as soon as he was able, he returns to the small town because of the two women in his life. His grandmother Anna Lucas, and his lover and mother of his unborn child Katie who live there and never plan to relocate. Both ladies pray that Jon will permanently relocate there, but he feels the townsfolk would not want a rare book store in their town.

Neither woman is providing much pressure on the reluctant Jon, but he presses himself to make a decision. To ignore his personal dilemma even temporarily, Jon focuses on some recent local killings. In a cemetery, the son of the most powerful local developer was recently found murdered with his face cut off. The eccentric caretaker of the cemetery is charged with the crime, but Jon cannot accept the simplicity of the solution. He begins to inquire since he knows that his gentle friend could never do such a vicious act.

Tom Piccirelli seems to get better and better with each new novel he writes. As good as his previous novels are, SORROW'S CROWN is by far his best work. This time, he cleverly allows readers free access into the mind of the protagonist, which, in turn, provides the audience an opportunity to understand what motivates and frightens Jon. Jon is a real hero and readers will admire him for being one.

Harriet Klausner 11/1/98

I just finished SORROW'S CROWN. Wow, great sequel, great story, great people. I love Jon and Anna, the two Crummlers, creepy Jocelyn and Harnes and the cops.