Customer Reviews

Thirteen Diamonds

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Prior reviews have summarized the plot of this book so I'll only add that it is a fine mystery. Lillian, the protagonist, is a sharp, feisty and likeable retiree. Except for the villian and the villian's pawns, all the characters are attractive. Lillian's Watson, Tess, of the bad feet, is clever, practical and a true friend. There's even a sub-plot of a romance between Lillian's granddaughter and a bartender/student. We have plenty of suspects, lots of motives, and a scary ending. I neither play bridge nor understand math, except as it pertains to dollars and cents, but that fact didn't prevent me from finding this a very entertaining way to spend an evening.

I don't have any trouble sleeping, but I did keep the night light burning late finishing this unusual mystery. Alan Cook has concocted an intriguing plot that keeps you turning the pages, not only to solve the crime (What IS the crime??)but also to figure out the puzzles he skillfully weaves into the story. (His heroine is a retired math professor). The setting isn't the international jet set scene, not is it the courtroom. Cook instead chooses a posh retirement community where the resident roster reads like a Who Was Who in America.(Do you recognize yourself?) Your stereotypes will crash as Cook details with accuracy and humour the shennanigans among the current inhabitants of the digs as he leads us down the investigative path. Besides writing a book that is just a great and easy read,Cook has achieved a wonderful characterization of the heroine not so much through description of her but through her dialogue and its tone. She is a pistol, and reminded me of Miss Marple as she goes about her dry witted and relentless pursuit of the scoundrel. You'll like her, and cheer her on even as her more conservative counterparts try to put the brakes on her activites. Keep an eye on this budding novelist; he's finding his voice!

Cook has told a masterful murder mystery in the improbable setting of an assisted living facility that will break any stereotypical viewpoints you may have about the people who reside in them. Very humorous in spots. Great interplay between sleuth mother and exasperated son.

There are so many pitfalls into which the "old lady in a senior community" sub-genre can fall, some of which nag at enjoyment of this book, that I was surprised that the book rose above its flaws to be an interesting and, at times, a gripping, entertainment. So, the leading elder-lady was at times unbearably nosy, a true "NOSY PARKER", a menace to all the innocents who surrounded here, often entering into unbelievable situations, difficult to like, etc., somehow, the author finally made it all gel, and we are able to take her as she is.
This is the first of a series, the Lillian Morgan (senior lady, former Math Professor), which should improve now that the character is introduced and, presumably, the author is freed to concentrate more on plotting and strengthening her character.
Good for most readers of "cozy" mysteries.
(Of course most specific comments had to be omitted to preserve the mystery from being unwrapped before the reader has opened the book.)

I loved this book. It was funny, suspensful, and intriguing. Loved the Senior Center setting and Lillian Morgan character. In fact, as soon as I finished, I purchased Alan Cook's other Lillian Morgan mystery, "Catch a Falling Knife" and plan to read it right away.

I purchased this ebook mostly because the price was cheap! What a pleasant surprise! A well written plot, likeable characters, sadness & humor. A retired math professor and her common sense friend work at solving a mysterious murder during a card game in a retirement complex. I caught myself laughing about the antics of Lillian, the self-appointed detective wanna be. I spend alot of time at the assisted living facility where my mother lives so I felt connections to the characters in this book. A good read.

I liked this book because of the simplicity of characters and story. This made me want ot read the other novel by Alan COok called 'To catch a falling knife'.

I absolutely enjoyed this book. The characters were sharply written and interesting; and the story and dialogue kept it moving along smooth and effectively. Great fun read!

Really enjoyed this book - Lillian is a trip as are her associates in the retirement community. The book reminds us that older folks are mostly us but just a bit slower or creaky. It's like with kids - they're small, not stupid - only this time it's they're old, not retarded. Cook handles the characters and the setting especially well but the plot is pretty standard fare. Chances are you will enjoy the book - and for 99 cents, it's a terrific bargain. Would have offered five stars but predictable plot dropped it one. For those who care, not a profanity to be found and minimal violence.

I enjoyed this book so much for its well-developed plot and likeable protagonist. Very cleverly done, and entertaining. Additionally, it was my very first read on my new Kindle, which made it extra fun. I'd read another by this author anytime.