Customer Reviews

The Unraveling of Violeta Bell (Morgue Mama Mysteries (Hardcover))

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The third Morgue Mama Mystery is the strongest in the series. Who is Violeta Bell? Is she a senior citizen who hired the same cabbie every week to drive her friends and herself to garage and estate sales? Is she a retired antiques dealer? Is she a claimant to the Romanian throne?

Newspaper librarian Maddy Sprowls' job is to find out if the cabby did it, because her editor-in-chief asked her to investigate. Naturally, Maddy, an inveterate researcher, finds ways to dig out the truth. The case is complex enough for any mystery reader. However, the true joy of this book is in the character of Maddy herself. The latest in the series reveals more of Maddy's personal life, her relationship with her boyfriend, Ike, her dog, and even Maddy's childhood and background. And, she snores! Morgue Mama isn't at all the curmudgeon she appears to be, and those who get to know her, both in the book, and as readers, will grow to love her.

Once again someone in Hannawa dies violently, and Maddy Sprowls swings into action. Masterful prose breathes life into a miscellany of characters and Maddy's cultural commentary is insightful. Author C.R. Corwin's Morgue Mama series gets better with each episode. "The Unraveling of Violeta Bell" is a must-read not only for readers who fancy mysteries but for those who appreciate excellent writing.

The best Morgue Mama yet.Corwin is a workmanlike and traditional writer of the whodunit. His touches of genius come in the details by which he gives life to his characters. The dog that Maddy Sprowls is allergic to was dumped on her by a neighbor who had to go to California because her daughter's husband was swept away by a wave while gathering mussels to make a paella. A character has a son who is a deputy minister of tourism for Ontario. The ambience of Akron, Ohio and of Watertown, New York is vividly captured. We learn about the history of the Romanian monarchy and the antique fireplace business.
All the while he keeps us laughing and in suspense. He joins my short list of writers where I watch for each new one and pre-order.

Newspaper librarian Maddy never gives story ideas to her newspaper: her job is research - until four old ladies at a garage sale lead her to an unusual feature story that results in murder. Now she's part of an investigation whether she likes it or not - and involved in a dangerous case. Libraries with strong mystery collections will find this a fine novel of mystery and intrigue.

Morgue Mama--Maddy Sprowls--returns in this, the third entry in the series. In the previous mysteries, Maddy, the librarian for a daily Ohio newspaper, did not give the editors an idea for a story--she just archived them. In this installment, however, she steps out of character, suggesting a story about four elderly women she observed getting out of a taxi one Saturday at a garage sale. She assumed it was part of a weekly routine and would make for an interesting feature story.

Shortly after publication, one of the women, a retired antiques dealer, is found murdered and once again Morgue Mama gets involved in another murder investigation. The victim was known for insisting she was the Queen of Romania. Could it be true? And the reason for the murder? Or is there some other reason?

Just as well-written and "cute" [intended as a compliment] as the initial two novels in the series were, this effort continues to amuse the reader. The plot moves along quickly. The characterizations are well-done, and Maddy, as ever, remains the zany but crafty protagonist. Recommended.

For over three decades septuagenarian Maddy "Morgue Mama" Sprowls has run the information library at The Hannawa Herald-Union. Her preference is to hide in the morgue where she helps the reporters obtain what they need to do a story; she never offers a story to the editors.

However, Maddy notices four female senior citizens using a taxi to go to garage sale hopping. She thinks their travels would make a wonderful warm human interest story. So after rarely stepping into the newsroom, Maddy enters to offer her idea. To her glee, the story runs highlighting the treasure hunting of former antique dealer Violeta Bell, retired stripper Kay Hausenfelter, realtor Gloria McPhee, and philanthropist Ariel Wilburger-Gowdy. However, not long afterward, someone murders Violeta. Maddy plans to hide in the morgue, but feels guilty wondering if her article led to the homicide. She begins to DIG for clues.

The fun in this fine amateur sleuth is observing the changing reactions of Maddy during the story line especially as she feels some culpability so reluctantly investigates only to learn she is enjoying the sleuthing; she hides that from everyone who sees the irritable and kvetching Morgue Mama. The four garage sale hoppers are unique eccentric protagonists. Violeta insists that she is the rightful queen of Romania; Kay's willing to perform an exotic dance; Gloria is ready to show off a house at any time except garage sale time; and Ariel wants to save the world one garage at a time. Fans will enjoy Maddy's inquiry into this elderly quartet (starting with the deceased) and other suspects, as this is an enjoyable Morgue Mama murder mystery (see THE CROSS KISSES BACK and DIG)

Harriet Klausner