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Samantha Jamison Mystery #1
The Puzzle
UPDATED NEW EDITION: EDITED BY AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR/EDITOR, WINSLOW ELIOT
Samantha Jamison, an author, revisits her husband’s past to solve the mystery surrounding his questionable death. She suddenly begins to have doubts. Was her marriage a façade? Plagued by constant questions and second-guessing herself, She digs deeper and becomes obsessed just like her husband. The question is who can she trust? Who killed him? But instead of stalking the killer, she's being stalked.
REVIEWERS: "A must read thriller starts this mystery series off. I loved it!"
"A powerful and original narrative!"
"...exceptionally insightful…best kind of read...”
"...a masterfully constructed thriller."
“What a terrific read! Peggy Edelheit kept me glued to the page…”
“…It kept me reading till the end...took me a bit by surprise!..."
"...a 5-star puzzle that hooks you the moment you start reading…”
“…It kept me glued to my Kindle... I highly recommend it..."
“…An enjoyable read. I recommend this book...”
“…Ms. Edelheit does a wonderful job of taking the reader on a fun mystery ride.”
The Samantha Jamison Mystery Series: #2 WITHOUT ANY WARNING #3, 86 AVENUE DU GOULET #4 A LETHAL TIME #5 MOUTH OF THE RAT #5.5 THE RIVIERA IS BURNING #6 DEATH KNELL IN THE ALPS
Website: samanthajamison.com
Samantha Jamison, an author, revisits her husband’s past to solve the mystery surrounding his questionable death. She suddenly begins to have doubts. Was her marriage a façade? Plagued by constant questions and second-guessing herself, She digs deeper and becomes obsessed just like her husband. The question is who can she trust? Who killed him? But instead of stalking the killer, she's being stalked.
REVIEWERS: "A must read thriller starts this mystery series off. I loved it!"
"A powerful and original narrative!"
"...exceptionally insightful…best kind of read...”
"...a masterfully constructed thriller."
“What a terrific read! Peggy Edelheit kept me glued to the page…”
“…It kept me reading till the end...took me a bit by surprise!..."
"...a 5-star puzzle that hooks you the moment you start reading…”
“…It kept me glued to my Kindle... I highly recommend it..."
“…An enjoyable read. I recommend this book...”
“…Ms. Edelheit does a wonderful job of taking the reader on a fun mystery ride.”
The Samantha Jamison Mystery Series: #2 WITHOUT ANY WARNING #3, 86 AVENUE DU GOULET #4 A LETHAL TIME #5 MOUTH OF THE RAT #5.5 THE RIVIERA IS BURNING #6 DEATH KNELL IN THE ALPS
Website: samanthajamison.com
346 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 20, 2011
69 people are currently reading
263 people want to read
About the author
Peggy A. Edelheit
24 books12 followersPeggy's Genre is COZY MYSTERIES. She's the author of 19 books: 17 mysteries in the Samantha Jamison Series, one memoir - The Riviera Is Burning, and one contemporary romance - Caché, Caché. She loves writing, both non-fiction and fiction, and revealing the truth—or her version of it. (And yes, many incidents in her books did happen—she’s just not admitting which ones! ...chuckle) #18 COMING DEC. 1
After raising her family, Peggy published her first mystery novel, The Puzzle. The setting was based on her log home in Highlands, North Carolina, where she sat on the back porch and plotted, wondering how a young widow would react after the mysterious, unsolved death of her husband. Would she ignore what she was being told, or pursue it on her own? Peggy soon discovered she loved writing mysteries from the first-person point of view, and the Samantha Jamison series was born.
Peggy has traveled the world, from Europe to Asia, even at one point owning a villa on the French Riviera, which played well into two of her books: her memoir, The Riviera Is Burning, and book three of her Samantha Jamison mystery series, 86 Avenue du Goulet. She resides in Florida.
After raising her family, Peggy published her first mystery novel, The Puzzle. The setting was based on her log home in Highlands, North Carolina, where she sat on the back porch and plotted, wondering how a young widow would react after the mysterious, unsolved death of her husband. Would she ignore what she was being told, or pursue it on her own? Peggy soon discovered she loved writing mysteries from the first-person point of view, and the Samantha Jamison series was born.
Peggy has traveled the world, from Europe to Asia, even at one point owning a villa on the French Riviera, which played well into two of her books: her memoir, The Riviera Is Burning, and book three of her Samantha Jamison mystery series, 86 Avenue du Goulet. She resides in Florida.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
July 19, 2015
Plot was all over the place. The writing had too many sentences formed as questions. 1.5 stars
February 21, 2013
Whenever a mystery abounds with a slew of captivating characters, from quite delightful to those on the abrasive side, it’s a good read for me. Add in a myriad of complex twists and turns that confound the revelation of a mystery and it becomes a great read. THE PUZZLE does all this and more; it is a ‘best kind of read’ for the author adds insightful elements, psychological depth, to her characters.
The title, THE PUZZLE, intrigued me and once I began my read, each revelation drew me more inexplicably into this cleverly woven mystery. 1000 piece jigsaw puzzles engage my mind, challenge my brain and offer immense satisfaction once the puzzle is solved. With so many disparate pieces, it seems impossible at first to fit the pieces together into a unified whole. So it is with THE PUZZLE: challenging and intense with a most surprising ending that was immensely satisfying.
After the untimely death of her husband, Samantha Jamison faces a puzzle made of many secrets. Stephen’s death was not an accident and on recognizing that ‘she did not know Stephen at all,’ she vows to find out the truth. In order to unravel the mystery of Stephen’s life, Samantha must cope not only with her grief at the loss of her husband, but, more so, she must face her own character deficits; the disappointment in recognizing her own self-effacing personality. Ms Edelheit captivated me with her scripting of Samantha as an author who uses her craft to help discern the elusive important pieces to solve the mystery. One of my favorite passages is, “Why was I compulsively interjecting our lives into my book? My fingers seemed to have a mind of their own, working freelance, asking questions, but where were they leading me?”
Peggy Edelheit is exceptionally insightful in her scripting of Samantha’s analytical processes as she moves through denial, anger, and pain and begins to display courage, resilience and determination during her journey to unravel the mystery surrounding her husband’s life and death. Juxtaposed with the unraveling of this mystery is the maturation of Samantha’s own sense of personhood. A favorite line is, “I was no longer fighting for his redemption. I was fighting for my liberation.”
December 5, 2015
Thanks to my childhood spent reading Nancy Drew, I always love a good mystery. And that’s what I found in The Puzzle, the first book of the Samantha Jamison series.
The first chapter’s attention-grabbing subtitle, “My Letter to My Dead Husband” catapulted me into the story and swirl of unsettling questions facing a young widow. Not long after Samantha’s husband, Stephen, dies in a tragic car accident, police inform her that someone had tampered with his brakes. Bewildered, grieving but determined, Samantha sets out to find his killer.
Traveling to Highlands, North Carolina, where Stephen grew up, Samantha encounters a complex web of revelations, conflicting stories and even threats as she tries to unlock the secrets of her husband’s past. I loved the small town vibe and well-developed characters, especially the older women, who were full of vitality, mischief and intrigue.
Suspense simmers throughout this well-written story. Samantha’s quest to find the killer encounters more twists and turns than skiing through moguls. The author has a gift for veiling characters with a subtle but lingering suspicion. Was Jack really the nice guy that he seemed to be . . . or what about Mike and Carl? Or Martha? I wish I could say I figured it out, but the hallmark of a great mystery is to be kept guessing until the last page, and that’s what happened here.
A suspenseful page-turner that is hard to put down!
The first chapter’s attention-grabbing subtitle, “My Letter to My Dead Husband” catapulted me into the story and swirl of unsettling questions facing a young widow. Not long after Samantha’s husband, Stephen, dies in a tragic car accident, police inform her that someone had tampered with his brakes. Bewildered, grieving but determined, Samantha sets out to find his killer.
Traveling to Highlands, North Carolina, where Stephen grew up, Samantha encounters a complex web of revelations, conflicting stories and even threats as she tries to unlock the secrets of her husband’s past. I loved the small town vibe and well-developed characters, especially the older women, who were full of vitality, mischief and intrigue.
Suspense simmers throughout this well-written story. Samantha’s quest to find the killer encounters more twists and turns than skiing through moguls. The author has a gift for veiling characters with a subtle but lingering suspicion. Was Jack really the nice guy that he seemed to be . . . or what about Mike and Carl? Or Martha? I wish I could say I figured it out, but the hallmark of a great mystery is to be kept guessing until the last page, and that’s what happened here.
A suspenseful page-turner that is hard to put down!
October 30, 2015
The Puzzle
(Samantha Jamison Mystery)
Written by Peggy A. Edelheit
Reviewed by Author Roy Murry
What would you do if the police came to your front door and told you your loved one had been murdered? This is the beginning of The Puzzle.
Samantha is in denial. How could this be? I just took him to the airport. How did he die behind the wheel of a rental car on his way to his hometown?
To put the pieces together in this hard to explain event, she goes to the source, trying to put The Puzzle together – to the people who knew her secretive husband best. In this quest, she becomes a new person, questioning and feeding off his boyhood’s closest friends, acquaintances, and the small town he grew up in.
Protecting his memory and not knowing the full extent of his endeavor, they are allusive when Samantha tries to get to the truth. It comes to light after much probing and self-evaluation by all who knew her husband well, including Samantha.
Ms. Edelheit’s writing is clear cut with no clutter. Her chapters are short, and to the point, forcing you to turn to the next (And the next,) looking for the answers yourself. It won’t take you long to get to the truth – it’s a fast read.
Good opening for a series with nine books in it. You might get hooked.
Get at amazon Free: http://amzn.to/1FYK89m
(Samantha Jamison Mystery)
Written by Peggy A. Edelheit
Reviewed by Author Roy Murry
What would you do if the police came to your front door and told you your loved one had been murdered? This is the beginning of The Puzzle.
Samantha is in denial. How could this be? I just took him to the airport. How did he die behind the wheel of a rental car on his way to his hometown?
To put the pieces together in this hard to explain event, she goes to the source, trying to put The Puzzle together – to the people who knew her secretive husband best. In this quest, she becomes a new person, questioning and feeding off his boyhood’s closest friends, acquaintances, and the small town he grew up in.
Protecting his memory and not knowing the full extent of his endeavor, they are allusive when Samantha tries to get to the truth. It comes to light after much probing and self-evaluation by all who knew her husband well, including Samantha.
Ms. Edelheit’s writing is clear cut with no clutter. Her chapters are short, and to the point, forcing you to turn to the next (And the next,) looking for the answers yourself. It won’t take you long to get to the truth – it’s a fast read.
Good opening for a series with nine books in it. You might get hooked.
Get at amazon Free: http://amzn.to/1FYK89m
August 5, 2012
Samantha Jamison heads to the small town of Highlands, NC to uncover the truth behind her husband, Stephen’s, untimely death. Foul play is suspected so Samantha doesn’t know who she can trust. A vicious storm, s robbery, and a car crash heighten her fears until she sees enemies around every corner. As Samantha continues to dig she learns there are others working to keep the communities secrets. My personal favorites are Betty & Hazel, a couple of little old ladies who manage a local bookstore, but consider themselves amateur detectives. I found myself chuckling at their antics and eagerly turning the page to see what they would do next.
Ms. Edelheit skillfully takes Samantha from an insecure spouse to a relentless widow, direct in her questions and unwilling to put up with anymore run around, without alienated the reader. As soon as I finished this book I couldn’t wait to dive right in to volume 2.
Ms. Edelheit skillfully takes Samantha from an insecure spouse to a relentless widow, direct in her questions and unwilling to put up with anymore run around, without alienated the reader. As soon as I finished this book I couldn’t wait to dive right in to volume 2.
August 18, 2013
Packed this in at 34%. It just started heading off into a fantasyland and I couldn't believe what I was reading anymore. It started with promise but in the end you really had to wonder if Sam would be THAT stupid. She seemed totally ill-equipped to live a life in a cabin in the middle of nowhere. Then she receives some threatening calls and notes yet still goes merrily off on a hike all alone which is pretty idiotic.
She thought someone was following her on a trail and she is saved by a friend as she fell over THEN you're supposed to believe she was driving home and a truck purposely drives at her !! That was a step too far.
Lightning was misspelt a few times as lightening. Apostrophes were misused too which is always a big aggravation for me and confident is not spelt confidant.I flicked to the end after I packed it in and noticed that even at 99% Stephen was suddenly spelled as Stephan so I'm pleased I gave up before reaching the end !!
She thought someone was following her on a trail and she is saved by a friend as she fell over THEN you're supposed to believe she was driving home and a truck purposely drives at her !! That was a step too far.
Lightning was misspelt a few times as lightening. Apostrophes were misused too which is always a big aggravation for me and confident is not spelt confidant.I flicked to the end after I packed it in and noticed that even at 99% Stephen was suddenly spelled as Stephan so I'm pleased I gave up before reaching the end !!
January 12, 2014
What a tangled mystery! This book is nonstop weaving, from start to beginning. Every time the narrator seems to have figured something out, she discovers she had it wrong, and it's much more complicated than she thought. The story is clever and entertaining, and I wanted it to keep going.
Samantha is a delightful voice. There were a few sections in the middle that moved a little slow, where she spent time going over the same thoughts, but they were brief and barely noticeable. The rest of the cast is wonderful, a bunch of characters that feel very real. This small town is alive and full of secrets, and I wanted to know them just as much as the narrator did.
There were some grammatical errors, but I enjoyed the story too much to care, and they weren't horribly egregious. This fun and fast paced read was well worth my time, and I'm putting the rest of the series on my to-read list. Unless you absolutely hate mysteries, I heartily recommend this book.
Samantha is a delightful voice. There were a few sections in the middle that moved a little slow, where she spent time going over the same thoughts, but they were brief and barely noticeable. The rest of the cast is wonderful, a bunch of characters that feel very real. This small town is alive and full of secrets, and I wanted to know them just as much as the narrator did.
There were some grammatical errors, but I enjoyed the story too much to care, and they weren't horribly egregious. This fun and fast paced read was well worth my time, and I'm putting the rest of the series on my to-read list. Unless you absolutely hate mysteries, I heartily recommend this book.
October 19, 2011
The title says it all - it is a puzzle and a good one! It is worth taking the time to get to know the different pieces - perhaps even making chart to keep them straight in your mind. I read the book almost in one sitting - I couldn't put it down - I love puzzles! You will be introduced to a collection of strong female characters of differing ages and interesting backgrounds with some humorous interaction.
I found the book to be well written, easy to read and the basic premise of the story being told by a female author who is the main character writing a book based on the action as it taking place in this book very interesting.
I enjoyed the book so much I immediately read the next one in the series!
I found the book to be well written, easy to read and the basic premise of the story being told by a female author who is the main character writing a book based on the action as it taking place in this book very interesting.
I enjoyed the book so much I immediately read the next one in the series!
January 24, 2015
I love puzzles and this was a truly unique one.
The author weaves a story giving minute details about a townspeople's past , in such a way as to keep the reader captivated from start to finish!
The story unfolds a little at a time as the pieces of the puzzle are introduced. It seems however that not all the puzzle pieces are where they should be. The characters constantly change their behavior and causes the heroine to trust and then distrust those people who surround her.
Fortunately the hidden truth comes to the surface.
I highly recommend this book for a truly entertaining read. I admre the author's talent in finally completing the puzzle she so masterfully created, fitting all the pieces together with ease.
The author weaves a story giving minute details about a townspeople's past , in such a way as to keep the reader captivated from start to finish!
The story unfolds a little at a time as the pieces of the puzzle are introduced. It seems however that not all the puzzle pieces are where they should be. The characters constantly change their behavior and causes the heroine to trust and then distrust those people who surround her.
Fortunately the hidden truth comes to the surface.
I highly recommend this book for a truly entertaining read. I admre the author's talent in finally completing the puzzle she so masterfully created, fitting all the pieces together with ease.
April 24, 2012
I do not generally read this type of book. To my surprise it is written in the manner of the old Miss Marple, or Snoop Sister series of investigations were written. The style is quite different for today but enjoyable. For those who are familiar with the actions of smaller towns and their secrets the author conveyed their actions accurately. It is exactly as the story tells you, when it comes to prying secrets from small towns the information comes in small tidbits and can be a lesson in testing your patience. An enjoyable read. I recommend this book for those who enjoy a story that is not rushed.
April 26, 2012
This book is truly a 5-star puzzle that hooks you the moment you start reading. Samantha Jamison is driven to find out who murdered her husband Stephen. The author does not spare the twists and turns. Every page is filled with intrigue. Samantha isn't sure who to trust. From the phone calls to the accidents that keep happening, this story keeps the mystery rolling. Samantha's character grows throughout the story. I loved how Ms. Edelheit unraveled the answer to THE PUZZLE slowly - and the answer was as much of a surprise to me as it was to her characters. Happy to have read this book!
April 17, 2015
Samantha Jamison lost her reticent husband under mysterious circumstances, and, In an effort to understand what was going on she returns to the town where he lived prior to their marriage. Here she confronts the residents who knew him, quickly discovering that they are reluctant to divulge everything they know. Samantha is left to unravel the secrets of her husband’s past by following the clues, and in the process discovers not only the truth, but some things about herself. The Puzzle is an entertaining read.
April 16, 2012
Samantha sniffs out leads, clues, and leaves no stone unturned while investigating her husband's death in THE PUZZLE. She unravels the missing pieces in the puzzle that was her husband's life, learning about herself in the process. There are some great and unexpected twists, and a cast of colorful characters. The setting is fun and believable, and the pace is perfect for a mystery. Ms. Edelheit does a wonderful job of taking the reader on a fun mystery ride.
September 8, 2012
I loved, loved this book! What a terrific read! Peggy Edelheit kept me glued to the page with her description of events and her likeable (and not so likeable) characters. I can still see Samantha running around her house, storm brewing outside, while her laptop stared back at her, demanding her to get back to work. And… the characters, Betty and Hazel were a hoot. I can’t wait to start her next book in the series. Five stars, Ms. Edelheit! You did good!
February 23, 2013
While I thought the beginning of this book held great promise, it didn't deliver in the end. The situations the main character kept finding herself in indicated that a bigger story was evolving. The ending seemed highly improbable. We weren't given insight into the missing but regularly referenced character to believe that the "truth" of what happened was realistic. Very disappointed and can't recommend this.
May 29, 2013
I thought this was an interesting, captivating old fashioned mystery novel. I enjoyed that the mystery didn't revolve around a murder, but instead around the main character's deceased husband's biological parents. There were several interesting characters, and you were never quite sure who was good or bad, trustworthy or not. The ending was a surprise, but one that was pretty impossible to guess given the facts provided.
July 7, 2013
I love Samantha! Samantha is a wonderful character. I wish I could meet her in real life. The non-stop action and intrigue makes for a book I couldn't put down once I started reading. Worse still, I'm hungry for more. Keep writing, Peggy!
June 16, 2011
A murder that isn't a murder and multiple parties hiding secrets make The Puzzle a very enjoyable story.
January 2, 2014
Wow, a very good read. I was truly impressed with the author and how she added layer upon layer of intrigue to the ever building mystery of this story. And what a surprise ending!
October 22, 2021
I actually double checked to make sure this wasn't listed as a (poorly written) (very) YA mystery
Honestly, the (first-person) protagonist is just too aggressively dumb to spend this much time with. Even if she'd actually just ask the few things she's always aware she "probably should have asked", the book would be half-length.
She actively avoids getting any help from police from the start for no known reason, even when trying to finagle a way to acquire openly displayed possible evidence she has a perfectly unremarkable legal right to reclaim.
She's also worried to the point of paranoia about the motives of everyone she talks to, but routinely takes at face value anything they tell her, and promptly believes they're trustworthy for having spoken to her at all... at least for the next five pages.
(Not a spoiler, because she's constantly doing this to everyone, repeatedly, but I'll cut the place and name.)
"I opened the door to ___and marched back to ___'s office. Once there, I saw through the glass that he was alone and not on the phone, so I knocked. He glanced up with a start of surprise then smiled. Was everything he said cleverly packaged in deception?"
No. He was just surprised by someone interrupting in the middle of a workday. As you just said. Frankly it would be far more weird if he was actively smiling at every moment he didn't realize anyone was near him. Not for the first time, I wanted to tell the protagonist that everyone's facial expression and mood changes from day to day weren't automatically all about her.
"Everyone was throwing me curveballs." [Note: completely untrue.] "I was waiting for one of them to throw a fastball so I could hit it out of the park." So, you're bothering everyone hoping the villain will finally get annoyed enough and just confess? (That actually does seem to be her strategy, despite being in fear for her life from the unknown murderer. Something she seems to forget often enough to find some lies and break-in thefts on her property "charming"?)
She gets precisely one potentially useful piece of information from every conversation, then leaves. Then she visits someone else the next day for another round of sudden suspicion, one tidbit, and sudden trust. There are only 5 or 6 people on this merry-go-round of hers, so she just cycles around and around--one tidbit and a "I probably should have also asked" at a time.
The mystery seems interesting enough at first, but the aggressively incompetent and clueless POV character makes this book hard to read without losing all patience by the halfway point.
[Disclaimer: I actually gave up at the 3/4 mark when the protagonist "shockingly" discovers something about a character's profession that apparently everyone in town thought she knew--and she should have known within the first five minutes of meeting him back in the first few chapters.]
Honestly, the (first-person) protagonist is just too aggressively dumb to spend this much time with. Even if she'd actually just ask the few things she's always aware she "probably should have asked", the book would be half-length.
She actively avoids getting any help from police from the start for no known reason, even when trying to finagle a way to acquire openly displayed possible evidence she has a perfectly unremarkable legal right to reclaim.
She's also worried to the point of paranoia about the motives of everyone she talks to, but routinely takes at face value anything they tell her, and promptly believes they're trustworthy for having spoken to her at all... at least for the next five pages.
(Not a spoiler, because she's constantly doing this to everyone, repeatedly, but I'll cut the place and name.)
"I opened the door to ___and marched back to ___'s office. Once there, I saw through the glass that he was alone and not on the phone, so I knocked. He glanced up with a start of surprise then smiled. Was everything he said cleverly packaged in deception?"
No. He was just surprised by someone interrupting in the middle of a workday. As you just said. Frankly it would be far more weird if he was actively smiling at every moment he didn't realize anyone was near him. Not for the first time, I wanted to tell the protagonist that everyone's facial expression and mood changes from day to day weren't automatically all about her.
"Everyone was throwing me curveballs." [Note: completely untrue.] "I was waiting for one of them to throw a fastball so I could hit it out of the park." So, you're bothering everyone hoping the villain will finally get annoyed enough and just confess? (That actually does seem to be her strategy, despite being in fear for her life from the unknown murderer. Something she seems to forget often enough to find some lies and break-in thefts on her property "charming"?)
She gets precisely one potentially useful piece of information from every conversation, then leaves. Then she visits someone else the next day for another round of sudden suspicion, one tidbit, and sudden trust. There are only 5 or 6 people on this merry-go-round of hers, so she just cycles around and around--one tidbit and a "I probably should have also asked" at a time.
The mystery seems interesting enough at first, but the aggressively incompetent and clueless POV character makes this book hard to read without losing all patience by the halfway point.
[Disclaimer: I actually gave up at the 3/4 mark when the protagonist "shockingly" discovers something about a character's profession that apparently everyone in town thought she knew--and she should have known within the first five minutes of meeting him back in the first few chapters.]
September 18, 2023
An engaging mystery with an intricate and well-crafted plot...
"The Puzzle (Samantha Jamison Mystery Book 1)" by Peggy A. Edelheit is a captivating mystery that immediately pulls readers into the world of Samantha Jamison. As a grieving widow seeking answers about her husband's suspicious death, Samantha takes on the guise of a small-town antique shop owner in Highlands, North Carolina.
What sets this mystery apart is its intricate and well-crafted plot. Samantha's journey unfolds with a sense of urgency as she methodically peels back layers of treachery, lies, and hidden information. As an author with no experience in solving mysteries, she finds herself in a minefield of intrigue. The narrative is fast-paced, filled with thrilling suspense, and layered with secrets that keep readers guessing until the final pages.
Edelheit's storytelling shines with well-developed characters, including three shrewd seniors and an enigmatic neighbor named Clay. Samantha's growing suspect list, including these characters, adds complexity to the plot. With so many layers of deceit, trust becomes a rare commodity in this small town. The author's writing style is engaging and immersive, making it easy for readers to get lost in the story. The attention to detail and the meticulous plotting ensure that every clue and revelation fits seamlessly into the narrative, much like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. Peggy A. Edelheit has not only crafted an intriguing mystery but also painted a vivid picture with a diverse and well-written cast of characters.
"The Puzzle" is a thrilling start to the Samantha Jamison Mystery series, offering a blend of suspense, secrets, and an engaging protagonist that mystery enthusiasts will thoroughly enjoy. Highly recommended for those who appreciate a well-woven and captivating mystery.
"The Puzzle (Samantha Jamison Mystery Book 1)" by Peggy A. Edelheit is a captivating mystery that immediately pulls readers into the world of Samantha Jamison. As a grieving widow seeking answers about her husband's suspicious death, Samantha takes on the guise of a small-town antique shop owner in Highlands, North Carolina.
What sets this mystery apart is its intricate and well-crafted plot. Samantha's journey unfolds with a sense of urgency as she methodically peels back layers of treachery, lies, and hidden information. As an author with no experience in solving mysteries, she finds herself in a minefield of intrigue. The narrative is fast-paced, filled with thrilling suspense, and layered with secrets that keep readers guessing until the final pages.
Edelheit's storytelling shines with well-developed characters, including three shrewd seniors and an enigmatic neighbor named Clay. Samantha's growing suspect list, including these characters, adds complexity to the plot. With so many layers of deceit, trust becomes a rare commodity in this small town. The author's writing style is engaging and immersive, making it easy for readers to get lost in the story. The attention to detail and the meticulous plotting ensure that every clue and revelation fits seamlessly into the narrative, much like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. Peggy A. Edelheit has not only crafted an intriguing mystery but also painted a vivid picture with a diverse and well-written cast of characters.
"The Puzzle" is a thrilling start to the Samantha Jamison Mystery series, offering a blend of suspense, secrets, and an engaging protagonist that mystery enthusiasts will thoroughly enjoy. Highly recommended for those who appreciate a well-woven and captivating mystery.
July 22, 2018
The puzzle is an interesting book, yet it adds little to its genre. It’s good in how it handles its subject matter in plot but doesn’t always bring it to the next level. Its fantastic in its conception and ideas, if a little cliché, but the writing sometimes falls short.
For example, the characters are described as diverse, interesting, and fulfilling. As an example, Jack is described as “eccentric”. However, the book does little to expand on this other than making him more wordy. In this way, the book creates interesting ideas and captivating characters, but doesn’t bring them to life as much as it could.
As well as this, the plot is interesting and other books with a similar plot have garnered great success, but it sometimes feels a bit ‘cookie-cutter’.
Then, it seems as if Peggy A. Edelheit has realised this and brings far too much complexity into the mix. All of a sudden it’s no longer simple and interesting ideas that often fall short, it’s complex and confusing ideas which can’t possibly be realised.
I think the problem, therefore, isn’t the ideas that the book establishes, it’s the pacing and the length of the novel itself. There is something good here, but it feels a bit rushed at times. If there was more of a time to breath here and there, it doesn’t mean that the tension dissipates completely, it just relaxes slightly. There is an underlying threat and so with this the book can afford to add a bit of nuance to its characters and storytelling.
Without this, however, it feels as if the novel is flying all over the place. Suddenly you’re in the past, then the present, then a letter. It simply needs a little more breathing space and there’d be something a lot more masterful here.
For example, the characters are described as diverse, interesting, and fulfilling. As an example, Jack is described as “eccentric”. However, the book does little to expand on this other than making him more wordy. In this way, the book creates interesting ideas and captivating characters, but doesn’t bring them to life as much as it could.
As well as this, the plot is interesting and other books with a similar plot have garnered great success, but it sometimes feels a bit ‘cookie-cutter’.
Then, it seems as if Peggy A. Edelheit has realised this and brings far too much complexity into the mix. All of a sudden it’s no longer simple and interesting ideas that often fall short, it’s complex and confusing ideas which can’t possibly be realised.
I think the problem, therefore, isn’t the ideas that the book establishes, it’s the pacing and the length of the novel itself. There is something good here, but it feels a bit rushed at times. If there was more of a time to breath here and there, it doesn’t mean that the tension dissipates completely, it just relaxes slightly. There is an underlying threat and so with this the book can afford to add a bit of nuance to its characters and storytelling.
Without this, however, it feels as if the novel is flying all over the place. Suddenly you’re in the past, then the present, then a letter. It simply needs a little more breathing space and there’d be something a lot more masterful here.
November 12, 2022
This book started out with some promise to be a good mystery but derailed at the end. A woman loses her husband and moves to a small town to investigate if there was any foul play involved. She starts asking questions in town and is sent anonymous messages to leave the issue alone. Determined, she keeps at her investigation befriending many of the towns' people to get to the bottom of what happened to her husband. The characters were for the most part good but how they all tied into each other was weak and fairy-tale-like. Stephen, the dead husband and an accountant, has some “numbers and a key” and his laptop that everyone in the town at some point gets their hands on throughout the story, but they all then lose it due to someone else stealing it. The computer after all ends up being basically useless to the story and is a distraction. The entire story is her going back and forth to the same people asking questions about her husband’s past instead of questions related to his death which is why she went down there to begin with. The end revelation and what happened to Stephen was a let-down. The story led me to believe it was going to be something more sinister but this was fairy tale nonsense.
May 3, 2018
I started reading this series back to front, I read Diamonds Are Not A Girl's Best Friend first, then thought it would be a good idea to read Book 1 to see where it all started for Samantha Jamison to become a sleuth.
When her husband dies in an accident Samantha thinks there is more to it than meets the eye. He leaves her with unanswered questions and she sets out on a quest to find those answers. There are several characters in the mix and are any of them quite who they seem? Who can she trust? There are lots of twists and turns and just as you think you have an idea who the killer might be you find you are wrong.
The setting for the story is beautiful, a small town in the mountains, it reminded me of one of Bob Ross' paintings, scary at times though with the ice storm and the isolation. I almost felt as though I was there though, wandering through the little book shop and antique shop.
I like this author's writing style. It is easy to read and there is some lovely imagery. I also liked the short chapters. I don't like books with chapters that go on forever with far too much detail. This one is just right.
When her husband dies in an accident Samantha thinks there is more to it than meets the eye. He leaves her with unanswered questions and she sets out on a quest to find those answers. There are several characters in the mix and are any of them quite who they seem? Who can she trust? There are lots of twists and turns and just as you think you have an idea who the killer might be you find you are wrong.
The setting for the story is beautiful, a small town in the mountains, it reminded me of one of Bob Ross' paintings, scary at times though with the ice storm and the isolation. I almost felt as though I was there though, wandering through the little book shop and antique shop.
I like this author's writing style. It is easy to read and there is some lovely imagery. I also liked the short chapters. I don't like books with chapters that go on forever with far too much detail. This one is just right.
July 12, 2023
Amazing book, The Puzzle by Peggy A. Edelheit is a gripping and intricately woven mystery that captivates readers from the very first page. The author's masterful storytelling and well-crafted plot make this book an absolute delight for fans of the genre.
From the start, you're drawn into Samantha Jamison's world—a brilliant and tenacious private investigator with a knack for solving puzzling cases. The characters are richly developed, each with their own secrets and motives that add layers of complexity to the narrative. Samantha's wit and determination make her a compelling protagonist, and you can't help but root for her as she navigates through the twists and turns of the case. The attention to detail and meticulous plotting shine through, as every clue and piece of evidence fits together like a seamless jigsaw puzzle. Her writing style is crisp and engaging, making it effortless to immerse yourself in the story and lose track of time. This is a stellar start to the series, showcasing Peggy A.
From the start, you're drawn into Samantha Jamison's world—a brilliant and tenacious private investigator with a knack for solving puzzling cases. The characters are richly developed, each with their own secrets and motives that add layers of complexity to the narrative. Samantha's wit and determination make her a compelling protagonist, and you can't help but root for her as she navigates through the twists and turns of the case. The attention to detail and meticulous plotting shine through, as every clue and piece of evidence fits together like a seamless jigsaw puzzle. Her writing style is crisp and engaging, making it effortless to immerse yourself in the story and lose track of time. This is a stellar start to the series, showcasing Peggy A.
February 16, 2019
The Puzzle (Samantha Jamison Mystery Book 1) by Peggy A. Edelheit, wasn't the first taste I had for this series I had read several further on in the series, however I found it really interesting to see how the series began. What I will say, it doesn't matter if you read in sequence or not you can still understand what is happening.
The reader is introduced to the main character named Samantha. She begins by writing a letter to her dead husband and the reader is told that Stephen had a fatal accident, hence led to his departing. Once she's written this, she decides she needs to do some investigating into the truth behind her marriage and also dig a little deeper into his death. All the info enables her to finish her novel, so that she can publish it.
The writer has a great way of creating characters that are likeable and even made to feel real. I did enjoy this book and loved seeing how this series began.
The reader is introduced to the main character named Samantha. She begins by writing a letter to her dead husband and the reader is told that Stephen had a fatal accident, hence led to his departing. Once she's written this, she decides she needs to do some investigating into the truth behind her marriage and also dig a little deeper into his death. All the info enables her to finish her novel, so that she can publish it.
The writer has a great way of creating characters that are likeable and even made to feel real. I did enjoy this book and loved seeing how this series began.
May 11, 2019
This book, the first in the Samantha Jamison Mystery Series, introduces the world to author Peggy Edelheit’s feisty detective Samantha Jamison. In her first adventure, Jamison travels to Highlands, North Carolina to dig deeper into the tragic death of her husband. While here, Jamison finds herself surrounded by people who don’t have her best interests in mind. She must navigate around them while also watching her back as she searches for the truth and tries to put the pieces of this mysterious puzzle together.
Besides being an intriguing mystery novel, the book is also filled with adventure and romance. The story is about 346 pages long, so it might take some time to read. Some areas are a little lengthy and difficult to understand, but the overall plot of the book is interesting. However, if you’re looking for a fun mystery novel to read that will capture your imagination, definitely check this one out.
Besides being an intriguing mystery novel, the book is also filled with adventure and romance. The story is about 346 pages long, so it might take some time to read. Some areas are a little lengthy and difficult to understand, but the overall plot of the book is interesting. However, if you’re looking for a fun mystery novel to read that will capture your imagination, definitely check this one out.
July 12, 2023
delighted with the incredible storytelling style.
The Puzzle (Samantha Jamison Mystery Book 1) by Peggy Edelheit is the third book that I read from the author and I can’t be more delighted with the incredible storytelling style.
"The Puzzle" serves as a mesmerizing entry point into the world of the intriguing Samantha Jamison Mystery series, skilfully crafted by the talented author.
With her exceptional ability to weave a captivating tale, Peggy effortlessly captures the undivided attention of readers from the very first page to the thrilling conclusion. The narrative exudes an irresistible allure, transporting readers into a realm where suspense and mystery reign supreme, while the well-developed characters spring to life, immersing readers in their exhilarating journey.
I wholeheartedly endorse this book to all the fans of the mystery genre; this is an absolute essential for anyone seeking an unforgettable read.
The Puzzle (Samantha Jamison Mystery Book 1) by Peggy Edelheit is the third book that I read from the author and I can’t be more delighted with the incredible storytelling style.
"The Puzzle" serves as a mesmerizing entry point into the world of the intriguing Samantha Jamison Mystery series, skilfully crafted by the talented author.
With her exceptional ability to weave a captivating tale, Peggy effortlessly captures the undivided attention of readers from the very first page to the thrilling conclusion. The narrative exudes an irresistible allure, transporting readers into a realm where suspense and mystery reign supreme, while the well-developed characters spring to life, immersing readers in their exhilarating journey.
I wholeheartedly endorse this book to all the fans of the mystery genre; this is an absolute essential for anyone seeking an unforgettable read.
March 21, 2018
This book is a fast read with mystery, suspense, humor, and crime. There were some plot twists that surprised me, even when I thought I had it figured out. Betty and Hazel are delightful characters that add some humor and light-heartedness to the read. This isn't your gloomy, depressing crime/mystery read...this is a book that has the elements of a good mystery book but has a positive and vibrant feel to it. I love the main character Samantha, and I feel for her as she struggles to find how her husband mysteriously died in his small home town, where secrets are buried and guarded. It reminds me of the Miss Marple books for those who want something to compare it to. The chapters are short and with the tangle of events that occur, you wont be able to stop turning the pages. A great mystery read that didn't give me nightmares, and I will be reading others in the series for sure.
December 17, 2018
The Puzzle is the first book from Samantha Jamison series and it tells her story and how she transformed herself and solved her first mystery: one involving her own husband.
On the same batch, I bought several books from Peggy Edelheit, following her good reviews, and I was not disappointed with the first book from the series. It’s a solid mystery, filled with well-placed cliffhangers, a very fast paced and witty dialogues, very vivid. It’s almost like watching a tv show. Samantha is a strong character and in The Puzzle we get to witness her growth. From chapter to the chapter we see a stronger, badass Samantha blossoming in front of our eyes. Sure, the mystery part of the book is not as strong as I would have expected to be but I assume because it was more important to introduce the character to the readers first. An enjoyable read.
On the same batch, I bought several books from Peggy Edelheit, following her good reviews, and I was not disappointed with the first book from the series. It’s a solid mystery, filled with well-placed cliffhangers, a very fast paced and witty dialogues, very vivid. It’s almost like watching a tv show. Samantha is a strong character and in The Puzzle we get to witness her growth. From chapter to the chapter we see a stronger, badass Samantha blossoming in front of our eyes. Sure, the mystery part of the book is not as strong as I would have expected to be but I assume because it was more important to introduce the character to the readers first. An enjoyable read.
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