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A Portrait of Crime Mystery #3
Sketch a Falling Star
When the Way Off Broadway Players get swept up in a flash flood while sightseeing in Arizona, Rory McCain's aunt Helene and her fellow amateur thespians survive - with the exception of Preston Wright. The victim was actually quite an actor - he was a womanizing scam artist who duped nearly everyone in the troupe, as well as an ex-con who operated under various aliases.
While Preston's death was found to be an act of nature, Rory can't discount the possibility that human nature may have contributed to his drowning. But even as she investigates the cast of characters to find out which one played the villain, Rory is finally on the verge of solving a very personal cold case: the murder of her ghost partner, Zeke...
While Preston's death was found to be an act of nature, Rory can't discount the possibility that human nature may have contributed to his drowning. But even as she investigates the cast of characters to find out which one played the villain, Rory is finally on the verge of solving a very personal cold case: the murder of her ghost partner, Zeke...
293 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 6, 2012
9 people are currently reading
231 people want to read
About the author
Sharon Pape
16 books275 followersI started writing stories as soon as I learned how to put letters together to form words. From that day forward, writing has been a part of my life whether it was my first attempt at a novel in seventh grade or the little plays I wrote for my friends to perform for neighbors and family. After college, when I was busy teaching French and Spanish to high school students, I was also writing poetry -- often in French.
After several years, I left teaching to be a full time mom, and when my two children started school, I went back to writing. To my delight I found that the muse was still there, still waiting patiently for me to come around. My first novel, Ghostfire, was published at that time. It went on to be condensed in Redbook magazine (the first paperback original the magazine had ever condensed.) Then came The God Children and The Portal. Redbook also published my first short story, which was subsequently sold to several foreign magazines. With two great kids, a golden retriever and a loving, supportive husband (whom I'd met at the beach when I was fourteen -- but that's a story for another day), I felt like I was exactly where I was meant to be in my life. But fate had another plan for me, and it went by the name of "breast cancer."
Looking back, I realize how fortunate I was that the cancer was discovered at such an early stage, but at the time it was all very overwhelming. Once I was back on my feet, I wanted to help other women who were newly diagnosed, worried and afraid. I became a Reach to Recovery volunteer for the American Cancer Society and went on to run the program for Nassau and Suffolk Counties on Long Island. A number of years later, with the help of my surgical oncologist and two other volunteers, I started Lean On Me, a nonprofit organization that provides peer support and information to breast cancer patients. When Lean On Me celebrated its tenth anniversary it no longer required as much of my time, and I once again found myself free to pursue my first love -- writing.
After several years, I left teaching to be a full time mom, and when my two children started school, I went back to writing. To my delight I found that the muse was still there, still waiting patiently for me to come around. My first novel, Ghostfire, was published at that time. It went on to be condensed in Redbook magazine (the first paperback original the magazine had ever condensed.) Then came The God Children and The Portal. Redbook also published my first short story, which was subsequently sold to several foreign magazines. With two great kids, a golden retriever and a loving, supportive husband (whom I'd met at the beach when I was fourteen -- but that's a story for another day), I felt like I was exactly where I was meant to be in my life. But fate had another plan for me, and it went by the name of "breast cancer."
Looking back, I realize how fortunate I was that the cancer was discovered at such an early stage, but at the time it was all very overwhelming. Once I was back on my feet, I wanted to help other women who were newly diagnosed, worried and afraid. I became a Reach to Recovery volunteer for the American Cancer Society and went on to run the program for Nassau and Suffolk Counties on Long Island. A number of years later, with the help of my surgical oncologist and two other volunteers, I started Lean On Me, a nonprofit organization that provides peer support and information to breast cancer patients. When Lean On Me celebrated its tenth anniversary it no longer required as much of my time, and I once again found myself free to pursue my first love -- writing.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
February 20, 2017
This is book 3 in the Portrait of a Crime Mystery Series. I have really enjoyed the first two books in this series and looked forward to reading this one and it did not disappoint. Rory and her ghostly sidekick Zeke, solve a modern day murder and one from the past. Rory goes on a trip out west to hunt for clues into Zeke’s murder and gets involved in a modern day murder…or is it a murder?
The relationship between Zeke and Rory is what makes these books so special. They have the push-pull power struggle, the conflicts caused by ideas from differing eras, particularly ideas related to male-female roles, and an underlying sense of loyalty and affection. In this book, we have an addition of an elderly neighbor,who is also aware of Zeke and stops by irregularly to add in her two cents worth to stir the pot.
A well written series with fully fleshed out protagonists whose relationship is the driving force behind the books.
The relationship between Zeke and Rory is what makes these books so special. They have the push-pull power struggle, the conflicts caused by ideas from differing eras, particularly ideas related to male-female roles, and an underlying sense of loyalty and affection. In this book, we have an addition of an elderly neighbor,who is also aware of Zeke and stops by irregularly to add in her two cents worth to stir the pot.
A well written series with fully fleshed out protagonists whose relationship is the driving force behind the books.
October 20, 2016
Great last book in the series, while wrapping everything up but at the same time leaving the door open for further adventures. I was happy to get the closure with Zeke's case but I wish their were more books in the series. The modern day mystery was good as well and I liked that got the same clue that Rory did to know who done it instead of her knowing and us not.
April 9, 2021
Another great character has joined the cast by the name of Eloise and yes we finally have closure for Marshal Drummond's murder. This is really a great series for me. I really enjoy reading it.
June 19, 2019
A great read for anyone who likes a ghost story or a murder mystery. If, like me, you like both you will love this book. Ms. Pape blends the two very well with the perfect addition of a bit of humor here or there. Just enough to make you smile.
Rory works to solve not one but two murders, one of which isn't just a cold case but a case so cold its frozen. The second one has so many people with motive and opportunity that the suspect list looks like a guest list for the party of the year. I didn't see the end result coming until it was right in front of my eyes. A very enjoyable read that I highly recommend.
Rory works to solve not one but two murders, one of which isn't just a cold case but a case so cold its frozen. The second one has so many people with motive and opportunity that the suspect list looks like a guest list for the party of the year. I didn't see the end result coming until it was right in front of my eyes. A very enjoyable read that I highly recommend.
October 10, 2019
Wonderful continuation of the series with several mysteries skillfully solved.
September 3, 2012
The story opens with Rory on a trip to Arizona to investigate Federal Marshal Ezekiel Drummond's murder in 1878. Rory plans on a few days of investigation, then joining her aunt Helene and the "Way off Broadway Players" for their group vacation. Rory has barely started her research into the Marshall's death, part of a deal with Zeke's ghost, when death strikes the "Players" during their visit to Gray Wolf Canyon via a flash flood. Preston Wright is the youngest in the acting troupe, yet he is the only fatality. Zeke provides his suspicions that it could have been a murder of opportunity despite the local police ruling it an accident. Preston's estranged mother also suspects foul play although she admits Preston was a slick criminal.
So Preston's mother hires Rory to investigate his death. Rory soon realizes nearly every member of the "Way off Broadway Players" had motive to kill him, but was it murder or just an accident? When Rory has a break in and some scare tactics thrown her way, she is convinced it was murder alright and that she is getting closer to breaking the case.
Rory continues to be an interesting character. She is brave, stuborn, determined like a lion on the hunt, and working on controlling her anger flares at her resident ghost, Zeke. Zeke is also a great side-kick because he has grown fond of Rory, but his 1800s gender-role ideas haven't fully been modernized. He was a good Marshal and feels Rory needs him, or maybe he just needs to be needed. Zeke is learning to work with Rory rather than demand and rage. Often their verbal sparing is comical. I have to say that Zeke does have a break-though in acknowledging Rory's capabilities - not to be missed.
Then there is Aunt Helene, the most colorful member of Rory's family. Helene is a delight without being too over-the-top. A new character is introduced in this story, Eloise, the elderly mother of a neighbor. Eloise is a Ghost-whisperer ever since her stroke, and goes between grave-yard serious, to child-like in seconds. I loved her and look forward to her continued appearances in future books. I have to give kudos to Hobo, the mutt adopted in the prior story. Hobo is just a bundle of comedy and love - nothing extraordinary, just a typical lovable dog that brings a warmth to the pages.
The setting has a few scenes in Arizona, but the bulk still takes place in New York. This book continues the two prior book's trend of integrating chapters following the Marshall's story from 1878 as he tracks the serial killer that led to his murder. Those chapters are scattered and only occasionally so it doesn't really disrupt, but accentuates the dynamics of what makes Zeke tick as a ghost. This book provides the answer of who killed Zeke, providing him some closure, while giving an emotional twist to that drama.
The plot is on par for a cozy mystery, providing a victim just asking to be "eliminated" with plenty of capable suspects. The killer was not necessarily obvious, but I did suspect who it was, although the red herrings did a good job of confusing the trail. The confrontation was handled quite well and the wrap up solidifies the partnership of Rory and Zeke Investigations. The subplot of who killed Marshall Drummond is wrapped up with a plausible and surprising resolution.
The cover artwork illustrates the Victorian home that Rory inherited from her PI uncle that introduced her to the Marshal's ghost. It also shows Zeke beginning to break free of the boundaries of the house and travel along with Rory. I mention the cover because the style seems to have changed from the prior books, but it still is meaningful to the story.
This series continues to provide solid cozy mystery plots, with interesting characters that delight and splashes of humor. The paranormal elements consist of ghosts thus far (Zeke's ghost and Eloise communicating with ghosts) but is not presented in a scary or creepy way, rather to flavor the stories. Well done cozy with an entertaining paranormal element.
Rating: Excellent - Loved it! Buy it now and put this author on your watch list.
Series: 3rd in A Portrait of Crime Mysteries
Main Characters: Aurora (Rory) McCain, former police sketch-artist turned PI
Setting: Modern day, Suffolk County New York
Obtained Through: Publisher for honest review
Mysteries and My Musings http://www.mysterysuspence.blogspot.com
So Preston's mother hires Rory to investigate his death. Rory soon realizes nearly every member of the "Way off Broadway Players" had motive to kill him, but was it murder or just an accident? When Rory has a break in and some scare tactics thrown her way, she is convinced it was murder alright and that she is getting closer to breaking the case.
Rory continues to be an interesting character. She is brave, stuborn, determined like a lion on the hunt, and working on controlling her anger flares at her resident ghost, Zeke. Zeke is also a great side-kick because he has grown fond of Rory, but his 1800s gender-role ideas haven't fully been modernized. He was a good Marshal and feels Rory needs him, or maybe he just needs to be needed. Zeke is learning to work with Rory rather than demand and rage. Often their verbal sparing is comical. I have to say that Zeke does have a break-though in acknowledging Rory's capabilities - not to be missed.
Then there is Aunt Helene, the most colorful member of Rory's family. Helene is a delight without being too over-the-top. A new character is introduced in this story, Eloise, the elderly mother of a neighbor. Eloise is a Ghost-whisperer ever since her stroke, and goes between grave-yard serious, to child-like in seconds. I loved her and look forward to her continued appearances in future books. I have to give kudos to Hobo, the mutt adopted in the prior story. Hobo is just a bundle of comedy and love - nothing extraordinary, just a typical lovable dog that brings a warmth to the pages.
The setting has a few scenes in Arizona, but the bulk still takes place in New York. This book continues the two prior book's trend of integrating chapters following the Marshall's story from 1878 as he tracks the serial killer that led to his murder. Those chapters are scattered and only occasionally so it doesn't really disrupt, but accentuates the dynamics of what makes Zeke tick as a ghost. This book provides the answer of who killed Zeke, providing him some closure, while giving an emotional twist to that drama.
The plot is on par for a cozy mystery, providing a victim just asking to be "eliminated" with plenty of capable suspects. The killer was not necessarily obvious, but I did suspect who it was, although the red herrings did a good job of confusing the trail. The confrontation was handled quite well and the wrap up solidifies the partnership of Rory and Zeke Investigations. The subplot of who killed Marshall Drummond is wrapped up with a plausible and surprising resolution.
The cover artwork illustrates the Victorian home that Rory inherited from her PI uncle that introduced her to the Marshal's ghost. It also shows Zeke beginning to break free of the boundaries of the house and travel along with Rory. I mention the cover because the style seems to have changed from the prior books, but it still is meaningful to the story.
This series continues to provide solid cozy mystery plots, with interesting characters that delight and splashes of humor. The paranormal elements consist of ghosts thus far (Zeke's ghost and Eloise communicating with ghosts) but is not presented in a scary or creepy way, rather to flavor the stories. Well done cozy with an entertaining paranormal element.
Rating: Excellent - Loved it! Buy it now and put this author on your watch list.
Series: 3rd in A Portrait of Crime Mysteries
Main Characters: Aurora (Rory) McCain, former police sketch-artist turned PI
Setting: Modern day, Suffolk County New York
Obtained Through: Publisher for honest review
Mysteries and My Musings http://www.mysterysuspence.blogspot.com
October 6, 2016
The ending seemed a little anti-climatic but still an entertaining read.
January 1, 2013
The third book in the series just seems to be going downhill, rather than improving as the characters become more developed. I think it's probably because the characters *aren't* developing: Rory is still too stupid to call the police when she receives threats, and Zeke the ghost is still just annoying and intrusive. At least I don't expect character development from a dead guy, but it's been nearly a year since the events of the first story and there's no real progression in any of the living characters.
This time, Rory is on the case of a murder that may or may not have been actually a murder. Turns out the dead guy wasn't very nice and no one missed him, which leaves a lot of suspects.
I'll hand it to Pape for not announcing the arrival of the villain the first time we read about him/her, but that's probably because most of this book is taken up with a great deal of needless faffing about - is she getting paid by the word? Did we need useless sentences like how surprised Rory is that it's dark (in April), even though it's already daylight savings time? It's a stupid statement made even dumber by the fact that we weren't given any context in which to share Rory's surprise. Was it 5pm? 7? Noon? A scene when she finds herself uncomfortable facing a window looking out into the darkness is also pointless - what's so scary about that?
Why did we need two pages of the dog almost knocking over a visitor carrying cupcakes, or half a page of Zeke making Rory drop her hair dryer? If I'm leaving out the mystery, it's because so did Pape. For every paragraph of Rory interviewing somebody, we get pages of Rory carrying groceries, Rory combing her hair, Rory eating something junky, Rory arguing with her stupid annoying ghost, or Rory driving.
She also has to get a new alarm system or something, because IN EVERY BOOK SO FAR SOMEONE HAS GOTTEN IN. For crying out loud. Dumbest detective ever. And speaking of that, the whole "sketch artist" shtick isn't working, either. Those scenes are so badly shoe-horned into the narrative that it feels more like Pape just randomly remembers it's supposed to be a "Portrait of Crime" mystery rather than a Scooby Doo story. And why do we even bother with the sketches anyway, since she ALWAYS gives the sketch to her police friend, who ALWAYS runs it through the database, and ALWAYS comes up empty?
We've also added YET ANOTHER "quirky" regular in the form of a psychic. Sheesh. And don't get me started on the idiotic "resolution."
Finally: Rory/Sharon - the visitor's ignoring Hobo during his stupid little exuberant greeting could be partly dislike of dogs, but partly because you're actually not supposed to reward a hyper dog with affection until it calms down. Do some research, or get yourself a better editor who'll actually read the book.
I know it's silly to nitpick a book that features a ghost as a sidekick, but it's these mundane things that make the difference between a decently-written (albeit unlikely) story, and just tripe. This, unfortunately, is the latter.
This time, Rory is on the case of a murder that may or may not have been actually a murder. Turns out the dead guy wasn't very nice and no one missed him, which leaves a lot of suspects.
I'll hand it to Pape for not announcing the arrival of the villain the first time we read about him/her, but that's probably because most of this book is taken up with a great deal of needless faffing about - is she getting paid by the word? Did we need useless sentences like how surprised Rory is that it's dark (in April), even though it's already daylight savings time? It's a stupid statement made even dumber by the fact that we weren't given any context in which to share Rory's surprise. Was it 5pm? 7? Noon? A scene when she finds herself uncomfortable facing a window looking out into the darkness is also pointless - what's so scary about that?
Why did we need two pages of the dog almost knocking over a visitor carrying cupcakes, or half a page of Zeke making Rory drop her hair dryer? If I'm leaving out the mystery, it's because so did Pape. For every paragraph of Rory interviewing somebody, we get pages of Rory carrying groceries, Rory combing her hair, Rory eating something junky, Rory arguing with her stupid annoying ghost, or Rory driving.
She also has to get a new alarm system or something, because IN EVERY BOOK SO FAR SOMEONE HAS GOTTEN IN. For crying out loud. Dumbest detective ever. And speaking of that, the whole "sketch artist" shtick isn't working, either. Those scenes are so badly shoe-horned into the narrative that it feels more like Pape just randomly remembers it's supposed to be a "Portrait of Crime" mystery rather than a Scooby Doo story. And why do we even bother with the sketches anyway, since she ALWAYS gives the sketch to her police friend, who ALWAYS runs it through the database, and ALWAYS comes up empty?
We've also added YET ANOTHER "quirky" regular in the form of a psychic. Sheesh. And don't get me started on the idiotic "resolution."
Finally: Rory/Sharon - the visitor's ignoring Hobo during his stupid little exuberant greeting could be partly dislike of dogs, but partly because you're actually not supposed to reward a hyper dog with affection until it calms down. Do some research, or get yourself a better editor who'll actually read the book.
I know it's silly to nitpick a book that features a ghost as a sidekick, but it's these mundane things that make the difference between a decently-written (albeit unlikely) story, and just tripe. This, unfortunately, is the latter.
January 16, 2016
Preston Wright, one of the actors in the Way Off Broadway Players dies in a freak accident in Arizona. The whole group is caught in a flash flood. The others all escape with a couple of broken bones, cuts and bruises. Preston’s death is ruled as an accident, but his mother believes there may have been some foul play. She hires Rory McCain to do a little investigating.
Rory is also getting close to solving a very, very old cold case, the murder of her ghost partner Zeke. Rory is hunting down villains both in the present and the past. She may ruffle a few feathers but a good investigator always gets her man, or woman!
Dollycas’s Thoughts
In this installment you get two mysteries! Love it!
We find out more of Zeke’s story and determine whether Preston Wright was murdered or just the victim of a crazy accident. Sharon keeps us guessing about both as the clues are figured out. If Wright’s death was an accident he sure had plenty of people around him that were not unhappy to see him go. Zeke’s past is very intriguing and this reader was very worried than when he learned the truth it would free him to stop haunting the present. You will have to read the book for yourself to find out what happens. No Spoilers Here!
The was a amazingly quick read as we slipped back and forth from the present to 1878. Rory is a strong woman on two missions with her sidekick Zeke there for moral support, a second opinion, and his hi-jinks that made me fall in love with this character. A new character, Eloise, is added to the mix and she is something else. Helene is not as active in this edition but after Sharon’s post above we know she will be back to her meddling self in future stories.
Saddle up your horse and hold on tight, you are in for a wild ride! This is mystery not to be missed!! You may even Sketch A Falling Star!
Rory is also getting close to solving a very, very old cold case, the murder of her ghost partner Zeke. Rory is hunting down villains both in the present and the past. She may ruffle a few feathers but a good investigator always gets her man, or woman!
Dollycas’s Thoughts
In this installment you get two mysteries! Love it!
We find out more of Zeke’s story and determine whether Preston Wright was murdered or just the victim of a crazy accident. Sharon keeps us guessing about both as the clues are figured out. If Wright’s death was an accident he sure had plenty of people around him that were not unhappy to see him go. Zeke’s past is very intriguing and this reader was very worried than when he learned the truth it would free him to stop haunting the present. You will have to read the book for yourself to find out what happens. No Spoilers Here!
The was a amazingly quick read as we slipped back and forth from the present to 1878. Rory is a strong woman on two missions with her sidekick Zeke there for moral support, a second opinion, and his hi-jinks that made me fall in love with this character. A new character, Eloise, is added to the mix and she is something else. Helene is not as active in this edition but after Sharon’s post above we know she will be back to her meddling self in future stories.
Saddle up your horse and hold on tight, you are in for a wild ride! This is mystery not to be missed!! You may even Sketch A Falling Star!
February 23, 2012
Sketch A Falling Star is the third book in the A Portrait of Crime Mystery series.
Rory is off to Arizona for a vacation with her aunt the Way Off Broadway Players. The Players are off to visit Gray Wolf Canyon and Rory is looking forward to learning more about the murder of her resident ghost, Zeke. Rory, just as she is getting a good start on her research, get a call form her aunt to say the group has been caught by a flash flood in the canyon. Most of them only have bumps and bruises, but one member has died. Brian Preston is the victim and it is assumed that he hit his head on a boulder and drowned. Once Rory is back home, Brian's mother wants her to investigate the "accident". Brian has a past history of swindling people. His mother is not looking for justice, but to know the truth of what actually happened.
Rory starts to interview the other actors that were on and Zeke gets to work on the Internet, for not only his situation, but to help Rory. Throw into this Eloise, an elderly lady who has had a stroke and has moved in with her son and his family. She has "visions" that Rory sketches out. Often she has no idea what good they are, but in the end help Rory to answer just who the person is that aided in the death of Brian.
This book was an excellent story with some very interesting characters. One question that has been in the back of mind since book #1 was answered in a very positive way. An answer that I am very happy with.
Looking forward to the next book.
Rory is off to Arizona for a vacation with her aunt the Way Off Broadway Players. The Players are off to visit Gray Wolf Canyon and Rory is looking forward to learning more about the murder of her resident ghost, Zeke. Rory, just as she is getting a good start on her research, get a call form her aunt to say the group has been caught by a flash flood in the canyon. Most of them only have bumps and bruises, but one member has died. Brian Preston is the victim and it is assumed that he hit his head on a boulder and drowned. Once Rory is back home, Brian's mother wants her to investigate the "accident". Brian has a past history of swindling people. His mother is not looking for justice, but to know the truth of what actually happened.
Rory starts to interview the other actors that were on and Zeke gets to work on the Internet, for not only his situation, but to help Rory. Throw into this Eloise, an elderly lady who has had a stroke and has moved in with her son and his family. She has "visions" that Rory sketches out. Often she has no idea what good they are, but in the end help Rory to answer just who the person is that aided in the death of Brian.
This book was an excellent story with some very interesting characters. One question that has been in the back of mind since book #1 was answered in a very positive way. An answer that I am very happy with.
Looking forward to the next book.
July 11, 2015
I only gave this book 4 stars because I like the ghost and the mystery, but the main character is seriously annoying.
Rory manages to be slightly less annoying in this book, but the pointless power struggle she constantly engages in with the ghost still annoys me.
Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It had earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
Rory manages to be slightly less annoying in this book, but the pointless power struggle she constantly engages in with the ghost still annoys me.
Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It had earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
March 16, 2012
The story this time revolves around a suspicious death, could it be murder?, of a member of a community theater group that our Private Investigator's, Rory McCain's aunt belongs too.
There is a flash flood near Page, AZ. Rory receives a panicked telephone call from her aunt, Helene. Auntie is fine, but not so fortunate is thespian Preston Wright. When Rory arrives, from her own investigation in Tucson, she finds out that, for one thing, Preston is an alias...what else may be an illusion? Is it death by drowning or...?
Rory continues her search for the murderer of her partner Zeke Drummond. The fact that he died in 1878 makes it a serious cold case.
To my delight a new character was added to the mix, Eloise, a new neighbor of Rory's and Zekes that has an ability new to her and knows things she shouldn't know.
This is my favorite episode, novel, of the series yet. I truly look forward to the next novel in the series.
There is a flash flood near Page, AZ. Rory receives a panicked telephone call from her aunt, Helene. Auntie is fine, but not so fortunate is thespian Preston Wright. When Rory arrives, from her own investigation in Tucson, she finds out that, for one thing, Preston is an alias...what else may be an illusion? Is it death by drowning or...?
Rory continues her search for the murderer of her partner Zeke Drummond. The fact that he died in 1878 makes it a serious cold case.
To my delight a new character was added to the mix, Eloise, a new neighbor of Rory's and Zekes that has an ability new to her and knows things she shouldn't know.
This is my favorite episode, novel, of the series yet. I truly look forward to the next novel in the series.
May 3, 2013
3rd in the series about former sketch artist/detective turned PI and her ghostly sidekick. I enjoyed this one more than #2.
The Good Points:
The history element - much of Zeke's past is explained.
The mystery was pretty well done with a surprise ending.
The theater group was an interesting cast of characters and it made sense that they would interact as much as they do.
Likable characters and it makes sense that Rory is running around asking questions.
The Bad Points:
Rory seriously needs to get an alarm system. Someone breaks into her house every book.
The first trip to Arizona was very short and didn't make a whole lot of sense. I would've liked if more time had been spent researching Zeke's past.
Not sure if the introduction of Eloise is going to be good or bad. I thought she was interesting in this book but I can see her getting annoying if she becomes a bigger character.
The Good Points:
The history element - much of Zeke's past is explained.
The mystery was pretty well done with a surprise ending.
The theater group was an interesting cast of characters and it made sense that they would interact as much as they do.
Likable characters and it makes sense that Rory is running around asking questions.
The Bad Points:
Rory seriously needs to get an alarm system. Someone breaks into her house every book.
The first trip to Arizona was very short and didn't make a whole lot of sense. I would've liked if more time had been spent researching Zeke's past.
Not sure if the introduction of Eloise is going to be good or bad. I thought she was interesting in this book but I can see her getting annoying if she becomes a bigger character.
June 8, 2016
This installment of Rory's adventures also didn't disappoint me. There was plenty of her sleuthing and interaction between her and Zeke. There was also Hobo :) A surprising ending, that is why I went straight to another book.
My thoughts regarding some comments I see about Rory's lack of maturity and/ or sleuthing skills - I realize that being an active member of police in the past should make her posses both training and behave in other way than she often does. But hey - why not simply read and enjoy the book? For me spending time with these stories is a pure pleasure - no dissecting the "maybes", "shouldbes" etc., just nice flowing narration, well-formed relationships and a progressing main story. That's all I ask :)
My thoughts regarding some comments I see about Rory's lack of maturity and/ or sleuthing skills - I realize that being an active member of police in the past should make her posses both training and behave in other way than she often does. But hey - why not simply read and enjoy the book? For me spending time with these stories is a pure pleasure - no dissecting the "maybes", "shouldbes" etc., just nice flowing narration, well-formed relationships and a progressing main story. That's all I ask :)
March 28, 2012
I love the premise and the plot is good - even a bit better than average because the premise was just a little bit different from the norm. If this was a stand alone book, I'd probably have rated it higher, but because it's the third in the series I'm a tiny bit disappointed in the characters. Rory seems to be missing any spark, imo. She's terribly earnest, but there seems to be no humour, or life, to her character. The ghost, Zeke, has more life and humour.
Although I enjoyed the book well enough, it was really just 'ok' and I'd hoped for a bit more out of the series by the third book. I'll check out the fourth and perhaps find that the series is just a slow starter.
Although I enjoyed the book well enough, it was really just 'ok' and I'd hoped for a bit more out of the series by the third book. I'll check out the fourth and perhaps find that the series is just a slow starter.
August 31, 2012
This is the third book I have read in The Portrait of Crime series and I think it may be my favorite. I feel like I really know these characters and the relationship between Zeke and Rory is fascinating. I love the paranormal elements of this series and learning more about Zeke's life before he became a ghost. I also love that this story does not have the graphicness of true crime books or the over technology based resolutions of so many modern whodunits. Without giving anything away and ruining the mystery, I enjoyed how the mystery unfolded and am really looking forward to the next book in this series.
March 7, 2013
A gentle mystery involving Rory, the former police sketch artist, and her housemate, Zeke, the ghost of a murdered marshall. This time around the action surrounds a thespian group, with a few forays out West as Rory also tries to solve the concurrent mystery of who killed Zeke all those years ago. I have hopes that future books will explore a budding sense of romance on the part of Rory (as I think Zeke already has feelings for Rory). So far, she's fairly impatient with him all the time and often insensitive. Loved the introduction of a new neighbor who has a link to the paranormal world.
August 24, 2012
This is my introduction to the Portrait of Crime Mystery series. Even though it's the 3rd book in the series, I had no problems whatsoever following along, and I very much enjoyed the interaction between Rory and Zeke. (Hobo the pooch was lots of fun as well!) If you're a fan of paranormal cozies, I think this would be right up your alley.
June 12, 2012
I'm all caught up with this series so now I'm stuck just like every other series I read. Waiting for the next one to find out what happens next. This one didn't have as much suspense as the last one and truthfully I liked the stuff about Zeke the best.
October 10, 2015
I think it is great that Rory and Zeke have found a way to co-exist, I bet Mac would be very pleased if he could see the way they are at home with Hobo.
I look forward to reading more of their adventures soon!
& I love the addition of Eloise!
I look forward to reading more of their adventures soon!
& I love the addition of Eloise!
June 21, 2012
I read #2 and only gave it two stars, too, so I think that's it for this series. This book just seemed to be piling on plotlines and the people were annoying. Yes, there was a lot about Tucson my old stomping grounds, but it wasn't enough to offset the boredom.
June 30, 2014
Well, we now know who killed the marshal. So, why is he sticking around? The flights to Arizona, the diary, the trip with the amateur actors shows that Rory likes the marshal more than she lets on and he has become very smitten with her. I see a paranormal romance in their future.
July 5, 2014
This book did not do anything for me. I am not intrigued by the private eye's 19th century ghost of a sheriff. I am not intrigued by the old lady stroke victim who sees dead people. This book illustrates the difficulty in writing a decent escapist novel.
March 23, 2012
I love this series, however I thought the ending was a little anticlimatic on the present day story and on Zeke's story.
April 26, 2012
Just as good as the first, concludes the mystery of who killed Zeke and loved new character Eloise.
August 13, 2012
loved this book.
December 1, 2013
Former police sketch artist turned PI tries to find a would be killer and also find out who killed her resident ghost. She does both and very well. A fun read.
December 22, 2015
Very good.
January 1, 2013
Love this series.
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