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An Art Center Mystery #2
Death in a Bygone Hue
When Jill Madison returns to her hometown to become executive director of a new art center, she never dreams unexpected secrets from the past will put her life in danger. Her parent’s old friend and Jill’s mentor, Judge Ron Spivey, is murdered. He leaves behind more than a few secrets from the past. His baffling will makes Jill a rich woman if she survives the will’s six-month probate period.
She finds a target on her back when the judge’s estranged children return. They form an unholy alliance with a local muckraking journalist who specializes in making up the news. According to the judge’s will, if Jill dies, the family inherits.
Jill and her best friend, Angie Emerson, launch their own investigation determined to find the judge’s killer. In the meantime, Jill simply must run her first national juried exhibit, launch a new seniors group, and move the weavers guild into the art center. Easy, right? Her arch nemesis and art center board president, Ivan Truelove III, is watching her every move, determined to remove her if she makes a mistake. And in between finding dead bodies, Jill may also discover a bit of romance with a newly arrived doctor in town, if she can live to enjoy it.
She finds a target on her back when the judge’s estranged children return. They form an unholy alliance with a local muckraking journalist who specializes in making up the news. According to the judge’s will, if Jill dies, the family inherits.
Jill and her best friend, Angie Emerson, launch their own investigation determined to find the judge’s killer. In the meantime, Jill simply must run her first national juried exhibit, launch a new seniors group, and move the weavers guild into the art center. Easy, right? Her arch nemesis and art center board president, Ivan Truelove III, is watching her every move, determined to remove her if she makes a mistake. And in between finding dead bodies, Jill may also discover a bit of romance with a newly arrived doctor in town, if she can live to enjoy it.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 6, 2023
2 people are currently reading
8 people want to read
About the author
Susan Van Kirk
23 books89 followersSusan Van Kirk's book, Death in a Ghostly Hue, has been nominated for a 2025 Anthony Award for Best Paranormal Mystery.
Susan Van Kirk was born in Galesburg, Illinois, and educated at Knox College (BA) and University of Illinois (M.Ed). She taught for thirty-four years at Monmouth High School in Monmouth, Illinois,(1968-2002), and an additional ten years at Monmouth College (2002-2012.)
She wrote a memoir of her teaching life in "The Education of a Teacher (Including Dirty Books and Pointed Looks)," published 2010.
Her Endurance Mysteries include "Three May Keep a Secret," "Marry in Haste," "The Locket: From the Casebook of TJ Sweeney," "Death Takes No Bribes," and "The Witch's Child, and "Fabric of Lies."" Harlequin Worldwide Mystery has republished this series.
"A Death at Tippitt Pond" is a standalone cozy mystery.
The Art Center Mysteries, published by Level Best Books include "Death in a Pale Hue," "Death in a Bygone Hue," and "Death in a Ghostly Hue" (July 2024.)
She divides her time between her home in Monmouth, Illinois, and Phoenix, Arizona, where her children and grandchildren live.
Susan Van Kirk was born in Galesburg, Illinois, and educated at Knox College (BA) and University of Illinois (M.Ed). She taught for thirty-four years at Monmouth High School in Monmouth, Illinois,(1968-2002), and an additional ten years at Monmouth College (2002-2012.)
She wrote a memoir of her teaching life in "The Education of a Teacher (Including Dirty Books and Pointed Looks)," published 2010.
Her Endurance Mysteries include "Three May Keep a Secret," "Marry in Haste," "The Locket: From the Casebook of TJ Sweeney," "Death Takes No Bribes," and "The Witch's Child, and "Fabric of Lies."" Harlequin Worldwide Mystery has republished this series.
"A Death at Tippitt Pond" is a standalone cozy mystery.
The Art Center Mysteries, published by Level Best Books include "Death in a Pale Hue," "Death in a Bygone Hue," and "Death in a Ghostly Hue" (July 2024.)
She divides her time between her home in Monmouth, Illinois, and Phoenix, Arizona, where her children and grandchildren live.
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June 8, 2023
Death in a Bygone Hue Earns 5+/5 Art Works … Engaging & Endearing Gem!
Jill Madison’s passion is art and as the executive director of the Apple Grove art center bearing her mother’s name, Adele Marsden Center for the Arts, she manages a wide range of exhibits and classes. One of the center’s board members, Judge Ron Spivey, is also a close family friend with whom Jill enjoys spirited conversations about art as well as reminiscing about his late wife and her late parents with whom the judge was very close. The judge’s recent voice mail asking for names of companies specializing in forensic art analysis was quite puzzling. By itself it isn’t unusual for a true collector to seek such services, but Jill wonders if the judge has a specific concern. But, sadly, Jill won’t be able to learn any details; she arrives at the judge’s home, finds the front door unlocked and the judge dead!
The shock of the judge’s death pales in comparison to the shock that the judge named Jill his executor with no accommodation for his two adult children, but the most shocking development is the judge’s death was not health related, but murder. As the finger pointing begins, Jill is hard pressed to explain why she was put in charge instead of the victim’s children as well as why she and the center received a substantial benefit. But, most importantly, why was the judge murdered?
Susan Van Kirk combines the various “hues” of an engaging mystery in her second book of the Art Center Mystery series: clever investigation, diverse characters, page-turning intrigue, a personal stake, informative details, perilous predicaments, and a “didn’t see that coming” arrest. It has it all! This complex journey had many engaging sides capturing my attention from the tragic death of a close friend to curious inclusions and omissions in the will, from the judge’s disgruntled adult children to an interfering tabloid reporter, from past secrets, hidden agendas, and misleading clues to suspicions, accusations, and danger. Nothing was obvious, an entertaining challenge, with both the judge’s personal life and professional decrees requiring close scrutiny. Jill is a strong, clever female lead, and I appreciate that she enlists realistic investigative methods and doesn’t circumvent law enforcement. Her close, supportive family dynamic, which includes the sheriff, and a hint of romance, introduced in book one, adds a personal connection to the character, and the ins and outs of the art center drama is more than just peripheral. It’s a personal favorite no one should miss!
Disclosure: I received an ARC from Level Best Books thru NetGalley. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
Jill Madison’s passion is art and as the executive director of the Apple Grove art center bearing her mother’s name, Adele Marsden Center for the Arts, she manages a wide range of exhibits and classes. One of the center’s board members, Judge Ron Spivey, is also a close family friend with whom Jill enjoys spirited conversations about art as well as reminiscing about his late wife and her late parents with whom the judge was very close. The judge’s recent voice mail asking for names of companies specializing in forensic art analysis was quite puzzling. By itself it isn’t unusual for a true collector to seek such services, but Jill wonders if the judge has a specific concern. But, sadly, Jill won’t be able to learn any details; she arrives at the judge’s home, finds the front door unlocked and the judge dead!
The shock of the judge’s death pales in comparison to the shock that the judge named Jill his executor with no accommodation for his two adult children, but the most shocking development is the judge’s death was not health related, but murder. As the finger pointing begins, Jill is hard pressed to explain why she was put in charge instead of the victim’s children as well as why she and the center received a substantial benefit. But, most importantly, why was the judge murdered?
Susan Van Kirk combines the various “hues” of an engaging mystery in her second book of the Art Center Mystery series: clever investigation, diverse characters, page-turning intrigue, a personal stake, informative details, perilous predicaments, and a “didn’t see that coming” arrest. It has it all! This complex journey had many engaging sides capturing my attention from the tragic death of a close friend to curious inclusions and omissions in the will, from the judge’s disgruntled adult children to an interfering tabloid reporter, from past secrets, hidden agendas, and misleading clues to suspicions, accusations, and danger. Nothing was obvious, an entertaining challenge, with both the judge’s personal life and professional decrees requiring close scrutiny. Jill is a strong, clever female lead, and I appreciate that she enlists realistic investigative methods and doesn’t circumvent law enforcement. Her close, supportive family dynamic, which includes the sheriff, and a hint of romance, introduced in book one, adds a personal connection to the character, and the ins and outs of the art center drama is more than just peripheral. It’s a personal favorite no one should miss!
Disclosure: I received an ARC from Level Best Books thru NetGalley. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
April 22, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review "Death In A Bygone Hue" by Susan Van Kirk.
This is the second (and hopefully not the last) in Ms. Van Kirk's Art Centre Mysteries featuring Jill Madison and her family and friends.
The first ever International Art Exhibition is about to take place at the Art Centre, named for Jill's mother - a world-renowned sculptor (who sadly has passed away, but for whom the Centre is named) - and preparations are fast and furious. And Jill has her weekly lunch with Judge Ron Spivey, her mentor.
But when she arrives at the Judge's home, she finds that he has passed away - shock number one; the coroner finds that the Judge's death was not of natural causes - shock number two; and the Judge's attorney summons Jill only to tell her that she is now a very wealthy woman!
Thus begins the mystery which Jill of course feels she must investigate. But watch out! The Judge's estranged children believe they have been treated unfairly, and they threaten to make life difficult for Jill. Add to that the hint of something in Judge Spivey's past, an unscrupulous art dealer who may or may not have sold the Judge a forgery (the painting which lends its name to the book title) and the incredibly bizarre publisher of the local newspaper and Jill (and of course her bff Angie, her cop brother Tom, musician brother Andy and his partner and her new boyfriend, doctor Sam) are hot on the investigatory trail. A trail which could lead to danger.
(And where would we be with out the hilarious texts from Jill's nemesis - the inaptly named Ivan F. Truelove III!)
Highly recommended, even if you have not read the first book (but, please do).
This is the second (and hopefully not the last) in Ms. Van Kirk's Art Centre Mysteries featuring Jill Madison and her family and friends.
The first ever International Art Exhibition is about to take place at the Art Centre, named for Jill's mother - a world-renowned sculptor (who sadly has passed away, but for whom the Centre is named) - and preparations are fast and furious. And Jill has her weekly lunch with Judge Ron Spivey, her mentor.
But when she arrives at the Judge's home, she finds that he has passed away - shock number one; the coroner finds that the Judge's death was not of natural causes - shock number two; and the Judge's attorney summons Jill only to tell her that she is now a very wealthy woman!
Thus begins the mystery which Jill of course feels she must investigate. But watch out! The Judge's estranged children believe they have been treated unfairly, and they threaten to make life difficult for Jill. Add to that the hint of something in Judge Spivey's past, an unscrupulous art dealer who may or may not have sold the Judge a forgery (the painting which lends its name to the book title) and the incredibly bizarre publisher of the local newspaper and Jill (and of course her bff Angie, her cop brother Tom, musician brother Andy and his partner and her new boyfriend, doctor Sam) are hot on the investigatory trail. A trail which could lead to danger.
(And where would we be with out the hilarious texts from Jill's nemesis - the inaptly named Ivan F. Truelove III!)
Highly recommended, even if you have not read the first book (but, please do).
June 10, 2023
Jill Madison has a lunch date with her friend and mentor Judge Spivey. When she arrives at his house, she finds him, sadly, dead in his study. Already the same day she is contacted by the judge’s lawyer about a matter regarding his will. It turns out the judge has appointed her executor in his will and bequeathed his art collection and a large some of money to the Alice Marsden Center of the Arts, and some to Jill personally. His children get nothing.
Something that will surely sour his children. Though they both had a falling out with their father and haven’t been to visit in years, they assume they will inherit the lot and have to take care of his estate.
Soon rumours start that Jill had an undue influence on the judge. Jill tries to shrug it off and go about her work, at the art centre and as executor. After all, she has the first national exhibition opening soon at the art center. In between her jobs Jill does try to find out who could have killed the judge and why.
I wanted to like this story, but the author didn’t make that easy for me.
It started with Tom’s suggestion to Jill that judge Spivey’s children might kill her. As if the death of the executor is going to change the will. Probate court will simply appoint another one. Death of a beneficiary also will not change the will. Depending if the judge set any stipulations for survivorship in his will (and considering he cut his children out completely, I doubt he would have put any loop holes in his will they could benefit from) if a beneficiary dies before an estate is settled, her inheritance goes into her estate, not back into the Judge’s estate for redistribution.
I’m very disappointed that when Erika got the slayer statute wrong, neither of the lawyers in the room corrected her. Although her own lawyer told her to shut up after making a death threat. I guess that’s something.
Aside from the errors in inheritance law (I know those laws are complicated, but a little research goes a long way) the story also has little inconsistencies with the details, or timelines that didn’t add up. The most glaring one is that in one chapter Jill talks with Tom about his investigation into the death of Judge Spivey and gives him the Patterson letter, and in the next chapter Jill remembers that she forgot to tell Tom about the Patterson letter.
But most importantly, the story disappointed on the mystery. There’s loads of information on how art connoisseurs (such as jurors, appraisers and forensic investigators) look at art and determine its quality, value or provenance. There’s very little investigating the murder. Jill finds a few clues, mulls them over and then gives them to her brother the detective. The latter is a good thing (even though I’m of the opinion that Tom or the police should have found some clues, such as the Patterson letter, themselves. It was present at the crime scene.), but it makes the mystery a bit dull. Jill doesn’t start her investigation until 80% into the story.
And it makes me question why the killer thought they had anything to fear from Jill. Actually, I’m curious how they found out, because Jill never talked with them about her investigation.
I read an ARC through NetGalley.
Something that will surely sour his children. Though they both had a falling out with their father and haven’t been to visit in years, they assume they will inherit the lot and have to take care of his estate.
Soon rumours start that Jill had an undue influence on the judge. Jill tries to shrug it off and go about her work, at the art centre and as executor. After all, she has the first national exhibition opening soon at the art center. In between her jobs Jill does try to find out who could have killed the judge and why.
I wanted to like this story, but the author didn’t make that easy for me.
It started with Tom’s suggestion to Jill that judge Spivey’s children might kill her. As if the death of the executor is going to change the will. Probate court will simply appoint another one. Death of a beneficiary also will not change the will. Depending if the judge set any stipulations for survivorship in his will (and considering he cut his children out completely, I doubt he would have put any loop holes in his will they could benefit from) if a beneficiary dies before an estate is settled, her inheritance goes into her estate, not back into the Judge’s estate for redistribution.
I’m very disappointed that when Erika got the slayer statute wrong, neither of the lawyers in the room corrected her. Although her own lawyer told her to shut up after making a death threat. I guess that’s something.
Aside from the errors in inheritance law (I know those laws are complicated, but a little research goes a long way) the story also has little inconsistencies with the details, or timelines that didn’t add up. The most glaring one is that in one chapter Jill talks with Tom about his investigation into the death of Judge Spivey and gives him the Patterson letter, and in the next chapter Jill remembers that she forgot to tell Tom about the Patterson letter.
But most importantly, the story disappointed on the mystery. There’s loads of information on how art connoisseurs (such as jurors, appraisers and forensic investigators) look at art and determine its quality, value or provenance. There’s very little investigating the murder. Jill finds a few clues, mulls them over and then gives them to her brother the detective. The latter is a good thing (even though I’m of the opinion that Tom or the police should have found some clues, such as the Patterson letter, themselves. It was present at the crime scene.), but it makes the mystery a bit dull. Jill doesn’t start her investigation until 80% into the story.
And it makes me question why the killer thought they had anything to fear from Jill. Actually, I’m curious how they found out, because Jill never talked with them about her investigation.
I read an ARC through NetGalley.
August 21, 2023
This book follows a typical cozy mystery plot: a woman who is not a detective attempts to identify the murderer of a person she knows. In this case, the woman is manager of an art center named after her sculptor mother. She also happens to have a best friend sidekick and two brothers, one of whom is the town's only detective. I finished the book, but often found myself shaking my head at the obvious arrogance of the protagonist. While some cozy protagonists are accidentally thrown into the role of amateur detective or do so to avenge the death of someone they cared about, this woman outwardly states that she wants to solve the case in order to show up her brother. There are some hints of altruism, but throughout the book, she clearly states her true motive.
The other thing that bothered me about this book is that the story seems to have holes in it--not just the plot, but also the telling of the story. Sometimes the narrative seems to jump all over the place and at other times, things stated just don't make sense. Though clearly set in present day, the protagonist waits til near the end of the book to research potential suspects using the internet. At one point, she is intent on learning more about some men who were soldiers in the Vietnam war. Her friend asks her if she has a connection to the State Department. Huh? Wouldn't it be the Defense Department? And supposedly a legitimate FBI agent gives classified information to a civilian upon request. That doesn't make sense either.
So first, I'd suggest that more editing needed to be done on this story. Checking the flow, making sure that everything is properly connected, sequenced properly. And second, I'd like to see a little more depth in the main character. She seems too "reactive" and not very logical. Third, though minor, it's always better to have character names that aren't too similar. Having a Chase and a Chad as two friends, frequently together in the book, is a tad too confusing.
So, this book is below average in my opinion. Thank you NetGalley and Level Best Books for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
The other thing that bothered me about this book is that the story seems to have holes in it--not just the plot, but also the telling of the story. Sometimes the narrative seems to jump all over the place and at other times, things stated just don't make sense. Though clearly set in present day, the protagonist waits til near the end of the book to research potential suspects using the internet. At one point, she is intent on learning more about some men who were soldiers in the Vietnam war. Her friend asks her if she has a connection to the State Department. Huh? Wouldn't it be the Defense Department? And supposedly a legitimate FBI agent gives classified information to a civilian upon request. That doesn't make sense either.
So first, I'd suggest that more editing needed to be done on this story. Checking the flow, making sure that everything is properly connected, sequenced properly. And second, I'd like to see a little more depth in the main character. She seems too "reactive" and not very logical. Third, though minor, it's always better to have character names that aren't too similar. Having a Chase and a Chad as two friends, frequently together in the book, is a tad too confusing.
So, this book is below average in my opinion. Thank you NetGalley and Level Best Books for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
August 15, 2023
The second book in the Art Center Mysteries, checks off all your cozy boxes.
The best part is that it highlights a new setting for a cozy mystery - art museum/institute and an art director as the main character. This was the best part for me - I love a cozy mystery with random tidbits of information that teach me something. Bonus points when they flow through the story seamlessly as they did here.
The cover art is very unique - and as a mid-30s reader it drew me in. Honestly - cover update is probably needed. A cover that follows the more traditional cozy cover - will probably draw in your demographic. (Think Maddie Day, Linda Reilly, Amanda Flowers). Cozies are so genre specific that the cover style alone can pull in the right people. In fact I look for those style covers when I want a light-hearted and cozy mystery. ALONG THESE LINES....how has this not been picked up for paperback print? I could easily see this getting picked up in the stores with a cover update.
While I didn't give this book high stars - it did fall on my secret find list for the year. New author with a Independent Publisher Assoc tag - I have to watch this author, as well as Level Best books for future releases.
The only downside I had during the book was the pacing toward the end - chapter 35-ish. At that point the story felt as if it was dragging on and I didn't feel any build up (I want some anticipation before the conclusion!). I felt more like it had just been lulling through a couple chapters aimlessly and without purpose. It did end with quite a museum melee. Which was fun and amusing.
A super thanks to Level Best Books for providing me this ARC, as well as Independent Book Publishers Association!!
The best part is that it highlights a new setting for a cozy mystery - art museum/institute and an art director as the main character. This was the best part for me - I love a cozy mystery with random tidbits of information that teach me something. Bonus points when they flow through the story seamlessly as they did here.
The cover art is very unique - and as a mid-30s reader it drew me in. Honestly - cover update is probably needed. A cover that follows the more traditional cozy cover - will probably draw in your demographic. (Think Maddie Day, Linda Reilly, Amanda Flowers). Cozies are so genre specific that the cover style alone can pull in the right people. In fact I look for those style covers when I want a light-hearted and cozy mystery. ALONG THESE LINES....how has this not been picked up for paperback print? I could easily see this getting picked up in the stores with a cover update.
While I didn't give this book high stars - it did fall on my secret find list for the year. New author with a Independent Publisher Assoc tag - I have to watch this author, as well as Level Best books for future releases.
The only downside I had during the book was the pacing toward the end - chapter 35-ish. At that point the story felt as if it was dragging on and I didn't feel any build up (I want some anticipation before the conclusion!). I felt more like it had just been lulling through a couple chapters aimlessly and without purpose. It did end with quite a museum melee. Which was fun and amusing.
A super thanks to Level Best Books for providing me this ARC, as well as Independent Book Publishers Association!!
June 6, 2023
An enjoyable cozy mystery set--at least partially--in an Art Center on the West Coast. All the characteristics of a cozy are there: a charming small town, engaging characters, and of course, an amateur detective. Jill Madison has returned to the town of her youth to become the executive director of the local Art Center named after her mother, a renowned artist. She is shocked to discover her mentor dead when she arrives at his house for lunch and even more shocked to discover, later, that he has been murdered. There are plenty of suspects: estranged children, people with a vendetta against the former judge, an art dealer in possible forgeries and someone from the long-ago past but not forgotten war. But if Jill isn't careful with her investigations, she might be joining her mentor before her time...
I liked this book. It was a good mystery with plenty of strong red-herrings and kept you guessing until the end. The characters were down-to-earth and likable. I particularly enjoyed the strong friendship between Jill and Angie. There was even a little bit of romance. An added plus was some insight into modern art and the appreciation of composition without pretentious language and attitude. And I was left with an humorous image that I won't be forgetting any time soon (something to do with a kangaroo and a takedown).
Pick it up and enjoy.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I liked this book. It was a good mystery with plenty of strong red-herrings and kept you guessing until the end. The characters were down-to-earth and likable. I particularly enjoyed the strong friendship between Jill and Angie. There was even a little bit of romance. An added plus was some insight into modern art and the appreciation of composition without pretentious language and attitude. And I was left with an humorous image that I won't be forgetting any time soon (something to do with a kangaroo and a takedown).
Pick it up and enjoy.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 11, 2023
Death in a Bygone Hue by Susan Van Kirk
This is yet another great by Van Kirk. I have fortunately read others and this one is just as good, if not better. I usually read the psychological thrillers or horror stories so this author appealed to me. This the second book in the series with our protagonist and amateur sleuth Jill Madison.
Jill has returned to her hometown to work at the local Art center that was named after Jill’s mother who was an artist. After returning she finds that one of her friends/mentor, Judge Ron Spivey, (so funny because that is my dads name and he is a judge) is deceased and ALSO his death is not natural. Jill must put together a list of the many people that would want him dead and there are quite a few. Criminals Spivey has put in jail, his estranged children who think that he treated them unfairly and will make Jills life hell during the investigation, and an art dealer who may have sold the Judge a forgery. Jill and a team of friends and family are on the trail of a killer but can they find the suspect before he/she finds Jill?
A very well written cozy murder mystery with a great slow pace that leads the reader right into the story. Wonderfully developed characters that are intertwined with flawed personalities.
4.5 out of 5
Thank you to NetGalley as well as the author and publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my unbiased and honest review.
This is yet another great by Van Kirk. I have fortunately read others and this one is just as good, if not better. I usually read the psychological thrillers or horror stories so this author appealed to me. This the second book in the series with our protagonist and amateur sleuth Jill Madison.
Jill has returned to her hometown to work at the local Art center that was named after Jill’s mother who was an artist. After returning she finds that one of her friends/mentor, Judge Ron Spivey, (so funny because that is my dads name and he is a judge) is deceased and ALSO his death is not natural. Jill must put together a list of the many people that would want him dead and there are quite a few. Criminals Spivey has put in jail, his estranged children who think that he treated them unfairly and will make Jills life hell during the investigation, and an art dealer who may have sold the Judge a forgery. Jill and a team of friends and family are on the trail of a killer but can they find the suspect before he/she finds Jill?
A very well written cozy murder mystery with a great slow pace that leads the reader right into the story. Wonderfully developed characters that are intertwined with flawed personalities.
4.5 out of 5
Thank you to NetGalley as well as the author and publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my unbiased and honest review.
November 27, 2023
I have been a fan of Susan Van Kirk's cozy mysteries since her first book Three May Keep a Secret. In Death in a Bygone Hue, the second in Van Kirk's Art Center Mysteries, Van Kirk wastes no time before central character Art Center Director Jill Madison finds another dead body. This time it is her longtime family friend and mentor Judge Spivey. When his death moves from natural causes to homicide, Madison starts her investigation much to the displeasure of her police brother Tom. Suspects and suspicions start surfacing in the small town of Apple Grove. Van kirk captures small town life masterfully as the mysteries unfold. Madison finds herself at the center of some public speculation once it is discovered that she is the executor of Spivey's rather large estate much to the displeasure of his estranged adult children. The novel is tightly written with interesting asides in the art world, legal probate issues, and a touch of romance on the side. Madison discovers that the small-town inhabitants including her old friend Judge Spivey and members of her own family are harboring many secrets about their pasts. When a fraudulent painting and an old, faded photograph leads Madison to investigate connections to the Judge's service in the Viet Nam War, she places herself and her friends in danger. In her engaging style, Van Kirk keeps you reading until the mysteries are solved. I am now looking forward to reading Van Kirk's third Art Center Mystery due to be published in 2024.
August 10, 2023
I love stories about art, especially mystery stories about art. So I was immediately interested in Susan Van Kirk’s protagonist Jill Madison, the executive director of an art museum in a small Midwestern town.
A smart, talented, hard-working young woman who’s devoted to supporting the arts, Jill becomes caught up in a nasty family feud when she discovers her longtime friend Ron Spivey, a retired judge and wealthy art collector, poisoned in his home. Things go from bad to worse when the judge’s will bequeaths the majority of his assets––including his priceless art collection––to Jill and her art center, disinheriting his two avaricious children entirely.
As Jill plows through the judge’s paperwork, doing her job as executrix, she digs up long-hidden secrets about her friend and mentor, secrets that not only make her question Judge Spivey’s past but her own as well. The more she delves into Spivey’s life, the more suspects she discovers. Motives for revenge and murder abound.
Rich with colorful secondary characters––especially Jill’s pub-owner BFF, detective brother, and a hunky ER doc––Murder in a Bygone Hue shows us how old grievances can lead to murder, even in a small, peaceful town. As with all good mysteries, this one is full of twists and turns that kept this reader guessing to the very end. A thoroughly engrossing tale on every level.
A smart, talented, hard-working young woman who’s devoted to supporting the arts, Jill becomes caught up in a nasty family feud when she discovers her longtime friend Ron Spivey, a retired judge and wealthy art collector, poisoned in his home. Things go from bad to worse when the judge’s will bequeaths the majority of his assets––including his priceless art collection––to Jill and her art center, disinheriting his two avaricious children entirely.
As Jill plows through the judge’s paperwork, doing her job as executrix, she digs up long-hidden secrets about her friend and mentor, secrets that not only make her question Judge Spivey’s past but her own as well. The more she delves into Spivey’s life, the more suspects she discovers. Motives for revenge and murder abound.
Rich with colorful secondary characters––especially Jill’s pub-owner BFF, detective brother, and a hunky ER doc––Murder in a Bygone Hue shows us how old grievances can lead to murder, even in a small, peaceful town. As with all good mysteries, this one is full of twists and turns that kept this reader guessing to the very end. A thoroughly engrossing tale on every level.
June 16, 2023
Death in a Bygone Hue by Susan Van Kirk is the second in the Art Center Mystery series. Jill Madison, the director of the community art center, finds her friend and mentor, Judge Ron Spivey, murdered when she arrives at his house for their standing lunch meeting. Was it someone that the judge had incarcerated? Or his entitled, estranged children? Jill is determined to figure out who did this to her friend.
This is the first book from this author that I have read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The author maintains a sense of anticipation throughout the book, gradually unraveling the layers of the mystery and introducing new clues at just the right moments. The supporting characters were relatable and engaging, especially her best friend Angie. The text messages from Jill’s arch nemesis, who also happens to be art center board president, add a bit of quirkiness and humor to the story. (I reviewed an advance reader copy and all opinions are my own.) This is definitely a series that I will continue reading.
This is the first book from this author that I have read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The author maintains a sense of anticipation throughout the book, gradually unraveling the layers of the mystery and introducing new clues at just the right moments. The supporting characters were relatable and engaging, especially her best friend Angie. The text messages from Jill’s arch nemesis, who also happens to be art center board president, add a bit of quirkiness and humor to the story. (I reviewed an advance reader copy and all opinions are my own.) This is definitely a series that I will continue reading.
June 6, 2023
I was thrilled to receive an advance reader copy of this fabulous book. I’ve read and loved Van Kirk’s Endurance mysteries and Death on Tippet Pond, but I hadn’t yet delved into the Art Center mysteries. So glad I fixed that.
The book grabs you from the start when Jill Madison stumbles on the body of her friend and champion Judge Ron Spivey. Spivey is more than a mentor. He was a living link to Jill’s deceased parents and his loss is deeply felt. The stakes ratchet up when Jill is appointed executor of his estate, and learns she, and her Art Center, are his legatees to the exclusion of his children. When the Judge’s death is ruled murder, the suspect list grows, so do threats and attempts on Jill’s life. Is the motive for this murder rooted in the Judge’s extensive art collection or does it stem from his distant past? Jill must sift through clues and uncover the murderer before she’s erased from the picture.
The book grabs you from the start when Jill Madison stumbles on the body of her friend and champion Judge Ron Spivey. Spivey is more than a mentor. He was a living link to Jill’s deceased parents and his loss is deeply felt. The stakes ratchet up when Jill is appointed executor of his estate, and learns she, and her Art Center, are his legatees to the exclusion of his children. When the Judge’s death is ruled murder, the suspect list grows, so do threats and attempts on Jill’s life. Is the motive for this murder rooted in the Judge’s extensive art collection or does it stem from his distant past? Jill must sift through clues and uncover the murderer before she’s erased from the picture.
June 6, 2023
I enjoyed DEATH IN A BYGONE HUE tremendously! It has all the requisites for a delightful cozy mystery: engaging characters, a charming small-town setting, and a page-turning plot. On top of that, the premise is riveting and unique. The amateur sleuth is the executive director of the town’s art center, and we get to delve into the world of art and artists. Such an engaging subplot! Also, the murder victim, Jill’s mentor Judge Ron Spivey, has a layered and interesting past, including time as a soldier in Vietnam—another compelling subplot. The author does a masterful job weaving these subplots into the overarching mystery, keeping the story intricate enough to be fascinating without sidetracking readers from the plot.
I highly recommend this cozy mystery. It’s a winner!
(I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.)
I highly recommend this cozy mystery. It’s a winner!
(I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.)
July 7, 2023
Poor Jill. She returned home to head up a new art center and boy does she have a lot on her plate with exhibits, groups and classes going on. When a local Judge, whom Jill was very close to, is murdered, things may just change and she may become Rich Jill.
Having bypassed his children to leave Jill his estate, Jill just has to manage one thing…remain alive for six months. With the kids joining up with a sleazy writer, Jill worries if she’ll make it to that six month mark. She has got to figure out who killed her beloved Judy Spivey, if it doesn’t kill her first.
A good second entry in this series. I really enjoyed the first one and am so glad the second entry was just as good! If you love a strong and successful female protagonist, give this one a read. It’s sure to be added to your must read series.
Having bypassed his children to leave Jill his estate, Jill just has to manage one thing…remain alive for six months. With the kids joining up with a sleazy writer, Jill worries if she’ll make it to that six month mark. She has got to figure out who killed her beloved Judy Spivey, if it doesn’t kill her first.
A good second entry in this series. I really enjoyed the first one and am so glad the second entry was just as good! If you love a strong and successful female protagonist, give this one a read. It’s sure to be added to your must read series.
May 9, 2023
Death in a Bygone Hue is a solid addition to the Art Center Mystery series. One easily reconnects with art center director, Jill, while she tries to solve the murder of her mentor, Judge Ron Spivey, while secrets from the past put her life in danger. Van Kirk easily keeps the reader entertained while figuring out the whodunit. Appreciation to Net Galley for an advance copy, but the review is my own.
June 14, 2023
This is the second Art Center Mystery, but it's the first one I've read. I like many aspects of this book, including the strong female main character, the art center backdrop, and the layered plotting. I like that the victim is someone of integrity, and both Jill and I, as the reader, care about who killed him.
The weak point to me is some of the procedural part (as if an FBI agent would pass along info to Jill because Jill was "tying up some loose ends" for her cop brother). And I don't think the judge would've put his family next in line after Jill as his heirs.
Still, this is an engaging and enjoyable read. I'm going back to put the first book in the series on my tbr shelf.
Review copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The weak point to me is some of the procedural part (as if an FBI agent would pass along info to Jill because Jill was "tying up some loose ends" for her cop brother). And I don't think the judge would've put his family next in line after Jill as his heirs.
Still, this is an engaging and enjoyable read. I'm going back to put the first book in the series on my tbr shelf.
Review copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 13, 2023
Susan Van Kirk’s Death in a Bygone Hue is the second in her Art Center Mystery series. Van Kirk drops a bombshell of a death on main character Jill Madison that leaves her and the reader reeling. Jill must carry on with her first national exhibition, deal with her loss, and find the killers before they come after her. The hometown charm, coupled with fascinating snippets into the art world, makes for a delightful page-turner!
September 3, 2023
Jill Madison is back in action and trouble wasn’t far behind. A board member is murdered and Jill is in the thick of it. Familiar characters return in this second of the Art Center series. This is a cozy mystery with some real scoundrels that make good suspects. It is a well paced story you may not want to put down. Susan left me guessing until the of the book.
May 14, 2023
At first I wasn’t sure I was going to finish this book. But about a third of the way through I finally got interested in the story even though I never really connected with the main character, Jill. The mystery itself was well done and it took me a while to figure out who the killer was.
June 7, 2023
I loved this book! Filled with complex and interesting characters this story has a lot of twists and turns. Very entertaining and unpredictable, it kept me wanting more. A real page turner and a must must read!
August 19, 2023
I try a lot of 'cozy' mysteries, whether they are contemporary-based or historical ones. The primary reason is because of the time it takes for me to read and absorb the content. They are usually single sitting reads, and for the time that I put into it, it provides a good reward.
The common trend of the female protagonist-led stories of this genre is to have either a ditzy person figure things out or have an uber-responsible person use her brains and contacts to work out the eventual culprit. This series is the latter. I read the first in the series quite recently and would have actually preferred to review them together if I had known the next one was within reach.
Jill is back in her hometown, and after one major hiccup, her plan to set up an art center in the town is working out well. There are good classes being held under its roof, and she has bigger plans for the future. She is hopeful that the previous events have cleared the way for smooth sailing, but there would not be a second book if that had been the case!
Jill has a mentor who has helped her acclimatize after she moved back to town. He is estranged from his own family, and Jill is someone he considers his own kin. On their regular meeting day, she finds him dead.
The more she finds out about the Judge, the more she realizes that she needs to figure things out. Her two brothers feature more in this narrative than in the previous one, and they are a welcome addition to the cast, along with Jill's best friend.
A lot of information comes out as she investigates. I guessed the killer yet again, mostly because the author has a tell (or so I felt). If you have figured out what I mean by that, let me know!
There is more than enough action in this as Jill has to fight for her life once the killer has her in their sights.
I recommend this series for people who like stories set in small towns (with dead bodies turning up often), and the background of an Art Center was quite entertaining. I will be checking out the next book in the series if I get the chance.
I received an ARC thanks to Netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.
The common trend of the female protagonist-led stories of this genre is to have either a ditzy person figure things out or have an uber-responsible person use her brains and contacts to work out the eventual culprit. This series is the latter. I read the first in the series quite recently and would have actually preferred to review them together if I had known the next one was within reach.
Jill is back in her hometown, and after one major hiccup, her plan to set up an art center in the town is working out well. There are good classes being held under its roof, and she has bigger plans for the future. She is hopeful that the previous events have cleared the way for smooth sailing, but there would not be a second book if that had been the case!
Jill has a mentor who has helped her acclimatize after she moved back to town. He is estranged from his own family, and Jill is someone he considers his own kin. On their regular meeting day, she finds him dead.
The more she finds out about the Judge, the more she realizes that she needs to figure things out. Her two brothers feature more in this narrative than in the previous one, and they are a welcome addition to the cast, along with Jill's best friend.
A lot of information comes out as she investigates. I guessed the killer yet again, mostly because the author has a tell (or so I felt). If you have figured out what I mean by that, let me know!
There is more than enough action in this as Jill has to fight for her life once the killer has her in their sights.
I recommend this series for people who like stories set in small towns (with dead bodies turning up often), and the background of an Art Center was quite entertaining. I will be checking out the next book in the series if I get the chance.
I received an ARC thanks to Netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.
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