The Copenhagen Connection

by Elizabeth Peters

Elizabeth Jones went to Copenhagen thinking only of quiet study. Then an accident brought her into the inner circle of Nobel Prize-winning historian Margaret Rosenberg, and Margaret's scornful son Christian.

In a foreign world of glamour and intrigue she tried her best to ignore him -- but when Margaret is kidnapped, by unknown men who demand an improbable ransom, the two of them are thrown together in a heartstopping chase to save Margaret's life -- and their own....

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Romance, Audiobook, Romantic Suspense, Mystery Thriller, Adventure

288 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1982

About the author

Elizabeth Peters is a pen name of Barbara Mertz. She also wrote as Barbara Michaels as well as her own name. Born and brought up in Illinois, she earned her Ph.D. in Egyptology from the University of Chicago. Mertz was named Grand Master at the inaugural Anthony Awards in 1986 and Grand Master by the Mystery Writers of America at the Edgar Awards in 1998. She lived in a historic farmhouse in Frederick, western Maryland until her death.

Reviews

[Lois Bujold · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bit of a blast from the past, since this takes place circa ~1980, contemporary to when it was written. I would have been just a few years older than its heroine/PoV, and most certainly not off having European adventures at that stage of my life. Romantic suspense after the mode of Mary Stewart: young woman travels to an exotic location, encounters exotic dude and attendant small-scale bad-guys plot. In this case, the story scanted the romance, and so did not sell me on it. I could see the author was having the most fun with her eccentric-but-rich middle-aged female author character, who was the plot driver but not the heroine; the latter was of course the requisite ingenue. A short, smooth read, good for a rainy afternoon.

Ta, L.

[Margaret · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars.

As I listened to this book, I kept imagining a '60s slapstick comedy movie. Maybe something like "The Great Race" or "It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World." (I think I got the right number of Mads in there.) Starring Dorothy Provine and Tony Curtis, maybe. It could be funny. As a book, it was mildly amusing; the mystery was not very compelling and the romance unlikely and very mild. No heaving bosoms in this book.

If you like Peters' "Amelia Peabody" mysteries... this is not very much like those.

[Monica Hills · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved that this book was set in Denmark. I enjoyed learning more about the setting and even the history of Denmark. I didn't know about Queen Margaret of Denmark before this book. However, this book was a little dated. There were some terms that people don't use any more and one character was going to use a type writer. That being said, there were some laugh out loud moments for me. However I did feel like the book did drag a little for me. I was a little confused at one point about what was happening. Overall, this was just ok for me. I would have preferred a little more romance and action.

[Sophia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A vacation to Denmark leads a young publisher's assistant on a mystery with a favorite author's grumpy son in tow on a Scandinavian adventure. An Elizabeth Peters' standalone that harkens back to the 80's.

Elizabeth Jones is an American publisher's assistant now acting as tourist setting out on her dream vacation to Denmark. On the plane over, she is distracted when she spots her favorite author ever. She does a fan faux pas trying to drum up an accidental meeting near the author's seat by annoying said author's son. But, Margaret is nothing like the person Elizabeth expected from such a celebrated author. She's eccentric and impulsive- quite the opposite of her stern son, Christian.

Elizabeth gets her chance to stick close to Margaret when an incident at the airport creates an opening for Elizabeth to jump in and become Margaret's author assistant. Only, before they can start work researching Queen Margaret of Denmark, the present day Margaret vanishes. In an 'is she or isn't she' really missing or just given them the slip situation, Elizabeth and Christian rush around Copenhagen tracking clues to finding Margaret. The result puts them in the crosshairs of someone who doesn't want Margaret found or that they find out the mysterious reason Margaret disappeared.

The Copenhagen Connection starts out slow when it comes to the main plot thread. In fact, its not until well into the book before the reader-listener has confirmation there is a real mystery. Elizabeth has to slowly warm to Christian and respect that he truly has reason to be alarmed so the first third of the book is her tagging along and giving him the side-eye over his concerns. I was more taken with the Copenhagen setting descriptions than the plot.

But, then it got going and the situation becomes more clear- and the suspense along with 'caper' part is revealed much to my satisfaction. The opposites working together got much more interesting and I enjoyed their dive into Scandinavian historical matters as they hunted.

Grace Conlin does a bang up job narrating the book as she has all the other Elizabeth Peters' standalone stories I've been enjoying on audio lately.

So, its slow at the start, but stick around for the interesting part in this old-style romantic suspense.

[Rosario · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elizabeth Peters is one of my favourite authors, both under that name and as Barbara Michaels. As Elizabeth Peters she wrote several different series (the best-known of which is, of course, the Amelia Peabody Egyptology-themed mysteries). But she also published quite a few standalone novels, including several that could best be described as "crime capers in exotic locations". This is one of them.

Elizabeth Jones is a plucky young woman (of course) on her first trip to Europe. Things get extremely exciting for her right on the flight to Copenhagen, when she spots an author she idolises. Margaret Rosenberg is a historian who won the Nobel Prize for Literature, and she also publishes bestselling historical fiction. Elizabeth admires her so much that she got a job at the publishing house where she works purely because they publish Margaret's books, and she hoped she'd be able to meet her. That hasn't happened, but Margaret's presence on her flight is Elizabeth's perfect opportunity.

After a bit of a humiliating first attempt on the plane, Elizabeth fears she's wasted that incredible opportunity. But an accident at luggage collection leaves Margaret without a secretary, and Elizabeth seizes her chance. She makes use of her connection to her employers to offer her help, and ends up giving up her holiday to serve as Margaret's secretary herself. It's a dream come true.

But that dream turns a bit weird when Margaret disappears from her hotel room, and it becomes clear that the accident that put her original secretary out of commission was an attempt to insert someone else into her circle -an attempt that Elizabeth unwittingly foiled. Elizabeth has to team up with Christian, Margaret's supercilious son to find out what's going on.

This was just wonderful. Pure, unadulterated fun. We get to run around Copenhagen following completely absurd clues, seeing our characters get into (and out of) ridiculous situations. Elizabeth is probably not the deepest character ever, but what there is of her is great -Peters' usual sensible, brave heroine. Christian is perfect for her, the initially stuffy, overly logical man who ends up behaving completely out of character out of true love :)

And Margaret... oh, Margaret. I adored her. She's eccentric in a really great way, in that she doesn't give a crap about other people's approval, but she does give a crap about being kind. There's a little thread here about people's children becoming a bit overbearing and overprotective when their parents age, and how that feels. It's the one serious note, a lightly made point, but well-made all the same.

The setting was also a highlight. We get quite a bit of the tourist-eye view of Copenhagen, and I had a blast with that. I almost wish I could visit early 1980s Copenhagen :) Because yes, this is a pretty old book. It was published in 1982, and that's quite clear. But not because the book feels at all dated... not at all. In Peters' books, the attitudes always feel remarkably modern (maybe with a few little occasional wobbles). Her female characters face sexism, but it's not internalised, and they are strong and capable women. So I don't cringe in the way I sometimes do when I read other books written a few decades ago. You can only tell this is not written today because of how external things work (no mobile phones or internet, etc.). Elizabeth, Christian and Margaret could comfortably inhabit a book written right now.

Now that I've reread one of Peters' books, I may not be able to stop. I foresee many happy rereading hours as the days get longer and darker!

MY GRADE: A strong B+.

[Amy (I'd Rather Be Sleeping) · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's by Elizabeth Peters, so of course I enjoyed it - but when compared to the rest of her books that I've read this one seemed a little...lacking.

As a mystery it is merely passable. And, really, it does mystery the best.

As a historical fiction (like almost all of Ms. Peters' books are) it is devoid of much information.

As a romance it is lackluster at best and the heroine starts treating the hero vastly different as soon as she realizes she's in love with him.

As an adventure it is distinctly adventureless.

As a gothic (and most of her books have levels of this) is it bloodless.

As a melodrama ... actually, it hits this one out of the park. (There's even a scene wherein the heroine watches a movie and it parallels the story and romance of our main characters almost perfectly.)

The ending is abrupt with little to no closure.

All in all, I'm severely disappointed and had this been a book by anyone else, the rating would have probably been even lower. But, like all Ms. Peters' books, this one does show hints of brilliance.

[Jessica Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's funny because I really don't like the Amelia Peabody series by Elizabeth Peters, but I love her other books. This one really took you down the rabbit hole and to a lot of other destinations along the way. It moved fast, it was interesting, the dialogue was witty, and the ending was very satisfying! I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This oldie-but-goodie from the 90s translated well to audiobook. Lively dialogue, much humor, quirky characters. Enjoyable!

[Manon (mysterymanon) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Elizabeth Peters has a penchant for grumpy male leads but this one was a mite too cruel for my tastes.

The story was promising at the start but devolved into something meandering by the 50% mark or so — like other lesser EP books, its saving grace is her delightful prose. The plot was unapologetically over the top as expected and for that reason it gets a bonus star. Because who doesn’t love silly international crime with a historical edge?

[Cphe · Rating 1 out of 5]

Didn't enjoy - characters uninteresting and underdeveloped plot, did like the setting and premise - just poorly executed overall.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Peters works through the Vicky Bliss formula with a character, Elizabeth, who is much less interesting than VB. Race across Denmark, convoluted plot, I really do wish this had been reworked as a Vicky Bliss - and that I could hear it read by Barbara Rosenblat, the reader on Hoopla was phoning it in.

[C.A. · Rating 3 out of 5]

It seems to me thrillers, even cozy ones like this book, must have been much easier to write in the pre-Internet/cell phone/security camera age that we live in now. Not a problem if the characters are well done, and sadly these are not. Elizabeth meets her favorite authoress, Margaret, on a flight to Denmark and winds up working for her when her secetary gets injured at the airport. Soon enough Margaret goes missing and Elizabeth, along with margaret's ill-mannered son Christian, must try to find her. Lots of silly cloke and dagger stuff, but the history part of the story, about Queen Margaret of Denmark was truely interesting. Dated but fun.

[Gord · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting enough kind of a whimsical whodunnit that maintains a good pace and never drags. The setting in Copenhagen also personally made it fun to read as I happened to have visited there a few years ago.
Looking for a gritty, slice of life crime story with scary desperate characters?.... .....This probably isn't for you but entertaining all the same and a nice change of pace from some of the grim novels I read!

[Bonnie · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was hard to believe this very pedestrian story was written by the author of the Amelia Peabody series. The characters never really came to life. The romance was very formulaic: A man and a woman dislike each other on meeting; thrown together in difficult or perilous circumstances they form a bond that becomes love.

[Jaret · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an okay cozy mystery. It was very predictable in parts. Some of the characters were way out there and the plotline was more of a slapstick comedy, but overall Peters kept the story and the characters together. Fortunately, this is not a series, if it was I don't think I'd continue with it. But, I'm not sorry I read this one.

[Lanelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of humorous moments. Brought lots of smiles to my face. But too many cuss words.

[Kaitlyn Dunnett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a feeling Elizabeth Peters' tongue was firmly in cheek when she was writing this one. It's a light, fun read if you don't take it too seriously.

[Kathy Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elizabeth Jones who works as an assistant at a publishing company in New York has saved up for a couple of years to take her dream trip to Denmark. She really wants to see the Little Mermaid statue and has pored over all the guidebooks to plan her trip. Her trip doesn't start out very well since her seatmate is determined to tell her all about her family's medical issues in great detail. When Elizabeth escapes to the restroom, she discovers that her literary idol Margaret Rosenberg is on the same flight.

She makes an embarrassing approach which winds up with her spilling coffee into Rosenberg's son Christian's lap and slinks back to her seat. However, they are destined to meet again at the baggage claim when she witnesses an accident which happens to Rosenberg's secretary. Both to spend more time with her idol and because her boss who is Rosenberg's publisher would like it, she volunteers to fill in for the secretary who has a broken arm.

Being in close proximity to Margaret lets her see all of Margaret's eccentricities and makes her understand why Christian might be such an uptight sort of man. He recruits her to help ride herd on Margaret. However, she barely gets started in the job when Margaret disappears from the hotel suite.

Elizabeth and Christian begin a hunt all over Denmark to try to find his missing mother. Who hasn't been kidnapped but has taken off on her own for reasons she hasn't shared with her son. There are villains who want to find Margaret and get something she has. Elizabeth and Christian keep running into them in their pursuit of Margaret.

The story is packed with action. I did feel that the romance between Elizabeth and Christian was a little too insta-love to be believable though. Going from sniping at each other to love seemed awfully fast. The characters were otherwise interesting and well-rounded.

Grace Conlin did the narration. She wasn't the best at the male voices and sometimes I was confused about whether Elizabeth or Christian was doing the talking. She did a great job with the pacing and the suspense though.

[Kristina Coop-a-Loop · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this much better when I read it the first few times when I was about 13 or so. This isn't one of her better books and doesn't hold up so well over time. I like the backdrop of the city of Copenhagen however. Makes me want to visit.

Most recent review of this book: (2 stars)

I’ve read Elizabeth Peter’s The Copenhagen Connection many times. I have a large collection of her books written under that name and her other pen name, Barbara Michaels. I pulled this book from my Elizabeth Peters/Barbara Michaels box (I’m out of shelf space) with the idea that it would be pleasant, pre-sleep reading. It has not held up well over the years. The story is rather boring and kind of stupid and the two main characters are not likeable. What I like is the history the plot is based on and the setting (Copenhagen).

Elizabeth Jones is traveling to Copenhagen for the first time, her dream vacation. While on the plane, she recognizes a famous historical writer, Margaret Rosenberg. Elizabeth recognizes her because it just so happens that she is a junior publicity assistant for the publishing house of Margaret’s books. What a fabulous coincidence! When the plane lands, an unfortunate accident injures Margaret’s secretary/research assistant and Elizabeth, who happens to be nearby—again, fabulous coincidence—introduces herself and offers to take her place. Margaret accepts her offer, tells her about the current book she is researching (Queen Margaret I of Scandinavia, circa 14th century) and promptly disappears. Elizabeth and Margaret’s son, a disagreeable and unimaginative (although handsome) investment banker, spend the majority of the book running around Copenhagen and greater Denmark tracking her down. During this time, they begin to unravel the motive behind Margaret’s mysterious disappearance, and of course, fall in love.

This book was published in the early 1980s, but it doesn’t date itself with 80s language or even social mores. The people in this book seem contemporary (even allowing for the total absence of modern technology such as smartphones and computers). However, Elizabeth and Christian, as the romantic leads, are terribly unlikeable people. Normally, that wouldn’t/shouldn’t be a factor, but in romantic-comedy-thriller fluff books like The Copenhagen Connection, likeability is important. They’re both snobby, but as the story is presented from Elizabeth’s POV, it’s more obvious with her. When confronted with Tivoli, best described as an amusement park, Elizabeth sneeringly assumes it will be tacky:

Patronizingly she had concluded it would attract the same sort of people who crowded similar places in the States. The reality had quite disarmed her, but she was not especially interested in the low-brow amusements like rides and arcades. In her youth she had been escorted to a number of amusement parks by doting parents and grandparents, and had been forced to ride in little cars that banged into one another, little airplanes that swooped sickeningly through the air, and little boats that glided monotonously around a stagnant circle of water. She had not liked them very much, but instinct had told her that she was supposed to enthuse, and she had courteously done so (33).

Now, don’t you want to spend another two hundred or so pages with this snotty bitch? If she was riding “little airplanes” and “little boats” when she formed these opinions, then she was a joyless, snotty child who grew into a snotty, condescending adult. As one of those “sort of people” who enjoyed the low-brow amusements of rides and arcades (and still do, to some extent) (along with millions of other Americans), the author has early on primed me to dislike her intensely. Christian is also a condescending bore and treats his mother as if she were a wayward teenager instead of a mature, intelligent, successful woman. Granted, I think Peters is working on a theme here (as one of the villains does what he does due to his own boorish, overbearing adult child), but presenting both of the MC as unappealing snobs doesn’t encourage readers to keep reading. It’s possible that Peters is expressing her own opinion of amusement parks via Elizabeth because she has a weakness for authorial intrusion. I’ve read many of her books several times and I’ve noticed that Peters/Michaels (Mertz, really) will insert statements like this: “Eccentricity is permissible in the elderly, if they are rich enough or distinguished enough” (35). While that statement is connected the previous sentence (Margaret is eccentric), it’s plunked down on the page without being attributed to any of the characters. It’s odd and pulls you from the story because it’s clearly the author speaking, not Margaret or Elizabeth and definitely not Christian, since he’s the one scolding his mother for wanting to ride the carousel.

If you read enough Peters/Michaels books, you’ll notice they are highly formulaic. In her books that are very good, with fast plots and charming characters, you don’t mind. When those elements are missing, such as in this book, you get annoyed quickly. I actually found this a slog to get through and the plot highly unlikely. The required romance is also unlikely. I always find it fascinating how two people who dislike each other can fall madly in love in less than a week. Yes, I’ve read Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing many times; it’s my favorite of the comedies. But Beatrice and Benedick have a history that’s hinted at in the play, plus they engage is delightful banter that is as revealing as it is witty. Elizabeth and Christian are no Beatrice and Benedick. I also find it funny (in a pissy kind of way) that as soon as they proclaim their undying love for each other, they immediately refer to each other as “darling.” I can allow for the possibility (at least in this book, due to something that happens earlier) that Peters knows that’s slightly ridiculous and she’s trying for a farcical element in the book. But in her books (and other romantic thrillers), many of the characters go into “darling” mode as soon as love is acknowledged. It’s silly.

If you read the book and are curious about the historical basis of the plot, let me enlighten you. It’s all historically accurate up until Margaret claims that the monks of the abbey church in Sorø hid Queen Margaret I’s body rather than turn it over to the Roskilde Cathedral. Also, the Queen’s gold dress was stolen, but many years later by rampaging Swedes. Not that any of that matters in the enjoyment (or not) of the plot, but I’m always interested in knowing where historical facts stop and fiction begins.

The Copenhagen Connection isn’t one of Elizabeth Peter’s better novels. I would suggest starting with the Vicky Bliss mysteries. The first one is Borrower of the Night.

[Linniegayl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought I had read everything by Elizabeth Peters, but somehow I missed this one. I listened to it in audio and liked the narration (although the narrator slipped a few times and made the hero -- Christian -- sound like the heroine -- Elizabeth) and the story.

Elizabeth works in publishing and is excited when she meets her favorite author Margaret on a flight to Coppenhagen. Elizabeth isn't quite as excited to meet Margaret's son Christian. An odd accident at the airport that incapacitates Margaret's secretary has Elizabeth volunteering to give up her vacation to work for Margaret. Things go awry once Elizabeth is settled in Margaret and Christian's posh suite in Coppenhagen, as Margaret disappears. Has she left voluntarily? Has she been kidnapped?

For the rest of the book we get a bit of a romp as Christian and Elizabeth try to find the missing author and figure out just what is going on. I'll admit I was as puzzled as Christian and Elizabeth for much of the book, but enjoyed the ride. Now to see if there are any more Elizabeth Peters' books I've missed!

[Meredith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the mystery, particularly as each character has different suspicions about what is going on. Toward the end we get more of Margaret's perspective, which has until that point been filtered through her son's imperfect understanding of his mother. Her concerns make more sense and had me saying, well yes, that's reasonable.

There's also a lot of humor in that these criminals are generally greedy put not masterminds.

While I generally like Grace Conlin as a reader, there are some words for which she has interesting pronunciations.

[Grandma Mush · Rating 5 out of 5]

i enjoy most cozy murder mysteries, especially those with a sense of humor. Yet when I read a book by Elizabeth Peters, I am reminded of what a really good author is. Her books have humor, yes but much more subtly than most; they have adventure, certainly; but most significantly for me, they educate! I always like learning history the easy way...thru a murder mystery.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great read from one of my favorite authors! So many twists and turns and events that you could not predict, but once they happened, totally fell into place! Well-developed characters with suspense and spying galore!!

[Jaime · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was basically a cute little caper with a convenient romantic entanglement. Not as well-written or in depth as Peters’ Amelia Peabody series, but an entertaining read none-the-less.

[Pat Beard · Rating 2 out of 5]

It had its moments but I didn't get into this one as much as some of the others. A bit of a disappointment since it is the last of the Peters' books that I haven't read.

[Christina Startt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will never tire of the sass of Peters's writing

[KC Comal · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mildly better plot but I’m over ingenues thinking grouchy men will become pleasant with their mellowing presence. No, girl, he’s just going to get more opinionated and grouchy.

[Louise · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun lighthearted caper.

[Andy N · Rating 2 out of 5]

An entertaining novel by Elizabeth Peters, but not one of her best works.

Elizabeth Jones works in a publishing house. After saving money for three years, she’s finally able to take her dream holidays. But things don’t go as planned. In fact, things start going downhill when she recognises the famous historical writer, Margaret Rosenberg taking the same flight. When the plane arrives in Copenhagen, an unfortunate accident renders Margaret without a secretary. Elizabeth introduces herself and volunteers to work with her during her holidays. As she introduced to the authors disagreeable and arrogant son, Christian, she thinks her life can’t get any better. When Margaret suddenly goes missing, they have to work together to unravel the motive and the mystery of Queen Margaret I of Scandinavia.

The novel takes place in the 80s and the setting and language match the plot and the characters. The language used is very similar to that of nowadays and the absence of technology was a breath of fresh air for me. As usual, Peters chose a great setting. It’s a European beauty, marvellously described and the plot develops in a great way in the streets of Copenhagen. I would though, classify this novel as a cosy-mystery more than a historical novel or even a serious mystery. Even though the idea of the plot is good, I got a bit lost in all the unnecessary turns the characters made and the constant abuse of the main male character for no reason.

The characters are likeable but I couldn’t really understand their connection. There is a lack of depth to the characters, at all levels. Elizabeth, the female lead, is a funny, feisty young woman dedicated to her job and her dreams. She’s witty but there were times that I actually doubted her logic. She would just stand there and do nothing. Christian, the main male lead, is the typical handsome, arrogant man with a mean mouth on him. My main problem with these characters is that, firstly, I can’t figure out how they got romantically attached. All they do is fight, argue, put flaws on each other and then suddenly Elizabeth realises she has feelings for him. I couldn’t see a solid development of feelings anyway, they just appeared there, out of the blue. I couldn’t connect with the main characters and I failed to follow the growth of their feelings if there is one. Secondly, there isn’t a good reason for the male character be like this, not a single one. Yes, his mother is a bit crazy, but the abominable way he treats people is inexcusable for me. Additionally, the way he treats his mother as a crazy teenager that has no idea of what she’s doing is going a bit overboard. There’s a lot of whining, a lot of snobby comments and points of view on the events and places, like the small fair and the carousel. There was a lot, but not of anything that actually mattered.

I’ve read several books of Barbara Michaels/Elizabeth Peters and I’m a big fan of her works. Because I know what she’s capable of with Amelia Peabody and Vicky Bliss, I can say that this novel doesn’t fit in that level. This one didn’t leave a positive impression.

[Susan Wallace · Rating 1 out of 5]

Margaret is an elderly historian and successful novelist; she's also an eccentric prankster. Her son, Christian, is her peevish, snobby companion on a trip from New York to Denmark. Coincidentally (!!!) Elizabeth, an assistant publicist employed by Margaret's publishing company - and a huge fan of Margaret's - is also on the flight to Denmark, taking her dream trip to Copenhagen. When Margaret's secretary is injured at the baggage claim in the airport, Elizabeth steps in and becomes Margaret's temp. A tidy little set-up, which rolls along for several chapters, until Margaret goes missing. Is this one of her pranks, or is she in danger?

Christian and Elizabeth, who is also staying in Margaret's large suite of rooms at a cozy hotel, band together. An attempt is made for their banter to come off as witty and flirtatious, but it's awkward and the chemistry just isn't there. The plot itself - Margaret's disappearance - is weak. Nothing much happens for quite awhile, though there are many descriptions of Copenhagen's architecture, weather, tourist locales (cathedrals, museums), and food, as Christian and Elizabeth - aided by a couple of mysterious notes and phone calls - go hither and yon, trying to find Margaret. I made it past the halfway point but struggled to find enough momentum in the plot and character development to keep me interested.

I have found some great books in the Kindle Unlimited listings. Some of them have highly rated reviews, but they just aren't for me. This is one of them. DNF. Moving on.