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Martha's Vineyard Mystery #2
The Cranefly Orchid Murders
In her first book, Deadly Nightshade, Cynthia Riggs introduced us to one of fiction's most delightful - and most realistic - "circumstantial detectives" - an ordinary civilian whom circumstances thrust into the role of sleuth. Victoria Trumbull is as believable a feisty 92-year-old as you can imagine, with all the expected aches and pains and a refusal to let them stop her from enjoying her multifarious activities.
A native of the Massachusetts island called Martha's Vineyard, whose ancestors sailed from its shores generations back, Victoria knows more about the island and its people, then and now, than anyone else living. The knowledge has helped her solve one murder and earn her own baseball cap emblazoned with "West Tisbury Police Deputy," and the job that goes with it.
Of course she knows Phoebe Eldridge; a short-tempered woman who lives alone, dislikes her granddaughter intensely and won't even mention the name of her son, a Vietnam vet who disappeared some years before. It's Phoebe's rancor as much as any desire for money that leads her to sell the family land to a developer who comes up with what seems like an offer she doesn't want to resist.
The Conservation Trust enlists Victoria, as someone who will not be suspected, to search that land for an endangered plant, any endangered plant, because the state prohibits bulldozing rare plant habitats. Victoria is delighted to add another purpose to her daily walks. She enlists an eleven-year-old after-school assistant, and with the "Endangered" list in her hand, she begins her search. Her first find, though, is the body of one Montgomery Mausz, the developer's rather dubious attorney.
There are plenty of suspects, but deputy Victoria (don't dare say "honorary deputy" to Victoria's face) hasn't forgotten her first task and is rewarded by the discovery of a little nest of cranefly orchids, which puzzle Victoria by appearing to change shape. In the course of this botanical detection, Victoria and her assistant are treated to adventures that delight the 92-year-old as much as the pre-teen, even though they give both of them more scares than they had bargained for.
This charming story, with its share of thrills and suspense, will have readers crossing their fingers and hoping the sea air, home-baked beans, and a vital interest in what goes on around her will keep old Victoria Trumbull going for a long, long time.
A native of the Massachusetts island called Martha's Vineyard, whose ancestors sailed from its shores generations back, Victoria knows more about the island and its people, then and now, than anyone else living. The knowledge has helped her solve one murder and earn her own baseball cap emblazoned with "West Tisbury Police Deputy," and the job that goes with it.
Of course she knows Phoebe Eldridge; a short-tempered woman who lives alone, dislikes her granddaughter intensely and won't even mention the name of her son, a Vietnam vet who disappeared some years before. It's Phoebe's rancor as much as any desire for money that leads her to sell the family land to a developer who comes up with what seems like an offer she doesn't want to resist.
The Conservation Trust enlists Victoria, as someone who will not be suspected, to search that land for an endangered plant, any endangered plant, because the state prohibits bulldozing rare plant habitats. Victoria is delighted to add another purpose to her daily walks. She enlists an eleven-year-old after-school assistant, and with the "Endangered" list in her hand, she begins her search. Her first find, though, is the body of one Montgomery Mausz, the developer's rather dubious attorney.
There are plenty of suspects, but deputy Victoria (don't dare say "honorary deputy" to Victoria's face) hasn't forgotten her first task and is rewarded by the discovery of a little nest of cranefly orchids, which puzzle Victoria by appearing to change shape. In the course of this botanical detection, Victoria and her assistant are treated to adventures that delight the 92-year-old as much as the pre-teen, even though they give both of them more scares than they had bargained for.
This charming story, with its share of thrills and suspense, will have readers crossing their fingers and hoping the sea air, home-baked beans, and a vital interest in what goes on around her will keep old Victoria Trumbull going for a long, long time.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published May 10, 2002
7 people are currently reading
272 people want to read
About the author
Cynthia Riggs
27 books122 followersCynthia Riggs, a tall gray-haired and imposing figure, is a 13th generation Islander, the mother of five and daughter of author and poet Dionis Coffin Riggs and school principal and printmaker Sidney N. Riggs.
With a degree in geology, her own remarkable resumé -- writing for the National Geographic Society and Smithsonian (she spent two months in Antarctica), working in public relations for the American Petroleum Institute, operating boat charters (she lived on a 44-foot houseboat for 12 years), running the Chesapeake Bay Ferry Boat Company, and being a rigger at Martha's Vineyard Shipyard. After enrolling six years ago in the Master of Fine Arts creative writing program at Vermont College, Riggs found yet another calling. She has become a successful mystery writer.
All her mysteries take place on the Vineyard, and all draw from local scenes and fictionalized composites of Island characters. She knows them all well, having been a two-time candidate for West Tisbury selectman ("No, I don't think I'll do that again"), a commissioner on the Martha's Vineyard Commission, a member of what is now the Martha's Vineyard Arts Council, and an active Island voice in both politics and human rights causes.
With a degree in geology, her own remarkable resumé -- writing for the National Geographic Society and Smithsonian (she spent two months in Antarctica), working in public relations for the American Petroleum Institute, operating boat charters (she lived on a 44-foot houseboat for 12 years), running the Chesapeake Bay Ferry Boat Company, and being a rigger at Martha's Vineyard Shipyard. After enrolling six years ago in the Master of Fine Arts creative writing program at Vermont College, Riggs found yet another calling. She has become a successful mystery writer.
All her mysteries take place on the Vineyard, and all draw from local scenes and fictionalized composites of Island characters. She knows them all well, having been a two-time candidate for West Tisbury selectman ("No, I don't think I'll do that again"), a commissioner on the Martha's Vineyard Commission, a member of what is now the Martha's Vineyard Arts Council, and an active Island voice in both politics and human rights causes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
July 2, 2022
Probably closer to 3.5 stars or even 4 rounded down.
There was a great 100 page or novella here, but it was padded out 150 or so pages to make a book. The padding was just aggravating; lots of new characters introduced, their motives, the emotions and all plotting and blackmail. But then nothing happens with those characters. Well not nothing despite being royal ass holes doing nothing they get a check at the end of the book to make it all good.
The police Chief, Victoria and the kid were well written and interesting. The mystery kept my interest. The book was not a waste of time. It just needed some kind editing to improve the flow.
There was a great 100 page or novella here, but it was padded out 150 or so pages to make a book. The padding was just aggravating; lots of new characters introduced, their motives, the emotions and all plotting and blackmail. But then nothing happens with those characters. Well not nothing despite being royal ass holes doing nothing they get a check at the end of the book to make it all good.
The police Chief, Victoria and the kid were well written and interesting. The mystery kept my interest. The book was not a waste of time. It just needed some kind editing to improve the flow.
September 1, 2025
yes 3 stars but so so cozy and cliche and perfect for what my tired brain needed this week in order to get back into reading
September 30, 2021
A good read. I like Cynthia Riggs style. Easy read, a good mystery without the usual sex and fouo language
February 13, 2024
I had read a couple of these Victoria Trumbull mysteries a decade of more ago, but I can’t at all remember which they were. I recently decided to read & re-read them all, and began with number 1. It was good, but I felt it reflected a writer just getting her “opening day jitters” under control. Here with #2 Cynthia Riggs has spread her wings and begun to fledge. The story is smoother, more cogent, and more powerful in its characters. With 14 in the series, I’ve got plenty more to look forward to.
April 13, 2018
After listening to the first book in this series, I wasn't sure I wanted to continue but since we are reading the 4th one for my Mystery Book Club, I decided to try the 2nd one. I also thought that I might enjoy the book more when reading it rather than listening to it. Bottom line is...I'm glad that I continued...this was a much more appealing story line in my opinion. In this mystery Victoria Trumbull, our feisty 92 year old detective wannabe, comes across a body while hiking some of the ancient trails on Martha's Vineyard. It appears that the sale of a large parcel of land for building multi-million dollar homes has angered someone enough to commit murder. In order to further assure that she'll get to retain her baseball cap with the West Tisbury Police Deputy logo on it, she becomes part of the investigation. Taking on a young boy as her assistant, they begin searching the surrounding countryside for rare flora and fauna in order to hopefully obtain a cease and desist order to keep the land as is. As we find out that there are more fingers in the pie than originally thought, the character relationships become more layered and I was surprised at the resolution. A page turning cozy that was a fun read.
August 13, 2017
I was attracted to this series by the names of the books, and perhaps, because of the "senior citizen" who is supposed to be the mystery solver. I enjoyed the first book OK, but the plant reference really had very little to do with the story in that one. In this one, the Cranefly Orchid has slightly more impact, but not a lot. This second book does not include some of the characters of the first book that I expected to appear again to have some part in the goings-on of the Martha's Vineyard setting. As I find myself falling back on re-reads of some of my favorite books this summer, I thought I'd give a new series a try. I have read more in this series, because they are available through my library's Overdrive, but I can't say it is the best mystery series I've ever read.
November 24, 2019
I found this book more enjoyable than the first book in the series. There was more plot, though there was only one story line (some of my favorite series have multiple side plots, often continuing from book to book). Ninety two year old Victoria does more to uncover the murderer this time around. Not bad almost believable for someone of her age. The continuing characters are few (granddaughter Elizabeth and Police Chief Casey O'Neil), but not much character development for either one. There's enough for me to go on to the third book, though I am not in rush.
February 15, 2018
In spite of my complaints about the first book, I decided I liked the characters well enough to keep reading. This book was much better than the first. The killer's identity wasn't a complete surprise, but there was just enough suspense to keep me going.
September 4, 2020
Greedy developer buys acreage from an elderly woman, Phoebe, promising her she could live out her days at her home. But, Loch Ness wants to build mansions on three acre plots ASAP.
Our girl, Victoria, find the dead body of a shady lawyer and discovers the land grab. She is asked by a conservationist to find an endanger species on the land to stop the building. Victoria and Robin find several cranefly orchids, but then they are removed. No native species are planted in their stead.
Victoria and Robin find the estranged son, Ulysses, of Phoebe living under ground.
Loch Ness is found drowned and his wife, Crystal, decides to give the land to the conservatory. Ulysses will be the caretaker. She also gives 1000 acres of land in Nevada to the environmental/survivalist group if they will name their home the Loch Ness Ranch.
Miranda, the lawyer’s wife and the mistress of Loch Ness is the murderess. She didn’t want her husband to have any of her money and Loch Ness was going to become faithful to Crystal.
Our girl, Victoria, find the dead body of a shady lawyer and discovers the land grab. She is asked by a conservationist to find an endanger species on the land to stop the building. Victoria and Robin find several cranefly orchids, but then they are removed. No native species are planted in their stead.
Victoria and Robin find the estranged son, Ulysses, of Phoebe living under ground.
Loch Ness is found drowned and his wife, Crystal, decides to give the land to the conservatory. Ulysses will be the caretaker. She also gives 1000 acres of land in Nevada to the environmental/survivalist group if they will name their home the Loch Ness Ranch.
Miranda, the lawyer’s wife and the mistress of Loch Ness is the murderess. She didn’t want her husband to have any of her money and Loch Ness was going to become faithful to Crystal.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 26, 2019
#2 in the Martha Vineyard mystery series with feisty 92-year-old Victoria Trumbull as an ordinary civilian whom circumstances thrust into the role of sleuth. Victoria knows more about the island and its people, then and now, than anyone else living. The knowledge has helped her solve one murder and now she’s involved in another.
Phoebe Eldridge, a short-tempered woman living alone and is estranged from her son and daughter. She lives on and owns a 250 acre undeveloped portion of the island that’s been in her family for 15 generations. The land is sought after by several interested groups that want the land for their own interests. In a fit of rancor about her unwelcomed granddaughters visit, Phoebe sells the land to the most unscrupulous of the people interested. Soon the ethically challenged lawyer who represented both buyer and seller is found dead and then the developer also turns up dead.
Phoebe Eldridge, a short-tempered woman living alone and is estranged from her son and daughter. She lives on and owns a 250 acre undeveloped portion of the island that’s been in her family for 15 generations. The land is sought after by several interested groups that want the land for their own interests. In a fit of rancor about her unwelcomed granddaughters visit, Phoebe sells the land to the most unscrupulous of the people interested. Soon the ethically challenged lawyer who represented both buyer and seller is found dead and then the developer also turns up dead.
December 27, 2017
Just a note to say I read the paperback of this book. This was the first book I’ve read by Cynthia Riggs and I’m not sure I will read more. It normally takes me a day to read a novel and this took almost a week because I could not get into the story. The premise was good, a 92 year old woman who is a go- getter and refuses to take no for an answer discovers the body of a lawyer while out for a walk. She’s set on discovering who did it and won’t listen to anyone, even the police when they tell her not to get involved.
The writing was slow, it took a long time for the book to pick up speed. I loved the feistiness of Victoria’s character, her take no prisoner attitude. But I just couldn’t get into the story and it was predictable. I figured out the killer before I was ¼ of the way through and it was another downer for me.
The writing was slow, it took a long time for the book to pick up speed. I loved the feistiness of Victoria’s character, her take no prisoner attitude. But I just couldn’t get into the story and it was predictable. I figured out the killer before I was ¼ of the way through and it was another downer for me.
March 6, 2021
This was a charming book. I loved that the main heroine of the story is a feisty 92 year old lady. It’s not the norm for most books to feature an older female who is witty, independent, and smart- who happens to solve crimes in Martha’s Vineyard. She is no longer able to drive- so she gets around the island via hitchhiking. In this story she enlists the help of an eleven year old boy - the two make an unlikely pair which adds to the quaintness of the story. I also enjoyed reading about the area of Martha’s Vineyard. This was an audiobook and the narration and inflection was well done. Narrated by Davina Porter who is an award winning narrator. A quick & easy read.
May 6, 2017
The story was amusing and interesting enough. Martha's Vineyard setting. Unethical lawyer, cheating wife, blackmail, investor theft. All criminal activity gets solved in the end.
I didn't like lack of continuation from the first book in series - Victoria (age 90) suddenly a deputy. Her granddaughter Elizabeth mentioned her and there, had no role in this book.
In the end, crimes where solved, but multiple characters just faded away. Curious to see if follow up in next book. Multiple characters that received no further mention during end of book.
I didn't like lack of continuation from the first book in series - Victoria (age 90) suddenly a deputy. Her granddaughter Elizabeth mentioned her and there, had no role in this book.
In the end, crimes where solved, but multiple characters just faded away. Curious to see if follow up in next book. Multiple characters that received no further mention during end of book.
March 18, 2024
Feisty 92-year-old Victoria Trumbull is an amateur detective who never misses her mark. The Martha's Vineyard resident knows everyone. The West Tisbury Chief of Police is her best friend. As such, Victoria is the to-go-to person for all sorts of enquiries.
An amateur botanist, she is asked to find an endangered species so a recently sold piece of land can be preserved against development.
When two bodies turn up (in her role as unofficial deputy to the Chief) Victoria is soon searching for more than the rare cranefly orchid.
Good series with a great protagonist.
An amateur botanist, she is asked to find an endangered species so a recently sold piece of land can be preserved against development.
When two bodies turn up (in her role as unofficial deputy to the Chief) Victoria is soon searching for more than the rare cranefly orchid.
Good series with a great protagonist.
February 2, 2022
I like Victoria Trumball and I love the Martha's Vineyard setting. I was surprised to find almost no overlap in characters from book one to book two. Even her granddaughter, Elizabeth, barely makes an appearance in this one. Part of the appeal of reading a series is that you get to know the ongoing characters, and that part was a bit lacking, but hopefully as the series goes on this will change.
July 12, 2018
Fun read - Victoria Trumbull, a 92-year old amateur sleuth, is a breath of fresh air. This is one of those series where the location is something of a character itself, and in this case it's nice to see Martha's Vineyard from the POV of a character whose family has lived on the island for generations.
August 22, 2024
A very enjoyable and well-written read by a new author for me. Loved the main character... Victoria Trumbull, a spry 90 yr old deputized by a small local police force of two and loves nothing better to solve a crime. and with her enormous curiosity in people seems to find crimes in unusual circumstances. An engaging read for a lovely relaxing day on an outdoor patio.
November 20, 2024
I read the first Martha's Vineyard Mystery years ago and wondered why I hadn't read any more. Not remembering quite the first one didn't detract from reading the second. I think I found the location and main character appealing and that was certainly present in this one. The mystery itself was rather convoluted, but I'm willing to try the next in the series to see how it goes.
July 14, 2020
Perfectly enjoyable cozy mystery. I especially liked the loving descriptions of Martha’s Vineyard. This the first that I’ve read in the series. Makes me wonder just how many dead people one island can have.
January 4, 2021
This is a series that never gets old! Victoria Trumbull continues to delight and is an inspiration to those of us who are in our so-called golden years, with all the accompanying aches and pains and annoyances!
November 19, 2021
Victoria Trumbull is a 92 year old deputy on Martha's Vineyard. She manages to get around by hitchhiking and knows just about everything that goes on around the island. This is a great book to read.
February 1, 2022
I enjoyed the descriptions of birds, plants, and life on Martha's Vineyard.
Cynthia Riggs joined my bookclub discussion of her book recently, and she is delightful! Not to mention she's a woman with an incredible back-story. I will read more of her books!
Cynthia Riggs joined my bookclub discussion of her book recently, and she is delightful! Not to mention she's a woman with an incredible back-story. I will read more of her books!
May 22, 2023
I swear these books are like crack cocaine for me. They aren't great. But they are addictive. They are easy to follow and Victoria is so surprisingly adorable.
This was again addictive. I weirdly enough need more.
This was again addictive. I weirdly enough need more.
January 24, 2025
Mysteries are not really my thing but Riggs has a wonderful command of her pen. The island that this novel takes place in feels like it is teeming with the rich inner lives of characters and feels very fleshed out as a fictional community.
September 10, 2017
A very fun and suspenseful storyline!
March 21, 2019
Again Victoria is great bit there's too many times when she's not in it ...though she was in this more than the last one
September 20, 2019
Took a while to get interested in this...had to re-start the audio tape several time. However, enjoyed once I got into it.
June 7, 2020
Quick easy read. Good for a weekend getaway.
June 9, 2021
I enjoyed this second book in the series. Good story that held my attention. I am ready for book 2. I am enjoying the main characters!!
November 16, 2021
Interesting book for bedtime reading.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews