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Miss Prentice Mystery #1
Irregardless of Murder
Amelia Prentice, a forty-something high school English teacher comfortable in her predictable routine, regains consciousness after tripping over the corpse of a former student in the safest of places, the public library. Returning to the classroom, she tries to pretend nothing happened. But when it becomes obvious that the victim's death wasn't an accident and she is now a murder suspect, she realizes that her cozy small-town life in New York's Adirondack region will never be the same. Crazy things begin to happen: The victim's mother disappears. Amelia's friend Lily is thrown overboard from the Lake Champlain ferryboat. A mysterious millionaire from Montreal seems determined to buy Amelia's house. The school nurse is viciously attacked by a student. Amelia's old beau Gil suddenly seems determined to rekindle their romance. Amelia is carjacked, and of course, there's the Lake Champlain Monster . . . It will take all Amelia's wisdom, humor, and faith to figure out what's going on and embrace the new life that lies ahead. If she survives.
- GenresMysteryCozy Mystery
336 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2001
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
December 2, 2012
Originally posted at: http://www.longandshortreviews.blogsp...
Truly serendipity for me! The words “cozy” and “murder” hardly seem to fit together, making me think this might be a change of pace from the romance and mystery I usually read. Of course, seeing “irregardless” made my fingers itch to get out the red pen and start marking, but I refrained and started reading—had a delightful, “whodunit”, clue-seeking weekend with Miss Prentice and her friends and acquaintances. Along the way, love wiggled its way in and curled up to stay. Irregardless of Murder captivates—beautifully written. It is clever, humorous, and insightful with glimpses of emotional and spiritual awareness that seem to slip in at just the right time.
The reader is into the environment and action with all the senses engaged from the start. The action glides along gathering unique characters and clues like a Pied Piper.
Miss Amelia Prentice, high school English teacher, loyal friend, Sunday school teacher, and pillar of the community, is a suspect in the murder of one of her former students. She takes it all in stride. Her acceptance of people and their eccentricities brings together a kaleidoscopic of personalities. Consequently, her hostility toward Gil Dickensen causes one to take notice. Gil’s nephew Vern, with his unquenchable optimism, ignores the chilly attitude Amelia and Gil have operated in for over a decade and becomes not only Amelia’s bodyguard but also a determined matchmaker.
Amelia’s best friend, Lily Burns, so wrapped up in herself, keeps things stirred up without even trying. Her ‘aversion’ to Dr. Alexander (Alec) is an ongoing touch of humor as the eccentric Alec pursues his search for the Lake Champlain monster all the while humming or whistling hymns that always seem to fit the action going on. His background is mysterious but his tenacity and unfailing help makes him especially relevant to the plot.
The many secondary characters add texture to the story. Sally Jennings, the ‘go-getter’ realtor, has her special agenda and a voracious greed. The extremes she is willing to go to in order to get what she wants is amazing. Judith Dee, the school nurse, who is eager to tend anybody’s wounds and quick to offer pain killers, gives one pause for thought. Marie, the mother of the murdered woman, who has a secretive past, finds that past sneaking into the present. Stephen Trechere , the Montreal of millionaire, who wants to buy Amelia’s home, has an intriguing reason for wanting it. Many of Miss Amelia Prentice’s students get entangled with the murder investigation and create some tense scenes as Amelia and her friends get through some pulse-pounding, dangerous moments. Of course, Sam the cat does his part to entertain.
The unraveling of ‘whodunit’ kept me searching for clues, laughing with the characters’ antics, and feeling good about how the they overcome sadness, adversity, and past mistakes to forgive themselves and others.
E. E. Kennedy’s writing sparkles with humor, well-concealed clues, a fair share of red herrings, abiding love, and a very special touch of spiritual insight.
Irregardless of Murder is a keeper!
Truly serendipity for me! The words “cozy” and “murder” hardly seem to fit together, making me think this might be a change of pace from the romance and mystery I usually read. Of course, seeing “irregardless” made my fingers itch to get out the red pen and start marking, but I refrained and started reading—had a delightful, “whodunit”, clue-seeking weekend with Miss Prentice and her friends and acquaintances. Along the way, love wiggled its way in and curled up to stay. Irregardless of Murder captivates—beautifully written. It is clever, humorous, and insightful with glimpses of emotional and spiritual awareness that seem to slip in at just the right time.
The reader is into the environment and action with all the senses engaged from the start. The action glides along gathering unique characters and clues like a Pied Piper.
Miss Amelia Prentice, high school English teacher, loyal friend, Sunday school teacher, and pillar of the community, is a suspect in the murder of one of her former students. She takes it all in stride. Her acceptance of people and their eccentricities brings together a kaleidoscopic of personalities. Consequently, her hostility toward Gil Dickensen causes one to take notice. Gil’s nephew Vern, with his unquenchable optimism, ignores the chilly attitude Amelia and Gil have operated in for over a decade and becomes not only Amelia’s bodyguard but also a determined matchmaker.
Amelia’s best friend, Lily Burns, so wrapped up in herself, keeps things stirred up without even trying. Her ‘aversion’ to Dr. Alexander (Alec) is an ongoing touch of humor as the eccentric Alec pursues his search for the Lake Champlain monster all the while humming or whistling hymns that always seem to fit the action going on. His background is mysterious but his tenacity and unfailing help makes him especially relevant to the plot.
The many secondary characters add texture to the story. Sally Jennings, the ‘go-getter’ realtor, has her special agenda and a voracious greed. The extremes she is willing to go to in order to get what she wants is amazing. Judith Dee, the school nurse, who is eager to tend anybody’s wounds and quick to offer pain killers, gives one pause for thought. Marie, the mother of the murdered woman, who has a secretive past, finds that past sneaking into the present. Stephen Trechere , the Montreal of millionaire, who wants to buy Amelia’s home, has an intriguing reason for wanting it. Many of Miss Amelia Prentice’s students get entangled with the murder investigation and create some tense scenes as Amelia and her friends get through some pulse-pounding, dangerous moments. Of course, Sam the cat does his part to entertain.
The unraveling of ‘whodunit’ kept me searching for clues, laughing with the characters’ antics, and feeling good about how the they overcome sadness, adversity, and past mistakes to forgive themselves and others.
E. E. Kennedy’s writing sparkles with humor, well-concealed clues, a fair share of red herrings, abiding love, and a very special touch of spiritual insight.
Irregardless of Murder is a keeper!
June 10, 2015
Who would think that trying to make copies in the library could get you knocked out or even killed? It shouldn’t be, but for this one English teacher it is. Coming to, she finds that she has fallen over a former student who happens to be dead. Now strange things happen in her quiet small town and pull her into the midst of it.
I have to say that I loved this book. I couldn’t put it down. The characters were absolutely adorable and irresistible. I am one who loves the challenge of discovering who did it, but in this case the characters stole the show and I was too caught up in them to solve the murder.
Excellent writing. It was a pleasurable cozy read that left me wanting more, which by the way I have put on my wish list to buy the next two books. I can’t say enough how much I loved these characters and how they interacted. They are the reason I’m going to read the next books in the series.
And if you are a freak about grammar, so is the main character. Read the book and you’ll understand the title.
Note: I received this book from the author with no expectation of a positive review.
I have to say that I loved this book. I couldn’t put it down. The characters were absolutely adorable and irresistible. I am one who loves the challenge of discovering who did it, but in this case the characters stole the show and I was too caught up in them to solve the murder.
Excellent writing. It was a pleasurable cozy read that left me wanting more, which by the way I have put on my wish list to buy the next two books. I can’t say enough how much I loved these characters and how they interacted. They are the reason I’m going to read the next books in the series.
And if you are a freak about grammar, so is the main character. Read the book and you’ll understand the title.
Note: I received this book from the author with no expectation of a positive review.
January 17, 2026
Fast moving and suspenseful
Excellent first book in a series. E. E. Kennedy wrote a compelling mystery with fun and relatable characters. Excellent clues hidden in plain sight. Looking forward to reading the second in the series, Death Dangles a Participle.
Excellent first book in a series. E. E. Kennedy wrote a compelling mystery with fun and relatable characters. Excellent clues hidden in plain sight. Looking forward to reading the second in the series, Death Dangles a Participle.
August 2, 2013
Irregardless of Murder by E. E. Kennedy is one of the best cozy mysteries I have read yet! I love the cast of characters, from Miss Amelia Prentice, the English teacher/amateur sleuth; to her many quirky friends including her best friend, Lily Burns; Marie LeBow, the murder victim's mother; Gil Dickensen, editor of the local newspaper (and Amelia’s former flame); and Gil's nephew, taxi driver/university student Vernon Thomas (Vern - one of my favorites!). A quick & enjoyable read full of good people (and a couple of bad apples), an intriguing mystery, a touch of romance, and a plausible and satisfying conclusion! I look forward to reading the next Miss Prentice book, Death Dangles a Participle, which is ready and waiting for me on my Kindle/pc!
November 25, 2012
You will love the quirky characters who come to life in this book. Can't wait to read the next mystery from Ellen Kennedy!!!
January 12, 2013
All the proper elements of a good cozy are present, the characters are interesting and the subplots compelling. I hope we see another book with these characters so they have a chance to grow.
November 12, 2018
A great cozy little mystery. Excellent characters and storyline that kept me hooked until the very end.
June 29, 2017
okay this is closer to a 2.5 star than just straight two, but I didn't like it enough to give it three solid stars.
Overall the plot was a bit slow, and seemed to drag a little. There were some points I liked. Such as she didn't know right away she was a suspect,which was a nice change, since basically every cozy mystery I've read has the main character as the main suspect right away and then they go and stick their noses in police business and probably make things worse along the way. Amelia didn't which was a refreshing change. She wasn't actively working to solve a murder mystery. Overall, I could believe the events that happened to her and she seemed to have common sense. However since she felt like such a low key character, i really felt no suspense or tension. Including in the romance. It was a good mystery. But there just wasn't enough there to bump it up to three stars. I'm thinking about trying the next book to see if the series will grow on me.
Recommended: Sure. It's not a terrible book. and I wasn't dying to claw my eyes out or anything.
Buy/Borrow: Borrow.
Overall the plot was a bit slow, and seemed to drag a little. There were some points I liked. Such as she didn't know right away she was a suspect,which was a nice change, since basically every cozy mystery I've read has the main character as the main suspect right away and then they go and stick their noses in police business and probably make things worse along the way. Amelia didn't which was a refreshing change. She wasn't actively working to solve a murder mystery. Overall, I could believe the events that happened to her and she seemed to have common sense. However since she felt like such a low key character, i really felt no suspense or tension. Including in the romance. It was a good mystery. But there just wasn't enough there to bump it up to three stars. I'm thinking about trying the next book to see if the series will grow on me.
Recommended: Sure. It's not a terrible book. and I wasn't dying to claw my eyes out or anything.
Buy/Borrow: Borrow.
June 6, 2017
Irr-i-gard-less of Murder has a catchy title that makes you want to further explore the subject matter. In the prologue the author E.E. Kennedy gets right to the point with a dead body in the library. We are introduced to an interesting array of characters and a charming B & B that feels like home. We experience drama, intrigue, humor and the flavor of a cozy mystery that keeps you guessing till the very end. Kennedy is an expert in the use of dialogue. Her characters come to life in the Adirondack region of New York State. She even adds the joviality of a professor studying a monster comparable to Loch Ness with sightings in Lake Champlain. You will not be disappointed. E.E. Kennedy makes every page come alive.
June 11, 2017
If you enjoy a good mystery and proper grammar, you will love the Miss Prentice Cozy Mystery series! Written with a masterful command of diction and a clever sense of humor, Irregardless of Murder kept me turning pages and guessing to the very end. The characters were unique yet familiar and charming. The setting, a small town on the shores of Lake Champlain, captivated me and made me long to plan a trip to the Adirondacks.
With just enough romance and fireworks to make my heart race, this mystery definitely made me want to read the other books in the series.
With just enough romance and fireworks to make my heart race, this mystery definitely made me want to read the other books in the series.
August 18, 2017
Thin plot, obvious whodunnit, weird insertion of religiosity in random spots, but my biggest complaint is that the "forty-something" protagonist was portrayed more like a spinster in her seventies. She's so weak she needs a strapping young man of twenty to open her front door. Everyone in the story treated her like she was made of glass; antique fragile glass. Not sure if I can stomach the second one of the series. I had high hopes, but you can't judge a book by its title.
July 8, 2017
Four and 1/2 starts. I really enjoyed this cozy mysteries with its assortment of eccentric and likable characters. It had a good plot, satisfying conclusion, and was an easy read. It needed a little editing but the few errors weren't distracting. The ending dragged a little too long for my taste, but I still highly recommend for a light murder mystery.
November 10, 2021
This was terrific! Miss Amelia Prentice, spinster English teacher, solves the mystery of one of her deceased students. There was depth of character, several viable suspects, and proper grammar - if that wasn't enough to love, we had a reasonable middle aged romance. I look forward to the second in this series.
January 21, 2018
Regardless
I enjoyed this book. I suppose it could be classed as a Christian mystery, which I normally don’t read, but religion fit the character so well that it melted into the plot. I’ll be reading the next one in the series.
I enjoyed this book. I suppose it could be classed as a Christian mystery, which I normally don’t read, but religion fit the character so well that it melted into the plot. I’ll be reading the next one in the series.
May 27, 2020
Delightful, humorous, and finding it was murder, other things in this mall town start to happen. The Inspector, had a time interviewing his former English teacher,. As she knows everybody in town, who could it be.
May 8, 2018
This is a nice cozy mystery with just a dash of clean romance. It reminds me of Agatha Christie with a tad less violence. I would definitely recommend this book!
February 21, 2019
Cute story. I enjoyed the book.
August 13, 2012
E. E. Kennedy in her new book, “Irregardless of Murder” Book One in the Miss Prentice Cozy Mystery series published by Sheaf House Publishers takes us into the life of Amelia Prentice.
From the back cover: Amelia Prentice, forty-something high school English teacher whose pet peeve is the non-word ‘irregardless’, trips over the corpse of a former student in the public library. Now her cozy small town life in the Adirondacks will never be the same.
Amelia returns to school, only to learn this death was no accident and she’s a murder suspect. Then the victim’s mother disappears; friend Lily is thrown overboard from the Lake Champlain ferryboat, a mysterious millionaire wants to buy Amelia’s house, the school nurse is viciously attacked and Amelia’s old beau Gil seems interested again.And, of course, there’s the Lake Champlain monster.
It will take all Amelia’s wisdom, humor and faith to figure out what’s going on.
If she survives…
I have to admit I miss the classic mystery novels by the masters: Ellery Queen, Agatha Christie and Earl Stanley Gardner who would provide a murder bring in their respective investigators or lawyer and give the reader such twists and turns until the mystery was resolved. Very difficult to get stories like that anymore. That is until now. Welcome E. E. Kennedy who with her new heroine, Amelia Prentice, gives us a taste of what those classic stories used to give us. There is a murder in the copy room at the public library of all places and Amelia literally trips over the body. Now she is the suspect in the murder and she sets out to find who really did it. However, the deceased left something behind, something the murderer has killed for and will kill again until he gets it. The murderer thinks Amelia has it, she doesn’t know what it is nor does she know she has it. Time is running out for her to find out who did it and why before she becomes the next victim.
Ms. Kennedy has crafted a page turner worthy of the old masters, an exciting event, some story, another exciting event, more story. And the mystery is terrific. You want to figure out who us behind everything but you just can’t seem to and so you flip another page hoping for an answer which doesn’t come until the satisfactory end. E. E. Kennedy is a fun author that makes reading enjoyable even if you are sitting on the edge of your chair. Don’t bother bringing a beverage to drink while you read because you will forget it is there the story is that intense. Ms. Kennedy batted a thousand on this one. I highly recommend it.
If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.
To listen to 24 hours non-stop Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Sheaf House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
From the back cover: Amelia Prentice, forty-something high school English teacher whose pet peeve is the non-word ‘irregardless’, trips over the corpse of a former student in the public library. Now her cozy small town life in the Adirondacks will never be the same.
Amelia returns to school, only to learn this death was no accident and she’s a murder suspect. Then the victim’s mother disappears; friend Lily is thrown overboard from the Lake Champlain ferryboat, a mysterious millionaire wants to buy Amelia’s house, the school nurse is viciously attacked and Amelia’s old beau Gil seems interested again.And, of course, there’s the Lake Champlain monster.
It will take all Amelia’s wisdom, humor and faith to figure out what’s going on.
If she survives…
I have to admit I miss the classic mystery novels by the masters: Ellery Queen, Agatha Christie and Earl Stanley Gardner who would provide a murder bring in their respective investigators or lawyer and give the reader such twists and turns until the mystery was resolved. Very difficult to get stories like that anymore. That is until now. Welcome E. E. Kennedy who with her new heroine, Amelia Prentice, gives us a taste of what those classic stories used to give us. There is a murder in the copy room at the public library of all places and Amelia literally trips over the body. Now she is the suspect in the murder and she sets out to find who really did it. However, the deceased left something behind, something the murderer has killed for and will kill again until he gets it. The murderer thinks Amelia has it, she doesn’t know what it is nor does she know she has it. Time is running out for her to find out who did it and why before she becomes the next victim.
Ms. Kennedy has crafted a page turner worthy of the old masters, an exciting event, some story, another exciting event, more story. And the mystery is terrific. You want to figure out who us behind everything but you just can’t seem to and so you flip another page hoping for an answer which doesn’t come until the satisfactory end. E. E. Kennedy is a fun author that makes reading enjoyable even if you are sitting on the edge of your chair. Don’t bother bringing a beverage to drink while you read because you will forget it is there the story is that intense. Ms. Kennedy batted a thousand on this one. I highly recommend it.
If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.
To listen to 24 hours non-stop Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Sheaf House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
September 18, 2016
Murder is just the beginning
It's an interesting story of Amelia Prentice, an English teacher, who becomes an investigator or amateur sleuth. It's a grand mystery where the title grabbed this author/English mayor's attention. I loved the title, and became intrigued. It's a very witty story and is just the beginning of a mystery for Amelia. It's lighthearted and smart, and I, too, become annoyed at it regardless, since the word never makes sense. Kennedy writes this well, and to meet with her titles, she has to. Her characters have great chemistry and are human. I look forward to reading the next books in her Miss Prentice Cozy Mysteries series.
It's an interesting story of Amelia Prentice, an English teacher, who becomes an investigator or amateur sleuth. It's a grand mystery where the title grabbed this author/English mayor's attention. I loved the title, and became intrigued. It's a very witty story and is just the beginning of a mystery for Amelia. It's lighthearted and smart, and I, too, become annoyed at it regardless, since the word never makes sense. Kennedy writes this well, and to meet with her titles, she has to. Her characters have great chemistry and are human. I look forward to reading the next books in her Miss Prentice Cozy Mysteries series.
August 16, 2012
I’ve never read a “cozy” mystery before, and I’m supposing Irregardless of Murder is one such book. I could be wrong, though. The word “cozy” does seem to describe the feel of this novel. I was delighted with the story and characters.
In Irregardless of Murder, Marguerite LeBow had been murdered in the copy room at the public library, and Amelia Prentice is the one to find her. Well, she trips over her upon entering the room, then falls and hits her head. So, she really never sees Marguerite’s corpse at all. As a teacher, Amelia had many of the citizens of her small town as students through the years, such as Marguerite. She had liked Marguerite, and thought her a good student. But Marguerite leaves something behind for Amelia, and her murderer is after it, willing to go to any lengths for it. Amelia has no idea what it is, or how to obtain it herself, so she could give it to the police as evidence. She has some friends to help her along the way: Her best friend, Lily Burns; Marguerite’s mother, Marie; Vern Thomas; Gil Dickensen, Vern’s uncle, and Amelia’s high school sweetheart, among a few others. Will Amelia and her friends discover this evidence before the killer makes Amelia victim #2?
Most of the characters in this novel are of middle age, so that group of readers is its target. Although, I’m willing to bet the younger set would like it, too. For those who like a cute, quick, entertaining read, this book is perfect.
The Wordsmith Journal strives to guide readers to books of personal interest, with the understanding and respect that what appeals to some may not appeal to others. Therefore we attempt to keep our reviews focused on content, genre and style. The rating is necessary to make use of Goodreads and Amazon. It reflects the reviewer’s own level of enjoyment, but the review is intended to be informative for the benefit of all readers.
In Irregardless of Murder, Marguerite LeBow had been murdered in the copy room at the public library, and Amelia Prentice is the one to find her. Well, she trips over her upon entering the room, then falls and hits her head. So, she really never sees Marguerite’s corpse at all. As a teacher, Amelia had many of the citizens of her small town as students through the years, such as Marguerite. She had liked Marguerite, and thought her a good student. But Marguerite leaves something behind for Amelia, and her murderer is after it, willing to go to any lengths for it. Amelia has no idea what it is, or how to obtain it herself, so she could give it to the police as evidence. She has some friends to help her along the way: Her best friend, Lily Burns; Marguerite’s mother, Marie; Vern Thomas; Gil Dickensen, Vern’s uncle, and Amelia’s high school sweetheart, among a few others. Will Amelia and her friends discover this evidence before the killer makes Amelia victim #2?
Most of the characters in this novel are of middle age, so that group of readers is its target. Although, I’m willing to bet the younger set would like it, too. For those who like a cute, quick, entertaining read, this book is perfect.
The Wordsmith Journal strives to guide readers to books of personal interest, with the understanding and respect that what appeals to some may not appeal to others. Therefore we attempt to keep our reviews focused on content, genre and style. The rating is necessary to make use of Goodreads and Amazon. It reflects the reviewer’s own level of enjoyment, but the review is intended to be informative for the benefit of all readers.
August 19, 2013
Amelia Prentice is 41 years old, single, and an English teacher. So when she stumbles on the body of a former student in the copy room, things are certainly bound to change. Problem is, she has absolutely no recollection of actually tripping on a body. All she remembers is a man leaving the room just as she arrived, and then - nothing. And for her trouble, she has a nasty bump on her head that isn't exactly proving her innocence.
So whether out of a sense of justice or just her civilian duty to society, Amelia set out to find out who did it. In the meantime though, her personal life is getting a little bit complicated. Between her best friend getting dumped overboard, an acquaintance from high school trying to sell her house without permission, and a rekindling romance from 20 years ago, she is up to her neck with problems. Will she be able to solve the mystery of the body (and her life) in time?
While mysteries are not particularly my favorite genre, this one got my attention. Amelia is inadvertently drawn into solving the murder of her former student, and her hilarious adventures (admittedly misadventures in some cases!) are going to keep you turning pages. The relationships between the characters in this fabulous mystery by Kennedy make you feel as if could absolutely be your family, your friends and your life. Adirondack, New York will never be the same with Amelia's sleuthing "skills" on the loose, and you will view this genre in a whole new light whether you're a huge fan or on the fence like I was.
This book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
So whether out of a sense of justice or just her civilian duty to society, Amelia set out to find out who did it. In the meantime though, her personal life is getting a little bit complicated. Between her best friend getting dumped overboard, an acquaintance from high school trying to sell her house without permission, and a rekindling romance from 20 years ago, she is up to her neck with problems. Will she be able to solve the mystery of the body (and her life) in time?
While mysteries are not particularly my favorite genre, this one got my attention. Amelia is inadvertently drawn into solving the murder of her former student, and her hilarious adventures (admittedly misadventures in some cases!) are going to keep you turning pages. The relationships between the characters in this fabulous mystery by Kennedy make you feel as if could absolutely be your family, your friends and your life. Adirondack, New York will never be the same with Amelia's sleuthing "skills" on the loose, and you will view this genre in a whole new light whether you're a huge fan or on the fence like I was.
This book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
March 7, 2013
Well, the plot sounded good enough. A schoolteacher trips over the dead body of a former student. She is then a suspect in the murder.
It sounds harmless enough, and a decent mystery. Except: This is religious fiction. Oh, don't get me wrong; I've read religious fiction, and may do so again. But the real problem I have with it is you know that the protagonist could step into an army of scorpions and nothing would happen to them, all because of their strong belief in God. And you also know that at the end of the story, everything, including all the subplots (of which this story had their share), would be tied up in pretty little ribbons and all the 'good guys' would live happily every after.
Example: The dead girl's mother raised her alone, after her husband ran out on her. By the end of the story, the prodigal husband had returned as a millionaire and still in love with his wife. And of course, they were still married in the eyes of the church, which makes it all comfy, I suppose. And of course, the wife completely forgave him, even though she must have had years of struggling to support the two of them. It was like the man never left. (If it were me, there'd be one huge fight, and I wouldn't have forgiven him so easily, if at all).
There's even a professor who goes around humming all the time - and they're all hymns.
I guess I just don't like being preached to in my books. It's sort of like reading a sermon. I have my own belief in God, and if I want to read about it, I will pick up the Bible.
It sounds harmless enough, and a decent mystery. Except: This is religious fiction. Oh, don't get me wrong; I've read religious fiction, and may do so again. But the real problem I have with it is you know that the protagonist could step into an army of scorpions and nothing would happen to them, all because of their strong belief in God. And you also know that at the end of the story, everything, including all the subplots (of which this story had their share), would be tied up in pretty little ribbons and all the 'good guys' would live happily every after.
Example: The dead girl's mother raised her alone, after her husband ran out on her. By the end of the story, the prodigal husband had returned as a millionaire and still in love with his wife. And of course, they were still married in the eyes of the church, which makes it all comfy, I suppose. And of course, the wife completely forgave him, even though she must have had years of struggling to support the two of them. It was like the man never left. (If it were me, there'd be one huge fight, and I wouldn't have forgiven him so easily, if at all).
There's even a professor who goes around humming all the time - and they're all hymns.
I guess I just don't like being preached to in my books. It's sort of like reading a sermon. I have my own belief in God, and if I want to read about it, I will pick up the Bible.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 24, 2014
Being a grammar nerd, the title of E. E. Kennedy’s first cozy mystery, Irregardless of Murder, picqued my interest. Who could resist a book with a main character and amateur sleuth who is a high school English teacher!? ;) What I found was a fun and twisting ride through a small New England town filled with real folks. If you like cozy mysteries, be sure to check out Irregardless of Murder.
Amelia Prentice, known to townspeople of all ages as Miss Prentice, is a 40-something, single teacher. Having devoted herself to family, she finds herself the unwilling owner of a cat and living alone in a big, historic house. When had she become the town’s old maid? Yet as she literally stumbles upon a dead body in the library, she becomes first the main suspect and then the target of the real killer. With the help of Vern, a taxi driver/reporter and old flame Gil, owner/editor of the newspaper, Amelia gets to the bottom of the mysterious goings on.
Irregardless of Murder has all the traits of a cozy mystery — small town setting, charming and intelligent amateur sleuth, quirky townspeople and a puzzling mystery. It also includes the hope of love and second chances, and a lake monster! A natural faith message is woven throughout; subtle and never preachy. I had my suspicions about the true murderer, but did not guess the motive. Kennedy’s novel is perfect for weekend or vacation reading or when you just want a little light and entertaining read.
Recommended.
Amelia Prentice, known to townspeople of all ages as Miss Prentice, is a 40-something, single teacher. Having devoted herself to family, she finds herself the unwilling owner of a cat and living alone in a big, historic house. When had she become the town’s old maid? Yet as she literally stumbles upon a dead body in the library, she becomes first the main suspect and then the target of the real killer. With the help of Vern, a taxi driver/reporter and old flame Gil, owner/editor of the newspaper, Amelia gets to the bottom of the mysterious goings on.
Irregardless of Murder has all the traits of a cozy mystery — small town setting, charming and intelligent amateur sleuth, quirky townspeople and a puzzling mystery. It also includes the hope of love and second chances, and a lake monster! A natural faith message is woven throughout; subtle and never preachy. I had my suspicions about the true murderer, but did not guess the motive. Kennedy’s novel is perfect for weekend or vacation reading or when you just want a little light and entertaining read.
Recommended.
July 3, 2013
E. E. Kennedy is my kind of woman. She loves cozy mysteries and she loves good grammar. In IRREGARDLESS OF MURDER, Kennedy penned a likable but not stereotypically prudish English teacher, Amelia Prentice, as the accidental sleuth. Miss Prentice never set out to solve a murder. In fact, she never actually considered herself a sleuth. The investigation is rather thrust upon her when a series of events spins her into the vortex of the murder of one of her former students. A small-town near Lake Champlain in the Adirondacks provides the perfect setting for a cozy mystery and is populated by the usual eccentric and interesting townsfolk. Suspicion shifts from one to another in a delicious way that keeps the reader turning pages. And when Amelia rediscovers her high school flame, there's just enough interaction to satisfy romance lovers.
Irregardless also has just enough Christian content to be believable without being preachy and that is the goal in Christian fiction. I love the clever title and the repeated cap on this grammerical error. The writing, if not brilliant, is adequate for the plot. Unfortunately I can't give the book a 3.5 score, which is where I think it probably belongs. I thoroughly enjoyed this witty cozy as light summer reading and will be looking for other books by Ms. Kennedy.
Irregardless also has just enough Christian content to be believable without being preachy and that is the goal in Christian fiction. I love the clever title and the repeated cap on this grammerical error. The writing, if not brilliant, is adequate for the plot. Unfortunately I can't give the book a 3.5 score, which is where I think it probably belongs. I thoroughly enjoyed this witty cozy as light summer reading and will be looking for other books by Ms. Kennedy.
August 13, 2010
Amelia Prentice is a high school English teacher who happens to know nearly everyone in town. When she literally trips over the body of a young ex-student, she quickly becomes involved in the investigation.
I enjoyed Amelia's attempt to make sense of the death.
BTW, I almost didn't read this book because of the title, but then I realized that it relates to Amelia's profession. She's constantly correcting people who mistakenly use irregardless instead of regardless.
Personally, I think the title doesn't really fit the story, so I'm not sure why it wasn't changed to something more enticing. Perhaps more people would've read it. Just a thought.
I enjoyed Amelia's attempt to make sense of the death.
BTW, I almost didn't read this book because of the title, but then I realized that it relates to Amelia's profession. She's constantly correcting people who mistakenly use irregardless instead of regardless.
Personally, I think the title doesn't really fit the story, so I'm not sure why it wasn't changed to something more enticing. Perhaps more people would've read it. Just a thought.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 22, 2013
Amelia is a fresh character for me in Irregardless of Murder. She wasn't a wall flower by any means, yet she wasn't sure about what to do now that she was on her own in a huge Victorian house. I loved her rapport with students. Being a teacher, the teacher-student connection was right on. The mystery is engaging and focused on the solving rather than the gore of the murder.
I'd suggest this series to anyone who loves cozy mysteries. It reminds me in a good way of Jessica Fletcher and Cabot Cove.
I'd suggest this series to anyone who loves cozy mysteries. It reminds me in a good way of Jessica Fletcher and Cabot Cove.
February 24, 2015
I suppose this could be called a 'cozy mystery'? It was a nice, interesting, something different book.... I did occasionally feel like I was being 'led around' regarding clues. I'll probably give the 2nd book in this series a chance too....
July 29, 2013
One of the most delightful cozy mysteries I've read, with characters who leap off the page and a setting that's different and charming. Highly recommended!
January 1, 2014
Great series.
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