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Beth Kennedy #4
Curse of the PTA
As the new PTA president, Beth Kennedy wants to make a difference in the lives of the students and faculty at Tarver Elementary. But with a killer on the loose, staying alive is the first order of business… With the book sales from their Story Project, the PTA has come into some money. Now they just have to decide how to spend it. With different factions vying for their own interests, Beth brings in financial consultant Dennis Halpern. But before they can come to a resolve, Dennis comes to his final end—shot to death right in the school. With the doors to the building unlocked, virtually anyone could have done the deed. And they soon discover that Dennis had plenty of secrets. Now locals are whispering that the PTA is cursed, and it’s up to Beth to catch the killer before she gets cashed out.
320 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 2, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
October 7, 2016
I don't say this often, because I try to keep my expectations for the genre in check, but - this was a disappointing cozy. I've always appreciated a mystery novel that incorporates good, luscious food descriptions; this book was that tendency's sad, deprived twin, with passages like:
"'Drinks?'
'Ice water,' I said, 'for both of us.'
Marina pouted. 'How is it that you can take the fun out of being bad?'
'How is it that you want to ruin your health, rot your teeth, and shorten your life span?'"
And this is our protagonist speaking! No, not Marina, the other one! Really very difficult for me to identify with, just based on her attitude about food (and the attendant belief that she should control others' food intake). Nothing against ice water at all, but the preachy, deprivation-based follow up is characteristic of all the book's food descriptions. I don't like that kind of thing in real life, let alone in my escapist cozies.
There were other things. Early in the book, when the writer wanted to skip the narrative forward from Friday to Monday, she felt obligated to give a cursory accounting of the weekend that read like a recitation from a mediocre letter-writer:
"Friday night we played a video game ... Saturday morning was spent on chores, homework, and hockey practice. Saturday afternoon was disc golf, and the evening was a chicken casserole ..."
And that's not even including the rest of Saturday evening, Sunday morning, and Sunday afternoon. I know not every cozy can be Lillian Jackson Braun, but if I'm just looking for a "fun read," it has to at least include the fun. For me, this didn't.
"'Drinks?'
'Ice water,' I said, 'for both of us.'
Marina pouted. 'How is it that you can take the fun out of being bad?'
'How is it that you want to ruin your health, rot your teeth, and shorten your life span?'"
And this is our protagonist speaking! No, not Marina, the other one! Really very difficult for me to identify with, just based on her attitude about food (and the attendant belief that she should control others' food intake). Nothing against ice water at all, but the preachy, deprivation-based follow up is characteristic of all the book's food descriptions. I don't like that kind of thing in real life, let alone in my escapist cozies.
There were other things. Early in the book, when the writer wanted to skip the narrative forward from Friday to Monday, she felt obligated to give a cursory accounting of the weekend that read like a recitation from a mediocre letter-writer:
"Friday night we played a video game ... Saturday morning was spent on chores, homework, and hockey practice. Saturday afternoon was disc golf, and the evening was a chicken casserole ..."
And that's not even including the rest of Saturday evening, Sunday morning, and Sunday afternoon. I know not every cozy can be Lillian Jackson Braun, but if I'm just looking for a "fun read," it has to at least include the fun. For me, this didn't.
April 25, 2013
Beth’s fantastic Story Project, pairing senior citizens from the nursing home with elementary kids, ended up with the PTA publishing a book with the kids retelling the stories they heard from the seniors and it was a huge success. So successful the PTA may want to think about investing some of the money until they can decide how to spend it. Beth has invited Dennis Halpern, a local financial consultant, to their meeting to inform them about their options. Before he can even start to give his presentation different members start lobbying for how they think the money should be spent. Beth does her best to regain control of the meeting and calls for a short break. During the recess Dennis’s ideas are overruled before he even gets to share them. Someone decided to expel him permanently! Right there in the school!
With the doors to the building unlocked, virtually anyone could have done the deed. And they soon discover that Dennis had plenty of secrets. Now locals are whispering that the PTA is cursed, and it’s up to Beth to catch the killer before she gets cashed out.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Beth has her hands full as president of the PTA. Claudia is doing everything she can to make sure nothing runs smoothly. But Beth is resolved to show she can do this job, even if she has to be on every sub-committee to get things done. And now she has a murderer to catch.
What makes these cozies a success are that we all know someone exactly like these characters. We all have a friend like Marina, a senior we care about like Flossie, and one we have to care about because they are like family like Auntie May. We all know troublemakers like Claudia, and we shop at stores like Beth’s Bookstore. I do wish I had a “problem” like Summer’s. The stories are about small town life with problems like a murder we wouldn’t wish on anyone. Thankfully Beth can fit the clues together to help Gus catch the culprit even though he prefers she would keep her nose out of his police work.
Guns are a hot topic now in the U.S., guns in schools even hotter. I am sure Tarver Elementary will have a whole new set of rules by the next installment of this series.
This one will keep you guessing. The people of Rynwood sure keep more than their share of secrets. Kudos Laura! This is a wonderful story!!
With the doors to the building unlocked, virtually anyone could have done the deed. And they soon discover that Dennis had plenty of secrets. Now locals are whispering that the PTA is cursed, and it’s up to Beth to catch the killer before she gets cashed out.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Beth has her hands full as president of the PTA. Claudia is doing everything she can to make sure nothing runs smoothly. But Beth is resolved to show she can do this job, even if she has to be on every sub-committee to get things done. And now she has a murderer to catch.
What makes these cozies a success are that we all know someone exactly like these characters. We all have a friend like Marina, a senior we care about like Flossie, and one we have to care about because they are like family like Auntie May. We all know troublemakers like Claudia, and we shop at stores like Beth’s Bookstore. I do wish I had a “problem” like Summer’s. The stories are about small town life with problems like a murder we wouldn’t wish on anyone. Thankfully Beth can fit the clues together to help Gus catch the culprit even though he prefers she would keep her nose out of his police work.
Guns are a hot topic now in the U.S., guns in schools even hotter. I am sure Tarver Elementary will have a whole new set of rules by the next installment of this series.
This one will keep you guessing. The people of Rynwood sure keep more than their share of secrets. Kudos Laura! This is a wonderful story!!
April 23, 2013
This is #4 in the series featuring Beth, single mom and owner of a great children's bookstore. I love the bookstore tidbits, the characters and Beth's kids. Nice little subplot about why Beth's son suddenly won't share what is obviously worrying him.
June 4, 2020
I gave this book 5 stars because Lauren Alden excels at writing realistic dialogue. Whenever I'm reading a book I reflect on the dialogue between the characters and ask myself, would characters really say these things to one another in the real world? Is this dialogue a little too forced/ perfect? Are the vocabulary words the author chooses to use to elaborate for his/her characters? Alden's dialogue makes you feel like you are a part of the conversation between her characters. The main character and newly elected PTA president, Beth Kennedy, stresses out over a dangerous incident at her son's school, gets annoyed by a bossy PTA parent, reprimands her kids for bad behavior, and chooses to let go a staff member at her children's book store. The dialogue is written the way adults really talk to each other, the way parents would talk to their children, and they way children would talk to their parents. Sometimes, when characters converse, they throw in little nuggets of wisdom to help each other, as adults often share their wisdom with their children. I like the fact that the main character owns her own children's book store. I wish there were more of these in our world! I would compare the style in which Alden writes to the style of Leslie Meyer, another well-know cozy mystery writer who portrays Maine housewife, Lucy Stone. Both authors portray parenting as tough and messy, yet satisfying.
August 12, 2018
The pacing seemed odd. Solid denouement aside from the weird conversation that happens in the middle of an action scene. Beth's intense anxiety has overcome my enjoyment of the characters.
July 28, 2019
Not a page turner, but interesting plot and characters. I like that the ending wasn’t rushed.
June 29, 2025
3.75
Maybe a replacement for china bayles. A fluffy mystery but done in a better way
Maybe a replacement for china bayles. A fluffy mystery but done in a better way
January 19, 2026
This might be my favorite book in this series. I love that Beth has grown a spine and started showing her development from submissive wife to strong and secure woman and mother.
July 27, 2015
“Curse of the PTA” by Laura Alden
I realized after finishing this book, I don’t read enough cozies. I forget how delightful and entertaining they are. “Curse of the PTA” is definitely one of those.
Beth Kennedy is a bookstore owner, mom, President of the PTA, and police consultant. Police consultant, you ask? Sounds rather odd for someone who seems to be a wholesome, small town woman. True, but apparently Beth has a habit of coming across dead bodies and has an ability to find out some of the most inane information that to most, would seem like nothing, but ends up leading her to suspects. Some right, some…not-so-right.
Dennis Halpern is a financial consultant and Beth has him at a PTA meeting to discuss possible choices of investing the PTA’s money. But before he gets too much of a chance to actually say a few words, he’s shot and killed. How bad is this PTA anyway?
Alden’s story is enjoyable and I love the wit she throws in. Definitely recommended. Make it your next book you bring to the beach this summer.
Reviewed by Starr Gardinier, author of “The Other Side: Melinda’s Story”
I realized after finishing this book, I don’t read enough cozies. I forget how delightful and entertaining they are. “Curse of the PTA” is definitely one of those.
Beth Kennedy is a bookstore owner, mom, President of the PTA, and police consultant. Police consultant, you ask? Sounds rather odd for someone who seems to be a wholesome, small town woman. True, but apparently Beth has a habit of coming across dead bodies and has an ability to find out some of the most inane information that to most, would seem like nothing, but ends up leading her to suspects. Some right, some…not-so-right.
Dennis Halpern is a financial consultant and Beth has him at a PTA meeting to discuss possible choices of investing the PTA’s money. But before he gets too much of a chance to actually say a few words, he’s shot and killed. How bad is this PTA anyway?
Alden’s story is enjoyable and I love the wit she throws in. Definitely recommended. Make it your next book you bring to the beach this summer.
Reviewed by Starr Gardinier, author of “The Other Side: Melinda’s Story”
October 15, 2013
In this fourth book of the series, we find Beth Kennedy, owner of a local children's bookstore, acting as president of the PTA. There are the usual factions arguing but the situation intensifies when Beth announces that the book the organization put together about senior citizens is a profit making venture! How to spend the money? Everyone has an idea. Beth was ready though. She invited a local financial consultant, Dennis Halpern to the meeting.
Before, Dennis can make his speech, during a break (much needed,) Dennis is slain just outside the Men's room in the school. Beth is in shock. How does she tell her children? Who, why, and more questions fill Beth's head.
To add to Beth's worries is the rumor that the PTA is cursed. Now no one wants to work on the projects and Beth finds herself having to solve the crime in order to bring calmness back to her world.
This book has a wealth of fun characters. It is well written and does make you wonder who did what...
A true cozy murder mystery!
Before, Dennis can make his speech, during a break (much needed,) Dennis is slain just outside the Men's room in the school. Beth is in shock. How does she tell her children? Who, why, and more questions fill Beth's head.
To add to Beth's worries is the rumor that the PTA is cursed. Now no one wants to work on the projects and Beth finds herself having to solve the crime in order to bring calmness back to her world.
This book has a wealth of fun characters. It is well written and does make you wonder who did what...
A true cozy murder mystery!
February 12, 2015
Another dead body, and children's bookstore owner Beth Kennedy is on the case. In book 4 in the series, the PTA has lots of funds as a result of the story project Beth managed in the prior book. She brings in a financial expert to talk about how to invest the money, and he is killed during the PTA meeting.
I like these books, but I do have to admit that Beth's neurotic worrying about everything is starting to grate a bit. She constantly second guesses herself and everything. Much time was spent in this book on her clothing choices (too bland, too old, etc.). While I liked the story, the character development is leaving a bit to be desired.
I like these books, but I do have to admit that Beth's neurotic worrying about everything is starting to grate a bit. She constantly second guesses herself and everything. Much time was spent in this book on her clothing choices (too bland, too old, etc.). While I liked the story, the character development is leaving a bit to be desired.
May 29, 2013
I just really enjoy the 'everywoman' appeal of Beth Kennedy. Divorced mom of two, reluctant new PTA pres, small business owner--she seems to shine when practicing what one would think the most mundane of tasks. When the guest speaker killed during a break of Beth's first Tarver Elementary PTA meeting as President, she can't help but want to aid the police in their search for the killer. Her friend Marina is a perfect foil, both in the daring of their investigation and hopeful makeover of Beth's wardrobe.
September 12, 2013
This was the last book (?) in the PTA series. Having read all four of the books I can't say this one was my favorite, but it did leave me wanting more. I want to find out what happens with her love life... I have much in common with these books; I was 41 (now 42) years old, I'm female, was a single mother, multiple kids, job, home, etc... not to mention that I'm the Secretary of our PTA. I've also been asked to be the President next year, but no can do! I'll leave that task to the heroine of these books. YOU GO GIRL! ;) 4 Stars
June 25, 2013
This was my introduction to this series. At first Beth Kennedy was not a sympathetic character as she spent so much time questioning her own abilities and worrying. However as the story progressed I enjoyed the friendship between Beth and Marina, and meeting the other characters in town.
Laura Alden kept the suspense up throughout the book, and I was not expecting who the murderer turned out to be. The subplot about Oliver`s unhappiness kept my attention from wandering and I finished the book quickly.
I will check out other books in this series.
Laura Alden kept the suspense up throughout the book, and I was not expecting who the murderer turned out to be. The subplot about Oliver`s unhappiness kept my attention from wandering and I finished the book quickly.
I will check out other books in this series.
July 4, 2013
Beth Kennedy has been coerced into the presidency of the PTA. At her first meeting, the guest speaker goes out of the room and never comes back--he can't; he's dead. Bookstore owner and divorced mother Beth feels guilty and feels herself threatened. What harm could it do to ask a few questions? Beth is also worried about her 9-year-old, who is not acting like himself. But then, Beth seems to worry about everything...
August 19, 2013
I enjoyed this series but I'm not sure it was a good idea to read them back-to-back. By the end, I was growing tired of Beth's insecurities, which the author repeats relentlessly. The feminist in me wanted to give her a good shake and tell her to give herself some credit. An enjoyable way to pass an airplane flight though.
October 1, 2015
I really enjoy this series. Maybe it's all those PTA meetings I sat through! Happily, not a single murder happened at any of mine. But poor Beth, has stumbled on another!
Berth's son Oliver is having some kind of problem, and the book store needs another employee and so Beth has plenty of problems to solve!
Berth's son Oliver is having some kind of problem, and the book store needs another employee and so Beth has plenty of problems to solve!
February 13, 2014
4th in the series but readable without reading the others. I really enjoyed this cozy mystery - it have me light fun relief and made me laugh out loud a couple of times. A nice plot with some fun subplots. Enjoyable and entertaining.
June 7, 2013
Fun!
June 29, 2013
Another good book in a favorite cozy series. Enjoyed every bit of it!
August 28, 2013
Love this series. Always triggers memories of scenes from You've Got Mail...I realize this is a small town children's bookshop, but still. Also always ignites my drive for owning a bookshop!
May 16, 2014
Not sure I'll get through this one. It's pretty bad. No, it's really dumb bad.
December 5, 2015
4th in the series---Beth still obsessing over mother worries and guilt.
May 7, 2014
I think it was one of the best cozies I've read. All kinds of worry for the main charactor and a lot of other good stuff. On top of all that it had a really good ending.
Read
March 28, 2015Don't think cozies should put you to sleep. This one did.
September 21, 2015
Fun! I was skeptical at first but really got into it
May 1, 2017
This was a satisfying read, but I have to tell you, without spoilers, that the motive behind the murder was extremely lame.
But the ending...come on...we all saw that coming, didn't we? ;)
But the ending...come on...we all saw that coming, didn't we? ;)
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews