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Darby Farr Mystery #4
Final Settlement
The Dead of Winter...When Murder Returns to Maine
Realtor and amateur sleuth Darby Farr is back in her hometown for the highly anticipated wedding of her fellow real estate associate, Tina Ames. But the festive mood on the snow-swept island of Hurricane Harbor is darkened with tragic news. Lorraine Delvecchio--the police chief's assistant--is found dead, tangled in a lobster trap near the abandoned lighthouse on the Manatuck Breakwater.
Working double duty as Chief Dupont's realtor and PI, Darby uncovers evidence that the death was more than just a slip on the ice. Lorraine's history with money is far from innocent, and Darby's suspect list keeps getting longer. With a prominent islander's dramatic ex-wife back in town and Tina's plans to sell a reclusive artist's waterfront home, it's up to Darby alone to find the murderer before she becomes the next victim.
Praise: "A twisty fourth case that strikes close to the bone for a complex, likable sleuth."--Kirkus Reviews
Realtor and amateur sleuth Darby Farr is back in her hometown for the highly anticipated wedding of her fellow real estate associate, Tina Ames. But the festive mood on the snow-swept island of Hurricane Harbor is darkened with tragic news. Lorraine Delvecchio--the police chief's assistant--is found dead, tangled in a lobster trap near the abandoned lighthouse on the Manatuck Breakwater.
Working double duty as Chief Dupont's realtor and PI, Darby uncovers evidence that the death was more than just a slip on the ice. Lorraine's history with money is far from innocent, and Darby's suspect list keeps getting longer. With a prominent islander's dramatic ex-wife back in town and Tina's plans to sell a reclusive artist's waterfront home, it's up to Darby alone to find the murderer before she becomes the next victim.
Praise: "A twisty fourth case that strikes close to the bone for a complex, likable sleuth."--Kirkus Reviews
336 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2013
1 person is currently reading
80 people want to read
About the author
Vicki Doudera
14 books34 followersVicki has written scores of magazine articles, two travel books for people interested in Maine, a CD walking tour about her town, and a new mystery series featuring red hot Realtor Darby Farr. First in the series, A HOUSE TO DIE FOR, has received rave reviews, and KILLER LISTING, Darby's second mystery, comes out in April of 2011. (Midnight Ink.)
Vicki likes to say she is "all about houses." She writes about them in her mystery series, sells them as a real estate agent on the coast of Maine, and helps build them through her longtime involvement with Habitat for Humanity.
She is an avid reader, hiker, knitter and skier and enjoys writing the kind of books she herself loves to read.
Vicki likes to say she is "all about houses." She writes about them in her mystery series, sells them as a real estate agent on the coast of Maine, and helps build them through her longtime involvement with Habitat for Humanity.
She is an avid reader, hiker, knitter and skier and enjoys writing the kind of books she herself loves to read.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
September 3, 2016
Final Settlement by Vicki Doudera has been sitting in my “to be read” bookcase for a couple of years. With the Texas heat continuing, the frozen scene on the cover has been beckoning me. Finally, I had some time and I am not disappointed.
I gave this book my highest rating not just because it is a good mystery with well-developed characters but it also taught me a piece of history. The author’s note just before the prologue said that the history of Unit 173 was real. So I laid the book down and checked the Internet about Unit 173. My husband, who emigrated from Taiwan knew all about it but I knew nothing of it. Everything he said was echoed by what I read on the Internet. Read the book and you learned in one of multiple mysteries in this book. Or better yet, research it now. When you read Final Settlement, you will see how the author had carefully added this piece of the mystery puzzle to this story.
This book is the fourth in the Darby Farr Mystery Series. It does well as a standalone. But since I loved the story so much, I will do some searching to see if any more in the series are available. Darby Farr is real estate expert who solves mysteries on her own. She is based in Southern California but she flies back for her sister’s wedding. She grew up in an island off of Main called Hurricane Harbor. When she arrives she hears the latest news that Lorraine Delvecchio, assistant to the police chief was found dead, tangled up in some lobster traps. It was later determined that she fell off an icy part of the lighthouse on the island. But things do not add up. She was wearing sturdy hiking boots. Actually, it would make more sense that she was pushed. But who would do that? Why?
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to mystery readers who like to learn something while they try to figure out the mystery.
I gave this book my highest rating not just because it is a good mystery with well-developed characters but it also taught me a piece of history. The author’s note just before the prologue said that the history of Unit 173 was real. So I laid the book down and checked the Internet about Unit 173. My husband, who emigrated from Taiwan knew all about it but I knew nothing of it. Everything he said was echoed by what I read on the Internet. Read the book and you learned in one of multiple mysteries in this book. Or better yet, research it now. When you read Final Settlement, you will see how the author had carefully added this piece of the mystery puzzle to this story.
This book is the fourth in the Darby Farr Mystery Series. It does well as a standalone. But since I loved the story so much, I will do some searching to see if any more in the series are available. Darby Farr is real estate expert who solves mysteries on her own. She is based in Southern California but she flies back for her sister’s wedding. She grew up in an island off of Main called Hurricane Harbor. When she arrives she hears the latest news that Lorraine Delvecchio, assistant to the police chief was found dead, tangled up in some lobster traps. It was later determined that she fell off an icy part of the lighthouse on the island. But things do not add up. She was wearing sturdy hiking boots. Actually, it would make more sense that she was pushed. But who would do that? Why?
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to mystery readers who like to learn something while they try to figure out the mystery.
September 4, 2013
I really liked the latest Darby Farr real estate mystery, Final Settlement. I think it's the most suspenseful yet in the series. Her descriptions of Maine coastal winter and her deep dives into her characters' motivations make for an excellent read you won't want to put down! The romance between Darby and Miles edges closer, too. Plus I learned a new word, hyperthymesia. Highly recommend this book.
April 5, 2015
Fourth in the Darby Farr realtor mystery series; this story takes place in Maine.
This is a story ARC I received from the publisher.
My Take
It's amazing how so many different indiscretions can be captured in one place and wreak such havoc on so many innocents. It's an interesting twist that Doudera takes with this, building sympathy for the murder victim only to destroy that concern within pages. It's a cozy read within a small village of people who know each other. We thought. Slipping in alongside is that terror Darby feels about her grandfather's actions in World War II. The fear, the wonder, the worry about her ancestor and how it shaped her mother. A mother she still misses so horribly.
On the whole, I love how Doudera builds her scenes and maintains their warmth---even with a nasty blizzard coming through! Her characters...I dunno. There's just something missing with them. I want to love them, but I adore her settings more.
My Whining
If you don't think too much, you'll miss the odd notes; the sense that Doudera gathered up scattered ideas to form the side traumas, which creates cold spots within the story.
As little as I want to rock the boat on Darby and Miles' romance, I don't understand Doudera's reasoning for that kiss if she's not going to take it somewhere. Make some drama with it. I kept waiting throughout the book for something to happen...and...nothing.
Donny's sudden revelation about Connie, Darby, and Tina was too abrupt. Too much as if Doudera wanted to get to the end and get it over with. I'd have liked to see a bit more confusion and worry as opposed to that immediate light-bulb moment.
I am curious to know what that last death was supposed to mean. Related to the lost formula? Or simple accident?
The Story
Lucky for Carlene Ross that Donny Pease is so easygoing when she pulls up her latest catch. But the detective's conclusion just doesn't set right with Chief Dupont and, while neither Dupont nor Darby liked the woman, neither do they appreciate a miscarriage of justice.
Tina is so caught up in her fervor for building up her business that Donny's dreams of an ideal honeymoon may go for naught. Which may not be a bad thing since some serial thief has stolen the Manolo Blahniks Terri is loaning her! But theft itself, is not as major as multiple murder and betrayal.
The Characters
Darby Farr is employed by Pacific Coast Realty, a real estate business in California, and another which she inherited from her aunt in Maine. Miles Porter is an investigative journalist with whom Darby has a long-distance relationship (she's in San Diego; he's in San Francisco); he's determined to be there. Jada Farr was Darby's Japanese mother; her father---Darby's grandfather, Tokutaro Sugiyama---was involved in atrocities during World War II.
Tina Ames was her aunt's assistant, Donny's fiancée, and absolutely mad about spending every minute building her client list for Darby's Maine real estate office, Near & Farr Realty, to prove herself. Terri Ames Dodge (she's a fundraiser and networker in the community, who's obsessed with designer-anything) and Trixie (she's in the Coast Guard) are Tina's sisters; Travis is the too-late brother. Terri's husband, Tripp Dodge is wealthy and loves and adores his kids: Tiffany, Tommy, and Tyler.
Donny Pease is about to get married! A general handyman and property manager, he also runs a water taxi and loves to poke at Carlene Ross. He's ready to leave off the feud begun generations ago, but she isn't. Lester Ross (he's not holding any grudges), Cal Holbrook is an old fishing buddy, and Stephen are standing up for Donny.
Chief Charles Dupont is Hurricane Harbor's police chief, who accepts Darby's curiosity. He's 64 and he has one more year before he retires. Turns out he was in love with Darby's mother. Bitsy Carmichael is Dupont's runaway wife; she's come back after being gone for fifteen years. She's also Donny's first love. Bitchy little thing... Rosie is the tiny Labrador-mix puppy Bitsy and Dupont adopt. Derek, Charles' son, is a doctor. Alana (his daughter) and her partner Rosemary have a son, Dupont's grandson, Jonas.
Deputy Tom Allen is fated to always be a deputy. Detective Dave Robichaud is in charge of the murder case, and he's ruled it an accident. Detective Pete Paulsen is his partner. Leonard Marcus is in prison for fraud. Special Agent Ed Landis of the FBI is involved on the pharmaceutical end. Bartholomew Anderson is Bridges' lawyer. Denny Ross is the deadly drug dealer.
Babette Applebaum moved up to the island last August and set up her own real estate business. Earl is the new bartender at The Eye. Alison Dyer is a retired English professor currently involved in helping to build low-income housing. And a very observant woman, well, she is a bird watcher. Eric Thompson is the assistant curator at the Westerly Art Museum, who knows someone who may be able to translate the journal Darby found.
Lorraine Delvecchio has some deep, dark secrets---and hyperthymesia. Dr. Hotchkiss was Lorraine's former employer. Esther Crandall is her next door neighbor. Alcott Bridges, the eighty-year-old artist, plans to sell his house. Gracie is his own private pain. Connie Fisher is the island hairdresser who is building a fancy new salon. Liza works for her. Her husband is Scott Fisher, the up-and-coming Manatuck DA.
Ryan Oakes is the association director for the Maine Island Association housed in Fairview ( A House to Die For " target="_blank" title="Opens Vicki Doudera's A House to Die For in Goodreads">A House to Die For), and it's thriving.
Kenji Miyazaki is Japanese and willing to translate Darby's grandfather's journal. He works with Hideki Kobayshi at Genkei Pharmaceuticals. He does come in handy with Lorraine's coded accounts.
The Cover
The cover is quite gruesome with the iced-over lighthouse, the icily precarious rocks along the shore, and the warning sign posted with the title...bwah-ha-ha... It certainly makes me want to step very carefully.
The title is accurate enough. There are a number of Final Settlements in this book. And I hated about half of 'em!
This is a story ARC I received from the publisher.
My Take
It's amazing how so many different indiscretions can be captured in one place and wreak such havoc on so many innocents. It's an interesting twist that Doudera takes with this, building sympathy for the murder victim only to destroy that concern within pages. It's a cozy read within a small village of people who know each other. We thought. Slipping in alongside is that terror Darby feels about her grandfather's actions in World War II. The fear, the wonder, the worry about her ancestor and how it shaped her mother. A mother she still misses so horribly.
On the whole, I love how Doudera builds her scenes and maintains their warmth---even with a nasty blizzard coming through! Her characters...I dunno. There's just something missing with them. I want to love them, but I adore her settings more.
My Whining
If you don't think too much, you'll miss the odd notes; the sense that Doudera gathered up scattered ideas to form the side traumas, which creates cold spots within the story.
As little as I want to rock the boat on Darby and Miles' romance, I don't understand Doudera's reasoning for that kiss if she's not going to take it somewhere. Make some drama with it. I kept waiting throughout the book for something to happen...and...nothing.
Donny's sudden revelation about Connie, Darby, and Tina was too abrupt. Too much as if Doudera wanted to get to the end and get it over with. I'd have liked to see a bit more confusion and worry as opposed to that immediate light-bulb moment.
I am curious to know what that last death was supposed to mean. Related to the lost formula? Or simple accident?
The Story
Lucky for Carlene Ross that Donny Pease is so easygoing when she pulls up her latest catch. But the detective's conclusion just doesn't set right with Chief Dupont and, while neither Dupont nor Darby liked the woman, neither do they appreciate a miscarriage of justice.
Tina is so caught up in her fervor for building up her business that Donny's dreams of an ideal honeymoon may go for naught. Which may not be a bad thing since some serial thief has stolen the Manolo Blahniks Terri is loaning her! But theft itself, is not as major as multiple murder and betrayal.
The Characters
Darby Farr is employed by Pacific Coast Realty, a real estate business in California, and another which she inherited from her aunt in Maine. Miles Porter is an investigative journalist with whom Darby has a long-distance relationship (she's in San Diego; he's in San Francisco); he's determined to be there. Jada Farr was Darby's Japanese mother; her father---Darby's grandfather, Tokutaro Sugiyama---was involved in atrocities during World War II.
Tina Ames was her aunt's assistant, Donny's fiancée, and absolutely mad about spending every minute building her client list for Darby's Maine real estate office, Near & Farr Realty, to prove herself. Terri Ames Dodge (she's a fundraiser and networker in the community, who's obsessed with designer-anything) and Trixie (she's in the Coast Guard) are Tina's sisters; Travis is the too-late brother. Terri's husband, Tripp Dodge is wealthy and loves and adores his kids: Tiffany, Tommy, and Tyler.
Donny Pease is about to get married! A general handyman and property manager, he also runs a water taxi and loves to poke at Carlene Ross. He's ready to leave off the feud begun generations ago, but she isn't. Lester Ross (he's not holding any grudges), Cal Holbrook is an old fishing buddy, and Stephen are standing up for Donny.
Chief Charles Dupont is Hurricane Harbor's police chief, who accepts Darby's curiosity. He's 64 and he has one more year before he retires. Turns out he was in love with Darby's mother. Bitsy Carmichael is Dupont's runaway wife; she's come back after being gone for fifteen years. She's also Donny's first love. Bitchy little thing... Rosie is the tiny Labrador-mix puppy Bitsy and Dupont adopt. Derek, Charles' son, is a doctor. Alana (his daughter) and her partner Rosemary have a son, Dupont's grandson, Jonas.
Deputy Tom Allen is fated to always be a deputy. Detective Dave Robichaud is in charge of the murder case, and he's ruled it an accident. Detective Pete Paulsen is his partner. Leonard Marcus is in prison for fraud. Special Agent Ed Landis of the FBI is involved on the pharmaceutical end. Bartholomew Anderson is Bridges' lawyer. Denny Ross is the deadly drug dealer.
Babette Applebaum moved up to the island last August and set up her own real estate business. Earl is the new bartender at The Eye. Alison Dyer is a retired English professor currently involved in helping to build low-income housing. And a very observant woman, well, she is a bird watcher. Eric Thompson is the assistant curator at the Westerly Art Museum, who knows someone who may be able to translate the journal Darby found.
Lorraine Delvecchio has some deep, dark secrets---and hyperthymesia. Dr. Hotchkiss was Lorraine's former employer. Esther Crandall is her next door neighbor. Alcott Bridges, the eighty-year-old artist, plans to sell his house. Gracie is his own private pain. Connie Fisher is the island hairdresser who is building a fancy new salon. Liza works for her. Her husband is Scott Fisher, the up-and-coming Manatuck DA.
Ryan Oakes is the association director for the Maine Island Association housed in Fairview ( A House to Die For " target="_blank" title="Opens Vicki Doudera's A House to Die For in Goodreads">A House to Die For), and it's thriving.
Kenji Miyazaki is Japanese and willing to translate Darby's grandfather's journal. He works with Hideki Kobayshi at Genkei Pharmaceuticals. He does come in handy with Lorraine's coded accounts.
The Cover
The cover is quite gruesome with the iced-over lighthouse, the icily precarious rocks along the shore, and the warning sign posted with the title...bwah-ha-ha... It certainly makes me want to step very carefully.
The title is accurate enough. There are a number of Final Settlements in this book. And I hated about half of 'em!
April 13, 2013
Three Stars: An engaging mystery that will keep you guessing until the final pages!
Lorraine trudges across the empty frigid beach. It is February in Maine and freezing along the coast, but that does not stop Lorraine from taking her daily stroll. No matter the weather, Lorraine never misses her one mile daily coastal walk. Unfortunately for Lorraine, today is to be her last beach stroll. She climbs the large boulder, like she does every day, and shuts her eyes. When she turns around, she is alarmed to see a masked man behind her. The beach was deserted, she thought. Without warning, he pitches her into the ocean. She struggles to breath, the water is razor sharp cold. She gasps and comes up for air, only to feel a sharp blunt blow on her head and then nothingness......Darby Farr arrives in Maine to attend the wedding of her best friend and colleague, Tina. Darby is hoping for a nice quiet weekend, but she is soon dragged into yet another murder mystery. It seems Lorraine was keeping some sinister secrets and there were more than a few people who had cause to murder her. Can Darby get to the bottom of another murder?
What I Liked:
*I always enjoy a good mystery and I picked up Final Settlement without having read the three previous installments in the series. At no point was this a problem since this book could easily be a stand alone. So if you are in the mood for a wintery mystery, this is a good bet. You can read this book with confidence and not have to worry about events in the other books.
*I loved that this book kept me guessing up until the final pages as to who was behind the murders. There are plenty of suspects and motives and it is a process of elimination. I also enjoyed that the victim kept a log in cipher with the initials of people she was blackmailing. So throughout the book, every time a character was introduced I was checking their initials to see if they might be a fit. This was certainly a clever ploy to keep me engaged in unraveling the mystery!
*I appreciated that Ms. Doudera was able to first make me feel sorry for the victim, but then later she had me changing my opinion as secrets were revealed. By the end, I had a whole different perception of the murdered Lorraine. I also liked the inclusion of Lorraine's super sensitive autobiographical memory. I have heard of people with this ability, but never read about one before, so it was a fun experience.
Depending on the cozy mystery, sometimes they can be almost a little too light and fluffy, but that isn't the case with this one. It had a believable story line and the events all seemed plausible.
*One of the things I enjoy about a cozy mystery is that they tend to incorporate a small town setting, and that was indeed the case here. This book takes place in Hurricane Harbor, Maine. It is a tight knit coastal community with many close friendships and ties in the small town.
*This book takes place in the dead of winter, and it is one of those reads where you just want to grab a blanket and a hot drink and snuggle up as you read about the winter storms. If you are looking for a entertaining read on a stormy afternoon this is a good pick.
*I appreciated that everything drew to a thrilling close and there was only a couple of left over lingering questions that I am guessing will be followed up in the next adventure. I am always pleased when I get a satisfactory ending and this one did just that!
And The Not So Much:
*After the initial chilling opening scene, the books slows down a bit. The pace dragged just a bit in the beginning, which isn't too much of a problem. It definitely picks up and gets interesting as the clues start to drop. Just be patient.
*Even though I felt like this was a believable mystery, it is always hard to accept the fact that a realtor ends up solving the crime vs. the professional law enforcement, so that is the one factor that isn't exactly plausible. Still it is a cozy mystery and that is what the genre is know for, so just suspend reality and enjoy the ride!
*The story incorporates two different mystery story lines. The first being the murder of Lorraine and uncovering her sinister doings. The second follows Darby finding a family Japanese heirloom box. Inside is her grandfather's journal, in which she learns the truth about her grandfather. Someone is after her box because her grandfather held the key to a biological weapon. Darby is pursued by a person who seeks to unleash this weapon. This second storyline was just as intriguing, but I didn't feel like it was developed to its full potential. In reality, it was probably more interesting than the murder mystery, and so I was a bit disappointed that it didn't play a bigger role. I didn't like that it seemed to resolve so quickly. On the other hand, I didn't find out the details of the helicopter crash, so perhaps there is more to that mystery and it will be expanded in the next book.
*I was a bit perplexed over the return of the Chief's wife. I didn't feel like I really understood her motives for all of sudden returning to her husband after fifteen years absence. I just felt like I was missing something on this storyline.
Final Settlement was an intriguing and entertaining mystery with some interesting clues to decipher. I especially enjoyed trying to fit the initials to the characters to try and catch the killer, unfortunately, I failed and I was surprised at the end. If you are looking for a great cozy read for a stormy afternoon this is a solid little mystery. You can easily pick this one up without having read the previous books and not worry about being lost. I had no problem reading this as a stand alone. However, I am sure the story would be enhanced if I were to read the other books in the series. Take a chance and check out this series!
Favorite Quotations:
"Why didn't people consult the calendar when they decided to drop dead?"
"It's darn difficult, this journey we're on. We love and we lose. And we think we'll never love again because it hurts so badly."
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.
Lorraine trudges across the empty frigid beach. It is February in Maine and freezing along the coast, but that does not stop Lorraine from taking her daily stroll. No matter the weather, Lorraine never misses her one mile daily coastal walk. Unfortunately for Lorraine, today is to be her last beach stroll. She climbs the large boulder, like she does every day, and shuts her eyes. When she turns around, she is alarmed to see a masked man behind her. The beach was deserted, she thought. Without warning, he pitches her into the ocean. She struggles to breath, the water is razor sharp cold. She gasps and comes up for air, only to feel a sharp blunt blow on her head and then nothingness......Darby Farr arrives in Maine to attend the wedding of her best friend and colleague, Tina. Darby is hoping for a nice quiet weekend, but she is soon dragged into yet another murder mystery. It seems Lorraine was keeping some sinister secrets and there were more than a few people who had cause to murder her. Can Darby get to the bottom of another murder?
What I Liked:
*I always enjoy a good mystery and I picked up Final Settlement without having read the three previous installments in the series. At no point was this a problem since this book could easily be a stand alone. So if you are in the mood for a wintery mystery, this is a good bet. You can read this book with confidence and not have to worry about events in the other books.
*I loved that this book kept me guessing up until the final pages as to who was behind the murders. There are plenty of suspects and motives and it is a process of elimination. I also enjoyed that the victim kept a log in cipher with the initials of people she was blackmailing. So throughout the book, every time a character was introduced I was checking their initials to see if they might be a fit. This was certainly a clever ploy to keep me engaged in unraveling the mystery!
*I appreciated that Ms. Doudera was able to first make me feel sorry for the victim, but then later she had me changing my opinion as secrets were revealed. By the end, I had a whole different perception of the murdered Lorraine. I also liked the inclusion of Lorraine's super sensitive autobiographical memory. I have heard of people with this ability, but never read about one before, so it was a fun experience.
Depending on the cozy mystery, sometimes they can be almost a little too light and fluffy, but that isn't the case with this one. It had a believable story line and the events all seemed plausible.
*One of the things I enjoy about a cozy mystery is that they tend to incorporate a small town setting, and that was indeed the case here. This book takes place in Hurricane Harbor, Maine. It is a tight knit coastal community with many close friendships and ties in the small town.
*This book takes place in the dead of winter, and it is one of those reads where you just want to grab a blanket and a hot drink and snuggle up as you read about the winter storms. If you are looking for a entertaining read on a stormy afternoon this is a good pick.
*I appreciated that everything drew to a thrilling close and there was only a couple of left over lingering questions that I am guessing will be followed up in the next adventure. I am always pleased when I get a satisfactory ending and this one did just that!
And The Not So Much:
*After the initial chilling opening scene, the books slows down a bit. The pace dragged just a bit in the beginning, which isn't too much of a problem. It definitely picks up and gets interesting as the clues start to drop. Just be patient.
*Even though I felt like this was a believable mystery, it is always hard to accept the fact that a realtor ends up solving the crime vs. the professional law enforcement, so that is the one factor that isn't exactly plausible. Still it is a cozy mystery and that is what the genre is know for, so just suspend reality and enjoy the ride!
*The story incorporates two different mystery story lines. The first being the murder of Lorraine and uncovering her sinister doings. The second follows Darby finding a family Japanese heirloom box. Inside is her grandfather's journal, in which she learns the truth about her grandfather. Someone is after her box because her grandfather held the key to a biological weapon. Darby is pursued by a person who seeks to unleash this weapon. This second storyline was just as intriguing, but I didn't feel like it was developed to its full potential. In reality, it was probably more interesting than the murder mystery, and so I was a bit disappointed that it didn't play a bigger role. I didn't like that it seemed to resolve so quickly. On the other hand, I didn't find out the details of the helicopter crash, so perhaps there is more to that mystery and it will be expanded in the next book.
*I was a bit perplexed over the return of the Chief's wife. I didn't feel like I really understood her motives for all of sudden returning to her husband after fifteen years absence. I just felt like I was missing something on this storyline.
Final Settlement was an intriguing and entertaining mystery with some interesting clues to decipher. I especially enjoyed trying to fit the initials to the characters to try and catch the killer, unfortunately, I failed and I was surprised at the end. If you are looking for a great cozy read for a stormy afternoon this is a solid little mystery. You can easily pick this one up without having read the previous books and not worry about being lost. I had no problem reading this as a stand alone. However, I am sure the story would be enhanced if I were to read the other books in the series. Take a chance and check out this series!
Favorite Quotations:
"Why didn't people consult the calendar when they decided to drop dead?"
"It's darn difficult, this journey we're on. We love and we lose. And we think we'll never love again because it hurts so badly."
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.
May 14, 2021
2.5 - I kind of liked some of the characters, especially Charles and Bitsy, but this was very ho hum. I wasn’t a fan of the writing, and the mystery was interesting enough for a while, but I eventually got pretty bored of it. Plus so many cliches and plot points resolved in very careless manners. Ah well, at least it’s over.
March 25, 2019
A wedding in a snowstorm in Maine provide the backdrop for this murder mystery. Darby, real estate agent and sleuth, is inquisitive about the death of a local walking on the breakwater and it nearly gets her killed too. Add in some intrigue from her Japanese past......
May 8, 2015
Darby returns to her hometown of Hurricane Harbor in Maine for her best friend's wedding. She arrives in town as Lorraine Delvecchio's body is discovered tangled in a lobster trap. Her daily walk out to the abandoned lighthouse on the Manatuck Breakwater turned deadly. Everyone believes that Lorraine must have slipped on the ice and fallen into the brink where the icy water quickly finished her. But Chief Charles Dupont doesn't believe it was an accident and enlists Darby's aid to ask a few questions. Darby discovers that Lorraine had a perfect memory, which she may have used to obtain money through blackmail. On a personal note, Darby discovers a small box that had once belonged to her mother and tries to unravel some mysterious family history.
Darby is level headed and a savvy business person. She is also from Japanese/American heritage which plays a stronger role in this book as she digs into her family history. Darby's boyfriend, journalist Miles Porter, comes for a visit and to attend Tina's wedding. Since this was my first book in the series, I didn't get much of an impression of Miles other than the character has potential. Darby's best friend, Tina, is a fiery red-head that adds to the story. Chief Charles Dupont, working his last year before retiring, is a warm and unexpected character with some depth that lends a touch of humanity and forgiveness to the story. Bitsy Carmichael, the woman who returns to Hurricane Harbor after having run off years earlier is a surprise breakout character.
The setting presents a frozen backdrop for this story. It is stark and unforgiving, as if reflecting Lorraine Delvecchio's attitude. But all is not frozen as events unfold. The bleak setting provides a counter point to much of the events.
The suspects are slowly revealed as Darby unveils more of Lorraine Delvecchio's victims. There is a good bit going on besides Darby investigating. There is Tina's wedding that Darby is participating in, the box that Darby finds from her mother and trying to decipher the items within, Miles comes for a visit, and the events in Chief Dupont's life that are changing. The pacing begins to slow in a few spots, but quickly get back on track. The specific killer is not obvious, which lends some tension at the climax.
There are actually two climatic scenes, because one involves Darby's mother's box and repercussions from what Darby finds inside, and the second climax involves who killed Lorraine. Both climaxes were realistic, exciting, and dangerous, thus overall well done. The wrap-up is smooth and natural. The overall is a well crafted and interesting mystery with some good, suspenseful moments.
Rating: Good - A fun mystery with interesting twists, highlighted by an original main character.
Series: 4th in Darby Farr Mysteries
Sensuality: Mild references
Mystery Sub-genre: Amateur Sleuth
Main Characters: Darby Farr, Real Estate Agent
Setting: Modern day, Hurricane Harbor Maine
Obtained Through: Publisher
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http://www.mysterysuspence.blogspot.com
Darby is level headed and a savvy business person. She is also from Japanese/American heritage which plays a stronger role in this book as she digs into her family history. Darby's boyfriend, journalist Miles Porter, comes for a visit and to attend Tina's wedding. Since this was my first book in the series, I didn't get much of an impression of Miles other than the character has potential. Darby's best friend, Tina, is a fiery red-head that adds to the story. Chief Charles Dupont, working his last year before retiring, is a warm and unexpected character with some depth that lends a touch of humanity and forgiveness to the story. Bitsy Carmichael, the woman who returns to Hurricane Harbor after having run off years earlier is a surprise breakout character.
The setting presents a frozen backdrop for this story. It is stark and unforgiving, as if reflecting Lorraine Delvecchio's attitude. But all is not frozen as events unfold. The bleak setting provides a counter point to much of the events.
The suspects are slowly revealed as Darby unveils more of Lorraine Delvecchio's victims. There is a good bit going on besides Darby investigating. There is Tina's wedding that Darby is participating in, the box that Darby finds from her mother and trying to decipher the items within, Miles comes for a visit, and the events in Chief Dupont's life that are changing. The pacing begins to slow in a few spots, but quickly get back on track. The specific killer is not obvious, which lends some tension at the climax.
There are actually two climatic scenes, because one involves Darby's mother's box and repercussions from what Darby finds inside, and the second climax involves who killed Lorraine. Both climaxes were realistic, exciting, and dangerous, thus overall well done. The wrap-up is smooth and natural. The overall is a well crafted and interesting mystery with some good, suspenseful moments.
Rating: Good - A fun mystery with interesting twists, highlighted by an original main character.
Series: 4th in Darby Farr Mysteries
Sensuality: Mild references
Mystery Sub-genre: Amateur Sleuth
Main Characters: Darby Farr, Real Estate Agent
Setting: Modern day, Hurricane Harbor Maine
Obtained Through: Publisher
Join me at Mysteries and My Musings Book Blog
http://www.mysterysuspence.blogspot.com
April 2, 2013
In this fourth mystery featuring real-estate agent Darby Farr, Darby returns to her hometown of Hurricane Harbor, Maine to attend the wedding of her associate, Tina Ames. Just when Darby arrives from California, an office assistant for nearby Manituck Police, Lorraine Delvecchio, is found dead, her body caught in a lobster trap. While Lorraine's death is initially ruled an accident, Hurricane Harbor Police Chief Charles Dupont, former employer of Lorraine, believes Lorraine was pushed off the icy cliff. Chief Dupont enlists Darby to do some snooping on his behalf. As Darby delves further, she learns that Lorraine had an unusual condition which she had apparently used to her advantage. Things get more and more dangerous for Darby as she uncovers some very sordid, blackmail-worthy secrets.
Really enjoyed this multi-faceted, fast-paced novel! While the main plot is certainly intriguing, there is also an interesting subplot where Darby finds a mysterious box in the attic of her childhood home. The box may have further clues about her Japanese grandfather, who as discovered in the previous mystery Deadly Offer, may have been involved in some World War II atrocities. In addition, things develop romantically between Darby and her British journalist boyfriend, Miles Porter, who arrives in Maine for the wedding. While this is very good on its own, I was very glad that I had read the previous three books before this one; I felt I got the low-down on Darby's past, plus I got to see her budding romance with Miles develop from the get-go. Looking forward to the next installment and seeing what transpires between Darby and Miles.
Really enjoyed this multi-faceted, fast-paced novel! While the main plot is certainly intriguing, there is also an interesting subplot where Darby finds a mysterious box in the attic of her childhood home. The box may have further clues about her Japanese grandfather, who as discovered in the previous mystery Deadly Offer, may have been involved in some World War II atrocities. In addition, things develop romantically between Darby and her British journalist boyfriend, Miles Porter, who arrives in Maine for the wedding. While this is very good on its own, I was very glad that I had read the previous three books before this one; I felt I got the low-down on Darby's past, plus I got to see her budding romance with Miles develop from the get-go. Looking forward to the next installment and seeing what transpires between Darby and Miles.
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June 26, 2015f cozies are your thing, you’ll be sold with “Final Settlement” by Vicki Doudera. This is the fourth installment in her Darby Farr real estate mystery series.
I love the characters and the way Vicki Doudera develops them against the winter setting of the small town, Hurricane Harbor, Maine. Each chapter builds upon the next and the characters’ interrelationships become more entwined as the story progresses.
In this episode, before Darby returns to her hometown to attend the wedding of Tina Ames, a co-realtor in her real estate firm and a friend, the police chief’s assistant dies mysteriously from a fall into the ocean near a lighthouse. The chief suspects foul play, but doesn’t want to make a commotion in the small town and enlists Darby’s help. It is up to Darby to find the answers, but there are over 300 pages of twists-and-turns before she gets there.
Sometimes it’s nice to take your crime slow and this small town has enough busy-bodies and suspects to keep you tied up all the way to the very end.
My Review of Final Settlement on Killer Nashville
My Other Reviews on Killer Nashville
I love the characters and the way Vicki Doudera develops them against the winter setting of the small town, Hurricane Harbor, Maine. Each chapter builds upon the next and the characters’ interrelationships become more entwined as the story progresses.
In this episode, before Darby returns to her hometown to attend the wedding of Tina Ames, a co-realtor in her real estate firm and a friend, the police chief’s assistant dies mysteriously from a fall into the ocean near a lighthouse. The chief suspects foul play, but doesn’t want to make a commotion in the small town and enlists Darby’s help. It is up to Darby to find the answers, but there are over 300 pages of twists-and-turns before she gets there.
Sometimes it’s nice to take your crime slow and this small town has enough busy-bodies and suspects to keep you tied up all the way to the very end.
My Review of Final Settlement on Killer Nashville
My Other Reviews on Killer Nashville
March 14, 2014
“Final Settlement” by Vicki Doudera
Blizzards, below zero weather, murder, Darby Farr, romance, a wedding, murder, snow, ice, murder, Tina Ames, mayhem: are all part of the Final Settlement in Hurricane Harbor, Maine. Did I mention murder?
Having run away years ago from the island to San Diego, California, Darby comes back for her friend Tina’s wedding. But flowers and good cheer aren’t the only things Darby has to contend with. Because Darby knew (slightly) a murder victim from the island, Chief Dupont asks for her help. She gets entangled in the mystery, resolved to find out who killed quiet, mousy Lorraine Delvecchio and why. The more Darby investigates the more trouble she gets in. The more she learns of the reason for Lorraine’s death, the more she is intrigued. So much so that she gets too close to the truth and someone wants her dead and will do anything to accomplish that goal.
Suspects and suspense aplenty make for an entertaining, light-hearted mystery that is a great read for a cold night in front of a fireplace. Be sure to turn the heat up high because this novel will bring chills.
Reviewed by Starr Gardinier Reina, author of “The Other Side: Melinda’s Story”
Blizzards, below zero weather, murder, Darby Farr, romance, a wedding, murder, snow, ice, murder, Tina Ames, mayhem: are all part of the Final Settlement in Hurricane Harbor, Maine. Did I mention murder?
Having run away years ago from the island to San Diego, California, Darby comes back for her friend Tina’s wedding. But flowers and good cheer aren’t the only things Darby has to contend with. Because Darby knew (slightly) a murder victim from the island, Chief Dupont asks for her help. She gets entangled in the mystery, resolved to find out who killed quiet, mousy Lorraine Delvecchio and why. The more Darby investigates the more trouble she gets in. The more she learns of the reason for Lorraine’s death, the more she is intrigued. So much so that she gets too close to the truth and someone wants her dead and will do anything to accomplish that goal.
Suspects and suspense aplenty make for an entertaining, light-hearted mystery that is a great read for a cold night in front of a fireplace. Be sure to turn the heat up high because this novel will bring chills.
Reviewed by Starr Gardinier Reina, author of “The Other Side: Melinda’s Story”
May 16, 2013
I'd give this a 3-1/2 if I could. I like the characters, I like the Maine setting, and I like that the author is not afraid to throw in lots of murder and mayhem. Most of the characters are likable and empathizable :>) What I don't care for that much is the special memory (can't remember its name) trait of the main murder victim, Lorraine Delvecchio, that is supposedly the explanation for her deeds that lead to her death. Her actions are ones that anybody could have done. Her super memory thing really has nothing to do with it. But I don't think that's a purposeful red herring by the writer. It is presented as the trait that allowed her to do certain things, which I didn't buy. But other than that, an enjoyable read. I'll have to go back and check out the earlier books in this series.
April 15, 2013
Realtor Darby Farr is visiting her Maine island hometown for a friend's wedding when she becomes involved in the death of a local woman, one of her high school classmates, but not someone she knew very well. The local police chief, who had been a friend of Darby's parents, also suspects foul play, but the police in the local jurisdiction where Lorraine died say it was an accident. There's a lot of back story, which may be more familiar to those who've read #1 through 3 of this series (I think I read at least one of them, but apparently it didn't stick in my mind), a lot of plot, and more deaths.
September 10, 2013
What a cute read! I only wish I had known before beginning it that it was a part of a series (I picked it up for free at the base's local paperback exchange)! There was a lot of complex layers to this mystery, but they were all very intricately patterned in a manner that kept you hooked and wanting to know more- and definitely left you guessing all the way until the end! I really enjoyed the story and look forward to perhaps reading the others in the series!
January 31, 2013
I've really been enjoying the Darby Farr series by Vicki Doudera. The setting of Final Settlement has moved back to Darby's hometown of Hurricane Harbor, Maine. This latest outing has an excellent story and Vicki Doudera's writing style is very readable. I recommend this series and I definitely recommend Final Settlement.
May 18, 2013
This is a good series and I've enjoyed all of them. It moves quickly and the solution to the mystery is not obvious. I really like the characters and the setting changes since the protagonist has ties to Maine, Florida and California. This is the second book to take place in Maine. I look forward to the next one.
August 12, 2015
A Darby Farr mystery. This is the fourth book, and it is the one I started with so I will try to get the previous books to find out more! Reading a book about winter in Maine on an island, while sitting on the beach...the characters were interesting and the story had some twists to keep the culprit hidden.
July 29, 2013
I think this series gets better as it goes along. I gave the first two 4 stars and the next two 5 stars. The previous books felt more stiff; the plots were okay but the characters weren't well formed, maybe? Still, all of them are worth a read, this one even more so.
July 21, 2013
not as good as the first one.
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