Spirited Away: A No Ordinary Women Mystery

No Ordinary Women Mysteries #2

by Barbara Deese

At 96, Era Dudley is something of an institution at Meadowpoint Manor, a senior living community in the Twin Cities where Robin Bentley's mother lives. Era's son Winston has gone missing and, knowing that Robin and her friend Cate helped to solve a murder last year, she gives the two "junior detectives" an assignment that propels the No Ordinary Women book club into yet another mystery.

Genres: Mystery

282 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2013

About the author

Growing up in a family of voracious readers, Barbara Deese feels at home with people who love a good story. Her twisty career path began when she became one of thirty-three female air marshals in the U.S. She lives in Minnesota with her husband.

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Reviews

[Walter J.]

Barbara Deese has done it again - written a mystery novel that appeals to both lovers of mystery and lovers of human relationship stories. Robin and Cate and the women of the No Ordinary Women book club are at it again, this time delving into the strange dissapearence of an elderly woman's son. I enjoyed this as much or more than her first novel. A wonderful book to settle back and enjoy.

[Jessica]

Excellent. Looking forward to the next one.

[Valerie]

One of my favorite things about books is how they can speak to us in different ways at different points of our lives. I have read this book at exactly the right time in my life- as I am watching my grandparents move from their home to assisted living to nursing home care- this story of strong women (and men) thriving at all stages of their lives really moved me.

This book moves more slowly than the author's first, but that is to its benefit. We really get to know and enjoy the new characters in the book, as well as reunite with some of those from the previous book. The mystery feels more organic- as though it is just another circumstance in their day to day lives, instead of being the purpose and focus of the book- which I really enjoyed.

Not just a mystery, or a book about relationships, but a story to remind us to cherish each day and take time to make memories.

[Karen]

I loved the women in the "No Ordinary Women" book group in the first book, but in this second book in the series, the residents of Meadowpoint Manor are every bit as interesting and likeable, especially the feisty 96-year-old,Era. Era suspects something has happened to her son, but when her comments are ignored, she's afraid she'll be accused of dementia if she says more. Her dilemma struck me as a very real one for someone of her age. Deese has a lot of respect and empathy for her characters, which elevates this story to a level beyond what is usually found in a mystery. A great read.

[Mpladner]

Disclaimer I"m a friend of Barb. This was a great read a little "deeper" than her first one. Feels like Nancy Drew for grown ups. And I loved Nancy Drew!

[Trudy Ackerblade]

If anything can be called a feel-good mystery, this is it. No gooeyness or horible sadness. Afun read.

[Dawn]

This was different than the first book. I liked the setting and the characters in this book. Kind of sad it’s over, because I really liked the story.

[Molly]

I am enjoying this series and will continue.

[Julie]

I read this book in one day. The writing was comfortable, drew you into the story and was written in such a way that you felt the heart of the characters throughout the mystery. I like when certain characters have redeeming qualities even if they seem unlikeable. This is a good mystery and a great story of friendship. I loved this book.