Death at Olana

by Glenda Ruby

DEATH AT OLANA A classic detective novel set in the historic Hudson Valley Death at Olana follows in the tradition begun by Agatha Christie, P.D. James, and Ruth Rendell---a classic detective story featuring a female sleuth. The book opens at Olana, former home of painter Frederic Church, during a festive Christmas party. The evening’s centerpiece is to be the unveiling of an hitherto unknown nude portrait by Church. But at the moment of the unveiling, the curtain parts to reveal another nude---Sheila Marks, the director of Olana, hanging by a rope in view of 300 guests. The narrative voice of the heroine, Lindsey Brooks, is warm, erudite, and witty. Lindsey has an art and antiques background; she has helped New York City detectives with cases of stolen antiques and smuggled art. Recruited for the Olana case by the Hudson, New York sheriff, an old friend formerly of the NYPD, she is joined by her butler, Bennett, and a colorful cast of Hudson Valley worthies, sycophants, and well-born----but not always well-behaved---eccentrics, several of whom loathed Sheila enough to kill her. The secret of the haunting portrait ultimately reveals the murderer and the dark motive hidden for half a century. The Hudson Valley milieu is lively and attractive--- historic homes, antiques, rivalries, town-gown intrigues.

Genres: Mystery

236 pages, Paperback

First published July 17, 2013

Reviews

[Loretta · Rating 2 out of 5]

A dull and boring “who done it” mystery with so many typos that I wanted to scream!

Not sure if any of the members of Goodreads have ever been to Olana, a historical landmark in New York which was owned by artist, Frederic Edwin Church and his wife Isabel. If not you should really look it up. The house (well, really a mansion) is, in my opinion, simply stunning! The grounds and the views take one’s breath away! I’ve toured it twice in my life, once when I was probably around ten with parents and then again a few years ago with my husband. I never tire of it’s beauty.

But. Back to the book. It was horrible. Better you should spend your money on a tour of the house! 😊

[Kori Frantz · Rating 3 out of 5]

it started slow but by the end I was really interested, the mystery and insistence of the main character became alluring after a while. as a local to the area it’s written about, it was cool to be able to recognize all the historical sites mentioned, including my college.

[Maura · Rating 2 out of 5]

Local settings are sort of fun but also sort of annoying when places that you know well are distorted in the telling (whether intentionally or not). It becomes a distraction from the story.

Pluses: a decent set of suspects with motives to commit the murder and a reasonable resolution of it.

Minuses: a mildly snobbish air throughout the book; some weakly-defined characters, too much description of clothing and furnishings.

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Found this book at a local independent bookstore in Rhinebeck N.Y. - A typical “Who Done It” - the writing was average but if you live in the Hudson Valley - the tidbits of local history/folklore which are thrown in throughout the story and the local references ( ie she travelled to NYC via the Taconic State Parkway, which she picked up at Jackson corners road) make it worth the read 🙂

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun mystery, especially for those with a special interest in the upper Hudson Valley and/or Frederick Church's Moorish fantasy home, Olana. The author captures the often eccentric personalities of the area's upper crust and the local color of one of New York's most beautiful and historic regions.

[Kat · Rating 3 out of 5]

The mystery is a little trite, but the descriptions of the town are interesting and it’s a fun cast of characters.

[Diane Bollinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting read because the setting is Olana, painter Frederick Church's home overlooking the beautiful Hudson River just south of Hudson, NY. I grew up in this area so the setting and descriptions were very familiar with me. It made the book all the more interesting but even so, it's a good murder mystery. I recommend it.

[Martha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having grown up in this region the local color was true. This is a beautiful part of the country, and Vhurch has long been a favorite artist. The writing was a little pretentious, or cheeky. But as mysteries go this was a good whodunit. The ending was worth the read and more creative than expected. Ms Ruby has the basis for more and I for one hope there are more like Death at Olana.

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was fun to read about places that are familiar, both in Columbia and Dutchess counties and in Manhattan. Felt right at home reading this book. I hope the author is planning on continuing the series.

[msleighm · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun voice, fun read. Written by a writer local to where my mom is living now - we're going to have to take a day trip and go visit the town and Church house it takes place in!

[Markie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome!!! Became aware of this book during a recent visit to Olana!!! Loved the setting and loved the combination of historical fiction and mystery!!!

[Emg · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was the second time I read it - while not memorable, it was enjoyable.

[Charlotte mann · Rating 4 out of 5]

good read, fun book! and interesting local history for me, too.

[Diane Gumaer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed the setting descriptions of the Hudson, NY area. The plot unfolds a bit like a Murder She Wrote tv show, but the injection of local history was interesting, did not realize that Hudson had a red light district!