Death, Bones, and Stately Homes

Tori Miracle #5

by Valerie S. Malmont

In Pennsylvania's Amish country, New York author Toni Miracle investigates the death of a landowner, poisoned after he agreed to the construction of a nuclear waste dump on his land. The dump is opposed by environmentalists.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Crime, Cozy

100 pages, Paperback

First published February 28, 2003

About the author

Valerie Skuse Malmont grew up in a foreign service family and lived in several different Asian countries. She now lives in Pennsylvania.

Reviews

[Mystereity Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I put off reading this for a long time, because it was the last book in the series *sniffle* and the author died a few years ago. *sniffle* *sigh* It was a great series and oh, how I wish it could've kept going, if only to wrap up a few story lines.

After Tori and her friend Alice-Ann find skeletal remains in a walled up cave next in an springhouse, Alice-Ann is quick to silence her friend - at least until after the home tour benefiting the local Humance Society (Think of the poor little kitties!) The body is probably that of a local music teacher who disappeared on his wedding day decades ago, and his wife-to-be disappeared a few weeks later. When the bride is found dead in a trunk, Tori knows she can't rest until the murders are solved.

This was a bit more graphic than a lot of cozy mysteries, but not so graphic that it would make anyone queasy. It was an excellent plot, and I enjoyed watching Tori uncover so many secrets from the past. I'm always sucked in by an old mansion that holds secrets. An exciting read and a satisfying ending made this a great cap to the series and left me wanting more, although sadly, that won't come.

[Jeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had put off reading this book for years because it is the last Tori Miracle tale. I admit, I was a bit dubious when I read the first one--Tori seemed so scattered and brash== but the tale had a charm that drew me in. Later I really got into the humor. Tori is such a great character-- her big city assuredness translated to a Northern Appalachian area full of German descendants with the best names, small town outlooks, and attitudes. The fun thing is that neither Tori nor the denizens of Lickin Creek are totally in the right. I wish I had written Valerie Malmont a fan letter but just as I came to the series I learned she had passed away. Love that Tori loves her cats, the Wizard of Oz, and a good meal. This was a solid farewell. I just wish it hadn't been farewell.

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tori Miracle is a newspaper reporter in the little borough of Lickin Creek, Pennsylvania. She is renting a room in a stately old home from Ethelind Gallant. Tori is also an aspiring writer who has just sent her second novel to her publisher, thereby, giving her a bit of free time on her hands. When she visits her best friend Alice-Ann she is roped into helping her with the upcoming Lickin Creek House Tour. It is an annual fund raising event that benefits the local Humane Shelter. No way can Tori turn down the request to help the homeless dogs and cats, especially when all she has to do is write up the descriptions of the homes for the tour booklet.

One home that has never been on the tour before has come available this year. Everyone in Lickin Creek is anxious to see inside. The home is Morgan Manner and Alice-Ann has the key. When Alice-Ann and Tori go through the home to check it out before the tour, they discover that it needs some minor repairs and a lot of cleaning to get rid of dust, cobwebs, etc. When they check out the Spring House (that’s the well-house or where the water comes from) they discover something else. As Alice-Ann leans against one of the stone walls, it collapses revealing a cave of sorts and a skeleton. There is only one person it could be and it fits perfectly with the local folklore about a bridegroom leaving his bride at the altar. Once they begin to uncover information about the past they find there is so much more to the story than anyone could have thought. As Tori continues her investigation she finds the people of Lickin Creek treat her even more like an outcast because of the things she discovers and she is suddenly having a lot of accidents.

This is a very entertaining, cozy mystery. The writing was great and the characters were very believable. There are four previous books in this series. I enjoyed this one even though I have not read the others. Some of the adventures Tori had in the previous books were hinted at in this one, and only served to pique my appetite to find and read the first four.

[Marissa Shortt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't normally pick up a series without reading the first one, but this was a random book that came into my possession. Gotta say, the story of it wasn't bad, but there felt like pieces missing a bit for transition between realizations in it. Good read though, and would definitely look into the series itself.

[Jenna Beatty · Rating 3 out of 5]

a good mystery that has some funny parts and does capture small town living. Based is towns in South central PA. Part of a series which I didn’t know until I was about halfway through so there were some things I didn’t understand with the characters back stories.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good entertaining mystery

[Sandra Weaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great mystery a real page turner

[Grey853 · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book started out promisingly enough, but quickly became repetitive and predictable. It's a shame, because the writer has a knack for narrative, but unfortunately didn't really have a great story to tell, or at least a story with characters I liked.

[Aslee · Rating 1 out of 5]

No. Just.... no.

I honestly wish I could think of a more eloquent way to tell you how much I detest having wasted my life on this book, but there is no other way to say it. Never read this book; It does not possess even a single redeeming quality.

[Thelma · Rating 1 out of 5]

BORING BORING BOOK

[Judy]

I'm not sure whether I'll be finishing this. Not sure how much I love the main character.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

Great title for a mystery novel. The story was slowly paced and the ending rather gruesome.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining book. I want to read her earlier books.