Shadow Waltz

A Marjorie McClelland Mystery #3

by Amy Patricia Meade

"Did he or didn't he?" is the question in this third vintage mystery set during the Great Depression and starring the strong-willed and independent Marjorie McClelland. Newly betrothed and looking forward to the future, wealthy Englishman Creighton Ashcroft and mystery author Marjorie would like nothing better than to enjoy some quiet time in which to write about their adventures and plan their impending nuptials. Fate has different plans for the couple when a young mother shows up on Marjorie's doorstep asking for help to find her missing husband. Accepting the case, Marjorie and Creighton are led to an abandoned house and the dismembered body of the husband's mistress. When the husband is convicted of murder, Marjorie feels a nagging doubt that he might not have been guilty. Can her fiance keep Marjorie's sleuthing nature under wraps or will he be willing to jump in and help her solve another mystery?

Genres: Mystery, Historical Mystery, Historical Fiction, Historical, Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Cozy

232 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

Author of the critically acclaimed Marjorie McClelland Mysteries, the Rosie the Riveter historical mysteries, and the recent Vermont series, Amy Patricia Meade is a native of Long Island, NY, where she cut her teeth on classic films and books featuring Nancy Drew and Encyclopedia Brown.

Later in her youth, she’d come to admire the works of Agatha Christie and Dorothy Sayers, leading her to pursue a degree in English as well as business.

Amy currently resides in Bristol, England where she's busy adding to her Tish Tarragon and Vermont Country Living Mysteries.
When not writing, Amy enjoys travel, testing out new recipes, classic films, and, of course, reading mysteries.

Reviews

[Lynx · Rating 3 out of 5]

What begins as a missing persons case quickly turns into murder after a young woman comes to Marjorie and Creighton for help finding her husband. Juggling wedding plans, the case and a town full of people who have some crazy ideas regarding the ceremony, the duo yet again dive headfirst into delightful shenanigans. As always, filled with fun screwball banter reminiscent of Old Hollywood classics. The third in the McClelland series, this one was Meade's strongest yet in regards to characters, giving bit players in the last two more involvement and backstory but her weakest mystery, solvable midway through. Luckily the characters keep you going and hopefully the next will be a stronger case.


*Thank you netgalley and Beyond the Page Publishing for this review copy*

[Linda Osiolek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ver light and entertaining .

[Lesley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the third in the series and it was as light and breezy as the others.
I had it figured out by the middle of the book, but stayed with it just to see if I was right.
I enjoy Marjorie, Creighton, Mrs. Patterson, and all the other characters, and will continue with the series.

[Deb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, this was fun. The detective duo of Marjorie and Creighton are famous in Hartford, Connecticut for their ability to solve crimes faster than the local police detectives. They are jaunty and sophisticated and engaged to be married as well. In fact, the two of them are a younger version of William Powell and Myrna Loy. Between a missing person's case and seemingly related murder, Marjorie and Creighton are trying to plan their wedding. The comic relief of a well-meaning elderly neighbor, a crime novel obsessed pastor, a wedding tent with a hole in it and numerous intrusive parishioners entertains at least as much as the mystery here. The solution even has a nice little twist. I imagine I'll look up the wedding cruise of these two sleuths in the future.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the midst of the Depression, young author Marjorie McClelland should be planning her wedding to handsome, wealthy Englishman Creighton Ashcroft, but a young mother has just brought her a new mystery to solve. Elizabeth's husband Michael has disappeared. As Marjorie, with Creighton's help. looks for the missing man, she finds more than she expected, including several murders. When she isn't investigating, she's hearing with horror the plans for the wedding that the close-knit local community has come up with. But maybe it's too late to insist on the simple ceremony she and Creighton would prefer--she doesn't want to disappoint all her friends.

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is getting progressively better - too bad there's only one more book. I feel like the author has finally found her voice, the world, and the characters. The plot was a tad convoluted in places, although as a whole it held together well. Also, there were a few touches that seemed a bit too grisly for a proper cozy mystery, although I'm not very well-versed in the cozy genre.

Overall, another fun, slightly campy historical fiction romp. Worth reading if you've read either of the previous two books!

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great characters, especially Creighton and Mrs. P. Marjorie was so much smarter in this one, putting more caution in her actions. Multi crime mystery and plenty of twists. I did figure out some of it early on but wanted to find out how Creighton and Marjorie were going to get out of the circus of a wedding that the town was planning for them. Excellent ending.

[Clemmie Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a twist

The amateur sleuthers make a good team. A good mystery that keeps your mind working right to the end. Enjoy the silly characters & the people they come across are quite interesting

[Shelby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series

I love reading about this bygone era. She has developed her characters with each book. I look forward to book 4.

[Nancy Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

By the time this book ended I was so confused--a very convoluted story--good thing I like the characters inspite of the story. One book left in the series--stay tune.

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun romp through a double mystery with Marjorie and Creighton and friends.

[Judith McGraw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love all of Amy's books. Fun to read and try to find out who did it!

[Crittermom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amy Patricia Meade has yet again provided readers with a wonderful Depression era mystery that is fun to read. Even better than its two predecessors, Shadow Waltz successfully combines screwball comedy and suspense to the delight of mystery aficionados.

Marjorie McClelland and Creighton Ashcroft are engaged, with wedding bells on the horizon. The duo, having finally come together, are an amazing pair. Their witty banter, flirtations, and humorous hijinks add a romantic sparkle to the novel. Unlike Jameson, Creighton fully supports Marjorie's investigative leanings and participates wholeheartedly, if only in hopes of curbing disasters. (I simply adored the scene where Marjorie managed to get her foot stuck in the loo) When a missing person's case turns into a murder investigation, Marjorie and Creighton are determined to beat Detective Jameson at his own game and uncover the murderer first. With red herrings galore, the mystery twists and turns to a surprising finale.

One of the most humorous aspects of the novel are the plans for the wedding. Needless to say the whole town is involved, and some of their ideas are...unusual..to say the least. Mrs. Patterson is a delight, with her pragmatic outlook on life and her nurturing nature. Jameson's partner, Noonan, is hilarious in an understated way. I especially liked his speech in praise of his wife, demonstrating the importance in never underestimating women.

Shadow Waltz is an entertaining romp that will delight fans of period mysteries and screwball comedies. If you like Agatha Christie's romantic suspense titles or her mysteries featuring Tommy and Tuppence, you will love Shadow Waltz and the other Marjorie McClelland mysteries.

I received a copy of Shadow Waltz from the publisher and Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.

Shadow Waltz is currently an Amazon.com exclusive.

--Crittermom

[Nanette Tredoux · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very enjoyable read, but.... Having reviewed the previous book I was sensitised to the author's harsh attitude towards poor Sharon Schutt, and indeed the whole Schutt family. I know this is meant as light relief, but...we meet Sharon again in the very first chapter and the stereotyping of her weight problem is quite tasteless. I am sure the novel is supposed to be experienced as sophisticated and witty, that is clearly the author's intention. So don't compare the fat girl to a pig hoping to get a laugh. That is just rude and not very imaginative either, and the editor should have picked it up, like he or she should have picked up that Gwendolyn can't both have a boyish figure and an ample behind within a paragraph or two.

Apart from the fact that it could have benefited from more rigorous editing, the book is great fun. The plot is not that transparent, and the dialogue between the main characters is well done. I appreciated officer Noonan being depicted as more of a person and less of a cartoon in this book. The reverend doesn't quite ring true, but I suppose he is also meant as comic relief. Mrs Patterson is a darling.

A light entertaining read, don't take this too seriously.

[Andrea Stoeckel · Rating 4 out of 5]

[I received this book free from the publisher through NetGalley. I thank them for their generousity. In exchange, I was simply asked to write an honest review, and post it. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising]

As I understand this is the third book in this series, however,I believe it could also be a stand- alone.

Take a bit of Miss Marple, add a generous portion of The Thin Man, toss in a cat and two Keystone Cops, and you have a nice enough, albeit predictable, mystery. Marjorie is now engaged to Creighton, and the wedding is being hijacked by the town all while this mystery unfolds. Set in the Depression, the role of women will drive you crazy, especially when the strongest characters are women, from Mrs. P to Nurse Douglas to Sharon, the men definately take a backseat in this story.

Its really difficult to get into this review without spoiling the plot, so I won't except to say that this is a pretty good, light, escapist mystery.

[Cate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Third in a series set in Connecticut during the Great Depression, featuring mystery novelist-turned-amateur sleuth Marjorie McClelland and her now fiancé Creighton Ashcroft. Alongside a dark and slightly gruesome murder case that might have come straight out of an early film noir, the plot follows the trials and tribulations of Marjorie and Creighton as they attempt to plan their upcoming nuptials without the interference of the entire town. Since Marjorie certainly qualifies as a “plucky” heroine, the villagers’ interference is clearly there for purely comic relief. Fast-paced dialogue is usually witty, but occasionally falls flat, or worse, becomes downright mean.

[Susan Johnston · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a fan of the films of the 1930's, it is fun to read a book that captures the spirit of those movies. The Majorie McClelland series does just that. This is not the first one that I have read and found I liked this one even more than the first. The characters, particularly Majorie and her fiance, Creighton, are well drawn. I can hear Wlliam Powell and Myrna Loy banter witty dialogue back and forth while uncovering clues to a crime. This mystery had me going in the wrong direction but once I twigged, it was fun to watch how the clues had been there all along.
The book is a light and easy read- I finished it in hours- that would be a perfect accompaniment on a vacation by a pool.

[Sara Diane · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well, I figured out the "mystery" on page 50 and then had to muddle through another 170 pages before the sluth or the police figured it out. The story had some charm, but the 1930 sentiments were taken a bit far and the whole "lovey dovey" attitude of Marjorie and Creighton got annoying. That, and what woman, especially one as reputedly hardheaded as Marjorie, would let the rest of the town plan her wedding? Sure, it was comical, but rather unbeliveable.

I would only recommend if you are a sucker for mystery and for the 1930's...

[Hayley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have finally gotten around to reading the third installment in the Marjorie McClelland mystery series and I am immensely grateful for it. It is as fun and fast-paced at the first two, with Marjorie and Creighton delightful as "private investigators". The crime in question is a little more disturbing than the other two, but fortunately there are no long-winded descriptions of the dead body. I would recommend reading the first two books before embarking on this one simply because it better explains the relationship between the characters.

[Jeannie and Louis Rigod · Rating 5 out of 5]

My reviews of this series has consistently remained five stars and that is because, in my view, the books are worthy of them.

In this episode the main sleuth's character keeps getting diverted from her upcoming nuptials by mystery, murder and life in the mid 1930's. Romance is the main subject but Ms. Meade does not allow her character to lose her characteristics.

I could go into why I said life in 1935 dictated Marjorie's (sleuth's) actions but that would cause me to write a 'spoiler' and I do not enjoy hints. Suffice it to say, this book is worthy of five stars.

[Chrissy Van Der Laan · Rating 5 out of 5]

*i received this book in exchange for an honest review*
Truly amazing.
Marjorie and Creighton are spectacular characters in an amazing story. Two engaged private detectives solving crime and planning a wedding while trying to keep the small town happy.
i loved the era this book was set in it was easy to imagine you were back in the 1930's the language was great.
the mystery aspect of this book was great filled with twists and turns and i honestly never saw the ending play out the way it did it was pure genius. highly recommended read.

[Bubble Bath Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sissy: The characters are crazy, the plot is rolling with red herrings, and peppy protagonist Marjorie is constantly getting herself into insane situations.
Bubby: If you love whodunnits with strong female protagonists like Shadow Waltz, you'll love the these other vintage-themed mysteries too. Read our full review of Shadow Waltz by Amy Patricia Meade.

[Christiane · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my favorite book in the series so far. Marjorie has made her choice and is engaged (hopefully for good this time), but before she can even begin planning the wedding, another corpse (this one the dismembered body of a young woman) shows up and the obviously guilty party may in fact not be the murderer at all.

[Tonya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another fun, witty Marjorie McClelland Mystery. This one did a fine job of keeping you guessing until the end, although it was kind of predictable. I love that the witty banter was back, although Jameson and Creighton being "friends" was slightly ridiculous. A nice, quick read, perfect for reading in the hammock.

[Kallierose · Rating 2 out of 5]

*i received this book in exchange for an honest review*

I tried to like this book - I truly did. But the characterizations, inconsistencies, and lack of detail made it hard. It reads like...I hesitate to say it...mediocrely written fanfic, and (as somebody else mentioned) I figured out the twist early on and spent the rest of the time yelling at the characters to catch up.

[Faith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Third in a series, this novel reads like a 1930s "B" movie. Alternating between suspenseful and funny (in an ironic sort of way), Meade has crafted another twisty story that leaves the reader smiling at the end. Looking forward to more in the series and from Meade.

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in the 1930's, this "period" piece is funny and quaint with the morals and viewpoints of the time surrounding a murder mystery. Marjorie McClelland, the main character, intuits the solution to the crime as the men bumble along.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this fun and quick read. It really did remind me of an old black and white film something along the lines of the Thin Man. I only wished I had read the previous two books in this series so that I would better understand some of the backstory. Regardless I really enjoyed it!

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

The murder this time around is a bit gorier (is that a word?) than the first book, but the dialogue and the repartee is as fun. (Although a gory murder juxtaposed with light, silly dialogue is a bit jarring - unless you're Quentin Tarantino). An easy read to while away the afternoon.

[carrietracy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I figured out the twist unfortunately early and then basically felt like I was waiting around for the characters to catch up. I still found it enjoyable, but I would have liked to have been thrown off the track more effectively. Still, it was a pleasant little mystery, light reading.