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Reunion with Death
Laura Shumway couldn’t say why she’d agreed to go on the class reunion trip to Italy. Maybe it was to take stock of her life, or maybe it was just to catch up with old friends, take in the sights, and relax in the beautiful Tuscan countryside. Either way, she knew she’d discover a lot on the trip, about both herself and her former classmates. What she didn’t expect to discover was the dead body of esteemed professor Anthony Gilbert.
Gilbert had had a long and illustrious career at the college. Now retired to Italy, he appeared as a surprise guest speaker at the women’s vacation villa, still disarmingly handsome, still charming, but not nearly so eminent in the eyes of Laura’s classmates. As a young professor all those years ago, Gilbert used his position and looks to seduce and then cast aside many of his young and impressionable students, and at least some of the women on this trip had been hurt by his false promises of love. The kind of hurt that runs deep and may have given any number of them a motive for murder.
Before the polizia or carabiniere get involved, Laura and a few trusted classmates set out among the vineyards and hills of the Italian Riviera to solve the murder on their own. With the help of some influential locals and good old-fashioned detective work, they’re soon led to the conclusion that one of their classmates might be a killer—and what started as a trip to see how far they’d all come may turn into a stark lesson about just how far one of them would go.
About the Author:
Sheila Connolly is an Anthony and Agatha Award–nominated author who writes three bestselling cozy mystery series: the Museum Mysteries, the Orchard Mysteries, and the County Cork Mysteries, which includes Buried in a Bog and Scandal in Skibbereen, both New York Times bestsellers. In addition, she has published Once She Knew, a romantic suspense; Reunion with Death, a traditional mystery set in Tuscany; Relatively Dead, a paranormal romance and a New York Times bestseller; and Seeing the Dead, as well as a number of short stories. She lives in Massachusetts with her husband and three cats and travels to Ireland as often as possible.
Gilbert had had a long and illustrious career at the college. Now retired to Italy, he appeared as a surprise guest speaker at the women’s vacation villa, still disarmingly handsome, still charming, but not nearly so eminent in the eyes of Laura’s classmates. As a young professor all those years ago, Gilbert used his position and looks to seduce and then cast aside many of his young and impressionable students, and at least some of the women on this trip had been hurt by his false promises of love. The kind of hurt that runs deep and may have given any number of them a motive for murder.
Before the polizia or carabiniere get involved, Laura and a few trusted classmates set out among the vineyards and hills of the Italian Riviera to solve the murder on their own. With the help of some influential locals and good old-fashioned detective work, they’re soon led to the conclusion that one of their classmates might be a killer—and what started as a trip to see how far they’d all come may turn into a stark lesson about just how far one of them would go.
About the Author:
Sheila Connolly is an Anthony and Agatha Award–nominated author who writes three bestselling cozy mystery series: the Museum Mysteries, the Orchard Mysteries, and the County Cork Mysteries, which includes Buried in a Bog and Scandal in Skibbereen, both New York Times bestsellers. In addition, she has published Once She Knew, a romantic suspense; Reunion with Death, a traditional mystery set in Tuscany; Relatively Dead, a paranormal romance and a New York Times bestseller; and Seeing the Dead, as well as a number of short stories. She lives in Massachusetts with her husband and three cats and travels to Ireland as often as possible.
214 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 19, 2013
25 people are currently reading
343 people want to read
About the author
Sheila Connolly
65 books1,389 followersSheila Connolly taught art history, structured and marketed municipal bonds for major cities, worked as a staff member on two statewide political campaigns, and served as a fundraiser for several non-profit organizations. She also managed her own consulting company providing genealogical research services.
She was a member of Sisters in Crime-New England (president 2011), the national Sisters in Crime, and the fabulous on-line SinC chapter, the Guppies. She also belonged to Romance Writers of America and Mystery Writers of America.
Sheila was Regent of her local DAR chapter, and a member of the Society of Mayflower Descendants. She was also the grandchild of Irish immigrants. In addition to genealogy, Sheila loved restoring old houses, visiting cemeteries, and traveling.
She was a member of Sisters in Crime-New England (president 2011), the national Sisters in Crime, and the fabulous on-line SinC chapter, the Guppies. She also belonged to Romance Writers of America and Mystery Writers of America.
Sheila was Regent of her local DAR chapter, and a member of the Society of Mayflower Descendants. She was also the grandchild of Irish immigrants. In addition to genealogy, Sheila loved restoring old houses, visiting cemeteries, and traveling.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
December 6, 2013
Laura decides to go to a class reunion in Italy forty years on. She studied art history but changed her job to something secret with a government organisation. She is starting to relax in the glorious surroundings of the Tuscan countryside – eating delicious food which she hasn’t had to cook and drinking maybe more wine than is good for her.
She finds it interesting and illuminating to catch up with people she first met more than forty years ago and renew friendships. Then a retired professor is found dead and Laura is faced with a quandary. Does she voice her suspicions about the death or does she keep quiet and allow it to be written off as an unfortunate accident?
What happens when Laura confides her suspicions to her roommate, Cynthia, and they decide to investigate the case themselves while still continuing with their Italian holiday makes for an entertaining mystery in beautiful surroundings. I enjoyed this well written mystery though I didn’t find Laura a wholly likeable narrator. I loved the background and felt the author brought both the surroundings and the characters to life. Reading this story has made me want to read more by this author.
If you enjoy mysteries without violence or bad language then try this story.
She finds it interesting and illuminating to catch up with people she first met more than forty years ago and renew friendships. Then a retired professor is found dead and Laura is faced with a quandary. Does she voice her suspicions about the death or does she keep quiet and allow it to be written off as an unfortunate accident?
What happens when Laura confides her suspicions to her roommate, Cynthia, and they decide to investigate the case themselves while still continuing with their Italian holiday makes for an entertaining mystery in beautiful surroundings. I enjoyed this well written mystery though I didn’t find Laura a wholly likeable narrator. I loved the background and felt the author brought both the surroundings and the characters to life. Reading this story has made me want to read more by this author.
If you enjoy mysteries without violence or bad language then try this story.
November 22, 2013
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley. A sweet golden glow permeates this book, that of off-the-beaten-path Italy on a truly idyllic vacation tour with friends threatened with the taint of an unexpected murder. Part of the delight of this book is the group of intelligent women in their late fifties, who are Wellesley alumni, post their fortieth reunion. The reflections on life, memories of college and the unexpected revelations thrown up through the informal investigation of a former professor's death, all feel so real. It unwinds simply and humanely through multiple conversations and humane connections over the course of a few weeks touring Italy. There is another unexpected twist in the author's note at the end which I will leave for the reader to discover as an extra note of golden pleasure.
Very highly recommended.
Very highly recommended.
December 3, 2013
Laura Shumway surprises herself when she signs up for a college reunion trip to Italy. Once she arrives, Laura begins to relax. She is really enjoying the chance to catch up with her former roommate Cynthia as well as get to know other Wellesley graduates she hadn’t known 40 years ago when they were in school. The trip organizers arrange for a surprise speaker – retired Professor Gilbert who inspired some students, irritated others, and broke a lot of hearts. When the aging Lothario is found dead, Laura decides to find out the truth to salvage the trip and make sure a murderer doesn’t go free.
I really loved this book! I’ve read a couple of the books in Sheila Connelly’s Orchard Mystery series with mixed levels of enjoyment. However, the premise of this book, promising a whole different set of characters in a beautiful location, caught my interest. I’m so glad I gave the book a try because it is excellent! The characters have depth and engage in realistic, dialogue that is a pleasure to read. The mystery behind the professor’s death is interesting and the book provides plenty of viable suspects. To top it off, you couldn’t ask for more lovely setting in the countryside of Italy.
Laura is an interesting character. She is divorced with a grown daughter, intelligent, and has a mysterious job. Her outgoing, daring friend Cynthia shows that older people don’t have to give up on living life to the fullest. When Laura and Cynthia begin to work together to investigate Gilbert’s death, they make a wonderful team. Their professional credentials give them the know-how to solve the crime and make them convincing amateur sleuths. Sheila Connelly says this story is based on a real but less eventful, murder-free trip she took. I don’t know if this is a stand-alone book or the beginning of a new series, but I would love to see Laura and Cynthia team up again on another investigation.
This book was provided to me by NetGalley, through the courtesy of Beyond the Page Publishing, in exchange for an honest review.
I really loved this book! I’ve read a couple of the books in Sheila Connelly’s Orchard Mystery series with mixed levels of enjoyment. However, the premise of this book, promising a whole different set of characters in a beautiful location, caught my interest. I’m so glad I gave the book a try because it is excellent! The characters have depth and engage in realistic, dialogue that is a pleasure to read. The mystery behind the professor’s death is interesting and the book provides plenty of viable suspects. To top it off, you couldn’t ask for more lovely setting in the countryside of Italy.
Laura is an interesting character. She is divorced with a grown daughter, intelligent, and has a mysterious job. Her outgoing, daring friend Cynthia shows that older people don’t have to give up on living life to the fullest. When Laura and Cynthia begin to work together to investigate Gilbert’s death, they make a wonderful team. Their professional credentials give them the know-how to solve the crime and make them convincing amateur sleuths. Sheila Connelly says this story is based on a real but less eventful, murder-free trip she took. I don’t know if this is a stand-alone book or the beginning of a new series, but I would love to see Laura and Cynthia team up again on another investigation.
This book was provided to me by NetGalley, through the courtesy of Beyond the Page Publishing, in exchange for an honest review.
April 3, 2015
Joining her college classmates on their forty-year reunion trip, Laura heads off for a relaxing ten days of exploring Tuscany. The last-minute appearance of charmer Professor Gilbert is not entirely popular, for some of the ladies recall his past philandering ways.
The lively nature of the group contrasts well with their apparent respectability. They're all wives or divorcees, on third careers or CEOs. Who would hold a grudge for all these years? Laura studied art history and she's eager to visit the monastery and Medici villas, the historic walled city of Florence, with its Renaissance artworks, and Carrara marble mines. Touring among sumptuous surroundings, hazelnut gelatos and plentiful gossip, I didn't care if there was going to be a mystery to solve. The unfortunate professor is discovered lying dead on the stone path by Laura, who wonders if someone had taken offence from his silver tongue. Obviously the man slipped and fell... an accident? Or did he have help?
I thought Laura was too coy about what she did for a living for which government agency. She may have liked to be discreet among a group, but the narrator normally is honest with the reader and it's a bit annoying. Based on an actual trip taken by the author, this travelogue with well-plotted mystery included would make a great tour itinerary.
The lively nature of the group contrasts well with their apparent respectability. They're all wives or divorcees, on third careers or CEOs. Who would hold a grudge for all these years? Laura studied art history and she's eager to visit the monastery and Medici villas, the historic walled city of Florence, with its Renaissance artworks, and Carrara marble mines. Touring among sumptuous surroundings, hazelnut gelatos and plentiful gossip, I didn't care if there was going to be a mystery to solve. The unfortunate professor is discovered lying dead on the stone path by Laura, who wonders if someone had taken offence from his silver tongue. Obviously the man slipped and fell... an accident? Or did he have help?
I thought Laura was too coy about what she did for a living for which government agency. She may have liked to be discreet among a group, but the narrator normally is honest with the reader and it's a bit annoying. Based on an actual trip taken by the author, this travelogue with well-plotted mystery included would make a great tour itinerary.
January 22, 2016
This was a really good book that has been languishing on my Dusty bookshelf for too long now. I really enjoyed this one, although it was a bit strange in that the attitude of the MC switched between needing to solve the mystery to just letting it all go so that they could just enjoy their holiday. That kind of bothered me at first, but the conclusion felt right, so in the end, that is all that matters.
November 23, 2019
This was a two star read for me which I plodded through.
The plot is about a group of some forty women who are either in their late fifties or early sixties and who were the students of an all girls’ college in the United States called Wellesley College, who meet up in Tuscany, Italy for a reunion, after forty years. The story is told from the POV of Laura, one of the forty women. Laura is having a nice time with the sightseeing and the abundant and heavenly food that is served to them.
The women are also treated to an unexpected lecture on art by one of their Wellesley professors named Anthony Gilbert, now in his seventies and retired in Italy. This lecture is at the house of a couple named Greg and Barbara, known to the organisers of the reunion and where the ladies are staying for a part of their Italian sojourn. Greg has invited the Professor to speak because of the Wellesley College connection. This professor was a womanizer back in the day, having liaisons with the students and leaving them brokenhearted and weeping just days, after taking up with them. He was also reputed to be cruel and demeaning. Not a nice guy.
Gilbert is found dead, the day after his lecture. He appears to have fallen and broken his neck. The police rule that it is an accident but Laura is not convinced. Being a busybody who cannot let sleeping dogs lie, she investigates the death. She suspects that the murderer is one or more of the forty women who were presumably hurt and dumped by Gilbert forty years ago, although it would seem that the desire for revenge would have somewhat diminished, after forty years.
There were some things that were not believable like how Laura and her friend, Cynthia could get detailed information about the other women and even about the autopsy on Gilbert. Anyway, the autopsy revealed that Gilbert was given a concoction made out of Italian poppies that made him unsteady on his feet and somewhat confused, but not at all enough to kill him. The identity of the person who supplied the drink to Gilbert was not revealed by some process of clever deduction but by the culprit owning up. The intention was to make Gilbert look silly and to embarrass him but not to kill and served as a red herring in the plot.
This was not a cerebral read and was, all in all a meh one. However, it was interesting as a travelogue.
The plot is about a group of some forty women who are either in their late fifties or early sixties and who were the students of an all girls’ college in the United States called Wellesley College, who meet up in Tuscany, Italy for a reunion, after forty years. The story is told from the POV of Laura, one of the forty women. Laura is having a nice time with the sightseeing and the abundant and heavenly food that is served to them.
The women are also treated to an unexpected lecture on art by one of their Wellesley professors named Anthony Gilbert, now in his seventies and retired in Italy. This lecture is at the house of a couple named Greg and Barbara, known to the organisers of the reunion and where the ladies are staying for a part of their Italian sojourn. Greg has invited the Professor to speak because of the Wellesley College connection. This professor was a womanizer back in the day, having liaisons with the students and leaving them brokenhearted and weeping just days, after taking up with them. He was also reputed to be cruel and demeaning. Not a nice guy.
Gilbert is found dead, the day after his lecture. He appears to have fallen and broken his neck. The police rule that it is an accident but Laura is not convinced. Being a busybody who cannot let sleeping dogs lie, she investigates the death. She suspects that the murderer is one or more of the forty women who were presumably hurt and dumped by Gilbert forty years ago, although it would seem that the desire for revenge would have somewhat diminished, after forty years.
There were some things that were not believable like how Laura and her friend, Cynthia could get detailed information about the other women and even about the autopsy on Gilbert. Anyway, the autopsy revealed that Gilbert was given a concoction made out of Italian poppies that made him unsteady on his feet and somewhat confused, but not at all enough to kill him. The identity of the person who supplied the drink to Gilbert was not revealed by some process of clever deduction but by the culprit owning up. The intention was to make Gilbert look silly and to embarrass him but not to kill and served as a red herring in the plot.
This was not a cerebral read and was, all in all a meh one. However, it was interesting as a travelogue.
October 4, 2021
This was a TERRIBLE mystery. It was a great travelogue and I really wish it had been kept at that. I read the acknowledgements and then I realized this trip was real, and the author's classmates convinced her to make a mystery out of the whole trip. THAT's why the book felt so half baked. That's why the end is such a god awful disappointment.
BUT, this would have been such an AMAZING literary fiction because this is an age group that is HARDLY written about. Women in their 50s come together and have an amazing life-changing trip. All the women in the group were confident, they had made something of themselves. And yet, there were such small cues that would leave amazing lessons for people. As for me, I'll be turning 31 this year and a few years of back-breaking hard work has really left me burned out. I hadn't considered doing a group trip and having someone else take care of everything, but then after this, I'm honestly considering it.
What is it about vacations that make us feel refreshed? What is it about vacations that allow us to take a break, what is it that sets all the wrongs right? THIS is such an amazing thing. And to just have 40 women who turned up, caught up with each other, and spoke about their lives and had shared experiences, I would DIG that sort of a book. It would be so amazing to get nuggets of wisdom. Because you know at the base of it, as humans, we all have very similar experiences even though it's packaged differently. You get wiser with age and experience and having those lessons passed down through a vacation would be so amazing.
This was a decent travelogue type book, a terrible mystery, and an amazing way to hype Italy because now, I honestly want to go there!
I got a free copy of the book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
BUT, this would have been such an AMAZING literary fiction because this is an age group that is HARDLY written about. Women in their 50s come together and have an amazing life-changing trip. All the women in the group were confident, they had made something of themselves. And yet, there were such small cues that would leave amazing lessons for people. As for me, I'll be turning 31 this year and a few years of back-breaking hard work has really left me burned out. I hadn't considered doing a group trip and having someone else take care of everything, but then after this, I'm honestly considering it.
What is it about vacations that make us feel refreshed? What is it about vacations that allow us to take a break, what is it that sets all the wrongs right? THIS is such an amazing thing. And to just have 40 women who turned up, caught up with each other, and spoke about their lives and had shared experiences, I would DIG that sort of a book. It would be so amazing to get nuggets of wisdom. Because you know at the base of it, as humans, we all have very similar experiences even though it's packaged differently. You get wiser with age and experience and having those lessons passed down through a vacation would be so amazing.
This was a decent travelogue type book, a terrible mystery, and an amazing way to hype Italy because now, I honestly want to go there!
I got a free copy of the book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
June 11, 2017
I enjoy Sheila Connolly's Orchard Mysteries and County Cork Mysteries series so I was not surprised when I got totally wrapped up in this story of a group of women (my age) on a tour of Italy. They had been classmates at Wellesley College forty years ago. A professor who used his looks and position to prey on young students is found dead after giving a talk on Italian literature to the ladies. Many of them had reasons to dislike him, but could that drive someone to murder him after all these years?
I loved the descriptions of the scenery, the food, the small towns and the gellato. I've been to Italy and they all rang true. We had the scary experiences driving the narrow roads with hairpin curves and seeing a tour bus headed right at us.
I loved the descriptions of the scenery, the food, the small towns and the gellato. I've been to Italy and they all rang true. We had the scary experiences driving the narrow roads with hairpin curves and seeing a tour bus headed right at us.
November 21, 2022
I had a paperback. The story was fun, and it revolved around older women. The topic was frustrating yet you wanted to go to italy and eat great food
December 31, 2020
Wellesley alumnae take a 40th reunion trip to Italy; quite fun, especially for Wellesley alumnae of a similar vintage, and lots of enticing details of some out-of-the-way places in northern Italy. The decades-earlier actions of the elderly professor they meet there would have met short shrift in this Me-too era, one hopes.
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June 19, 2016Title: Reunion With Death
Author: Sheila Connolly
Published: 11-22-2013
Publisher: Beyond the Page Publishing
Pages: 214
Genre: Mystery, Thrillers & Suspense
Sub Genre: Women Sleuths; Cozy Mystery
ISBN: 9781937349950
ASIN: B00GT2UNHI
Reviewer: DelAnne
Reviewed For: NetGalley
Rating: 4 1/2 Stars
.
Laura Shumway is unsure as to if she wants to go to her college reunion in Italy. After all she no longer had contact with most of her Wellsley classmates. Deciding to look on it as a vacation and enjoy herself playing tourist. Expecting to have a fun time exploring the area Laura was shocked to find the body of one of her old professor, Anthony Gilbert. Laura and a few of her trusted classmates set out to find out who had it in for the professor. Who had been hired to have a They soon find they truly never knew the man who made it a habit to seduce and discard his female students. There were quite a few that still held grudges and want revenge on the man who used them so carelessly.
After a bit of investigation and talking with the locals they have come the decision that the killer had to be one of their fellow classmates. The question becomes which one and how do they prove it before the killer calls a permanent halt to their snooping?
Sheila Connolly has written a fast paced fun read with interesting characters that are diverse and keep you into the story. The plot flow smoothly and does not jump around from scene to scene. Connolly's descriptive writing brings the story alive and allows the reader to virtually visualize the scenes from the book. A great escape cozy. Grab your, coffee, wine, tea or your beverage of choice, a comfortable spot and travel to Italy along with Laura. My rating is 4 1/2 out of 5 stars.
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
Barnes and Noble link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/reuni...
GoodReads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
The Reading Room link: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
Author: Sheila Connolly
Published: 11-22-2013
Publisher: Beyond the Page Publishing
Pages: 214
Genre: Mystery, Thrillers & Suspense
Sub Genre: Women Sleuths; Cozy Mystery
ISBN: 9781937349950
ASIN: B00GT2UNHI
Reviewer: DelAnne
Reviewed For: NetGalley
Rating: 4 1/2 Stars
.
Laura Shumway is unsure as to if she wants to go to her college reunion in Italy. After all she no longer had contact with most of her Wellsley classmates. Deciding to look on it as a vacation and enjoy herself playing tourist. Expecting to have a fun time exploring the area Laura was shocked to find the body of one of her old professor, Anthony Gilbert. Laura and a few of her trusted classmates set out to find out who had it in for the professor. Who had been hired to have a They soon find they truly never knew the man who made it a habit to seduce and discard his female students. There were quite a few that still held grudges and want revenge on the man who used them so carelessly.
After a bit of investigation and talking with the locals they have come the decision that the killer had to be one of their fellow classmates. The question becomes which one and how do they prove it before the killer calls a permanent halt to their snooping?
Sheila Connolly has written a fast paced fun read with interesting characters that are diverse and keep you into the story. The plot flow smoothly and does not jump around from scene to scene. Connolly's descriptive writing brings the story alive and allows the reader to virtually visualize the scenes from the book. A great escape cozy. Grab your, coffee, wine, tea or your beverage of choice, a comfortable spot and travel to Italy along with Laura. My rating is 4 1/2 out of 5 stars.
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
Barnes and Noble link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/reuni...
GoodReads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
The Reading Room link: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
October 13, 2016
This book is about a group of 40 alumni of a women's college that take a well-planned trip to Italy and a murder occurs. Now that is just a nice, clean, and proper sentence. This book is twenty stars more deep than that description portrays.
This book is a travelogue, foodie expo, bonding between women in their sixties, and more. However, what had my husband, doctor, his assistant, and me talking through our appointments, and their lunch hours was so much more important and curiously topical to today's headlines. I did not realize when I downloaded this book that it was so full of meaningful content, and I wonder if the excellent author even realizes the importance of her words.
This book discloses the secret world that evolves around being a woman (in the 60's, 70's, 80's...) in a 'man's world.' The license of behavior that the good ole' boys silently spoke and authorized. Yes, I almost doubt there is a single woman that hasn't had an inappropriate action made towards her, mind you without her approval, and was terrified, ashamed, or plain accepting that- well that is how the world works and I better shut up or I'll lose my job, be humiliated even more, or...you can add the verbs yourself. This is also happening to men, but, just not on the open level that women have been subjected to. I was in the military and I'll just leave it at that.
Currently this topic of harassment and bullying, and humiliation is being discussed openly, however, this is new. This murder mystery leaves your truly thinking. The solution was correct but I felt sorry about it. This book was so powerful that I actually began a discussion with my doctor during my treatment...it was an important discussion and I and my husband continued the talk for a good four hours at home.
I also want to express how much I truly adored the description of the Italian Tuscan Hills and seaside areas. I felt the cold of the marble at Carrera, I could smell the foods described, and tasted those delicious wines. I have not been fortunate enough to feel the sisterhood that the alumni shared but dream of hope to in the future, (might be hard as I didn't graduate University...but?) This book was just so much more than a stand alone murder mystery. It is a true novel with a mystery. Bravo!
This book is a travelogue, foodie expo, bonding between women in their sixties, and more. However, what had my husband, doctor, his assistant, and me talking through our appointments, and their lunch hours was so much more important and curiously topical to today's headlines. I did not realize when I downloaded this book that it was so full of meaningful content, and I wonder if the excellent author even realizes the importance of her words.
This book discloses the secret world that evolves around being a woman (in the 60's, 70's, 80's...) in a 'man's world.' The license of behavior that the good ole' boys silently spoke and authorized. Yes, I almost doubt there is a single woman that hasn't had an inappropriate action made towards her, mind you without her approval, and was terrified, ashamed, or plain accepting that- well that is how the world works and I better shut up or I'll lose my job, be humiliated even more, or...you can add the verbs yourself. This is also happening to men, but, just not on the open level that women have been subjected to. I was in the military and I'll just leave it at that.
Currently this topic of harassment and bullying, and humiliation is being discussed openly, however, this is new. This murder mystery leaves your truly thinking. The solution was correct but I felt sorry about it. This book was so powerful that I actually began a discussion with my doctor during my treatment...it was an important discussion and I and my husband continued the talk for a good four hours at home.
I also want to express how much I truly adored the description of the Italian Tuscan Hills and seaside areas. I felt the cold of the marble at Carrera, I could smell the foods described, and tasted those delicious wines. I have not been fortunate enough to feel the sisterhood that the alumni shared but dream of hope to in the future, (might be hard as I didn't graduate University...but?) This book was just so much more than a stand alone murder mystery. It is a true novel with a mystery. Bravo!
December 28, 2013
I was delighted to get my hands on this book as I had heard so much praise about Sheila Connolly’s work. However, this book failed me to impress and I was just left unsatisfied. I did not find any mystery in this work, forget about the twists. Firstly, a good mystery makes readers to hook into it. Secondly, it should be fast paced. Thirdly and most importantly, a good mystery forces reader to judge different characters, suspect these characters, and then change his/her mind about the main culprit. I didn’t find any of these in this novel. I did not suspect anybody throughout the book, I never blamed anybody, and never had any leading ideas as to who it might have been because I didn't sense like I was trying to solve this crime. The characters were not developed in a way as they should have been developed.
Despite all the weaknesses mentioned above, the book has something that will appeal to readers. The narrative style is beautiful. The readers get to see different places through writer’s eyes. The concept was good. Some of the dialogues are terrific and some of the scenes are memorable.
I am reading the author's work for the first time. I have read so many mysteries and crime thrillers and, therefore, I guess I have judged this book along those lines.
(This book was provided to me by NetGalley, through the courtesy of Beyond the Page Publishing, in exchange for an honest review.)
Despite all the weaknesses mentioned above, the book has something that will appeal to readers. The narrative style is beautiful. The readers get to see different places through writer’s eyes. The concept was good. Some of the dialogues are terrific and some of the scenes are memorable.
I am reading the author's work for the first time. I have read so many mysteries and crime thrillers and, therefore, I guess I have judged this book along those lines.
(This book was provided to me by NetGalley, through the courtesy of Beyond the Page Publishing, in exchange for an honest review.)
July 26, 2016
It took me awhile to get into this book, there is a lot of beautiful Italian background that came before the actual story did.
This story is about Laura, a forty something gal who decides to go on a class reunion trip to Italy with 40 class mates she hasn't seen or talked to in about as many years.
This will be more of a relaxing vacation than anything else she tells herself. All the ladies are staying at a Villa that is hosting a talk with professor Anthony Gilbert who taught all the gals back in the day and until recently still taught at Wellsley where they all went to school.
When this handsome yet, now elderly professor turns up dead, many of Laura's classmates seem to have hurt feelings about affairs of the heart that went on may years ago with this charming man. Laura and her high school chum Cynthia decide to become detectives and find out what really is going on with this class trip of brokenhearts and just maybe a killer who did in the aging romeo.
This book is a wonderful snapshot of Italy, the author paints a wonderful picture of what the actual trip might have been like as well as what it might have yasted like!
This is a mystery without violence or ugly language, an enjoyable read.
This story is about Laura, a forty something gal who decides to go on a class reunion trip to Italy with 40 class mates she hasn't seen or talked to in about as many years.
This will be more of a relaxing vacation than anything else she tells herself. All the ladies are staying at a Villa that is hosting a talk with professor Anthony Gilbert who taught all the gals back in the day and until recently still taught at Wellsley where they all went to school.
When this handsome yet, now elderly professor turns up dead, many of Laura's classmates seem to have hurt feelings about affairs of the heart that went on may years ago with this charming man. Laura and her high school chum Cynthia decide to become detectives and find out what really is going on with this class trip of brokenhearts and just maybe a killer who did in the aging romeo.
This book is a wonderful snapshot of Italy, the author paints a wonderful picture of what the actual trip might have been like as well as what it might have yasted like!
This is a mystery without violence or ugly language, an enjoyable read.
February 16, 2014
This is a stand alone book which I enjoyed reading as all of Sheila Connolly's books are. The descriptions of Northern Italy are outstanding and I felt I was visiting the Tuscan county along with the group. All the places sound like luxurious accommodations and food was native to the area being visited. I like the trip to Marble Mountain. The book is informative.
Laura Shunway accepts the offer to tour Italy with 40 of her alumni classmates. The group's meets outside of Florence where they are caravan to the first stop in vans. The first night the leaders give a synopsis of the first week. On Friday night there is a guest speaker Professor Emeritus Gilbert. There is a mixed reaction to this announcement. there many stories about him during college years. After Friday night Laura finds DEAD below the pool. I'm looks like an accident and the poliza. are ready to accept it. Laura makes a phone call and later learns it was probably murder. Cynthia and Laura decided to solve the murder before the poliza. The answer was surprising.
I was given a free copy of the book for an honest review.
Laura Shunway accepts the offer to tour Italy with 40 of her alumni classmates. The group's meets outside of Florence where they are caravan to the first stop in vans. The first night the leaders give a synopsis of the first week. On Friday night there is a guest speaker Professor Emeritus Gilbert. There is a mixed reaction to this announcement. there many stories about him during college years. After Friday night Laura finds DEAD below the pool. I'm looks like an accident and the poliza. are ready to accept it. Laura makes a phone call and later learns it was probably murder. Cynthia and Laura decided to solve the murder before the poliza. The answer was surprising.
I was given a free copy of the book for an honest review.
September 12, 2015
Mystery, murder,food and wine, Reunion with Death has it all and more!
During a 40 year Wellesley reunion, a leacherous retired professor is murdered. Laura and Cynthia, college roommates are on the case. How to find out "who did it" in two days? Well, our ladies manage to do just that while enjoying the wonderful Italian countryside and reconnecting with old friends.
I wish I could say what I liked most - the mystery, the lush descriptions of the wine country of Italy, the foodie in me loved the details of the meals and the wine or the wonderful art history facts that Connolly treated readers to throughout the book.
One of the things that stands out to me, are the chartacters themselves. All are "women of a certain age" who are portrayed as vibrant, smart and witty. The relationship between Laura and Cynthia is a great example of two strong women who while they may have weaknesses, they have gotten through tough times with their wit, knowledge and determination. It would be a great series!
During a 40 year Wellesley reunion, a leacherous retired professor is murdered. Laura and Cynthia, college roommates are on the case. How to find out "who did it" in two days? Well, our ladies manage to do just that while enjoying the wonderful Italian countryside and reconnecting with old friends.
I wish I could say what I liked most - the mystery, the lush descriptions of the wine country of Italy, the foodie in me loved the details of the meals and the wine or the wonderful art history facts that Connolly treated readers to throughout the book.
One of the things that stands out to me, are the chartacters themselves. All are "women of a certain age" who are portrayed as vibrant, smart and witty. The relationship between Laura and Cynthia is a great example of two strong women who while they may have weaknesses, they have gotten through tough times with their wit, knowledge and determination. It would be a great series!
January 21, 2014
Connolly’s descriptions of the various parts of Italy they visited are fantastic and made me want to go there immediately! Secondly, I want to eat all the food they ate. Because the characters are middle-aged women, they have the wisdom to fully enjoy things and not be worried about impressing boys, eating “the wrong thing,” or maintaining their size 2. So they happily indulge in the well described fresh Italian cuisine and gelato while their visual senses are tantalized by the abundant art and history. Seriously, I am getting my passport updated.
And then there’s the murder. No one deserves to be murdered more than Professor Sleazebag, the slimy user, philanderer and plagiarist. Not that I am condoning murder. The fact that male professors got away with that sort of thing back in the day just makes my blood boil. I think we should hang them all by their tes- (read full review at www.bubblebathbooks.net )
And then there’s the murder. No one deserves to be murdered more than Professor Sleazebag, the slimy user, philanderer and plagiarist. Not that I am condoning murder. The fact that male professors got away with that sort of thing back in the day just makes my blood boil. I think we should hang them all by their tes- (read full review at www.bubblebathbooks.net )
May 23, 2014
I didn't used to read this type of mystery, but received an advance copy for review and was very pleasantly surprised.
Entertaining, well-written read. Other reviewers have explained enough about the story itself--I enjoyed the realistic portrayal of the characters (who I found interesting--and one or two of whom I'd love to get to know!. AND now I want to go to Italy and see some of these beautiful places--like the mountains of marble--and sit in the sunshine all afternoon and late into the night, enjoying good food, and renewing friendships, and BASKING in life, instead of just worrying my way through it.
We all grow, and change, and age. And wonder about the decisions we've made and how we got to this point in our lives. And about old friends... and are occasionally lucky enough to make new ones.
We all deserve an adventure like this one...even if it's just from the armchair in our living room, or a chair on the deck in the sun.
Entertaining, well-written read. Other reviewers have explained enough about the story itself--I enjoyed the realistic portrayal of the characters (who I found interesting--and one or two of whom I'd love to get to know!. AND now I want to go to Italy and see some of these beautiful places--like the mountains of marble--and sit in the sunshine all afternoon and late into the night, enjoying good food, and renewing friendships, and BASKING in life, instead of just worrying my way through it.
We all grow, and change, and age. And wonder about the decisions we've made and how we got to this point in our lives. And about old friends... and are occasionally lucky enough to make new ones.
We all deserve an adventure like this one...even if it's just from the armchair in our living room, or a chair on the deck in the sun.
June 25, 2014
Reunion with Death is billed as a mystery. It's more of a travelogue and an excellent one. Forty Wellsley College classmates celebrate their 40th college graduation anniversary with a tour of Tuscany and the Cinq Terre regions of Italy. Connolly paints an eye grabbing tour of the towns and places they visit. She also throws in wonderful descriptions of the meals they eat. As for the mystery, it left a lot to be desired. A former professor who preyed on students falls to his death on a rocky slope. Did he fall or was he pushed is the question. The police deem it an accident but Laura pushes the issue and soon she and her friend are trying to solve the "murder"
One quibble. Other than Laura, none of the womn have a last name. This irritated me as it helps to differentiate----there was nothing to tell one woman from another. The names were interchangeable.
One quibble. Other than Laura, none of the womn have a last name. This irritated me as it helps to differentiate----there was nothing to tell one woman from another. The names were interchangeable.
October 8, 2014
For the latest class reunion of Wellesley College, forty women alumni get together for a tour of Italy. Unfortunately, one of their guest speakers, retired Professor Anthony Gilbert from the college has an accident during the night where he falls down the concrete steps and dies. But after hearing some of the sexual innuendos about this professor, Laura is concerned that this was not an accident, but a murder. Will she be able to get to the bottom of this mystery before the trip is over? This was based on an actual class reunion with forty women but without the murder. As such, there is more travel and tourism and less murder in this story. But despite that I enjoyed this story. For me, I was able to relate somewhat to the women because I also was a freshman in 1969 at an all female college. It was a different era and I can appreciate how the back story events came about.
July 26, 2015
I liked the concept of college classmates getting together for a trip to Italy. Two women pulled it together and the rest just and to show up and enjoy themselves. (Wish someone would arrange this for me!) The women may or may not have known each other in college.
Interestingly, after the story, the author admits to having exactly that experience, minus the murder. Very cool.
The settings are marvelous. The various characters quite believable and interesting.
The questions about things that happened back in college with professors and such were very real. Should they have reported him? But, to whom? The whole idea of sexual harassment wasn't around then and there wasn't anything in place for dealing with it.
Why were these "liberated" young women so willing to be sucked into the wiles of a professor?
All good questions and the presentation is great.
Interestingly, after the story, the author admits to having exactly that experience, minus the murder. Very cool.
The settings are marvelous. The various characters quite believable and interesting.
The questions about things that happened back in college with professors and such were very real. Should they have reported him? But, to whom? The whole idea of sexual harassment wasn't around then and there wasn't anything in place for dealing with it.
Why were these "liberated" young women so willing to be sucked into the wiles of a professor?
All good questions and the presentation is great.
December 5, 2013
Bodies are not strewn all over the place in this pleasing mystery about a get together of college women some 40 years after graduation on a special trip to Italy.
Of course there is a body – but is it murder or an accident? The dead guy is an old professor – ‘pushing 80’ – who back when the women were in college preyed on young women students – favoring them with
‘dates’ – then rejecting them – and if they didn’t go along – withholding letters of recommendation and giving them lower grades and embarrassing them in class.
So there is plenty of reason to suspect murder – and since Laura decides something doesn’t seem right – and another friend – and then a few others – look into who might be responsible.
Terrific dialogue and memorable scenes of Italy make this a good read.
Of course there is a body – but is it murder or an accident? The dead guy is an old professor – ‘pushing 80’ – who back when the women were in college preyed on young women students – favoring them with
‘dates’ – then rejecting them – and if they didn’t go along – withholding letters of recommendation and giving them lower grades and embarrassing them in class.
So there is plenty of reason to suspect murder – and since Laura decides something doesn’t seem right – and another friend – and then a few others – look into who might be responsible.
Terrific dialogue and memorable scenes of Italy make this a good read.
October 6, 2014
I have read several books by this author, most notably the Orchard mysteries, and enjoyed them. When I saw she had written a mystery set in Italy that involved a group of alumnae from Wellesley College spending 10 days in Tuscany and Liguria, I knew I had to read it. I spent two weeks in Rome and Umbria, the latter part with the Berkshire Choral Festival. 100 of us lived, rehearsed and sang in Scheggino and Spoletto. Singing in Spoletto's great cathedral and the small church in Scheggino was indescribable. The whole trip was a once in a lifetime experience I was able to relive in a way through this book (although no murder occurred during my trip!). I recommend the book (and travel to Italy) without reservation.
December 28, 2013
Connolly is one of my absolute favorite mystery authors. I love both her orchard and museum series and read them as soon as I get them. This book didn't really live up to her other books. The pacing of the book didn't really keep me turning pages. The ending itself while it explained what happened wasn't particularly satisfying. Also, with 40+ characters it was hard to keep everyone straight and really understand their motives. On the plus side, I did like Laura and Cynthia and the way the handled the investigation did make sense. I always hate when people who have no business asking questions go running around being extremely nosy and nobody really seems to blink.
January 29, 2015
An excellent story. Sort of a travelogue mixed with a mystery. At a 40th class reunion a proposal is made for a trip to Italy. 40 women sign up and go to Northern Italy. At a dinner an old professor who had plagued classes,of students for years with his sexual harassment gives a lecture. The next morning he is found at the base of a drop off, dead. No one is regretting his loss and several of the women had cause to hate the man for his mistreatment of them when they were students. The descriptions of Northern Italy are fabulous and make one long to see the area. The mystery is solved and the miscreant soes the right thing. I enjoyed this book very much.
March 16, 2014
Laura decides to join a group of her college classmates from 40 years ago on a trip to Italy. When a professor from the school is killed by a fall down a hill everyone thinks it's an accident. Laura and her friend, Cynthia, decide to look into the "accident" and discover that there is something suspicious about the fall. This book is a wonderful travel log of some not tourist spots and the characters are so well written and believable. Maybe because they're my age group. I liked this story and I like books by Sheila Connolly.
February 5, 2014
A group of women meet in Italy for their 40th college reunion. A former professor is asked to speak at their first dinner and is found dead the next morning. Secrets are revealed and the women begin investigating. Is one of them a murderer? The investigation must be fit between sightseeing, delicious meals, and beautiful scenery. A well-crafted murder mystery set in the beauty of Italy, this was a very enjoyable story.
January 30, 2014
Borrowed from NetGalley for an honest review.
I decided not to continue reading this because it is moving at a really slow pace and the mystery is far from being interesting. Even though the mystery may be boring I found the author did a wonderful job of showcasing Italy and all the museums and artworks and scenery that the main character saw.
I decided not to continue reading this because it is moving at a really slow pace and the mystery is far from being interesting. Even though the mystery may be boring I found the author did a wonderful job of showcasing Italy and all the museums and artworks and scenery that the main character saw.
January 27, 2014
Laura finds herself in the middle of a mystery when an old college professor dies during a reunion trip, to Italy, that she has taken with 40 other female classmates. I enjoyed this book, with its amazing local it was easy to find myself in Tuscany along side the author. I was guessing until the end as to who help the professor along to his early demise.
August 28, 2014
while I generally adore her writing style and read her book in a few hours this one took me a week of going chapter by chapter to force myself to finish it. somehow it just didn't fit her writing style.
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