Virtual Enemies: A Beryl Swallows Mystery

Beryl Swallows Mysteries #1

by Sharon Mierke

When Beryl Swallows attended the funeral of a former schoolmate, Mary Lou Sanders, she had no idea that instead of renewing old friendships, she would be making new enemies. She also did not know that she would find herself immersed in a murder investigation - hired for big bucks by Mary Lou herself. The question was: Was Mary Lou murdered or did she really commit suicide as her note indicated? After not seeing her former friends, Lydia, Julia and Esther, for almost thirty years, they were virtually strangers or as she was to find out, virtual enemies.

Genres: Mystery

195 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 26, 2013

About the author

"I'm not sure when someone decides to become a writer. I was once asked why I started and I said, 'I was tired of reading so decided to start writing!' Some dream about it but never do it and others are foolish enough to try. I have always loved Daphne DuMaurier's quote: 'Writers should be read and not seen or heard.' I loved the thought of writing but having anonymity at the same time. I doubt that can be achieved in today's world. I write for the pleasure of writing and I share it because I hope others will find joy in reading it."

Reviews

[P.S. Winn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary Lou Sanders is dead. Was it a suicide, or maybe a murder? For Beryl Swallows those questions will have to be answered because she was asked to solve the mystery by the woman who died. Old friends, also at the funeral of Mary Lou, may not be so friendly and Beryl is caught up in a dangerous adventure. This is a good book to grab and jump into.

[Eva Pasco · Rating 5 out of 5]

First-Rate Mystery

Beryl Swallows, a retired police officer, turned private investigator, heads back to the hometown she left behind to attend the funeral of Mary Lou Sanders, a former schoolmate. The chance to become reacquainted with three other estranged chums turns adversarial when a six-year-old note Mary Lou Sanders had written to Beryl, leads the investigator to believe Mary Lou’s suicide may have been a murder.

The author does a fine job unravelling the past and present lives of four friends who aren’t as financially cozy as they once were, nor as thick as thieves. Juliana, Esther, and Lydia certainly had motive to off Mary Lou, along with a few more minor players.

With friends like these, who needs enemies?

Realistic sleuthing, dead ends, and ruffled feathers kept me turning the pages to get to the bottom of this mystery—which took me by surprise. I also enjoyed the comic relief provided by next-door neighbor Sam, and Beryl’s mother, Rosie.

I highly recommend this fast-paced, intriguing mystery with a slew of interesting characters in a small-town setting.

[Betty · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very intriguing plot which I liked at the time of reading but, sad to say, has not really stayed with me. Can't remember why I gave it 4 stars but it must have been pretty good.

P.S. Maybe I'm reading too much lately when I start to forget why I think something was great!