Monument To The Dead

Museum #4

by Sheila Connolly

"As president of the Pennsylvania Antiquarian Society in Philadelphia, Nell Pratt relies on the generosity of philanthropists. But when someone starts killing benefactors, it's Nell's turn to come to "their "aid..."" "When Nell reads the obituary of a former board member, Adeline Harrison, she makes a mental note to send flowers and doesn't think twice about it--until FBI agent James Morrison shares his suspicions about the nature of Adeline's death. It turns out that a number of other members of the local cultural community have died in the last few months, under similar circumstances. Soon Nell uncovers what seems to be a plot to rid Philadelphia of harmless, elderly philanthropists--but why? If she can figure out the killer's motive, she has a chance of stopping the misanthropic murderer before another do-gooder is done in...

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Cozy, Fiction, Romance, Audiobook, Mystery Thriller

399 pages, Paperback

First published June 4, 2013

About the author

Sheila 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.

Reviews

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series seems to just keep getting better. The mystery was interesting and a bit different. I like the characters and am excited to see what happens next with Nell and James.

[Grey853 · Rating 1 out of 5]

I think I'm pretty much finished with this series. I found myself skimming and that's never a good sign.

I found the main character annoying. The fact that her first thought when she read the obituary of an elderly ex-trustee for her museum was whether she'd leave them anything pretty much said what kind of person she is. It just seemed very predatory and selfish.

I found the plot unbelievable and repetitive.

[William Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. There is so much to learn by reading this series. so much history about Philadelphia and the museums there. It is also a good mystery series. Even though I don't see myself visiting Philadelphia I'm getting a feeling bout it's history and places I would go to if I did visit.

[Edith Maxwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the latest Museum mystery! Bodies keep falling and the FBI isn't interested in pursuing the case, even though Nell's beau is. Sheila Connolly weaves another great tale of suspense and smart intrigue.

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

This is the fourth book in the 'A Museum Mystery' series and I have found that I truly do like it! The mystery always seems straight forward and then, the clever, Ms. Connolly throws in a twist and you find yourself shocked into thinking, 'I thought there was something about...'

FBI Agent James Morrison comes to Nell Pratt, President of the Pennsylvania Antiquarian Society, and his love interest to do some background sleuthing when he feels there is a possibility that a Board member has been murdered. His bosses at the FBI feel the member died of natural causes but James senses malice. Soon it appears there are even more deceased that are possibly connected...but why would someone do this heinous act?

We readers are carefully lead through the investigation that involves many of the actual Society's employees and even some Board Members. Each plausible theory is almost spelled out for us as we follow Nell's intricate trail through the facts. So, imagine our surprise when...well, I just won't tell you as it would spoil the surprising treat of the ending.

Also, in this novel, the relationship of Nell and James is moved forward and in good time. I love how their romance is left to the reader's imagination rather than shown to us. My imagination is healthy and I found this very comfortable and exciting.

Yes, I do truly like this series!

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am glad that I pursued this series even after its rocky start, because I thoroughly enjoyed this one (4 stars). But I'm still unlikely to reread a mystery once I know whodunit, and that's my definition of a 5-star book. Also, the other half of a 4-star review is that it's a book that I'd recommend. That's a little trickier. Yes, I would recommend it, with the caveat that people don't emulate the relationship.

I did not guess whodunit. I thought it was going to be someone else. I don't think we had enough information to know until the final piece of evidence came into place.

I honestly felt like law enforcement should've been looking harder at Marty as a suspect, even if she is everybody's cousin, because she'd known all the victims and been into their homes, etc., as well as having access to the museum collections. But apparently Marty never crossed their minds as a suspect.

Speaking of Marty, I don't know why Nell is taking Marty's relationship advice. Marty is not in a stable relationship herself. I suppose she could be speaking from her own regrets, and there is validity in that, but it just seemed odd to me that Nell should accept the advice unquestioningly. Maybe it just resonated with her, or revealed what she already knew. I suspect, though, that it was Marty's sheer force of personality that made Nell listen to her, which is not, perhaps, a measurement of the usefulness of the advice.

One other reviewer wondered why James would continue to date Nell when she's so rude to him on occasion. I would've taken her rudeness just as fear that more people are dying, and impatience to stop it. James, however, does take it as a rude questioning of his abilities in law-enforcement, but he is able to repeatedly answer her calmly by telling her what can and cannot be done. Nell's comments are probably not the best way to approach a topic with someone, but given the extremes of the situation, and the fact that they worked the disagreement out, I'm okay with that.

I would've cross-referenced Shelby's list of the board members of various museums with the obituaries earlier. In fact, that's what I supposed they were going to do, until they did other stuff instead, and then eventually came up with the idea.

One reviewer thought that Nell herself was a cold fish (which is what she inwardly called Nicklaus) because she wonders about receiving more things for her museum upon the death of a wealthy contributor. I'm not sure what I think about that. It shouldn't be her first thought, obviously, and I don't think it was, but in her defense:

1) That's her job, acquiring things for the museum. So she's trained to focus on that. (A sidenote here, is that it would be a job I could never do, as my personality seldom asks for things, so I generally don't focus on what I can get from people.)
2) She didn't bring it up with any of the grieving families or push for anything or even ask for anything. These were just unspoken, meandering thoughts.
3) She didn't really know these people hardly at all, so while she wasn't struck by her own grief, she was merely being respectful and supportive of those who were grieving.
4) She did attend the funerals.
5) She also did offload some of those supportive acts to Shelby, whom she felt had a better temperament for it, and to Marty, who would've burst in on these people anyway, trying to help them. So those supportive acts of kindness did get done. If anything, Nell did the appropriate thing for her position as president at the museum: she delegated it to the most qualified.

But, yes, Nell should've still grieved the loss to humanity, or grieved the suffering of others when someone dies, so I can see the point. I'm not sure that many people do grieve others' pain when it is not a mutual grief, though. I think a lot of people today are calloused. That is also one of the troubling aspects of the mystery genre. The characters don't tend to grieve the deceased or even just respect them, but instead tend to dehumanize them or detach themselves from them. Marty, I feel, did respect the deceased and grieve for them. Marty tends to do everything wholeheartedly, including grief.

Favorite quotes:
"With her well-bread southern background, Shelby was very good at following up on such social niceties."

"Jimmy, these people are old, but they're not stupid."

Nell's staying to watch an arrest after she'd been told to leave, and then accidentally tripping the law enforcement officer, was never commented on. She shouldn't have been there. Yes, ... SPOILER ... she saved a life, but she had also been the one to endanger it.

SPOILER ... Nell still has a really bad record choosing and trusting people. And ... SPOILER ... not everybody who isn't vivacious and extroverted is suspicious. I remember the author had troubles understanding introverts in her other series, too. Of course, more than introversion is meant here, but we didn't know the other symptoms until soon after the revelation.

I almost feel like the author has a vendetta against introverts, the way some authors have a vendetta against clergy or against Christians. In some works of fiction, as soon as the Christian appears, the audience knows the person is 1) unstable, and 2) guilty because the author doesn't understand, or try to understand those who have faith.

I almost feel like in this series, as soon as an introvert appears, we can realize that sooner or later, the person will appear guilty of something. Which is unfortunate because book readers are more likely to be introverts, so the author is attacking her own customer base, probably without realizing it, because she doesn't understand or try to understand introversion.

I suppose Albert in the first book of this series was an exception to that, but ... SPOILER ... Albert didn't last very long.

[Doward Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nell is busy running the Pennsylvania Antiquarian S0ciety in Philadelphia but when her FBI boyfriend, James comes to her with his theory that someone is murdering elderly philanthropists in the local community. Working together with family, friends and staff they uncover more suspicious deaths that all revolve a small and obscure local trust. This is another fascinating, well plotted mystery with characters and settings that will pull you in and keep you turning the pages. Enjoy touring Philadelphia and learning a little about our American History.

[Jane Irish Nelson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably 3.5 stars. Somewhat slow moving. After Nell Pratt reads the obituary of one of the museum's board members, she's surprised when James Morrison tells her his suspicions that it may have been murder — and not the first one. But without more evidence, the FBI can't act, so Nell and her colleagues set out to try to find the connections between the victims, and just what the motive might have been. Everything seems to be connected with the long-dead actor, Edwin Forrest, and the trust he set up in his will, but who could benefit from these deaths? Interesting plot.

[Mary Corso · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tepid

The action is not very exciting, the crime not very arresting, the mystery not very suspenseful, and the romance not very passionate. Funny when Marti calls Nell out for complacency. I felt the same way. But I read it all, so the plot held some interest.

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the mystery part of the story, but there was a lot of extra that I didn't really need at the end. I appreciate character growth but I was ready for the end of the book. In reality, this is a 3.5 but I can't move it to a 4. I will continue the series.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, Monument to the Dead was an easy, enjoyable read. However, there were some discordant notes - the basic premise is that the major characters are investigating deaths that they suspect are murders, but which the police believe are due to natural causes or suicide. The 'evidence' for the deaths to actually be murders is quite scant, and, until bodies start to pile up, there really weren't many (any?) good reasons for the characters to investigate on their own. The main character, Nell, is in a relationship with an FBI agent - we are continually reminded that her boyfriend is, indeed, an FBI agent. After the first dozen or so mentions, I think we've got that understood and don't need to be repeatedly reminded. Furthermore, Nell is pretty snippy with her boyfriend and wants him to pursue avenues of investigation that she, as an intelligent woman, should fully understand are not appropriate for an officer of the law. Why is the boyfriend still enamored with Nell after all those rude comments and accusations that he should be 'doing more' despite 'more' being fully outside the scope of the boyfriend's powers and/or just illegal? And then there is the odd incident where Nell doesn't know if she should hug her boyfriend when he comes to her house because she's unsure of committing to the relationship- she's sleeping with the guy, for goodness sakes! In my world, that would imply a much greater commitment than giving someone a hug.
Overall, I do enjoy the Museum mystery series, but they could greatly benefit from tighter editing and more care in continuity.

[Lali & Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Monument to the Dead is the fourth book in Sheila Connolly's museum series, featuring Nell Pratt who is the president of the Pennsylvania Antiquarian Society. In this installment, Nell, along with her FBI boyfriend, is investigating the suspicious deaths of elderly board members of the Edwin Forrest Trust. Once again, the book includes some interesting history, this time about Edwin Forrest an actor described as America's first "superstar" and the Water Works on the Schuylkill River. Nell is a likable protagonist and there is also an engaging supporting cast of characters including her coworkers at the Society.

If I was rating this book solely on the mystery it would be a 2.5 or 3 stars. The plot revolves largely around the terms of the trust--when it was created, how it is managed, what would happen to the money if the trust was broken, who would benefit from breaking the trust.... It got a little tedious after a while. But the book receives its 4 stars because of the personal growth that Nell experiences during the book. In the previous three installments, I liked her fine but she seemed a little removed and even cold at times. The events of this book cause her to question some beliefs she had about the way her life had to be. It was a very satisfying development and I look forward to following more of her adventures in future books.

[Gwen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Because my first book in the series was #5, some parts were anticipated, but that didn't make it any more enjoyable. When astute (and invested) board member Marty Terwilliger notices that a recent death of a fellow trustee was ... odd, she shares her concerns with Nell Pratt, director of the historical society. Between Marty's connections (family, board membership, longevity of family in Philadelphia) and Nell's nose for detail, aided by research in the society's records, the connection between the one, no two, no three, no six, deaths becomes apparent: all were trustees for a trust that might dissolve, long since having outlived its original purpose. Nell uses the society's possession of a few items + trust funding for maintenance as an excuse to start digging. Aided by maybe boyfriend/maybe more, FBI agent James Morrison, she uncovers Philadelphia history, a bequest and a killer. Too bad that Nell's employees aren't always working at the society for the right reasons. On the plus side, a brush with death convinces Nell that slow & steady isn't the way to go in her relationship with James.

[Sherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Museum #4. Best book of the series so far.
Nell reads the obituary of a former Pennsylvania Antiquarian Society board member, but believes it is of old age until FBI Agent James Morrison confides he thinks it was a suspicious death. When a second former board member also dies James asks Nell to search the Society’s files for clues. She enlists Shelby’s help and Marty refuses to be left out of compiling extensive lists, cross references, spreadsheets and culling list to board members of three museums, the Society, the huge Art Museum, and a little known or remembered Edwin Forrest Trust whose statue, a number of artifacts and documents reside at the Society with a bequest for their upkeep and care. As two more board member of the Forrest trust die, and it appears two others have died in the past year, the search for the serial killer intensifies and appears to be an inside job, someone with access to files and info at the Society.
Very cleverly wrought, gradually intensifying. Well done.

[Thomas Bruso · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nell Pratt, president of the Pennsylvania Antiquarian Society, balances her time between raising funds for the museum and working against the clock to help find a cold-blooded killer in Sheila Connolly’s absorbing fourth Museum Mystery, “Monument to the Dead.”

Nell and her FBI boyfriend, agent James Morrison, rely on the generous help of the museum’s board members and Nell's co-workers to track down a serial killer who is murdering the museum’s benefactors.

As Nell digs deep into the victims’ pasts, she uncovers a similar pattern involving the deaths of the museum’s former members and the current-day victims.

“Monument to the Dead” is a character-driven mystery chock full of Philadelphia history. With Connolly’s spot-on descriptions of a history-rich city, Philadelphia becomes a character in itself. Series fans will like the story’s clever main protagonist and the page-turning whodunit.

[Lacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars and truly deserves. This has been easily the most complicate puzzle Sheila Connolly has put together. And a puzzle that crosses time always adds another layer of color and complications. Truly Nell Pratt shown some interesting qualities that I personally wouldn't have associated with a President of a Museum. Proof you shouldn't judge a book by its cover. I loved reading all the fine details of museum life and relationship between the characters. Once I got into the meat of the story, and I was convinced I knew who the killer was this time, (I WAS WRONG, not even close), it turned into a real page turner. Who would have thought museums could be so down mysterious and dangerous. And as always if you like cozy mysteries you will enjoy this series. If you are new to cozy mysteries this series should be added to your read list. Enjoy!

[Jennifer Robb · Rating 3 out of 5]

A friend (AC) sent me a number of books from this series. I did not enjoy this entry as much as I did the first 3 in the series. Part of what I liked in the other books of the series was learning about the museums--that didn't seem to be the focus in this book.

I guess the Water Works is a sort of museum, but it wasn't as much of a focal point in this book as the other institutions were in the previous books. We learn the most about it near the end with Nicholas's presentation. And the Edwin Forrest Trust has donated items to museums so it sort of fits. We learn a lot about him and his wishes but it almost felt forced--like something I'd learn in a class versus what I'm used to from this series.

[Jeanie Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a most fascinating item. The tale being handled by Nell and James is connected to a trust for an individual who was around 100 - 200 years earlier.

James faces the problem that the FBI refuses to get involved in an investigation, due to lack of evidence and crime scene, although through connections, six trustees appeared to be murdered.

Nell comes to James rescue, by stopping the murderer, by shooting him with Jame's gun, until the police arrive and take James to hospital, the murderer to hospital in custody, and Nell to the police station to provide a statement as the events.

[Jacquie · Rating 1 out of 5]

One of the most bland, boring books I've ever trudged through. As the reader we don't really get to experience anything but are simply told that things happened. Two thirds of the way through the book they were still waffling on if murders were actually happening; most of the 'action' revolves around endless meetings to discuss the spread sheets they were making. We don't even learn the names of all the victims but are simply told they'd found 'two more'. The killer was extremely predictable since only a handful of characters are even named, but there was no explanation for how the murders were even committed.

[Hilary (A Wytch's Book Review) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book from Sheila Connolly and a series that seems to be getting better book on book! In this one the Pennsylvania Antiquarian Society is going to have the first test of the new computerised system as the Water Works in Philadelphia wants to showcase the green credentials of their history and on-going future. As well as this Nell needs to attend a funeral and find out what will happen to some papers/artifacts that they hold for a smallish trust.

Oh and decide how the future will go with James! It is never dull in this museum!

[Deborah Almada · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am really enjoying this series. Connolly really has a nice blend of history and mystery and I really like the character of Nell. I like that the author doesn't make solving mysteries by amateurs look really easy and shows the frustration of professionals like police and the FBI in the job.
Reading one of Ms Connolly's books is also always an education, and I like to learn things as well as be entertained when I read. I look forward to more books in this series!!!!

[Marti · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this one, there have been a string of elderly prominent Philadelphia citizens who have died in an identical way. Although the deaths have been ruled "natural causes," James suspects that the deaths have in fact been murders. When he runs it by his superior at the FBI, the boss didn't think there was enough "there there" to allocate scarce resources. Frustrated, he asks Nell to help. I enjoyed reading this mystery and look forward to others in the series.

[Maureen Hetzel · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent series and this one again didn’t
Disappoint! Wonderfully drawn personalities, fascinating plots and much information on the history of Philadelphia. The setting of a museum for all the adventures is inspired! Kudos to the author who has penned several series of mysteries and all are delightfully different. Highly recommend!

[Charland Garvin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid 3.5 book. All of Connolly's books have been an interesting, quick read and I quite enjoy the fact all of her series so far have returning characters - at least some main ones. I also enjoy the historical setting in this series yet it is a modern day series. And of course the story revoles around a woman working in a museum.

[Marty · Rating 3 out of 5]

Set in Philadelphia, Nell Pratt, Director of the Antiquarian Society discovers several elderly members have died seemingly “of old age” – but Nell things the deaths were too similar and convenient. Is someone killing older members??? And why??? ----- A good mystery.........but overly long and drawn out.

[Gabrielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the premise of this book, and the fact that it takes place in Philly. However, it started a tad slow for me. About halfway through, it picked up and I thoroughly enjoyed the characters, the clues, the adventure, and of course, solving the mystery. (If it matters, I have not read any of the previous books in this series yet.)

[Louise Craven · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't as pleased with Monument to the Dead as I was with the first three books. The last third of this book was a downer. I simply couldn't finish the book . But , I did buy book 5 in the series, so I'm giving this one more chance.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cozy mystery indeed

Another fun historical mystery with a bit more love story than past books in the series. The solution to the mystery was logical but still caught me a bit by surprise.

[Lois · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story line intertwines Nell's relationship with James, the staff at the Historical Society, and the mysterious deaths that Nell, James, and Shelia have been able to connect. A bit of history, a bit of mystery, and a bit of romance pleasantly told.

[Jeff Carlson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t get over how well this author writes…

The way the words keep you interested was very exciting. This mystery keeps you focused and entertained for hours. Thank you, Sheila, it is fun reading your books. Jeff