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Puzzles Can Be Deadly
A bizarre old woman who worships the memory of her lost son.
A nun with hidden secrets.
A spinster housekeeper with a secret of her own.
An angry young man with a troubled past.
A neighbor who claims to talk to dead people at seances.
Skip Valentine and Henry Finch encounter these eccentric people on their weekend trip to visit Henry’s uncle. When they learn of the groundskeeper who died in a mysterious fire shortly before they arrived, strange occurrences are imbued with ominous portent. The peculiar accidents, ghostly barking, a pounding heard late at night in the creepy old mansion, and a strange old box buried behind the burned-out carriage house all add up to something.
Skip yearns to investigate. It’s all so perplexing. But when another death raises the stakes, the puzzle turns deadly. The solution may lie in a curious rhyme told by the groundskeeper before he died, but first Skip and Henry must decipher it.
A nun with hidden secrets.
A spinster housekeeper with a secret of her own.
An angry young man with a troubled past.
A neighbor who claims to talk to dead people at seances.
Skip Valentine and Henry Finch encounter these eccentric people on their weekend trip to visit Henry’s uncle. When they learn of the groundskeeper who died in a mysterious fire shortly before they arrived, strange occurrences are imbued with ominous portent. The peculiar accidents, ghostly barking, a pounding heard late at night in the creepy old mansion, and a strange old box buried behind the burned-out carriage house all add up to something.
Skip yearns to investigate. It’s all so perplexing. But when another death raises the stakes, the puzzle turns deadly. The solution may lie in a curious rhyme told by the groundskeeper before he died, but first Skip and Henry must decipher it.
232 pages, Paperback
Published May 14, 2024
2 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
About the author
David S. Pederson
14 books35 followersDavid S. Pederson has written multiple mysteries, all featuring LGBTQ+ characters. He’s a two-time finalist for the Lambda Literary Award for Gay Mysteries. His second book, Death Goes Overboard, was selected by the GLBT Round Table of the American Library Association for the 2018 Over the Rainbow book list. Two of his poems, “My Candle” and “I Never Knew” were used in the 2024 OCTC stage production of “Love Notes Cabaret of Words & Music.”
In 2024 he was invited by a local bookstore to conduct a workshop on writing mysteries, with twelve students in attendance.
In 2025 he was asked to write a short mystery to be included in an anthology, “Crime Ink: Iconic — Where Queer Icons Meet Killer Stories”, a collection of crime stories inspired by queer icons.
He’s passionate about mysteries, old movies, ocean liners, and reading.
He, his husband, and their sweet rescue cats reside in the sunny Southwest.
Website: http://www.davidspederson.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DavidSPeders...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dave.pederson/
In 2024 he was invited by a local bookstore to conduct a workshop on writing mysteries, with twelve students in attendance.
In 2025 he was asked to write a short mystery to be included in an anthology, “Crime Ink: Iconic — Where Queer Icons Meet Killer Stories”, a collection of crime stories inspired by queer icons.
He’s passionate about mysteries, old movies, ocean liners, and reading.
He, his husband, and their sweet rescue cats reside in the sunny Southwest.
Website: http://www.davidspederson.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DavidSPeders...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dave.pederson/
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
May 29, 2024
A thrill of a mystery
Skip and Henry are visiting Henry’s uncle for the weekend, but their visit soon turns into a bit of a mystery that Skip is curious and determined to solve. With only the rhyme left by the dead groundskeeper to go on, and the strange goings on and stories they are being told leading them to suspect foul play, they are left wondering if they can solve it or whether they might meet the same fate.
This was such a thrill and a lot of fun! I have come to adore David’s mystery stories and this one did not disappoint! It had all the same elegance I know and love, fitted perfectly with the 1950s era in which it is set, and kept me guessing at all times, and even when I thought I had something figured out, once again I discovered I hadn’t. David writes fantastic mysteries, and this one, had some really good twists. The characters Skip and Henry encountered all had quirks and strangeness about them making each of them a suspect when clues started being discovered.
Skip and Henry were both so charming, and they shared such an easy chemistry and way with one another. They made a great team, with Skip being outgoing and determined to discover the truth, and Henry a little more reserved. After all, they were Henry’s family so he wasn’t so keen to join the dots in the way Skip was, but Skip was on the money in reading these people as characters and getting a feel for who was genuine and who he wanted to be more suspicious of. It was all those characters that made this so much fun, not only did they keep throwing Skip and Henry off the trail with unexpected actions and things they said, but they did the same with me as the reader. I got so tangled up in it all, I wasn’t sure who to point the finger at or where this would all end up, but I knew it was going to be great whatever the reveal!
A most clever and engaging mystery that I thoroughly enjoyed, and despite knowing the outcome now, I know I will enjoy reading it again and again, and getting the thrill of solving the mystery again.
Skip and Henry are visiting Henry’s uncle for the weekend, but their visit soon turns into a bit of a mystery that Skip is curious and determined to solve. With only the rhyme left by the dead groundskeeper to go on, and the strange goings on and stories they are being told leading them to suspect foul play, they are left wondering if they can solve it or whether they might meet the same fate.
This was such a thrill and a lot of fun! I have come to adore David’s mystery stories and this one did not disappoint! It had all the same elegance I know and love, fitted perfectly with the 1950s era in which it is set, and kept me guessing at all times, and even when I thought I had something figured out, once again I discovered I hadn’t. David writes fantastic mysteries, and this one, had some really good twists. The characters Skip and Henry encountered all had quirks and strangeness about them making each of them a suspect when clues started being discovered.
Skip and Henry were both so charming, and they shared such an easy chemistry and way with one another. They made a great team, with Skip being outgoing and determined to discover the truth, and Henry a little more reserved. After all, they were Henry’s family so he wasn’t so keen to join the dots in the way Skip was, but Skip was on the money in reading these people as characters and getting a feel for who was genuine and who he wanted to be more suspicious of. It was all those characters that made this so much fun, not only did they keep throwing Skip and Henry off the trail with unexpected actions and things they said, but they did the same with me as the reader. I got so tangled up in it all, I wasn’t sure who to point the finger at or where this would all end up, but I knew it was going to be great whatever the reveal!
A most clever and engaging mystery that I thoroughly enjoyed, and despite knowing the outcome now, I know I will enjoy reading it again and again, and getting the thrill of solving the mystery again.
June 30, 2024
Set in 1950, Puzzles Can Be Deadly is a fun cozy mystery perfect for a summer beach read. The main characters, Skip Valentine and Henry Finch, are a couple at a time when such couples had to keep their relationships secret, and Skip has a passion for solving puzzles.
The book opens with Skip solving a crossword puzzle in his apartment together with his cat Purrvis. Then the phone rings and it’s Henry inviting Skip to take a road trip with him to Ann Arbor to visit his Uncle Ambrose and Ambrose’s mother. Ambrose is technically a cousin, but Henry has always called him Uncle. Henry received a letter saying that he will be the heir to the family money if something happens to Ambrose after his mother passes, and that Henry needs to go there to sign some papers. Also, Henry is hoping to ask Ambrose for a loan to help him get back on his feet as he has struggled since being discharged from the Army three years ago. Skip works for the library and has a few days off so he happily agrees to accompany Henry.
When they arrive in Ann Arbor they find a rather odd bunch of people, other than Ambrose who seems rather normal but was not informed that they were coming. His mother was the one who wrote Henry and invited them to come. After the uncomfortable welcome, Ambrose tells them they can stay. In the house with Ambrose is his rather odd mother who seems to be suffering from severe dementia, a nun who is caring for her, a strange housekeeper/cook, and her nephew Jake who does odd jobs around the house and obviously has anger issues. There is also a neighbor who claims to talk to dead people at seances, and possibly a ghost or two.
They soon discover that the groundskeeper and his dog died recently in a fire, and Ambrose’s mother is convinced they are both haunting the place. Skip and Henry begin to wonder if that might be true when they hear odd noises in the night. Then accidents begin happening and Skip is determined that something isn’t right and wants to investigate, though Henry is hesitant. Skip’s love of puzzles has the pair gradually putting all the pieces together of this complex mystery where no one is quite who they seem.
Puzzles Can Be Deadly is filled with secrets and surprising twists. Skip and Henry are delightful. Skip is very flamboyant and fun—which causes Ambrose some concern and he fears Skip will lead a “naïve” Henry down the “wrong path.” Even though the bigotry against the LGBTQ+ community of the 1950s is a very serious side to this story, Skip and Henry don’t let that deter them from their relationship. I absolutely love these characters—Skip is witty and Henry is sweet, and they make a perfect pair. If you enjoy a cozy mystery with quirky and great characters don’t miss this book. My only negative is that this is a stand-alone—I would love to read more of Skip and Henry. My hope is someday they return in another book!
The book opens with Skip solving a crossword puzzle in his apartment together with his cat Purrvis. Then the phone rings and it’s Henry inviting Skip to take a road trip with him to Ann Arbor to visit his Uncle Ambrose and Ambrose’s mother. Ambrose is technically a cousin, but Henry has always called him Uncle. Henry received a letter saying that he will be the heir to the family money if something happens to Ambrose after his mother passes, and that Henry needs to go there to sign some papers. Also, Henry is hoping to ask Ambrose for a loan to help him get back on his feet as he has struggled since being discharged from the Army three years ago. Skip works for the library and has a few days off so he happily agrees to accompany Henry.
When they arrive in Ann Arbor they find a rather odd bunch of people, other than Ambrose who seems rather normal but was not informed that they were coming. His mother was the one who wrote Henry and invited them to come. After the uncomfortable welcome, Ambrose tells them they can stay. In the house with Ambrose is his rather odd mother who seems to be suffering from severe dementia, a nun who is caring for her, a strange housekeeper/cook, and her nephew Jake who does odd jobs around the house and obviously has anger issues. There is also a neighbor who claims to talk to dead people at seances, and possibly a ghost or two.
They soon discover that the groundskeeper and his dog died recently in a fire, and Ambrose’s mother is convinced they are both haunting the place. Skip and Henry begin to wonder if that might be true when they hear odd noises in the night. Then accidents begin happening and Skip is determined that something isn’t right and wants to investigate, though Henry is hesitant. Skip’s love of puzzles has the pair gradually putting all the pieces together of this complex mystery where no one is quite who they seem.
Puzzles Can Be Deadly is filled with secrets and surprising twists. Skip and Henry are delightful. Skip is very flamboyant and fun—which causes Ambrose some concern and he fears Skip will lead a “naïve” Henry down the “wrong path.” Even though the bigotry against the LGBTQ+ community of the 1950s is a very serious side to this story, Skip and Henry don’t let that deter them from their relationship. I absolutely love these characters—Skip is witty and Henry is sweet, and they make a perfect pair. If you enjoy a cozy mystery with quirky and great characters don’t miss this book. My only negative is that this is a stand-alone—I would love to read more of Skip and Henry. My hope is someday they return in another book!
June 9, 2024
Thanks NetGalley for this ARC in exchsnge for a honest review.
I was really excited when i saw what this book was about!
I am a big Agatha Christie fan, but let´s be real there was never a chance that there would be any (positive) queer elements in her stories.
So to have a fun mystery premise AND a cute queer couple too?
Yes.
Romance:
The romance/couple aspect of the book wasn´t bad. They really were quite the sweet duo.. And it was nice seeing them in a full-fletched relationship instead of a "will-they-won´t-they buddy cop"- esque dynamic.
Writing:
My main problem was the writing.
The story begins with our MCs talking on the phone with each other, retelling their meet-cute. The story would have been fine, even if it was purely for the sake of giving us a quick backstory, but i would have prefered just having it in third person or snippets, as a way to introduce them to us. Instead we get a point by point retelling between both the characters that were present when it happend. It just doesn´t sound natural to me.
This lack of being subtil was a concurring pattern thru out the book.
For example Character A tells our MCs about a (seemingly) relevant case or circumstance, but the way they tell it sounds more like a report than a casual chat. i would get it if it was a culprit trying to confuse or distract the amateur detectives, but it really is just someone giving you yet again a too detailed account of relevant infromation you as the reader potentially need.
I think it would have worked a lot better, if we got these informations in chunks, thru different people or clues, and had to puzzle them together ourselves.
It was also weird, when one character get´s asked where they were at a specific time, and they tell you BUT also say, unprompted, were all the other characters were. It doesn´t make sense to me. Why would they do that, if they weren´t asked?
Plot and Mystery:
It was kinda predictable, which doesn´t have to ruin the whole experience per se, but some aspects of the mystery stood in the way.
Mainly the end, Without going into spoiler territory, let me say, it didn´t feel high stake. All the characters were too chill about it. It was no built up to the confrontation, i didn´t feel the tension or any fear for anyone.
I did like the idea and enjoyed Henry and Skips moments, but overall i couldn´t get into it as much as i hoped.
I was really excited when i saw what this book was about!
I am a big Agatha Christie fan, but let´s be real there was never a chance that there would be any (positive) queer elements in her stories.
So to have a fun mystery premise AND a cute queer couple too?
Yes.
Romance:
The romance/couple aspect of the book wasn´t bad. They really were quite the sweet duo.. And it was nice seeing them in a full-fletched relationship instead of a "will-they-won´t-they buddy cop"- esque dynamic.
Writing:
My main problem was the writing.
The story begins with our MCs talking on the phone with each other, retelling their meet-cute. The story would have been fine, even if it was purely for the sake of giving us a quick backstory, but i would have prefered just having it in third person or snippets, as a way to introduce them to us. Instead we get a point by point retelling between both the characters that were present when it happend. It just doesn´t sound natural to me.
This lack of being subtil was a concurring pattern thru out the book.
For example Character A tells our MCs about a (seemingly) relevant case or circumstance, but the way they tell it sounds more like a report than a casual chat. i would get it if it was a culprit trying to confuse or distract the amateur detectives, but it really is just someone giving you yet again a too detailed account of relevant infromation you as the reader potentially need.
I think it would have worked a lot better, if we got these informations in chunks, thru different people or clues, and had to puzzle them together ourselves.
It was also weird, when one character get´s asked where they were at a specific time, and they tell you BUT also say, unprompted, were all the other characters were. It doesn´t make sense to me. Why would they do that, if they weren´t asked?
Plot and Mystery:
It was kinda predictable, which doesn´t have to ruin the whole experience per se, but some aspects of the mystery stood in the way.
Mainly the end, Without going into spoiler territory, let me say, it didn´t feel high stake. All the characters were too chill about it. It was no built up to the confrontation, i didn´t feel the tension or any fear for anyone.
I did like the idea and enjoyed Henry and Skips moments, but overall i couldn´t get into it as much as i hoped.
May 28, 2024
This is my fourth read by this author. I’ve been on a bit of a 50s romance and mystery kick lately and I’m really enjoying this subgenre. This story is told in third person and follows Skip, a librarian in Chicago, who has been invited by his beau of eight months, Henry, to accompany him on a trip to visit extended family in Ann Arbor, Michigan to sign some legal documents pertaining to a future possible inheritance. Upon their arrival, they discover that they weren’t as expected as previously thought. And there’s been a supposed accidental death on the grounds in previous months.
Strange accidents occur during their stay as well as noises that awaken them at all hours purported by some to be ghosts and others to be nonsense. Awkward relatives and odd circumstances cause Skip to become suspicious and begin to investigate to Henry’s mortification. While I found the mystery to be a bit predictable, I really enjoyed all the period details from the cars to the manners and customs. I loved Skip’s character but often found Henry to be a little oblivious. The formal cadence of speech patterns especially noticed during telephone calls may seem awkward or stiff at first, but once accustomed I no longer noticed and imagine that it’s more period appropriate than our current more casual conversation.
Maybe my interest stems from nostalgia or just a simple longing for a time before current technology, but I love reading about bookworms, three-cent stamps, Mercurochrome (remember the stain?) and party lines. I was amazed when I asked a question about party lines in a previous review (for this author I think) and very few followers knew what they were. Not that I miss them, but it was fun as a child to eavesdrop on neighbors’ telephone calls and get all the local gossip. That was my idea of misbehaving as a child/teenager, pick up the phone and listen in on an adult conversation not meant for me. The good old days. LOL.
Recommended to queer cozy mystery fans who enjoy historicals.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bold Stroke Books for a copy provided for an honest review.
Strange accidents occur during their stay as well as noises that awaken them at all hours purported by some to be ghosts and others to be nonsense. Awkward relatives and odd circumstances cause Skip to become suspicious and begin to investigate to Henry’s mortification. While I found the mystery to be a bit predictable, I really enjoyed all the period details from the cars to the manners and customs. I loved Skip’s character but often found Henry to be a little oblivious. The formal cadence of speech patterns especially noticed during telephone calls may seem awkward or stiff at first, but once accustomed I no longer noticed and imagine that it’s more period appropriate than our current more casual conversation.
Maybe my interest stems from nostalgia or just a simple longing for a time before current technology, but I love reading about bookworms, three-cent stamps, Mercurochrome (remember the stain?) and party lines. I was amazed when I asked a question about party lines in a previous review (for this author I think) and very few followers knew what they were. Not that I miss them, but it was fun as a child to eavesdrop on neighbors’ telephone calls and get all the local gossip. That was my idea of misbehaving as a child/teenager, pick up the phone and listen in on an adult conversation not meant for me. The good old days. LOL.
Recommended to queer cozy mystery fans who enjoy historicals.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bold Stroke Books for a copy provided for an honest review.
May 10, 2024
Skip Valentine accompanies his boyfriend Henry Finch to visit Henry’s “uncle”—a distant relative—in order to sign some papers to do with his eventual inheritance. While there, they learn of the death of the groundskeeper and his dog in a fire, and Skip is promptly sucked into trying to solve all the curiosities that surround that fatality. There’s a nun, knocking and barking at night, a riddle, an old woman who is irritable and losing her memory, and more besides.
I guessed the riddle fairly quickly, but that was probably because the text immediately directed one’s attention to what the solution would be. I also figured out basically most of the rest of the mystery as well, from the mercury poisoning to the body in the freezer to the actress pretending to be the nun. I enjoy seeing if I’m right or wrong, so it was fun to keep reading.
I didn’t really love the dialogue, though? The author had a tendency of putting description of people and things in conversation, which was stilted, and the chapters ended without tension, which isn’t what I’m accustomed to with mysteries. I do love to see gay characters in fiction, however, and doubly so if the author is gay as well. All things told, it’s a rather short book, so perfect to curl up with for an afternoon. Do NOT look at how it took me almost a week; I was just being slow!
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I guessed the riddle fairly quickly, but that was probably because the text immediately directed one’s attention to what the solution would be. I also figured out basically most of the rest of the mystery as well, from the mercury poisoning to the body in the freezer to the actress pretending to be the nun. I enjoy seeing if I’m right or wrong, so it was fun to keep reading.
I didn’t really love the dialogue, though? The author had a tendency of putting description of people and things in conversation, which was stilted, and the chapters ended without tension, which isn’t what I’m accustomed to with mysteries. I do love to see gay characters in fiction, however, and doubly so if the author is gay as well. All things told, it’s a rather short book, so perfect to curl up with for an afternoon. Do NOT look at how it took me almost a week; I was just being slow!
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 15, 2024
In his 11th novel, Pederson takes the back to the Midwest, this time with 2 young lovers (Skip and Henry) as the amateur sleuths who travel to Ann Arbor, innocently enough, for family matters related to a possible inheritance. However, they wind up devoting the majority of their visit attempting to solve the mystery revolving around some very suspicious goings-on (including a few murders!) at the home of Henry’s well-off relatives.
As soon as they step through the door of the old family home, they notice that things appear just a little odd. They encounter the cast of characters who comprise the residents and staff: the uncle (who is actually a cousin), the sad and demented elderly matriarch, her strange caretaker who is apparently a nun, an equally strange housekeeper and her dependent adult son who helps out, to name a few.
The suspense builds chapter upon chapter as the boys initially try to solve the mystery surrounding the death of a former handyman who died in a fire on the property, and his missing dog, whose ghost can apparently be heard barking late at night. As the plot thickens, their investigation turns to the death of the matriarch and, and finally the grisly murder of the nun who was originally hired to take care of her.
Puzzles Can Be Deadly is an exciting and engaging page-turner with all the bizarre plot twists and unforgettable characters that you’d expect in one of Pederson’s works. I highly recommend this book to previous and new readers alike.
May 11, 2024
4.5/5 ⭐️ There’s nothing like a good murder mystery to cleanse the reading palette. I really, really enjoyed this one. It’s my first mlm story and it being a historical fiction on top of that was even better. The story was soo twisty and kept me guessing until the big reveal, and while I had a hunch for a few things it still took me by surprise when it was all laid out (though I’m glad to say I deciphered the note on my own, haha). The MCs were so likeable and funny with a very sweet and realistic relationship. It’s a very accurate depiction of the stigma of being a gay man in the 50s but still lets them be happy, which I appreciated. The puzzles were just so well done with so many twists and turns, I enjoyed the guessing and speculation quite a bit. It includes all the best parts of the murder mystery genre and is a must read for anyone interested. I can’t wait to read book 2 if there ever is one and hope to read more of the authors other series’! — thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review 🤍
May 15, 2024
I had high hopes for this, but was ultimately underwhelmed.
The story itself was pretty straight-forward without much tension or suspense, but for a fairly short book it felt really long. It felt like a lot of time was spent waiting for things to happen and it wasn’t until about 30% in that anything related to the mystery happened.
There was also a lot of telling instead of showing, and many of the clues were especially obvious. Even in the scene where we get the riddle there are very obvious clues signaling the solution to the puzzle. In terms of the characters, several of them could have been better fleshed out. Our knowledge of them was somewhat superficial, almost like they were outlines for characters instead of fully realized participants in the story.
The best part of the book was the relationship between Skip and Henry. I enjoyed their scenes together and would have enjoyed learning more about them.
Thanks NetGally and Bold Strokes Books for the advanced copy.
The story itself was pretty straight-forward without much tension or suspense, but for a fairly short book it felt really long. It felt like a lot of time was spent waiting for things to happen and it wasn’t until about 30% in that anything related to the mystery happened.
There was also a lot of telling instead of showing, and many of the clues were especially obvious. Even in the scene where we get the riddle there are very obvious clues signaling the solution to the puzzle. In terms of the characters, several of them could have been better fleshed out. Our knowledge of them was somewhat superficial, almost like they were outlines for characters instead of fully realized participants in the story.
The best part of the book was the relationship between Skip and Henry. I enjoyed their scenes together and would have enjoyed learning more about them.
Thanks NetGally and Bold Strokes Books for the advanced copy.
May 4, 2024
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC
If I am being completely honest this book is only worth reading for the last 30 or so pages. The plot hinges around a riddle, that I unfortunately figured out instantly, however I did test it on other people who did not figure it out as easily. Thelast 30 pages of this book are just entirely unhinged and I am here for it. As someone who often struggles with thrillers due to pattern recognition, this book was quite the reprive as it was just so bonkers that I would have never been able to guess what had happened.
Do I think this book could have been 50 pages shorter? - yes, yes I do, but beyond that the writing itself was generally fine, though I would suggest having prior knowledge of 1950s menswear as it is discussed, a lot. All in all this book was fine. It was a little hard to get into, but it makes up for it in the last 15% bu being just so unhinged that I had a really good time.
If I am being completely honest this book is only worth reading for the last 30 or so pages. The plot hinges around a riddle, that I unfortunately figured out instantly, however I did test it on other people who did not figure it out as easily. Thelast 30 pages of this book are just entirely unhinged and I am here for it. As someone who often struggles with thrillers due to pattern recognition, this book was quite the reprive as it was just so bonkers that I would have never been able to guess what had happened.
Do I think this book could have been 50 pages shorter? - yes, yes I do, but beyond that the writing itself was generally fine, though I would suggest having prior knowledge of 1950s menswear as it is discussed, a lot. All in all this book was fine. It was a little hard to get into, but it makes up for it in the last 15% bu being just so unhinged that I had a really good time.
May 14, 2024
I do not read a lot of murder mysteries and to my knowledge I have not read any book set in the 50s, so I did not know what to expect. What I read was a gentle relaxing story which after the books I had read was a well needed change.
The story follows Skip and Henry who due to the timeline had to hide their relationship as they spend a weekend at Henry's uncle's home and after finding out about the death of the groundsman, Skip a lover of puzzles wants to investigates.
Whilst I liked both characters, Henry was my favourite, I cannot explain why but Skip felt that he was more prim and proper maybe it was his background I just do not know. Henry had a more carefree nature. But as a team they understood each other, their partnership worked well and I loved reading how their minds worked with this mystery.
When I do read mysteries, I like to see if I can guess who did it and why and whilst I got quite a bit I was still surprised at the end. The era was well researched and whilst their fashion was mentioned a lot this just added to story. I found it interesting.
If you are looking for a cozy mystery with twist then this is the book for you. This is the first book I have read by this author and I am going to check out what else they have read. Oh and if there are any more stories of Skip and Henry count me in.
The story follows Skip and Henry who due to the timeline had to hide their relationship as they spend a weekend at Henry's uncle's home and after finding out about the death of the groundsman, Skip a lover of puzzles wants to investigates.
Whilst I liked both characters, Henry was my favourite, I cannot explain why but Skip felt that he was more prim and proper maybe it was his background I just do not know. Henry had a more carefree nature. But as a team they understood each other, their partnership worked well and I loved reading how their minds worked with this mystery.
When I do read mysteries, I like to see if I can guess who did it and why and whilst I got quite a bit I was still surprised at the end. The era was well researched and whilst their fashion was mentioned a lot this just added to story. I found it interesting.
If you are looking for a cozy mystery with twist then this is the book for you. This is the first book I have read by this author and I am going to check out what else they have read. Oh and if there are any more stories of Skip and Henry count me in.
May 27, 2024
Skip and his guy friend Henry goes to visit Henry uncle, whose mother is very sick. It turns out that there are happening a lot of mysteries af their old mansion. Not everything is as it seems, and they often hear a strange barking at night from a dig, The uncles mother thinks that it is their old groundskeeper and his dig, who both died in a fire not long ago.
I really enjoyed reading this story, but I went into it thinking it was a crime book, but eventually reading it as a cozy mystery book. I liked the fact that it hadn't too much with the police to do, and it was different in that way. There was a lot of good plot twist, and page turner, but even though the book was kind of short, it still felt a bit like a longer read
But we learn one very important thing, which is that puzzles can be deadly
I really enjoyed reading this story, but I went into it thinking it was a crime book, but eventually reading it as a cozy mystery book. I liked the fact that it hadn't too much with the police to do, and it was different in that way. There was a lot of good plot twist, and page turner, but even though the book was kind of short, it still felt a bit like a longer read
But we learn one very important thing, which is that puzzles can be deadly
June 2, 2024
This is a historical cosy mystery set in 1950s America. When Skip and Henry travel from Chicago to Michigan to visit Henry's uncle for the weekend, some strange events occur, and Skip and Henry decide to investigate.
Historical cosy mysteries are a favourite of mine, and I like them sophisticated, with some quirky and eccentric characters. This did tick all the right boxes in that regard. I quickly warmed to Skip and Henry as they were such a lovely couple. I loved their banter, and their chemistry. At times, I felt like the story was maybe carried along by the dialogue, but given that I liked the characters and their exchanges, that wasn't really an issue for me. I found this an entertaining cosy mystery, it was light enough to read in one sitting, and I would happily read about these characters again.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.
Historical cosy mysteries are a favourite of mine, and I like them sophisticated, with some quirky and eccentric characters. This did tick all the right boxes in that regard. I quickly warmed to Skip and Henry as they were such a lovely couple. I loved their banter, and their chemistry. At times, I felt like the story was maybe carried along by the dialogue, but given that I liked the characters and their exchanges, that wasn't really an issue for me. I found this an entertaining cosy mystery, it was light enough to read in one sitting, and I would happily read about these characters again.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.
June 4, 2024
I’ve always enjoyed David Pederson’s novels which are very much like Agatha Christie’s. He doesn’t disappoint with this new story.
I’ve been hoping for another Heath Barrington or Mason Adler story but was pleasantly surprised with Skip and Henry. Mr. Pederson does such a great job with capturing all the details of the period his stories are set in.
The mystery starts out fairly quickly with Skip and Henry meeting a cast of quirky characters at his great uncle’s house (actually a second of third cousin once removed). Things develop slowly at first but the pace picks up as Skip and Henry discover more and more mysterious clues. It kept me guessing up till the end. Highly recommended!
I’ve been hoping for another Heath Barrington or Mason Adler story but was pleasantly surprised with Skip and Henry. Mr. Pederson does such a great job with capturing all the details of the period his stories are set in.
The mystery starts out fairly quickly with Skip and Henry meeting a cast of quirky characters at his great uncle’s house (actually a second of third cousin once removed). Things develop slowly at first but the pace picks up as Skip and Henry discover more and more mysterious clues. It kept me guessing up till the end. Highly recommended!
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December 20, 2024I love a good murder mystery and I was super excited to read this one!
Sadly it didn’t deliver on anything but the murder mystery itself.
My main problem was the style of writing. Lengthy descriptions of unnecessary and unimportant things, very obvious descriptions of things that will happen later on, extremely stilted, unnaturally sounding conversations. The two main characters have been lovers since half a year and constantly talk like two hosts on a TV marketing channel, instead of intimately knowing each other.
The mystery in itself was okay, not too shocking but also not wayyy too obvious. More show, not tell would have done this book a lot of good.
Sadly it didn’t deliver on anything but the murder mystery itself.
My main problem was the style of writing. Lengthy descriptions of unnecessary and unimportant things, very obvious descriptions of things that will happen later on, extremely stilted, unnaturally sounding conversations. The two main characters have been lovers since half a year and constantly talk like two hosts on a TV marketing channel, instead of intimately knowing each other.
The mystery in itself was okay, not too shocking but also not wayyy too obvious. More show, not tell would have done this book a lot of good.
April 18, 2024
I've read a lot of this author's other books, so I was excited to be approved for an advance copy of this one. Unfortunately, it didn't work for me as well as I expected it to. The dialogue was very stilted and tell-y, and the attention to period detail often felt shoehorned in. I also never found any of the characters particularly compelling. The mystery itself was fine, if predictable, but again, the debriefing/denouement seemed cumbersome. I'm rounding up to get to four stars here, I'm afraid.
My thanks to the publisher/NetGalley for an advance copy of this book.
My thanks to the publisher/NetGalley for an advance copy of this book.
May 12, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley and Bold Stroke Books for this eARC! Puzzles Can Be Deadly was a super sweet historical cozy mystery. It follows to main characters Skip and Henry who are dating in 1950. They decide to take a getaway to Michigan to visit Henry's second cousin after learning he is the heir to the family fortune. What ensues is murder, mystery, and puzzles. This was a nice read that really made me feel like I was in that old victorian house with them! Everyone was a suspect and had motive, but the ending was definitely a surprise! I really enjoyed this book. 3.5 stars rounded to 4.
December 16, 2024
I LOVED THIS ONE! A quick read - done in a day.
Honestly, this plot just dragged me. Historical drama with a little death.
Henry Finch learns he is next in line for the family inheritance - left only to males. Henry convinces his boyfriend and amateur sleuth, Skip Valentine, to join him for the weekend excursion to sign papers, reconnect with family.
These characters were so enjoyable! Looking forward to the next in the series.
Honestly, this plot just dragged me. Historical drama with a little death.
Henry Finch learns he is next in line for the family inheritance - left only to males. Henry convinces his boyfriend and amateur sleuth, Skip Valentine, to join him for the weekend excursion to sign papers, reconnect with family.
These characters were so enjoyable! Looking forward to the next in the series.
September 23, 2024
The first book by this author and it was a pleasant and very entertaining story. Well plotted, excellent storytelling.
A solid story that I thoroughly enjoyed due to the well plotted characters and the solid plot
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
A solid story that I thoroughly enjoyed due to the well plotted characters and the solid plot
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
May 26, 2024
A great read with engaging characters and great attention to detail on the backdrop to the story -1950 Ann Arbor MI.
August 14, 2024
3.5*
Definitely got a feel for the social mores of the time with this one.
Perhaps the language was almost too correct at times.
A lot of mysterious goings on, plots within plots.
Enjoyable
Definitely got a feel for the social mores of the time with this one.
Perhaps the language was almost too correct at times.
A lot of mysterious goings on, plots within plots.
Enjoyable
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