A Charm of Powerful Trouble

The Harry Reese Mysteries #4

by Robert Bruce Stewart

It’s not surprising that a case that begins with a killing in a faux Chinatown and ends in a séance would include a generous helping of farce. But not even Harry Reese, a man well used to a life only loosely tethered to reality, is prepared for what he encounters that autumn in 1902. Before it’s over, he’ll meet cricket ranchers, vaudeville artistes, white slavers, morality crusaders, circus roustabouts, and wayward utopians, and frequently become sidetracked by the need to rescue his loved ones from jail, or the clutches of a ruthless tong. Is it any wonder the case was put in motion by the machinations of his dear wife Emmie?

For more information on the series, please streetcarmysteries.com

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Amazon, Humor, Historical, Ebooks

280 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 19, 2014

About the author

Finding himself misplaced in the 21st century, Robert Bruce Stewart has opted to retire to what he hopes will be a more congenial era for a person of his sensibilities by means of fiction writing. Meanwhile, his temporal self lives with his wife and cat in a small-town hermitage in western Massachusetts where he spends his idle hours tending to the needs of tadpoles and keeping his ill-mannered bamboo grove in check.

Reviews

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly, I'd like to thank the author, who gifted me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

As usual, the fourth in the Harry Reese Mystery series features Insurance Investigator Harry, and his wife Emmie. This particular storyline begins in 1902, and is set within The NY State canal system, something which, (when you know Emmie, and her penchant for a good murder mystery) makes you realise what an irresistible attraction this location is. After all, the canals' capacity for providing the occasional floating body is without question. Regrettably for her, they don't actually come across any bodies in the canals in this particular story. It does though have 2 murders, and includes all manner of mayhem, madness, and mystery, that will have you guessing right the way through.

The dialogue between Harry and Emmie though, is what sets this series apart, it's simply brilliant - it's humorous, but laced with a massive dose of sarcasm that borders on genius. Just one other point that I think deserves a mention, and that is the cover designs. They're wonderful - just so expressive, and give a hint of the comedic content awaiting the reader. Mr Stewart has pulled it off once again!

[msleighm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you very much to Robert Bruce Stewart for a copy of his book in exchange for an honest review.

This would be 4.5, but goodreads doesn't allow for that, so I rounded up.

I'll start by saying I don't much care for coming in part way through a series, and could feel that I was missing something throughout. There are cases that are referenced as inside jokes amongst the characters and people or places mentioned that would have a fuller history had the prior books been read first. Obviously, I'll have to go back and start from the beginning.

That having been said, I found this book as a stand-alone, completely delightful. If Emerson and Amelia Peabody had landed in New York instead of England/Egypt and Emerson had written the books, this is the kind of narrative you might experience. I laughed out loud several times. Knowing New York state, some of the train lines and many of the roads, mountains and rivers, the distances traveled in the amounts of time seemed a tad ambitious, but suspension of disbelief is part of every good reader of farce.

From my experience, I recommend you do not start this book unless you have a clear calendar. It was like a really good cake, I ate it until the last piece was gone, and in the morning, when I woke up, I was upset that I had eaten all the cake and there wasn't any left.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I start to read a Robert Bruce Stewart mystery book, I am expecting a great time. I was laughing aloud by the 2nd page of this book when Harry describes his wife Emmie as a "chasm of logic". Emmie has her own brand of logic - reasoning unlike anyone else in the world. How else could you explain why Emmie would take Harry and his visiting relatives on a tour of Chinatown - that wasn't in Chinatown. As part of this anniversary tour, Emmie has arranged a fake murder skit. When Harry leans over the body, he realizes the man is really dead. In true Emmie fashion, she decides to wish Harry a happy anniversary at that exact moment! Emmie says she planned all this because Harry has been "listless" lately. I could imagine the look on Harry's face at that explanation. Emmie and Harry must solve the case for their dear cousin Carlotta, an actress who can't help but over emote at all times. Carlotta was holding the gun that wasn't the prop gun. Set in 1902, Robert Bruce Stewart weaves a mystery that is full of mayhem and literary references. For your added enjoyment, he includes - a parrot who is inappropriate in many languages, a vaudeville show with a dancing pig, and a circus of shrews. Yes, I mean shrews - the small mouse like creatures. If you haven't read Robert's earlier books, you may not understand all of the references to other stories. However, I feel the book is very enjoyable read alone. Be prepared to fall in love with the series, just like I did! I thank the author for giving me this book in exchange for my review. I look forward to reading future books in the series - and laughing out loud again. Happy Reading!

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the author for sending me a copy of this book.

This is another enjoyable installment in the adventures of Harry and Emmie Reese.

Harry and Emmie, quite by accident, find themselves once again investigating a convoluted and farcical plot of murder and adultery, complete with menacing Chinamen, mistaken identities, smuggling, and of course, canals.

Familiar characters from previous books -- cousin Carlotta, Thibaut, Aunt Nell, Detective Sergeant Tibbitts -- not only make a welcome appearance but play an integral part in the mystery.

It all starts with Emmie organizing an excursion to Chinatown for the amusement of their visiting relatives. Before long, Harry is on the trail not only of the bad guys but of Emmie as well, who has gone off on her own pursuit.

I highly recommend reading the preceding books and stories in this series first, for a fuller appreciation of the characters. And as always, I look forward to their next adventure!

[Joel Bresler · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A Charm of Powerful Trouble" is yet another excellent addition to the series starring husband and wife detectives Harry and Emmie Reese. Robert Bruce Stewart infuses his novels with wit, adventure and well-developed story lines, and this latest edition is no exception.
I won't go into specifics of the plot, other than to say that, once again, Emmie finds a way to turn a simple family outing into a murder investigation. Solving it takes the couple and assorted iterations of their entourage throughout parts of upstate New York and New Jersey, while dodging vengeful actors and a Tong society or two. When it comes to stirring up trouble, Emmie never does anything by half-measures.
"A Charm of Powerful Trouble" reads quickly, and not because it is a simple book. Rather, it is a testament to the author's ability to use prose and flow to pace the novel just right. This book would be a good introduction to the series, or still more fun for readers already familiar with it.

[Jo-Ann Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another delightful romp in Emmie-land. These books are always good for a light entertaining read. It is like watching an old screwball comedy at the movies. The writing is descriptive and you can see the characters and laugh as they get themselves in and out of the impossible situations that Emmie usually lands them in.

This mystery was a bit less complicated and easier to follow than in the previous volumes in this series but certainly no less enjoyable. In fact, I think I enjoyed it even more. The old favorite characters are back along with a few new ones that may reappear in the future. I am not sure whether each volume gets better than the last or because the characters are so familiar each adventure just seems better than the last because the reader is back with old friends.

If you want entertainment, the Harry Reese Mystery series never fails to deliver!

[Cheryl Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my fourth excursion into the turn-of-the-century world of Harry and Emmie Reese. I consider it my good fortune that the author, Robert Bruce Stewart, contacted me via Goodreads and offered me a book in exchange for an honest review. This series is just getting better and better! The author has wisely established a unique and delightful relationship between his married sleuths, enabling him to take them almost anywhere. . .and we want to go, too!

In this installment, Emmie, ever working her own agenda, plans an excursion for visiting relatives that leads to murder. And they're off!

This novel, and the entire series, will be greatly enjoyed by people who love a great historical mystery with wonderful unique, but believable, characters. I'd love to run into Harry and Emmie for real sometime.

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder as an anniversary present? Only Emmie would think that's an appropriate gift, and it turn out in this amusing tale that she's right.

I love this quirky series! Set in turn-of-the-century NYC, it follows the adventures of Harry & Emmie Reese. Let's just say that Emmie's grip on reality is not the same as the average person's. Harry's profession is insurance fraud investigation. In the situations these two find themselves embroiled in, it's a match made in heaven.


More please!


For more, see my Blog post: http://my-book-diary.blogspot.com/201...

[Katie Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say this is the BEST book in the series ( they are all good). Harry and his ever so thoughtful wife is off on another murder adventure. In this book there are quiet a few characters, and as always they are fantastic and truly make the story. What I love about this book series is that the lead characters are not badass, rich, beautiful people. They could very well be real people. The books are not dominated by a romance story. They are well written, hilarious books, with a great plot. I can't wait to read the next one.

[Conny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book as a gift from the Author and I thoroughly enjoyed it. This is the 4th book in the Emmie and Harry Reese series and it had me laughing out loud numerous times all the while wondering who done it. This book could easliy stand on its own, but I would recommend reading the other books of the series as well just because all the characters are so much fun. I can't wait to find out what will happen next, because we all know Emmie will always manage to find trouble.

[Debbie Carnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do not know how Robert Bruce Stewart does it, but every book is better then the one before. Which hard to do they are all great

Loved A Charm of Powerful Trouble it was much fun to read, very entertaining

Looking forward to the next book .

[Tony Parsons · Rating 5 out of 5]

1902, Charlie (Emmie’s cousin) got married to Catherine in Buffalo.
Mr. Jimmy Yuan (Oriental), was going to give Emmie Reese (wife, asst., nee McGinnis), Harrison “Harry” Reese (husband, insurance investigator), Aunt Nell (Charlie’s mother), Charlie & Catherine a tour of Chinatown.

It seems Chop Sing Tong was being sued by Hip Sing Tong for cutting into their tourist trade.
Sergeant Eckel was interviewing the group about the incident that was supposed to be a make-believe skit.
It seems Ernie Joy was shot dead at an opium den.
Emmie & Harry went to see Sheedy (Vaudeville Agency proprietor).
Does Carlotta (Harry’s cousin), know anything about the murder?
Did something happen to Aunt Nell Elwell?
Emmie & Harry saw Cliff Ainslie buying a ticket. Where was he headed?

What happened to Carlotta (Harry’s cousin)?
Why was Cyrus Twinem shot at the Cosmopolitan Hotel.

I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one. All thoughts & opinions are entirely my own.

A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written mystery book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a large set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great mystery movie, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.

Thank you for the free Street Car Mysteries; Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons (Washburn)

[Robert Ruppert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reminds me of the Thin Man movies couple. The wife with the implausible suggestions and the loving husband to solve the case. As is written about the wife 'the part of her brain that handles logic mentions the idea to the part where imagination resides. Since the former is the size of a pea...the outcome is never much in doubt". Must add that his wife sure makes his life interesting and rewarding.

[Cate's Book Nut Hut · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been known to review one or two books in a series, but with this review comes my third in the Harry Reese Mysteries, and no I am not being paid to write them; they are just plain and simply a darned good read. Like the other books in the series I have reviewed this one does not need to be read as part of the series, it stands on its own very well indeed. This means that, if after reading this you have no interest in any of the others before it; it will have no adverse affect if you read those following.

Once again, the Author has painted a vivid picture of the time in which the novel is set, and transports the reader fully into the locations and events that take place in this novels pages. I learnt more about cricket ranchers than I ever realised I wanted to know, and chuckled at the shenanigans and predicaments the dynamic couple found themselves in.

Magnificently and skilfully the Author has managed to continue to keep the main protagonists in this recent instalment right on track, there is nothing added to their personalities or traits that would make a loyal reader of this series think they had missed something in previous books, or the newly initiated reader feel they have to read its predecessors. Despite the feeling sometimes given that our ‘Detective’ is ruled by his wife, in this novel the impression comes across that he enjoys her sidetracking although not encouraging it. Once again I thoroughly enjoyed the character of Emmie, and still feel as if this is one woman who I could really get along with in real life.

I would highly recommend this novels to anyone looking for a good and easy read that moves along at a fast clip but is laced with humour and mystery.

Originally reviewed on: http://catesbooknuthut.com/2014/06/30...



This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.

[Rebecca Wolf-Nail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Robert Bruce Stewart was kind enough to send me a free copy of his new book in exchange for an honest review. I found 'A Charm of Powerful Trouble' to be full of entertaining characters and witty dialogue. It had a fast-moving plot and kept me guessing until the end.

My one caveat is that this book, like most books in a series, is somewhat confusing to a reader who jumps in without reading the preceding books first. I spent a lot of time flipping back through the pages to remind myself which character was which, especially in the beginning. This was partly because the dialogue is so fast-paced. I think I would have enjoyed the book much more if I'd read the series in order.

Apart from that I enjoyed reading it and would recommend it to other mystery fans. The wisecracking narrator, Harry Reese, occasionally reminded me of the character Archie Goodwin in the Nero Wolfe series. Harry's wife Emmie is the source of a great deal of mischief and the reader can feel Harry's frustration as he tries to unravel the mystery and keep track of Emmie at the same time.

Robert Bruce Stuart also paints a vivid picture of early 1900's New York, from fake Chinatowns to Vaudeville to the difficulties, even then, of getting around on public transportation. I'm no expert on this time period so I don't know how accurate his descriptions are, but he certainly made it seem real and pulled the reader into this world.

Again, I would recommend this book to readers, but they might want to get his other books in this series first.

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 and 1/2 stars

I received A Charm of Powerful Trouble by Robert Bruce Stewart for free. I received a smartly designed independent paperback, slightly larger than the pocket-paperback standard, with 272 pages and a brightly colored, glossy cover.

Robert Bruce Stewart's mystery is set in New York's Chinatown in 1902, full of tongue-in-cheek humor and the most delightful cadre’ of characters. The first-person narrative is keenly written with an easy and immediately likeable tone that sounds familiar from the very first paragraph. The plot is unassuming and fun but the real pleasure is in the narrator's doting descriptions of his whimsical wife, Emmie.

Robert Bruce Stewart has smartly woven together these endearing characters, Harry and Emmie Reese, through a series of mysteries in short-story and novel form, and supports the entire enterprise on a website with Glossary, Chronology, an index of Characters and even his own research of life in New York at the turn of the 20th century - which he uses quite judiciously to bring his settings to life.

A Charm of Powerful Trouble has a great style, terrific wit, engaging dialog and is lacking in the pretense of self-importance so typically found in today's independent fiction. I enjoyed it immensely and recommend it as a Good Read to anyone willing to enjoy the lighter side of the mystery genre' - willing to poke fun at itself while still enjoying the craftsmanship of excellent story telling.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I was given a free copy of the book by the author (whom I do not know personally) in exchange for an honest review. That said, I was not sure what to expect so was pleasantly surprised to find this an entertaining read, just my type of mystery with an historical setting and interesting characters who are definitely not stereotypical. Funny and fast-paced, the book took me along for a ride that was so much fun along the way that I didn't really care if the mystery was solved or not (SPOILER: It was! ;) or if there were any historical inaccuracies that I should be getting nitpicky about (if so I didn't notice 'em). My only concern is whether references to past adventures may contain spoilers to the earlier books that I have not yet read but plan to read in future. Fortunately, my memory is such that I will be guaranteed to have forgotten those when I do read Emmie & Harry's other adventures.

I will also add for my Goodreads friends that this book was a pleasant change after a certain critically acclaimed, award-winning dreary slog of a mystery book that I struggled to finish recently *cough*test of wills*cough :D

[Florry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely entertaining Harry and Emmie Reese mystery!
This is another of Mr. Robert B. Stewart delicious books that I couldn't let it down till I've finished it all.

Funny troubles started with the visit of Emmie’s relatives and her plan to surprise detective Harry for his anniversary with a fake murder. Then the actor Ernie Joy got shot dead. Chinamen are involved; Emmie disappears, then we find her in jail; another murder seems to be linked to the dead man; aunt Nell acts unusual, then marries; a mysterious Chinese girl plays servant in Harry’s house; a parrot talks many languages; an important manuscript was stolen; some strange events occur and secrets are revealed.

I recommend this amusing book to everyone and I very much appreciate the author’s great work. Thank you!

There are many quotes I've liked in this book. Here are some of them:
“...coincidences always lead to consequences.”
“Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.”
“The love of money is the root of all evil.”
“Cops don’t like cops from other jurisdictions playing games in their backyards.”

[Bob · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, i do enjoy different books and this book was definitely different. The nearest comparison i can make, is to say it reminded me of the old Thin Man movies about a crime fighting couple who solve complex crimes while tossing smart ass quips back and forth at each other. That pretty much sums this up. We have an investigator and his wife here. The investigator, a long-suffering, beleaguered chap who is constantly led into unlikely scenarios by his oddball wife till by some stroke of a combination of luck and genius, they solve the crime at the end. This adventure involved a shooting in a fake chinatown, a cricket farmer, several vaudevillians, the chinese mafia, a frenchman who only communicates in mime and animal impersonations, and various and sundry other things. I thoroughly enjoyed the book, even though i often lost track of the plot. It was clever, and that's not a word i often use in book reviews.

[Paul Burnette · Rating 4 out of 5]

She’s a Lucille Ball-Gracie Allen-Mrs. Marple combo! Emmie is charming. She’s a powerful imagination. And she’s certainly trouble. Harry Reese is the narrator, but wife Emmie is the mover and shaker in this twisted tale involving Chinese Tongs, a cricket whisperer, two murders, Vaudeville babes, New York’s finest, plots, counterplots, subplots, and more entertaining shenanigans than you can shake a stick at, or a schtick for that matter. Set in 1903, blissfully free of cell phones! Harry and Emmie set out to set the world right while they try to get to the bottom of a pair of murders that they think may be linked. Stewart's skill at dialogue has not diminished; if anything, this is his best yet! Hold on to your hat, reader, this one is a doozy!

[Italo Italophiles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harry writes his account of a wild caper inspired by his wife, Emmie, in 1902. As always in this series, this madcap comedy is full of fun, history, and some belly laughs.

I like that Harry writes from the perspective of older age, so we get his take on the crazy things that happen with some perspective, and we get some foreshadowing of events to come. His attachment to Emmie, who makes his life unique and exciting, is charming. That she remains such a mystery to him is fun.

The eccentricity of a time not flattened out by the Internet and global media is exploited to its best. As always, we feel that the story is written by someone who lived through that era, with with some modern sensibilities.

[Michele · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Charm of Powerful Trouble? It should be titled a wife of powerful trouble!

What starts out as a tame enough evening turns into a series of adventures for husband and wife amateur sleuth team Harry & Emmie Reese. Will Emmie's vivid imaginings lead to the truth, or to danger?

I'd like to thank Mr. Stewart and the people at Goodreads for picking me as winner of his latest book, A Charm of Powerful Trouble. The story line is well written and the characters charming.I thoroughly enjoyed the reading of it.

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I read in this Harry Reese mystery series which takes place in the very early 1900s. It was a hoot with a capital “H”! The characters are quite interesting with their quirks and takes on situations that arise throughout the mystery to be solved. The dialog is hilarious, especially between the main two characters, Harry and Emmie. I highly recommend this book. It’s very entertaining with the right mixture of good story, suspense, and very clever humor. If you enjoy murder mysteries but do not like blood and gore this is for you.

[Argum · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is so light hearted and fun with a dash of tongue in cheek self awareness. Like fourth wall breaking interludes that point out if the mystery didn't go as such it would be bad for the series. Really funny romps with madcap fun. This time Aunt Nell is visiting and boy do we learn more about her and her medicine show past, Carlotta is in town, and a cast of Chinese people of various legality. This time Emmie gets herself a real murder after a Chinatown staged show she arranged turns deadly. Hilarious, many threads, but sometimes a little sloppy.

[Jakenv · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mystery lovers with sense of humor must read. Characters keep getting better as they grow in this and previous books in series. This couple make you know that old adage opposites attract plays out in making for a fun reading adventure. Most enjoyed some new characters who led a fine trail of mystery. Cover is catchy and will keep you thinking about tie in to story.

[Suzan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was given this book by the author. I really had hoped to enjoy it. I did really like the spunkyness of the book but had such a hard time with who was who and how they related to each other. This is I think the 4th in the series and the first one I have read. I think if I had read from the first in the series I would have had no problems. I didn't find this a stand alone book.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just a fun mystery read from any angle. Characters have plenty of personality which author exploits. This series only gets better with each book. No need to read in order to fully enjoy this book.

[Lynsie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not usually a big mystery fan, but I gave this one a chance and really enjoyed it! It is a very light hearted, silly, and fun book. I love the characters, and will definitely be checking out the others in this series.

[Connie Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given this book to read and review. I very much enjoyed it. The characters were fun and it provided a good mystery.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable, quirky, mystery/adventure.