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The J. Alfred Prufrock Murders
Four bright, lively and stubborn septuagenarians are stirred into action by an unexpected death in their retirement community.
Angela Benbow and Caledonia Wingate and two reluctant pals in their retirement community shrug off their infirmities and take to the investigative trail when one of their own, a not-so-sweet busybody named “Sweetie”, is found murdered on the beach.
The four not-so-gentle ladies realise what the young investigating officer has trouble accepting – that even the most seemingly docile among them may be provoked into taking a life, even a series of lives, if the pleasure of the time they have left is threatened
**PRAISE FOR THE BENBOW AND WINGATE MYSTERIES**
‘Sawyer’s sly sense of humor and her feisty senior citizens will delight fans of the not-so-violent mystery novel’ Publishers Weekly
‘Two likable, feisty characters make their appearance… Sawyer writes with low-key charm and wit” The State
'Sawyer writes with wit, taste, humour and wisdom, and her plotting is impeccable' Drood Review of Mystery
Angela Benbow and Caledonia Wingate and two reluctant pals in their retirement community shrug off their infirmities and take to the investigative trail when one of their own, a not-so-sweet busybody named “Sweetie”, is found murdered on the beach.
The four not-so-gentle ladies realise what the young investigating officer has trouble accepting – that even the most seemingly docile among them may be provoked into taking a life, even a series of lives, if the pleasure of the time they have left is threatened
**PRAISE FOR THE BENBOW AND WINGATE MYSTERIES**
‘Sawyer’s sly sense of humor and her feisty senior citizens will delight fans of the not-so-violent mystery novel’ Publishers Weekly
‘Two likable, feisty characters make their appearance… Sawyer writes with low-key charm and wit” The State
'Sawyer writes with wit, taste, humour and wisdom, and her plotting is impeccable' Drood Review of Mystery
- GenresMystery
297 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 12, 2024
15 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
About the author
Corinne Holt Sawyer
23 books11 followersCorrine Holt Sawyer is the author of the Angela Benbow and Caledonia Wingate mystery series. Angela and Caledonia are "women of a certain age" living in the upscale retirement community of Camden-sur-Mer. Mystery and mayhem seem to follow the "retiring" women all over Southern California. The author of this bestselling mystery series was born in Minnesota and received her BA from the University of Minnesota in 1945. She moved to the south to attend the University of Birmingham where she received her PHD in 1954. Dr. Sawyer worked for many years in Radio and Television, teaching, writing and while at WNCT-TV in Greenville (NC), serving as director of broadcasting. In 1966, she moved from North Carolina to South Carolina, where for many years she taught English at Clemson University. Corrine Holt Sawyer continues to write the Angela and Caledonia mystery series.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
March 5, 2025
3.5 stars.
Set in and based on author Corinne Holt Sawyer's experience living in a retirement community, this story follows two of the inhabitants, Angela Benbow and Caledonia Wingate, and their two acquaintances/friends as they spend their time with there, and get involved with a murder investigation.
When a former librarian and fellow resident is found dead at the nearby beach, Angela and Caledonia and all the other residents are questioned about their knowledge of the dead woman.
The two women's curiosity is aroused about the dead woman, and Angela and Caledonia decide to poke into the dead woman’s and some of the others’ lives. The amateur sleuths unearth blackmail, nastiness, and secrets someone is willing to kill for. Eventually, Angela discovers who the killer is, showing us how observant she is.
Angela is frankly irritating when she appears; she’s lived a life where she’s gotten whatever she wanted, and is spoiled, snobby and self-absorbed. Caledonia is wealthy, and also used to getting what she wants, but is clearly more introspective than Angela. Together, they make a surprisingly good sleuthing team, bringing their two sort of friends along for their snooping.
Angela gradually grew on me as the story progressed, and I liked the detective in charge of the murder investigation.
I also liked the view into what it is like being elderly in a small community, such as they live in, grounding the impulses and activities Angela and Caledonia engage in.
I enjoyed this, once I got past my annoyance for Angela.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Farrago Books for this ARC in exchange for my review.
Set in and based on author Corinne Holt Sawyer's experience living in a retirement community, this story follows two of the inhabitants, Angela Benbow and Caledonia Wingate, and their two acquaintances/friends as they spend their time with there, and get involved with a murder investigation.
When a former librarian and fellow resident is found dead at the nearby beach, Angela and Caledonia and all the other residents are questioned about their knowledge of the dead woman.
The two women's curiosity is aroused about the dead woman, and Angela and Caledonia decide to poke into the dead woman’s and some of the others’ lives. The amateur sleuths unearth blackmail, nastiness, and secrets someone is willing to kill for. Eventually, Angela discovers who the killer is, showing us how observant she is.
Angela is frankly irritating when she appears; she’s lived a life where she’s gotten whatever she wanted, and is spoiled, snobby and self-absorbed. Caledonia is wealthy, and also used to getting what she wants, but is clearly more introspective than Angela. Together, they make a surprisingly good sleuthing team, bringing their two sort of friends along for their snooping.
Angela gradually grew on me as the story progressed, and I liked the detective in charge of the murder investigation.
I also liked the view into what it is like being elderly in a small community, such as they live in, grounding the impulses and activities Angela and Caledonia engage in.
I enjoyed this, once I got past my annoyance for Angela.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Farrago Books for this ARC in exchange for my review.
October 22, 2024
The writing was very detailed and made sure that we really knew who the main characters were. There was a prologue at the beginning which gently pulled the reader in. There was then a lot of detail outlining who the main players were. Once this was done the story "began". I was completely drawn in and enjoyed picking up the book at each sitting. There were some references that I wasn't sure about, but that gave an indication of the time period that it was written in (which I liked).
The chapters were fairly long. This meant that you got a good chunk of the story before moving on. There was a good pace to the book, nothing was rushed, yet at the same time you kept on moving. Whilst it felt quite heavy at the beginning, it soon lightened up and I enjoyed watching everything unfold. There was a good flow between the chapters, so I was quite happy to sit and read for long periods of time.
The characters were excellent. As I mentioned above, we were thoroughly introduced to the main characters at the beginning. We still learnt new things as we went through the story, but the main bulk was laid out at the beginning. I liked the different personalities of each character and the humour that the author injected. At a couple of points there was a change in narration and you felt like you were being told something outside of the main story, which was interesting.
Whilst there were quite a few characters, I never felt lost and I enjoyed trying to work out who the murderer was. I also enjoyed learning the new things about the characters that came to light throughout the story. I was constantly surprised and I was kept guessing right until the end!
Lastly the settings. I enjoyed reading about the Retirement Centre. I liked that it was by the sea and that there were gardens and different buildings dotted around. It all added interest to the story.
Overall a great murder mystery, full of surprises with excellent characters.
The chapters were fairly long. This meant that you got a good chunk of the story before moving on. There was a good pace to the book, nothing was rushed, yet at the same time you kept on moving. Whilst it felt quite heavy at the beginning, it soon lightened up and I enjoyed watching everything unfold. There was a good flow between the chapters, so I was quite happy to sit and read for long periods of time.
The characters were excellent. As I mentioned above, we were thoroughly introduced to the main characters at the beginning. We still learnt new things as we went through the story, but the main bulk was laid out at the beginning. I liked the different personalities of each character and the humour that the author injected. At a couple of points there was a change in narration and you felt like you were being told something outside of the main story, which was interesting.
Whilst there were quite a few characters, I never felt lost and I enjoyed trying to work out who the murderer was. I also enjoyed learning the new things about the characters that came to light throughout the story. I was constantly surprised and I was kept guessing right until the end!
Lastly the settings. I enjoyed reading about the Retirement Centre. I liked that it was by the sea and that there were gardens and different buildings dotted around. It all added interest to the story.
Overall a great murder mystery, full of surprises with excellent characters.
July 18, 2025
Leuk boek om te lezen! Een detective zoals je ‘m waarschijnlijk niet zo vaak tegen zal komen, echt moeite waard.
January 21, 2025
the title gave it away 💀
August 19, 2024
The J. Alfred Prufrock Murders (Benbow and Wingate Book 1) by Corrine Holt Sawyer is a suspenseful mystery with humor and heart.
The J. Alfred Prufrock Murders is one of the best mysteries I have read this year. I liked the setting, the senior sleuths, the main supporting character (Detective Martinez), and the well-plotted mystery.
I chose to read this book because its description gave me Thursday Murder Club vibes. I really enjoy that series, but I often find myself wishing that the mysteries were set in the retirement community where the sleuths live. The J. Alfred Prufrock Murders satisfied that itch.
The J. Alfred Prufrock Murders unfolds in a sun-kissed, upscale Southern California retirement community. Angela Benbow and Caledonia Wingate, the two main characters, persuade two of their friends to delve into the murder of Sweetie, a fellow community member found dead on the beach.
Every character in this story is intricately layered and flawed, making them relatable and engaging. There are no perfect sleuths here, and that's what makes them so appealing. They make good choices, bad choices, smart moves, and mistakes, just like real people. Even the primary supporting characters are well-rounded. Detective Martinez, in particular, with his cleverness and kindness, always shines in his interactions with the main characters.
The mystery was very well done, and the clues were carefully laid. I was able to guess the culprit, but only because I paid very close attention and tried very hard. I think many readers will be surprised and delighted by the mystery portion of the book, whether they guess the culprit or not.
If you enjoy good mysteries with complex characters, humor, and heart, you can't go wrong with The J. Alfred Prufrock Murders.
I am eagerly looking forward to the next installment in the Benbow and Wingate series and have already recommended it to several people I know.
Thanks to Net Galley and Farrago Books for an advanced reader copy of this mystery novel in exchange for a fair review.
The J. Alfred Prufrock Murders is one of the best mysteries I have read this year. I liked the setting, the senior sleuths, the main supporting character (Detective Martinez), and the well-plotted mystery.
I chose to read this book because its description gave me Thursday Murder Club vibes. I really enjoy that series, but I often find myself wishing that the mysteries were set in the retirement community where the sleuths live. The J. Alfred Prufrock Murders satisfied that itch.
The J. Alfred Prufrock Murders unfolds in a sun-kissed, upscale Southern California retirement community. Angela Benbow and Caledonia Wingate, the two main characters, persuade two of their friends to delve into the murder of Sweetie, a fellow community member found dead on the beach.
Every character in this story is intricately layered and flawed, making them relatable and engaging. There are no perfect sleuths here, and that's what makes them so appealing. They make good choices, bad choices, smart moves, and mistakes, just like real people. Even the primary supporting characters are well-rounded. Detective Martinez, in particular, with his cleverness and kindness, always shines in his interactions with the main characters.
The mystery was very well done, and the clues were carefully laid. I was able to guess the culprit, but only because I paid very close attention and tried very hard. I think many readers will be surprised and delighted by the mystery portion of the book, whether they guess the culprit or not.
If you enjoy good mysteries with complex characters, humor, and heart, you can't go wrong with The J. Alfred Prufrock Murders.
I am eagerly looking forward to the next installment in the Benbow and Wingate series and have already recommended it to several people I know.
Thanks to Net Galley and Farrago Books for an advanced reader copy of this mystery novel in exchange for a fair review.
September 3, 2024
This e-book reissue of a 36-year-old mystery is still fun to read….
I had read the eight books in this series in paperback, back when they were written, in the 1980s and 1990s, and liked them all. Now, I am happy to have received a review copy of a new e-book version of the first title in the series, The J Alfred Prufrock Murders. And three decades on, having had first-hand experience with aging parents in retirement communities, and also that much closer to retirement myself (!!!), it was more fun to read even than I remembered.
At its heart, Prufrock is a cozy, set at the Camden-sur-Mer retirement community, and with two elderly ladies, Angela Benbow and Caledonia Wingate (and some of their friends), as the main protagonists. And once the first body is found, Lt Martinez from the Camden police, and his sidekick Charles “Shorty” Swanson, get involved, developing a nice relationship with the ladies. At the same time, though, author Corinne Holt Sawyer doesn’t pull any punches on the challenging realities of aging, both health-wise and financial, so it’s not entirely a cozy. A few more bodies soon follow, and it turns out that several of the residents have dicey pasts, creating some nice red herrings. But eventually the culprit is identified, and things reach a satisfying ending.
Prufrock does show its 36 years of age just a bit, with slightly different mores than I would expect if it were written today. But the writing is sharp, the characterizations are apt, the plot keeps you guessing, and I recommend it for anyone looking for a quick beach or airplane read.
Finally, my thanks to Farrago Press and Net Galley for the review copy. And I’m also happy to note that Farrago appears to be coming out with the rest of the series – or at least, the first five as of now…
I had read the eight books in this series in paperback, back when they were written, in the 1980s and 1990s, and liked them all. Now, I am happy to have received a review copy of a new e-book version of the first title in the series, The J Alfred Prufrock Murders. And three decades on, having had first-hand experience with aging parents in retirement communities, and also that much closer to retirement myself (!!!), it was more fun to read even than I remembered.
At its heart, Prufrock is a cozy, set at the Camden-sur-Mer retirement community, and with two elderly ladies, Angela Benbow and Caledonia Wingate (and some of their friends), as the main protagonists. And once the first body is found, Lt Martinez from the Camden police, and his sidekick Charles “Shorty” Swanson, get involved, developing a nice relationship with the ladies. At the same time, though, author Corinne Holt Sawyer doesn’t pull any punches on the challenging realities of aging, both health-wise and financial, so it’s not entirely a cozy. A few more bodies soon follow, and it turns out that several of the residents have dicey pasts, creating some nice red herrings. But eventually the culprit is identified, and things reach a satisfying ending.
Prufrock does show its 36 years of age just a bit, with slightly different mores than I would expect if it were written today. But the writing is sharp, the characterizations are apt, the plot keeps you guessing, and I recommend it for anyone looking for a quick beach or airplane read.
Finally, my thanks to Farrago Press and Net Galley for the review copy. And I’m also happy to note that Farrago appears to be coming out with the rest of the series – or at least, the first five as of now…
October 18, 2024
Many years ago I read and enjoyed the Benbow Wingate mystery series by Corinne Holt Sawyer and I was delighted to find the first book in the series, “The J. Alfred Prufrock Murders”, is now available as an ebook and I had to read it again. It’s been so long since I read it that I had forgotten many of the details including some about the main characters. I remembered that they were elderly but not their personalities, especially Angela who was much more acerbic than I remembered (Holt has a nice sense of humor so, while Angela is unlikable at the beginning of the book she’s not so unlikable that you don’t want to read the book) but she does grow throughout the course of the book. I did remember more about Caledonia but I had forgotten their two sidekicks Nan and Stella. Because of this, in some ways it was like reading the book for the first time and I very much enjoyed it. I love the nursing home setting, the two main characters, many of the side characters, and of course the main detective who finds himself, somewhat reluctantly, working alongside Angela and Caledonia to solve the mystery. The retirement setting is a nice one filled with colorful characters – some of which have secrets they want to keep hidden. Thoss secrets are what drives the mystery in this book – Sawyer takes her time revealing those secrets which not only lets us get to know the people living there but the murder victims as well. Some of the stories revealed are truly heartbreaking – as is the identity of the killer (and the motive when it is finally revealed). All in all, a very well done mystery.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley.
December 13, 2025
Started and finished date – 08.12.25 to 12.12.25.
My rating – Three Stars.
This book was okay, but I didn't love it, and I was bit bored while read this book also I think people who like the Thursday murder club by Richard Osman or the night in question by Susan Fletcher may like is book. The cover of book was simple but stunning and I think the colour palette at was used on the cover of book was pretty good. The plot was okay and it easy to read but it could be flash out bit more. The writing was okay, and the writing was easy to follow also the ending of book was fine.
The plot of book was fine, but I wise it was flash out bit more and this book reminds me a little bit of the Thursday murder club by Richard Osman. I think the setting of the book was okay and the atmosphere was fine, but it could be better. I think both the mystery and the suspense was okay and I think both the friendships and relationships between all of the characters was okay. I found the paced in the book was well structured and steady paced. The characters were okay, but they needed to be flash out bit more.
My rating – Three Stars.
This book was okay, but I didn't love it, and I was bit bored while read this book also I think people who like the Thursday murder club by Richard Osman or the night in question by Susan Fletcher may like is book. The cover of book was simple but stunning and I think the colour palette at was used on the cover of book was pretty good. The plot was okay and it easy to read but it could be flash out bit more. The writing was okay, and the writing was easy to follow also the ending of book was fine.
The plot of book was fine, but I wise it was flash out bit more and this book reminds me a little bit of the Thursday murder club by Richard Osman. I think the setting of the book was okay and the atmosphere was fine, but it could be better. I think both the mystery and the suspense was okay and I think both the friendships and relationships between all of the characters was okay. I found the paced in the book was well structured and steady paced. The characters were okay, but they needed to be flash out bit more.
September 15, 2024
The J. Alfred Prufrock Murders* by Corinne Holt Sawyer is a charming and witty cozy mystery set in the world of a retirement community in California. The novel features Angela Benbow and Caledonia Wingate, two elderly amateur sleuths whose sharp minds and distinct personalities make for an engaging detective duo.
The story begins with a seemingly natural death in the retirement home, but Angela and Caledonia quickly suspect that something is amiss. Their investigation, conducted in the manner of classic whodunits, draws readers into the quirks and secrets of the residents, with humor and insight into life in a senior community.
Overall, it is an enjoyable cozy mystery with clever dialogue, unique characters, and a touch of literary flair. Readers looking for a gentle yet engaging mystery will find this book a delightful addition to their shelves
The story begins with a seemingly natural death in the retirement home, but Angela and Caledonia quickly suspect that something is amiss. Their investigation, conducted in the manner of classic whodunits, draws readers into the quirks and secrets of the residents, with humor and insight into life in a senior community.
Overall, it is an enjoyable cozy mystery with clever dialogue, unique characters, and a touch of literary flair. Readers looking for a gentle yet engaging mystery will find this book a delightful addition to their shelves
September 23, 2024
This is a cosy mystery set in an upscale environment of a retirement community. This is quite a well used trope at the moment with lots of them about to choose from. In this case the story follows two elderly sleuths, who find themselves caught up in a murder investigation when a resident is found dead under suspicious circumstances. What makes this is a good one is the character's. They are unique not always likeable and fair from perfect which makes them easy to relate to for the reader and different and interesting, An enjoyable read. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 14, 2024
There are many mystery/thriller series set in retirement communities. After reading several of them, I discovered Corinne Holt Sawyer's Benbow and Wingate cozy/ mystery series and fell in love with the colorful characters and their determination to investigate and solve crimes. These women may be older than the policemen that have to deal with them, but they keep everyone on their toes. Great characters keep this series fresh and entertaining. If you love The Thursday Murder Club, you'll love Benbow and Wingate even more!
May 29, 2025
light hearted, funny murder mystery. I didn't realise until I googled the series these were written in 1988. for the time period they are great! now I know when they were written so much more makes sense in terms of language and mannerisms and the settings. totally here for it!! unexpected twists. loved it!!!
August 13, 2025
This book is a reprint of the first in series popular in the 1980s. I found it an easy read but I did not relate to any of the characters. This make it harder to enjoy. I guess I need to be older in character, if not in age. I'm not sure I'll bother with another. Not a bad cosy but not really my sort of thing.
April 28, 2025
A lot of fun to read, different from most murder mysteries but still with plenty of plot twists. I personally quite like that the characters are well developed but the plot keeps moving forward without pausing for unnecessary descriptions.
October 21, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
Took a while to get into with the story, the characters and the writing style.
But a classic whodunit, an easy read if you’re in the mood !
Took a while to get into with the story, the characters and the writing style.
But a classic whodunit, an easy read if you’re in the mood !
February 1, 2025
Rated 3.5🌟
August 8, 2025
3 .25 to 3.5 no where near as good as the Thursday murder club books
August 11, 2025
Once u got into the story not a bad read got you guessing till the end and even then not the person you thought it was…
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews