A Singular Mission: An Olympia Brown Mystery

Olympia Brown Mystery #7

by Judith Campbell

No. 7 in the Olympia Brown Mysteries. Olympia accepts a winter contract in a picture-book church on Cape Cod, but someone in that idyllic setting is watching and waiting. When Olympia is trapped inside the old church along with her stalker in a killer New England blizzard, husband Frederick is too far away to help, and the police can’t reach her. Olympia becomes both the hunter and the hunted, and only she or the predator will survive the night.

Genres: Mystery

248 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 10, 2014

Reviews

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm in love with the characters in the Olympia Brown series! The plots are interesting and always deal with issues that are substantial and make me think. Campbell is very good at drawing along several plot elements without being confusing or "too artsy" (my code for having to go back to figure out what the heck is going on). More deeply, there is a true understanding of what it means to be human which shines through in properly messy ways. Don't think that the seriousness of the story is off putting. There is much delightful humor in the relationships of the cast of characters, as well as a chime or two (inside joke) from a long dead owner of Olympia's house. For those who might be interested: the sleuth is a UU minister named Olympia Brown.

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this is one of the better books in this series. While dramatic, it is not as sinister as some of the earlier books. Instead, this a more telling story of what it must be like to be a minister. At one point Olympia struggles with writing her sermon. And throughout the entire book she has to deal with real problems that clergy have to deal with everyday, but "they don't teach you in seminary". If you have any doubt, this book will convince you that ministers work more than just Sunday morning.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Each of the Olympia Brown mysteries takes on a social justice issue - this one was mental health. There was compassion shown for those with 'issues' and I appreciated that focus. You always know that Olympia will emerge safe and sound in the end, so I am not quite sure why I find these books compelling, but I do. I finish them at 3 in the morning because I can't put them down. I love the portrayal of a UU minister - it is right on.

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Campbell's books are among the best of the cozy genre. Everything is in place: quirky characters, New England setting, a well developed and engaging plot. The bonuses include being thought-provoking, having cats and a little supernatural/historical element. What more could one ask?