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Theo Bogart Mysteries #1
The Man on the Washing Machine
When former party girl and society photographer Theophania Bogart flees to San Francisco to escape a high-profile family tragedy, a series of murders drags her unwillingly out of hiding. In no time at all she discovers she's been providing cover for a sophisticated smuggling operation, she starts to fall for an untrustworthy stranger, and she's knocked out, tied up and imprisoned. The police are sure she's lying. The smugglers are sure she knows too much. Her friends? They aren't sure what to believe.
The body count is rising and Theo struggles to find the killer before she's the next victim or her new life is exposed as an elaborate fraud. But the more deeply entangled she becomes, the more her investigation is complicated by her best friend, who is one of her prime suspects; her young protégé, who may or may not have a juvie record; her stern and unyielding grandfather, who exposes an unexpected soft center; and the man on her washing machine, who isn't quite what he appears, either.
Susan Cox's Minotaur Books/Mystery Writers of America First Crime Novel Award-winning novel is a charming debut with wacky, colorful characters and a delightfully twisted mystery.
The body count is rising and Theo struggles to find the killer before she's the next victim or her new life is exposed as an elaborate fraud. But the more deeply entangled she becomes, the more her investigation is complicated by her best friend, who is one of her prime suspects; her young protégé, who may or may not have a juvie record; her stern and unyielding grandfather, who exposes an unexpected soft center; and the man on her washing machine, who isn't quite what he appears, either.
Susan Cox's Minotaur Books/Mystery Writers of America First Crime Novel Award-winning novel is a charming debut with wacky, colorful characters and a delightfully twisted mystery.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published December 15, 2015
39 people are currently reading
384 people want to read
About the author
Susan Cox
2 books59 followersLike the heroine of my traditional mysteries I was born in England, and before The Man on the Washing Machine won the Mystery Writers of America/Minotaur Books First Crime Novel Award I was a journalist, a non-profit fundraiser and marketing specialist for a safari park.
If my schedule allows, I would be happy to participate in your book club meeting via Zoom to discuss The Man in the Microwave Oven. Contact me via my website: www.susancox.net
Happy reading!
If my schedule allows, I would be happy to participate in your book club meeting via Zoom to discuss The Man in the Microwave Oven. Contact me via my website: www.susancox.net
Happy reading!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
September 6, 2022
Theo Bogart (not her real name) grew up in an enormously wealthy family in England, where she sprouted wings as an independent society photographer until a scandal hit and the publicity and media coverage was too much to bear, so she fled to San Francisco, changed her name (and how did that work with immigration and other authorities? is she an "illegal"?), and opened a "fancy little bath and body shop."
Eighteen months later, she is on her way to becoming a fixture in one of the distinctive little neighborhoods along Polk Street, where her partner of sorts Nicole runs a shop called "Aromas" and people seem to be in and out of each other's places all the time. We meet the usual stock of quirky characters that populate such neighborhoods on the happy side of San Francisco's inner city, and from chapter 2 until chapter 15 nothing much happens beyond these characters' everyday doings.
The book starts off, though, with a "petty thief and bully" named Tim Callahan falling to his death outside Theo's window, and enigmatic Inspector Lichlyter prefers for some reason to treat it as homicide, not an accident. He had been hired to paint a third-floor apartment, and his paintbrush can't be found. So chapter 1 was delightful in setting up a mystery, and made it all the more disappointing to this reader when Theo's first-person narrative plunges into everyday life for so long.
And yes, partway through that tedium, there was one bright moment--the title scene, when Theo does surprise a man perched on her washing machine. He flees, and she tries out her meager detective skills to learn more about him.
One oddity in this story is Theo's grandfather, who, apparently on a wealthy man's whim, comes to San Francisco too and lives in a luxury apartment in the wealthiest area of the inner city (Nob Hill?). Theo visits him, and he obviously knows about her new life, but she doesn't see that he's on hand for her sake and just knows to give her the free rein she needs. The grandfather was my favorite character. (Also, he always calls her Theophania, so she must have changed only her last hame.)
Then in the last paragraph of chapter 14 a major event does occur, a real shocker, and the story suddenly jerks from neutral into high gear, and, dear reader, the blurb (reprinted at the top of this Goodreads page) actually comes true. So how would you rate a novel that's an exciting mystery thriller in chapter 1 and chapters 15-31 and deadly boring, virtually free of any plot points, in the other chapters? I thought this was going to be one of my few DNFs of 2022, but then I managed to hold on till chapter 15.
I think I see the author's plan, which of course didn't work too well for me: first take your time getting to know each of the characters (more than half a dozen of them) who become crucially involved in the thriller portion, so that they're fully developed when the action starts. If I were editing, though, I'd insist on something in each chapter that propels the reader into the next one. This is the opposite of a "can't put it down" book until we reach the second half, which I definitely liked!
Goodreads says three stars means "I liked it," so let's say 2.5 rounded up.
Eighteen months later, she is on her way to becoming a fixture in one of the distinctive little neighborhoods along Polk Street, where her partner of sorts Nicole runs a shop called "Aromas" and people seem to be in and out of each other's places all the time. We meet the usual stock of quirky characters that populate such neighborhoods on the happy side of San Francisco's inner city, and from chapter 2 until chapter 15 nothing much happens beyond these characters' everyday doings.
The book starts off, though, with a "petty thief and bully" named Tim Callahan falling to his death outside Theo's window, and enigmatic Inspector Lichlyter prefers for some reason to treat it as homicide, not an accident. He had been hired to paint a third-floor apartment, and his paintbrush can't be found. So chapter 1 was delightful in setting up a mystery, and made it all the more disappointing to this reader when Theo's first-person narrative plunges into everyday life for so long.
And yes, partway through that tedium, there was one bright moment--the title scene, when Theo does surprise a man perched on her washing machine. He flees, and she tries out her meager detective skills to learn more about him.
One oddity in this story is Theo's grandfather, who, apparently on a wealthy man's whim, comes to San Francisco too and lives in a luxury apartment in the wealthiest area of the inner city (Nob Hill?). Theo visits him, and he obviously knows about her new life, but she doesn't see that he's on hand for her sake and just knows to give her the free rein she needs. The grandfather was my favorite character. (Also, he always calls her Theophania, so she must have changed only her last hame.)
Then in the last paragraph of chapter 14 a major event does occur, a real shocker, and the story suddenly jerks from neutral into high gear, and, dear reader, the blurb (reprinted at the top of this Goodreads page) actually comes true. So how would you rate a novel that's an exciting mystery thriller in chapter 1 and chapters 15-31 and deadly boring, virtually free of any plot points, in the other chapters? I thought this was going to be one of my few DNFs of 2022, but then I managed to hold on till chapter 15.
I think I see the author's plan, which of course didn't work too well for me: first take your time getting to know each of the characters (more than half a dozen of them) who become crucially involved in the thriller portion, so that they're fully developed when the action starts. If I were editing, though, I'd insist on something in each chapter that propels the reader into the next one. This is the opposite of a "can't put it down" book until we reach the second half, which I definitely liked!
Goodreads says three stars means "I liked it," so let's say 2.5 rounded up.
January 24, 2016
The strength of this mystery novel was the colorful coterie of friends and neighbors surrounding the heroine, Theo, in their quirky San Francisco neighborhood. An artist, a selfish surgeon, a baker, a jewelry designer and his gorgeous lover, a Japanese-American gardener/computer hacker, a teenager seeking refuge from an abusive father, an Italian ex-professor.. this is an ensemble cast of characters with great potential.
The weakness of this novel is the mystery. The book starts with a local handyman and petty thief falling out of a window. It is not clear why the police should think this was murder, but that's what they think. Then follows a complicated, and ultimately unbelievable, series of nighttime prowlers, encounters, burglaries, people traipsing in and out of each other's homes via the front door and back door at all hours of the day and night. Encounters in the dark community garden, in a darkened garage, and even in Theo's utility room, where she encounters a man perched on her washing machine. When another body is discovered, it becomes clear that Theo's soap/shampoo shop has been used as a front for a smuggling operation involving several of her neighbors. Still, she persists in silly behavior (five gins on an empty stomach, and then getting up all groggy in the middle of the night to leave her friend's guest room and traipsing through the dark to her own unlocked apartment... really?). At the end it becomes clear that much of the confusion was due to the Italian professor's habit of referring to people by nicknames. Seriously, no one thought of asking him the name of the person he was referring to ? Finally, Theo professes herself totally surprised at the thought that her grandfather left his house in England and moved to San Francisco because he wanted to be close to her. Really? She had really thought he had just happened to move a couple of thousands of miles away from his home for the fun of it, and out of all possible places to live, he had just happened to select the same city that she was living in, by pure chance? The solution to the mystery at the end was unsatisfying and required pages and pages of explanations of misunderstandings, mistaken identities, and instances of incredible good luck for the killer.
Summary : the author has created some fun characters (somewhat inspired by "Tales of the City", I think), but as a mystery novel, this is less than impressive.
The weakness of this novel is the mystery. The book starts with a local handyman and petty thief falling out of a window. It is not clear why the police should think this was murder, but that's what they think. Then follows a complicated, and ultimately unbelievable, series of nighttime prowlers, encounters, burglaries, people traipsing in and out of each other's homes via the front door and back door at all hours of the day and night. Encounters in the dark community garden, in a darkened garage, and even in Theo's utility room, where she encounters a man perched on her washing machine. When another body is discovered, it becomes clear that Theo's soap/shampoo shop has been used as a front for a smuggling operation involving several of her neighbors. Still, she persists in silly behavior (five gins on an empty stomach, and then getting up all groggy in the middle of the night to leave her friend's guest room and traipsing through the dark to her own unlocked apartment... really?). At the end it becomes clear that much of the confusion was due to the Italian professor's habit of referring to people by nicknames. Seriously, no one thought of asking him the name of the person he was referring to ? Finally, Theo professes herself totally surprised at the thought that her grandfather left his house in England and moved to San Francisco because he wanted to be close to her. Really? She had really thought he had just happened to move a couple of thousands of miles away from his home for the fun of it, and out of all possible places to live, he had just happened to select the same city that she was living in, by pure chance? The solution to the mystery at the end was unsatisfying and required pages and pages of explanations of misunderstandings, mistaken identities, and instances of incredible good luck for the killer.
Summary : the author has created some fun characters (somewhat inspired by "Tales of the City", I think), but as a mystery novel, this is less than impressive.
February 1, 2016
This book was humming along, being all wonderful and and stuff. And then it ended! The nerve! Worse, it is Cox's first and was just published. Despite these short-comings, I would highly recommend picking up "The Man on the Washing Machine". Theo Bogart, looking to escape an unpleasant and sad past, makes a spontaneous decision to set up a small soap shop in a quiet San Francisco neighborhood. Despite being in a large metropolitan area, the neighborhood feels more like a small town. Neighbors are also friends and customers. Usually living in each other's pockets feel cozy and safe... at least until the deaths start. Neighbors still turn to one another for comfort, but also look at one another with a suspicious eye. A fast-paced and enjoyable debut. Good job, Ms. Cox. Now go write some more!
February 21, 2017
This book sounded so good in a review. It won a First Crime Novel..but somewhere along the line, it just didn't keep my interest. I am still trying to figure out how if Theo lives on the 3rd floor, and leaves out the back door, how she, or anyone else could step over on her neighbor's roof, and the garden behind her apartment slopes gently upward. Yep, it's set in San Francisco, but.think about it. And I still haven't figured out about her garage...attached to the back of her building, she has a store on either side, a garden in the back, and the garage is entered via a side street. The characters you think you like turn out not so good. The neighbors are getting killed so fast that if it were me, I'd moved. Left me wanting...
August 7, 2015
3.5 stars
Other than mysteries by Sue Grafton, Marcia Muller, and J.A. Jance, I've been off straight who-done-its for a while but this intrigued me. It is described as good for those who like Janet Evanovich, and while it had a little of the close community vibe (a San Francisco 'hood") and a few quirky peripheral characters, Theo is a little more adept at figuring out the solution even if at the end the murderer did fall in her lap and Theo had to be rescued. But, like Stephanie Plum, Theo also has her share of physical mishaps--but at least there were no car bombs.
All in all a fun introduction to a new series.
Thanks to the publisher for the print galley.
Other than mysteries by Sue Grafton, Marcia Muller, and J.A. Jance, I've been off straight who-done-its for a while but this intrigued me. It is described as good for those who like Janet Evanovich, and while it had a little of the close community vibe (a San Francisco 'hood") and a few quirky peripheral characters, Theo is a little more adept at figuring out the solution even if at the end the murderer did fall in her lap and Theo had to be rescued. But, like Stephanie Plum, Theo also has her share of physical mishaps--but at least there were no car bombs.
All in all a fun introduction to a new series.
Thanks to the publisher for the print galley.
January 19, 2016
Entertaining first novel looking forward to more, Great characters.
March 17, 2017
3.5 stars, I liked this one.
March 2, 2016
Entertainment at its best! Theophania Bogart is a former party girl and society photographer. A family tragedy has sent her fleeing from England to a new life and names in San Francisco. With no need to worry about money she has immersed herself in buying a building and opening a bath and body shop in Fabian Gardens. The building houses the shop, a flat for herself and two rental units. It also backs on to a beautiful neighborhood garden. The murder of the neighborhood handyman sets off a chain of events that involves Theo in another murder, smuggling and a strange man on her washing machine. I found the characters interesting and well developed. The shop is a great theme and blends wonderfully with San Francisco as a background. I read this straight thru because there was no stopping. The action never lets up and the characters involve you in their life immediately. This was a debut novel and I really hope the author turns it into a series.
January 22, 2016
The intriguing title caught my eye. This first novel by Susan Cox was an entertaining read full of twists and turns that held my attention and kept me turning the pages until the end. I really appreciated that the main character was a strong female who immediately tried to figure out what going on around her without resorting to implausible, stupid actions. Well, there was one, but it is something I could see myself doing! I will be interested in reading more from this author.
October 20, 2020
I read this book as preparation for the next book in the series. This was an excellent start to a witty and fun mystery series.
The cast of characters who live around Fabian Gardens in San Francisco are colorful and fun! I also enjoyed the hint of romance in the story. Theo has an intriguing backstory and I can't wait to hear more about her and her neighbors in the next installment in the mystery series.
The cast of characters who live around Fabian Gardens in San Francisco are colorful and fun! I also enjoyed the hint of romance in the story. Theo has an intriguing backstory and I can't wait to hear more about her and her neighbors in the next installment in the mystery series.
December 7, 2015
The first thing we learned about Theophania Bogart is her present life, 5000 miles from home, is a lie. When she witnesses Tim Callahan take a dive from a third story window, Theo's already complicated new life comes under intense scrutiny. Surrounded by neighbors and friends, Theo is the owner of a small bath and body shop as well as the building housing it. And she is constantly afraid her sordid past will be unearthed. What will a police investigation do to her carefully crafted identity? Inspector Lichlyter isn't helping. The police woman suspects murder not suicide and she lists the entire neighborhood as suspects. When another body with direct ties to Theo turns up, Theo feels she is suspect number one. She's afraid for herself as well as Davie, the teenager who helps around the shop, as his home life is shady. Theo finds a strange man in her house, strange boxes in her garage which are stolen, and gets a new renter at the worst possible time. This fast-paced book is filled with humor, action, and colorful characters. If you like a good mystery, a feisty heroine, and laughter, pick up this wacky Mistry and savor it.
March 28, 2016
I certainly hope this is the first of a nice, long series. Can anyone give a precise definition of a "cozy"? A group of characters, somewhat close-knit, in a geographically limited area, interacting on various levels...but not in a small-town setting? Main character a small business owner? In San Francisco? I don't know if the Darcy Lott series would be one, either - same town! - but most of the continuing folks in the stories are enjoyably familiar; could that be it?
Whatever; this was a good read. It's on the lighter side, which I'll use in between more serious mysteries, or (Deities Forbid) actual Non-Mysteries. This one's filled with people I'd like to learn more about; Lichlyter seems like she'll become a fixture, and I welcome her prickly personality, and look forward to seeing more of all of them.
Whatever; this was a good read. It's on the lighter side, which I'll use in between more serious mysteries, or (Deities Forbid) actual Non-Mysteries. This one's filled with people I'd like to learn more about; Lichlyter seems like she'll become a fixture, and I welcome her prickly personality, and look forward to seeing more of all of them.
January 10, 2018
I am predisposed to liking novels and mysteries set in San Francisco.
This mystery did not disappoint.
It is about a closed community, residential surrounded by a garden.
I enjoyed the characters and there were plenty of suspects and people
acting suspiciously. The police were competent and realistic.
I would welcome another if this becomes a series.
I borrowed a copy from the public library.
This mystery did not disappoint.
It is about a closed community, residential surrounded by a garden.
I enjoyed the characters and there were plenty of suspects and people
acting suspiciously. The police were competent and realistic.
I would welcome another if this becomes a series.
I borrowed a copy from the public library.
December 29, 2015
Upper-class Englishwoman Theo changes her name and flees her family 's notoriety for San Francisco, where she opens a bath-goods store, makes friends, and starts to renovate an apartment. But strange things start to happen--including finding a strange man on her washing machine--and when her business partner's body is found, it becomes clear that Theo's new friends have secrets of their own.
Read
April 6, 2016Nice entry into the mystery field by a new author.
Fast pace, lots of mysteries and a romance as well. This novel ticks all the boxes for a readable and enjoyable whodunit. Just wish the title has been less jokey. It made me expect a lighter story and this was solid writing.
Fast pace, lots of mysteries and a romance as well. This novel ticks all the boxes for a readable and enjoyable whodunit. Just wish the title has been less jokey. It made me expect a lighter story and this was solid writing.
April 16, 2016
Fine, not great.
Spoilers!!!
The whole secret identity thing is just schtick and I found the rhino horn being smuggled by people who had been liberal activists unbelievable. Also, could more people have been involved in this crime??
Spoilers!!!
The whole secret identity thing is just schtick and I found the rhino horn being smuggled by people who had been liberal activists unbelievable. Also, could more people have been involved in this crime??
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 29, 2020
This reviewer was not in the least bit prepared for the unflappable Miss Theo Bogart. And her very British approach to what might loosely be described as Cozy Mystery. I say loosely because there is very little in the way of cozy going on. In regard to either of the mysteries or the murders which occur in this book. Even Theo's backstory is enough for a feature on the ID Channel. If one is being completely honest.
But you know how it is with those Brits. When your family gets a little deadly you just move to another country, buy a building, start a business, and inadvertently solve murders on the side.
All the while living under an assumed identity. And hoping that no one will put two and two together.
And...
Nursing the perfect cup of Earl Grey. With milk, of course.
One can get through anything with a good cup of tea.
Right?
Right!
Now. Let's get back to that pesky thing about being in the right place at the right time to see people get killed. Or find their not so alive bodies.
That is the reason that we are all here after all.
It seems that Theo, is in just the right spot to see Tim Callahan. Take a very graceless Swan dive out of a third story window.
Setting off an unforgettable chain of events. And introducing readers to an even more memorable host of characters.
As you can see my review is a little vague on the deets.
The reason...
The discovery is nine-tenths of the fun.
I will say that you really won't see the end coming.
This is a very well written, multilevel mystery that ends in a.serious WTF and leaves you clamoring for more.
But you know how it is with those Brits. When your family gets a little deadly you just move to another country, buy a building, start a business, and inadvertently solve murders on the side.
All the while living under an assumed identity. And hoping that no one will put two and two together.
And...
Nursing the perfect cup of Earl Grey. With milk, of course.
One can get through anything with a good cup of tea.
Right?
Right!
Now. Let's get back to that pesky thing about being in the right place at the right time to see people get killed. Or find their not so alive bodies.
That is the reason that we are all here after all.
It seems that Theo, is in just the right spot to see Tim Callahan. Take a very graceless Swan dive out of a third story window.
Setting off an unforgettable chain of events. And introducing readers to an even more memorable host of characters.
As you can see my review is a little vague on the deets.
The reason...
The discovery is nine-tenths of the fun.
I will say that you really won't see the end coming.
This is a very well written, multilevel mystery that ends in a.serious WTF and leaves you clamoring for more.
November 21, 2020
A riveting read that will keep you guessing
How can a murder mystery where the body count keeps rising be terrifying and thrilling and even contain moments of side splitting humor? Somehow Sue Cox manages to achieve this intoxicating cocktail in The Man on the Washing Machine. And yes, protagonist Theo Bogart (no relation) does indeed surprise a man standing on her washing machine.
Creating a protagonist with a delightfully quirky sense of humor, a cast of unusual characters and a host of red herrings, Ms Cox keeps readers guessing until the final pages, as Theo gets into a whole host of trouble, most of it all on the same night.
Yes, it kept me up all night, so be warned, you won’t see it coming. I can’t wait to read the sequel and spend some more time with the funny whimsical and complicated Theo and her unusual San Francisco friends.
How can a murder mystery where the body count keeps rising be terrifying and thrilling and even contain moments of side splitting humor? Somehow Sue Cox manages to achieve this intoxicating cocktail in The Man on the Washing Machine. And yes, protagonist Theo Bogart (no relation) does indeed surprise a man standing on her washing machine.
Creating a protagonist with a delightfully quirky sense of humor, a cast of unusual characters and a host of red herrings, Ms Cox keeps readers guessing until the final pages, as Theo gets into a whole host of trouble, most of it all on the same night.
Yes, it kept me up all night, so be warned, you won’t see it coming. I can’t wait to read the sequel and spend some more time with the funny whimsical and complicated Theo and her unusual San Francisco friends.
January 29, 2019
Well that was certainly fun. Theo Bogart is hiding out in San Francisco trying to rebuild her life under an assumed name. She's slowly made friends with a group of shop owners in her little part of the city and life seems to be pretty good. Or at least it would be if her business partner wasn't such a flake, a neighborhood man hadn't just fallen to his death, strange tensions weren't brewing among the group, and not to mention the strange man she finds standing on her washing machine. I liked Theo and friends and while the ending may have gotten a bit chaotic it was quite a nice ride.
July 12, 2024
A pleasant tone, charming setting, characters with lots of possibilities, but a plot that doesn’t work. It’s a first for this author, so I hope that with experience and a surer editorial hand, the second will capitalize on the strengths and quit trying to throw in “everything but the kitchen sink.”
May 23, 2016
Theo Bogart, a British expat, is living in San Francisco after fleeing the publicity following her mother's murder by her father. She's adopted a new name and, while her inheritance means she wouldn't have to work in the US, she has also opened a soap and fragrances shop in the storefront of the dilapidated building she purchased to renovate and live in. She and her partner, a friend who is helping with the remodeling, have both become integral members of a small community that shares a garden-like park surrounded by their buildings.
The book opens as a murder takes place that casts all members of the community under suspicion and threatens to unravel Theo's cover story. As Cox peels away the layers of relationships in the community, the plot becomes more and more complicated – especially when another murder is uncovered. Theo is just starting to consider a relationship with a newcomer in the neighborhood when the murders occur, and she becomes more and more suspicious of him as the book progresses. But there are plenty of other possible candidates for murderer, as well.
Since Theo is connected to everyone in the surrounding buildings in one way or another, she doesn't bother to lock the back door that opens on the garden when she walks her dog. This turns out to be a mistake when she encounters an intruder on her washing machine. He doesn't seem to want to harm her, just to get away. Who is he, why was he there, is there a connection with the murder? These are all questions that she asks and that also stymie the police.
Each one of the characters is well developed, and Cox does a great job of dropping hints along the way about their true natures. Much happens in the approximately 300 pages of this book, but there is enough detail provided in a sideward glance, a frown at the wrong time, and other behavioral quirks that the reader remains focused on character rather than plot. The author brings the entire neighborhood to life, encouraging the reader to care about each and every character.
There are some questions that remain unanswered, including how Theo managed to move from England to San Francisco under an assumed name, buy property, and open a business. However, if the reader is willing to suspend a little disbelief, the read is entertaining and rewarding. This is a debut that doesn't appear to be the start of a series. But I wouldn't mind reconnecting with the members of this San Francisco neighborhood in the future, and I do wonder how her new life there turns out for Theo.
This review first appeared at reviewingtheevidence.com.
The book opens as a murder takes place that casts all members of the community under suspicion and threatens to unravel Theo's cover story. As Cox peels away the layers of relationships in the community, the plot becomes more and more complicated – especially when another murder is uncovered. Theo is just starting to consider a relationship with a newcomer in the neighborhood when the murders occur, and she becomes more and more suspicious of him as the book progresses. But there are plenty of other possible candidates for murderer, as well.
Since Theo is connected to everyone in the surrounding buildings in one way or another, she doesn't bother to lock the back door that opens on the garden when she walks her dog. This turns out to be a mistake when she encounters an intruder on her washing machine. He doesn't seem to want to harm her, just to get away. Who is he, why was he there, is there a connection with the murder? These are all questions that she asks and that also stymie the police.
Each one of the characters is well developed, and Cox does a great job of dropping hints along the way about their true natures. Much happens in the approximately 300 pages of this book, but there is enough detail provided in a sideward glance, a frown at the wrong time, and other behavioral quirks that the reader remains focused on character rather than plot. The author brings the entire neighborhood to life, encouraging the reader to care about each and every character.
There are some questions that remain unanswered, including how Theo managed to move from England to San Francisco under an assumed name, buy property, and open a business. However, if the reader is willing to suspend a little disbelief, the read is entertaining and rewarding. This is a debut that doesn't appear to be the start of a series. But I wouldn't mind reconnecting with the members of this San Francisco neighborhood in the future, and I do wonder how her new life there turns out for Theo.
This review first appeared at reviewingtheevidence.com.
September 14, 2020
Winner of the Mystery Writers of America First Crime Novel award, Susan Cox’s debut mystery is set in a close-knit community in San Francisco, and is full of well-drawn characters the reader will enjoy getting to know. Theophania Bogart has fled a family scandal in England and settled anonymously into a courtyard community by opening a shop called “Aromas,” which sells high- end body products. Theo witnesses a man fall from a window and finds herself caught up in a series of crimes that ultimately affect her and her entire group of friends. A plump grieving baker, a stoic surgeon ex-lover, a shady business partner, a troubled teen, a talented gardener, a grumpy Italian professor and a gay best friend surround the main character and provide humorous dialogue and intriguing plot elements. Rounding out this cast is a female Columbo-like detective and a handsome and mysterious lawyer who runs a women’s shelter. As the crimes increase and the motives remain murky, the reader will have fun trying to figure out “who-done-it,” and will be surprised once the tale is told. A charming debut.
January 28, 2016
If you want an entertaining, quirky, funny, off beat (but not madly off beat) murder mystery then this is it. For me, it was a leisurely story, full of characters who leapt to life off the page, in pursuit of who dun it. I can't say more w/o spoilers, but suffice to say I now want to go to San Francisco and want to know if this is going to be the beginning of a series of not. Thoroughly enjoyed. Finished at 4.30am.
April 13, 2016
I loved this first mystery by a gifted writer with much promise. The story opens with Theophonia seeing a workman at the apartment complex she lives at falls to his death. There the story takes many twists and turns throughout this delightful mystery. Everywhere it turns Theophonia is not sure who to trust and the ending is very much as surprise at least to this reader.
One can only hope there will be more from this talented writer.
One can only hope there will be more from this talented writer.
May 24, 2016
I don't read a lot of mysteries, but I picked this up while visiting family and found it a very entertaining read. It features a sympathetic heroine and a cast of interesting folks who mostly all live in a single set of San Francisco buildings united by their back garden -- giving it the cozy feel of a small town in a big city. Good twists and turns, plenty of plausible suspects, and a happy landing. You will enjoy it.
February 25, 2016
Fun read. First book for Susan Cox. I found the funky San Francisco neighborhood endearing. The book moved along quickly. The quirky characters that lived, worked and played together reminded me of Alexander McCall Smith's characters that continue to grow on you until you feel you really know them. The murder mystery was almost not important. The relationships were the thing.
January 14, 2016
Appealing mystery that won the first crime novel award winner from the mystery writers of America. It is a perfect read for someone who never thought they would want to read a mystery as it is full of twists and turns yet accompanied by humor and clever fun. A fast read and was perfect for a plane trip!
January 15, 2017
I was surprised by this book. I thought it dragged in the beginning and the title really had me leaving it on my nightstand for a year. It ended up being a very good mystery and I can see why it won the Mystery Writers of America Award for the best first book in a series. I did end up enjoying it.
February 17, 2016
3.6 Susan Cox was the winner of the First Crime Novel Award. This book did not disappoint. ...Love San Francisco and am sure there must be a shop named "Aromas" somewhere :) Also the book jacket is great~!
January 24, 2016
This is such a fun and fast-paced San Francisco mystery novel. All during this week, I looked forward to waking in the early hours and reading a few chapters before heading out on a SF muni. The characters, plot, and city broadens and twists in each subsequent chapter. It's a joy to read!
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