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A Sketch in Crime Mystery #1
Drawing Conclusions
CeCe Prentice-environmentalist, peace-lover, artist-will stop at nothing to discover the truth behind her twin brother's untimely death.
While she never saw eye to eye with her father-the ambitious director of a renowned genetics research center-CeCe Prentice always remained close to her brother, Teddy. When Teddy is found dead at the lab where he worked for their father, CeCe's efforts to mourn the tragic loss are interrupted by several attempts on her own life.
CeCe is naturally drawn in to the investigation, teaming up with Detective Frank DeRosa, the officer assigned to protect her. Together, they begin looking into the circumstances surrounding Teddy's death, only to discover the truth may be found closer to home than they think-in CeCe's own paintings.
While she never saw eye to eye with her father-the ambitious director of a renowned genetics research center-CeCe Prentice always remained close to her brother, Teddy. When Teddy is found dead at the lab where he worked for their father, CeCe's efforts to mourn the tragic loss are interrupted by several attempts on her own life.
CeCe is naturally drawn in to the investigation, teaming up with Detective Frank DeRosa, the officer assigned to protect her. Together, they begin looking into the circumstances surrounding Teddy's death, only to discover the truth may be found closer to home than they think-in CeCe's own paintings.
- GenresMysteryCozyCozy Mystery
314 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2015
7 people are currently reading
1197 people want to read
About the author
Deirdre Verne
9 books113 followersDeirdre Verne is a mystery author, college professor and college blogger. Her short stories appear in Murder New York Style, Murder New York Style: Fresh Slices and Family Matters. The first book in her mystery series is available on pre-order at Amazon, IndieBound, Barnes&Noble, Flux Books
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
January 16, 2016
Dollycas’s Thoughts
There is so much I loved about this story I just don’t know where to begin and I have to be very careful not to give anything away.
We meet Cece while she is dumpster diving and then we learn that she is a “Freegan” and is from a very wealthy family. She is also a sketch artist and captures the nuances of faces in an uncanny way. She has a twin brother, Teddy, who works with their father at a lab that researches DNA. Her father is known all over the world for his work. She lives in a house with 4 other ecologically-minded and socially conscious friends, Charlie, who is her twin brother’s best friend, Trina, Becky and Jonathan.
We learn very quickly that her twin brother has been killed. It is Cece’s artistic ability and her knowledge of her father’s company that brings her in to the middle of the investigation of his death but the investigation goes off in some truly unexpected tangents that will change her life and others in monumental ways.
I started reading this story and just couldn’t stop. Every time a clue connected it seemed to twist the story into another direction and this continued throughout the whole story. I was like “wow”, “no way”, oh my stars!” and then the final twist so good…I couldn’t wait to write this review to tell you all about it!!
I truly don’t know how the author is going to top this story in the next installment but I want to be first in line to read it!!
February 15, 2015
I love it when I discover a new series at the beginning. I really enjoyed this book. I have to be honest though, I wasn't too sure about the fact that CeCe is a dumpster diving freegan. I've run across freegans before in other books. Not that I'm germaphobe, but the thought of dumpster diving always just gives me the willies. I don't know how police investigators manage to do it when they are investigating a case, much less how anyone does it by choice. I know, I need to be more open minded. One of the things I liked about Drawing Conclusions is that it actually gives the reader more information about the freegan lifestyle. I felt a bit more enlightened after reading the book.
But what I liked most about the book were all the twists and turns. I love a mystery that keeps me on my toes. I also enjoy being able to solve puzzlers myself. It's especially enjoyable when I can solve a puzzler or two and still be surprised. Deirdre certainly has a talent for plot twists.
I also really liked CeCe. She seems like a very complex character. I'm intrigued by her talent for capturing faces and her ability to handle discovering her family and life are not what she thought it was.
This is a great new series. I can't wait for the next installment. If you only add one new series to your reading stack this year, I highly recommend you add this one.
FTC Disclosure: I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
But what I liked most about the book were all the twists and turns. I love a mystery that keeps me on my toes. I also enjoy being able to solve puzzlers myself. It's especially enjoyable when I can solve a puzzler or two and still be surprised. Deirdre certainly has a talent for plot twists.
I also really liked CeCe. She seems like a very complex character. I'm intrigued by her talent for capturing faces and her ability to handle discovering her family and life are not what she thought it was.
This is a great new series. I can't wait for the next installment. If you only add one new series to your reading stack this year, I highly recommend you add this one.
FTC Disclosure: I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 25, 2015
Deidre is a new to me author and I really enjoyed this book. CeCe is an interesting character and the story is well written and will keep you interested and intrigued until the last page. Cece is doing everything she can to help solve the murder through the pictures that she draws about the murder of her twin brother. She wants to solve this case and catch the killer before it is to late, Find out what happens in Drawing Conclusions. I'm eagerly waiting for the next book.
March 4, 2018
I’ve gotten a little tired lately of the typical “themed” cozy mystery. At first blush, this book appears to be a cozy, but I wouldn’t classify it as such. There is no gore, but there is some language and some sexy times (nothing over the top, but it’s there). The main character is also a Freegan - we meet CeCe when she and friend Charlie are dumpster diving. They live in what amounts to a commune, established by CeCe, along with three other people - Jonathon and Trina, who are dating, and Becky, who is involved with Charlie.
The book opens with CeCe of the death of her twin brother, Teddy. It turns out to be murder. I’m sad that we never really get to meet Teddy as I think he was a cool guy. CeCe becomes a target, but it’s anyone’s guess as to why. Enter Frank DeRosa, detective. He’s been requested by CeCe’s father, Dr. William Prentice, to solve Teddy’s murder and winds up guarding CeCe, along with two other officers. I like that there isn’t friction between the house and the cops - they all wind up working together. The big catch to all of this is that Teddy was a scientist, working on decoding the human genome, and he worked at a lab basically run by CeCe’s father.
One of the best things about this book is CeCe’s involvement in finding out who killed Teddy is organic. She doesn’t look to get involved, but after she becomes a target, her involvement (and her roommates involvement), just seems natural. It doesn’t hurt that she’s an artist with a gift for faces.
The thing I struggled with in this book was the Freegan lifestyle. I get organic farming. I get communal living. I get not wanting a 9-5 job (CeCe’s an artist and her sketches did help solve the case). I get going with a used car, though I’m not sure why it had to be so ancient as a Gremlin - the gas mileage and pollution from that thing have to not be in line with Freeganism. Why not a used hybrid or even an electric car? I don’t get not using a washer and dryer. I don’t really get dumpster diving for food.
Despite the Freeganism angle, I very much enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the next one in the series. I liked the Detective. I liked how CeCe’s skills contributed to the investigation. I liked how the other cops got along with the housemates. I liked that this was definitely not the run of the mill mystery. Odd main character, but in a way I liked that she challenges me a bit. Recommended if you like a good mystery and/or are looking for a change from the “themed” cozy mysteries.
The book opens with CeCe of the death of her twin brother, Teddy. It turns out to be murder. I’m sad that we never really get to meet Teddy as I think he was a cool guy. CeCe becomes a target, but it’s anyone’s guess as to why. Enter Frank DeRosa, detective. He’s been requested by CeCe’s father, Dr. William Prentice, to solve Teddy’s murder and winds up guarding CeCe, along with two other officers. I like that there isn’t friction between the house and the cops - they all wind up working together. The big catch to all of this is that Teddy was a scientist, working on decoding the human genome, and he worked at a lab basically run by CeCe’s father.
One of the best things about this book is CeCe’s involvement in finding out who killed Teddy is organic. She doesn’t look to get involved, but after she becomes a target, her involvement (and her roommates involvement), just seems natural. It doesn’t hurt that she’s an artist with a gift for faces.
The thing I struggled with in this book was the Freegan lifestyle. I get organic farming. I get communal living. I get not wanting a 9-5 job (CeCe’s an artist and her sketches did help solve the case). I get going with a used car, though I’m not sure why it had to be so ancient as a Gremlin - the gas mileage and pollution from that thing have to not be in line with Freeganism. Why not a used hybrid or even an electric car? I don’t get not using a washer and dryer. I don’t really get dumpster diving for food.
Despite the Freeganism angle, I very much enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the next one in the series. I liked the Detective. I liked how CeCe’s skills contributed to the investigation. I liked how the other cops got along with the housemates. I liked that this was definitely not the run of the mill mystery. Odd main character, but in a way I liked that she challenges me a bit. Recommended if you like a good mystery and/or are looking for a change from the “themed” cozy mysteries.
May 18, 2018
“Sometimes the wrong answer is really an open door. Pushing your brain to think external or tangential to the facts can often reap its own reward.”
CeCe Prentice, estranged daughter of William and Elizabeth Prentice, twin sister of Theodore Prentice, lives in a house with other freegans- those who primarily live off the waste of others. She drives a resurrected Gremlin, uses a reconstructed computer and is most proud of her twin, Teddy, who worked in their father’s Labs as a genetic scientist. Not CeCe, she’s an artist and a free spirit...until the unthinkable happens: Teddy is found dead at the Lab.
And devastated as she is CeCe and her friends- old and new- are bound and determined to unravel the case and solve the case, no matter what it might involve. Working with the local police can be tricky..uncomfortable to say the least, but her growing awareness of the hiddeness of genetics and how the Lab uses it forces her to draw her own conclusions.
I purchased this book after I read a recent review of it online (used booksellers can often beat the price of ebooks if you are patient). This is one of the most unique characters I have seen in mysteries in a long time. Deidre Verne’s knowledge of the subject blows me away, especially in view of things like “genetic ancestry kits” and “medical gene testing programs”. The premise is even more timely today than when the book was written (2015). I am excited for the next in the series which I own as well and highly recommend it. 5/5
CeCe Prentice, estranged daughter of William and Elizabeth Prentice, twin sister of Theodore Prentice, lives in a house with other freegans- those who primarily live off the waste of others. She drives a resurrected Gremlin, uses a reconstructed computer and is most proud of her twin, Teddy, who worked in their father’s Labs as a genetic scientist. Not CeCe, she’s an artist and a free spirit...until the unthinkable happens: Teddy is found dead at the Lab.
And devastated as she is CeCe and her friends- old and new- are bound and determined to unravel the case and solve the case, no matter what it might involve. Working with the local police can be tricky..uncomfortable to say the least, but her growing awareness of the hiddeness of genetics and how the Lab uses it forces her to draw her own conclusions.
I purchased this book after I read a recent review of it online (used booksellers can often beat the price of ebooks if you are patient). This is one of the most unique characters I have seen in mysteries in a long time. Deidre Verne’s knowledge of the subject blows me away, especially in view of things like “genetic ancestry kits” and “medical gene testing programs”. The premise is even more timely today than when the book was written (2015). I am excited for the next in the series which I own as well and highly recommend it. 5/5
November 27, 2023
Drawing Conclusions, by Deirdre Verne, presents an intriguing mystery with surprising twists and turns. CeCe Prentice, an avid environmentalist, and dumpster-diver-aficionados is smart and sassy. Born of wealth, with a natural talent for portraiture, CeCe has freely chosen her startling lifestyle. While estranged from her brilliant father (an esteemed geneticist) she's remained near and dear to her brother, Teddy, even though he's been working as a research scientist at their father's lab. With no warning her fit and healthy twin is found dead at the labs. CeCe has no time to comprehend, let alone grieve this unbearable tragedy before her own life is at dire risk. Disbelieving that Teddy's death is of natural causes, she's drawn into the investigation. As the perils on CeCe's life ramp up, Detective DeRosa is assigned by her powerful father to protect her. They form an unlikely but effective team for truth. Do CeCe's paintings hold a key, and could the terrifying answers lie at the doorstep of home?
Gwendolyn Broadmore, author, Life Came to a Standstill
Gwendolyn Broadmore, author, Life Came to a Standstill
June 19, 2023
Round of applause for Deirdre Verne. The plot was thick with twists and turns. And pushed the boundaries of typical cozy mysteries. (Don't worry still PG). She presented a fun assembly of characters and a intriguing case. Once you get into it... its great 'til the last page. Looking forward to the next case.
January 4, 2022
I liked the freegan emphasis, but I couldn't connect with any of the characters. They seemed 2 dimensional. Also, elements of the plot weren't believable, like the detectives staying at their home. And officer DeRosa taking off to Italy.
March 30, 2018
Light, easy read that a friend recommended before visiting Italy.
May 19, 2018
Hope there will be more to this series.
March 5, 2020
Always great. Ending makes one think.
October 5, 2016
I'm so glad the book didn't dwell on the Freegan way of life, it just seemed a little overwhelming in the beginning.
I really enjoyed this book once it got going. There were a few plot twists that I caught on to but a few that took my by surprise. Excellent! I look forward to reading more of Deirdre Verne. I highly recommend this book.
I really enjoyed this book once it got going. There were a few plot twists that I caught on to but a few that took my by surprise. Excellent! I look forward to reading more of Deirdre Verne. I highly recommend this book.
March 14, 2015
http://openbooksociety.com/article/dr...
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra
The story begins with CeCe (proper name is Constance) and Charlie dumpster diving. Curious as to all things Freegan…I did a quick internet search and came up with (from Wikipedia):
Freeganism is the practice of reclaiming and eating food that has been discarded. Freegans and freeganism are often seen as part of a wider “anti-consumerist” ideology, and freegans often employ a range of alternative living strategies based on limited participation in the conventional economy and minimal consumption of resources.
So a cozy mystery with the main protagonist a freegan…definitely got my interest. A cozy mystery which has provided me with an opportunity to learn more about an alternative lifestyle along with interesting and captivating main characters.
In the first few pages….quite a few chuckles. In this quote CeCe and Charlie are dumpster diving:
“What would they book us on?”
“How about wilful consumption of post-dated food?”
“Funny. What about ‘premeditated attempt to lower the carbon footprint?’”
So right from the beginning I get the feeling that I am really going to like this author’s style, as I am a sucker for unusual and ‘puny’ humor.
The writing grabbed this reader and brought me into the thick of the lives of the residents. I quickly became invested in the impact of the murder of CeCe’s twin (Teddy – Theodore) and all that entailed. CeCe lives with Charlie, Trina, Jonathan and Becky in the hamlet’s harbor master’s home (a home that CeCe inherited, along with a large trust when she turned 21). Trina and Jonathon handle most of the farming. Charlie and CeCe are childhood friends (and Charlie is also Teddy’s best friend), Becky designs clothing from discarded fabrics. We quickly learn that as a result of CeCe’s alternative lifestyle (freeganism and wanting to live off the grid) she is estranged from her family (except Teddy). But now that Teddy is dead, CeCe will need to interact with her father and mother.
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratories – the central clearing house for all things DNA in the United States and around the globe. Its founder and lead scientist is none other than CeCe and Teddy’s father – Dr. William Prentice. How deep he is involved in what turns out to be Teddy’s murder is interesting and convoluted.
The death of Teddy is communicated by Detective Frank DeRosa to CeCe. As an artist, CeCe has quite the eye and sees a familiarity in DeRosa as soon as she looks into his face. Turns out that…oh….you will just have to read the book yourself to find out this tidbit :)
As time went on, I really feel sorry for CeCe’s mother. Turns out she has a serious problem with alcohol dependency. The downward spiral was triggered by early life experiences precipitated by Dr. William Prentice. Those twists and turns were what kept me on the edge of really figuring out what was going on until the end of the story. And let me tell you…there are many twists and turns…at times I really had to think hard to keep it all straight. But it was worth it in the end.
I really enjoyed the coming together and pulling apart of CeCe and Charlie. Their dependency upon each other, to get through this horrific time, is heartwarming. While I am glad they supported each other, I am also glad that a permanent romantic relationship was not in the cards for these two. But never fear…there is romance!
All in all, a great first read by an author new to me….
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra
The story begins with CeCe (proper name is Constance) and Charlie dumpster diving. Curious as to all things Freegan…I did a quick internet search and came up with (from Wikipedia):
Freeganism is the practice of reclaiming and eating food that has been discarded. Freegans and freeganism are often seen as part of a wider “anti-consumerist” ideology, and freegans often employ a range of alternative living strategies based on limited participation in the conventional economy and minimal consumption of resources.
So a cozy mystery with the main protagonist a freegan…definitely got my interest. A cozy mystery which has provided me with an opportunity to learn more about an alternative lifestyle along with interesting and captivating main characters.
In the first few pages….quite a few chuckles. In this quote CeCe and Charlie are dumpster diving:
“What would they book us on?”
“How about wilful consumption of post-dated food?”
“Funny. What about ‘premeditated attempt to lower the carbon footprint?’”
So right from the beginning I get the feeling that I am really going to like this author’s style, as I am a sucker for unusual and ‘puny’ humor.
The writing grabbed this reader and brought me into the thick of the lives of the residents. I quickly became invested in the impact of the murder of CeCe’s twin (Teddy – Theodore) and all that entailed. CeCe lives with Charlie, Trina, Jonathan and Becky in the hamlet’s harbor master’s home (a home that CeCe inherited, along with a large trust when she turned 21). Trina and Jonathon handle most of the farming. Charlie and CeCe are childhood friends (and Charlie is also Teddy’s best friend), Becky designs clothing from discarded fabrics. We quickly learn that as a result of CeCe’s alternative lifestyle (freeganism and wanting to live off the grid) she is estranged from her family (except Teddy). But now that Teddy is dead, CeCe will need to interact with her father and mother.
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratories – the central clearing house for all things DNA in the United States and around the globe. Its founder and lead scientist is none other than CeCe and Teddy’s father – Dr. William Prentice. How deep he is involved in what turns out to be Teddy’s murder is interesting and convoluted.
The death of Teddy is communicated by Detective Frank DeRosa to CeCe. As an artist, CeCe has quite the eye and sees a familiarity in DeRosa as soon as she looks into his face. Turns out that…oh….you will just have to read the book yourself to find out this tidbit :)
As time went on, I really feel sorry for CeCe’s mother. Turns out she has a serious problem with alcohol dependency. The downward spiral was triggered by early life experiences precipitated by Dr. William Prentice. Those twists and turns were what kept me on the edge of really figuring out what was going on until the end of the story. And let me tell you…there are many twists and turns…at times I really had to think hard to keep it all straight. But it was worth it in the end.
I really enjoyed the coming together and pulling apart of CeCe and Charlie. Their dependency upon each other, to get through this horrific time, is heartwarming. While I am glad they supported each other, I am also glad that a permanent romantic relationship was not in the cards for these two. But never fear…there is romance!
All in all, a great first read by an author new to me….
June 12, 2016
Title: Drawing Conclusions - Sketch in Crime Mystery 1
Author: Deidre Verne
Published: 2-8-2015
Publisher: Midnight Ink
Pages: 314
Genre: Mystery, Thrillers & Suspense
Sub Genre: Women's Fiction
ISBN: 9780738741314
ASIN: B00S1MTLDQ
Reviewer: DelAnne
Reviewed For: NetGalley
Rating: 4 1/2 Stars
.
Constance Prentice, CeCe to those who are close to her, and her friend Charlie have gone to get dinner for themselves as well as their roommates and friends Trina, Jonathan & Becky. All five being Freegans (one who paractices Freeganism. Freeganism is a practice and ideology of limited participation in the conventional economy and minimal consumption of resources, particularly through recovering wasted goods like food. The word "freegan" is a coinage derived from "free" and vegan While vegans might avoid buying animal products as an act of protest against animal exploitation, freegans—at least in theory—avoid buying anything as an act of protest against the food system in general.
Freeganism is often presented as synonymous with "dumpster diving" for discarded food, although freegans are distinguished by their association with an anti-consumerist and anti-capitalist ideology and their engagement in a wider range of alternative living strategies, such as voluntary unemployment, squatting abandoned buildings, and "guerilla gardening" in unoccupied city parks.
Following their latest haul of baked Ziti, Cream Cheese, Bacon and Bagels they head home where they find the police waiting. Charlie is ready to take off in a panic, but Ce Ce
drags him inside. It is there that all the roommates find that CeCe's twin brother Charlie has died two days before and the police are there to question CeCe and her friends, not to notify her of his death. After numerous attempts on CeCe's life it becomes apparent Teddy was not the only target. Who could have so much hate stored up against the Prentice family? Why? Perhaps CeCe's Artistic talents can be used to help the Detective to investigate. Can the answers truly be found in the paintings? Can they find them before a Killer takes out CeCe next?
I have to tell you my stomach turned at the dumpster diving with the intention of eating the food from the dumpster. How unsanitary! That stated I found CeCe a woman who stands behind her beliefs. I could have cried over the chasm between her and her father. A well thought out plot with a fast pace to keep the reader involved in the story. Although the scene nauseated me I could not skip the scene in the dumpster. You will be drawn in with the descriptive writing style of Deidre Verne. Come visit CeCe at her Harbor Master's Home, Don't eat or drink anything! and visit for a while. Get to know the people of CeCe's inner circle. My rating is 4 1/2 out of 5 Stars.
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00S1MTLDQ/...
Barnes and Noble link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/drawi...
Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
The Reading Room link: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
Author: Deidre Verne
Published: 2-8-2015
Publisher: Midnight Ink
Pages: 314
Genre: Mystery, Thrillers & Suspense
Sub Genre: Women's Fiction
ISBN: 9780738741314
ASIN: B00S1MTLDQ
Reviewer: DelAnne
Reviewed For: NetGalley
Rating: 4 1/2 Stars
.
Constance Prentice, CeCe to those who are close to her, and her friend Charlie have gone to get dinner for themselves as well as their roommates and friends Trina, Jonathan & Becky. All five being Freegans (one who paractices Freeganism. Freeganism is a practice and ideology of limited participation in the conventional economy and minimal consumption of resources, particularly through recovering wasted goods like food. The word "freegan" is a coinage derived from "free" and vegan While vegans might avoid buying animal products as an act of protest against animal exploitation, freegans—at least in theory—avoid buying anything as an act of protest against the food system in general.
Freeganism is often presented as synonymous with "dumpster diving" for discarded food, although freegans are distinguished by their association with an anti-consumerist and anti-capitalist ideology and their engagement in a wider range of alternative living strategies, such as voluntary unemployment, squatting abandoned buildings, and "guerilla gardening" in unoccupied city parks.
Following their latest haul of baked Ziti, Cream Cheese, Bacon and Bagels they head home where they find the police waiting. Charlie is ready to take off in a panic, but Ce Ce
drags him inside. It is there that all the roommates find that CeCe's twin brother Charlie has died two days before and the police are there to question CeCe and her friends, not to notify her of his death. After numerous attempts on CeCe's life it becomes apparent Teddy was not the only target. Who could have so much hate stored up against the Prentice family? Why? Perhaps CeCe's Artistic talents can be used to help the Detective to investigate. Can the answers truly be found in the paintings? Can they find them before a Killer takes out CeCe next?
I have to tell you my stomach turned at the dumpster diving with the intention of eating the food from the dumpster. How unsanitary! That stated I found CeCe a woman who stands behind her beliefs. I could have cried over the chasm between her and her father. A well thought out plot with a fast pace to keep the reader involved in the story. Although the scene nauseated me I could not skip the scene in the dumpster. You will be drawn in with the descriptive writing style of Deidre Verne. Come visit CeCe at her Harbor Master's Home, Don't eat or drink anything! and visit for a while. Get to know the people of CeCe's inner circle. My rating is 4 1/2 out of 5 Stars.
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00S1MTLDQ/...
Barnes and Noble link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/drawi...
Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
The Reading Room link: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
February 27, 2017
This is the first book in the Sketch In Crime mystery series and it's a really great book! There's a lot of back story that happens in this book which seems essential for understanding the characters better during the rest of the series.
Many of the main characters in this series are Freegans, which are a group of people who work to live as green as possible. They grow much of their own food, create their own energy to feed back into the power grid, barter with people regarding getting things done, and recycle/reuse items as much as they can. The author does a good job of exposing us as the readers to the Freegan lifestyle and explaining what it entails.
Besides just their Freegan lifestyle, the characters are complex, well-rounded, and delightful. I really enjoyed seeing the dynamics between CeCe and her friends, her family, and the police department. I enjoyed watching the beginnings of CeCe's romance with Frank unfold.
The plot line moves along at a decent pace. It's not dragging but it's not going by so fast that you can't keep up either. I had a little bit of an inkling who the villain was, but I was not totally sure until just before it was discovered at the end of the book.
All-in-all, this is a great start to the series and important, so definitely read it before any other books in the series!
Many of the main characters in this series are Freegans, which are a group of people who work to live as green as possible. They grow much of their own food, create their own energy to feed back into the power grid, barter with people regarding getting things done, and recycle/reuse items as much as they can. The author does a good job of exposing us as the readers to the Freegan lifestyle and explaining what it entails.
Besides just their Freegan lifestyle, the characters are complex, well-rounded, and delightful. I really enjoyed seeing the dynamics between CeCe and her friends, her family, and the police department. I enjoyed watching the beginnings of CeCe's romance with Frank unfold.
The plot line moves along at a decent pace. It's not dragging but it's not going by so fast that you can't keep up either. I had a little bit of an inkling who the villain was, but I was not totally sure until just before it was discovered at the end of the book.
All-in-all, this is a great start to the series and important, so definitely read it before any other books in the series!
February 5, 2015
This review originally published in Looking For a Good Book. Rated 3.5 of 5
This mystery, Drawing Conclusions, by Deirdre Verne, threw me a few curves and surprises, most of them quite good.
The story starts simply. Our main character, Cece, is a 'freegan' -- someone so ecologically committed to protecting the environment that she dumster-dives for food (not because she has to but because it reduces waste). Cece also happens to be an heiress to a large fortune, thanks to her father's work in genetics. When Cece' twin brother is murdered, Cece's father, and the police, think Cece might be next.
Why would anyone want to kill Cece's brother, Teddy? Why does Cece's father specifically request Detective DeRosa to investigate? These are just two of the many questions that Cece will wrestle with through the course of the book.
The science within the book was amazing. The discussions and investigations of genetics really surprised me. Pleasantly so. I was not expecting a "sketch in crime mystery" to deal with such hard science topic. It surprised me and took me a bit out of my comfort zone, but author Verne handled it smoothly and I never felt as though I was reading something that was too difficult. And for someone who is not much of a science guy, that's impressive.
On the other hand .... For a book that is a "sketch in crime" mystery, titled Drawing Conclusions, I think it's reasonable to expect a fair amount of art to be incorporated into the story. While there is some (Cece, it turns out, is able to sketch people, from memory, with uncanny accuracy), and the resolution of the plot hinges on some sketching, artwork definitely takes a back seat to science in this book. I was drawn (pun intended) to this book precisely because of the anticipated art themes and so I definitely missed the fact that art wasn't a little more strongly identified here. Fortunately, the science was interesting and the writing strong and it kept me motivated.
I'm definitely interested in reading more works by Deirdre Verne and I hope that there will be future installments in the "sketch in crime" titles (though, with a little more art, please).
Looking for a good book? Drawing Conclusions by Deirdre Verne is a mystery that will surprise you and keep you guessing all the way to the end.
This mystery, Drawing Conclusions, by Deirdre Verne, threw me a few curves and surprises, most of them quite good.
The story starts simply. Our main character, Cece, is a 'freegan' -- someone so ecologically committed to protecting the environment that she dumster-dives for food (not because she has to but because it reduces waste). Cece also happens to be an heiress to a large fortune, thanks to her father's work in genetics. When Cece' twin brother is murdered, Cece's father, and the police, think Cece might be next.
Why would anyone want to kill Cece's brother, Teddy? Why does Cece's father specifically request Detective DeRosa to investigate? These are just two of the many questions that Cece will wrestle with through the course of the book.
The science within the book was amazing. The discussions and investigations of genetics really surprised me. Pleasantly so. I was not expecting a "sketch in crime mystery" to deal with such hard science topic. It surprised me and took me a bit out of my comfort zone, but author Verne handled it smoothly and I never felt as though I was reading something that was too difficult. And for someone who is not much of a science guy, that's impressive.
On the other hand .... For a book that is a "sketch in crime" mystery, titled Drawing Conclusions, I think it's reasonable to expect a fair amount of art to be incorporated into the story. While there is some (Cece, it turns out, is able to sketch people, from memory, with uncanny accuracy), and the resolution of the plot hinges on some sketching, artwork definitely takes a back seat to science in this book. I was drawn (pun intended) to this book precisely because of the anticipated art themes and so I definitely missed the fact that art wasn't a little more strongly identified here. Fortunately, the science was interesting and the writing strong and it kept me motivated.
I'm definitely interested in reading more works by Deirdre Verne and I hope that there will be future installments in the "sketch in crime" titles (though, with a little more art, please).
Looking for a good book? Drawing Conclusions by Deirdre Verne is a mystery that will surprise you and keep you guessing all the way to the end.
January 14, 2015
CeCe Prentice is a Freegan - someone who gets as much as they can for free, to use or repurpose it - and lives with several friends in a home left to her by her grandmother. She is also a portrait artist, and excellent at it. When her brother Teddy is found dead, she is stunned - after all, he was only twenty-eight - and when there is an attack on her own life the day of Teddy's funeral, she is suspicious. Then, when Teddy's ex-fiancee kills herself, CeCe is concerned; and when it is discovered that Teddy's death wasn't an accident, she is determined to find out who murdered him and why.
When her father has a police detective assigned to watch her day and night, CeCe at first clashes with and dislikes Detective DeRosa, but soon enough she discovers she's beginning to appreciate his attention to detail and the way he thinks, and he begins to remind her of her deceased twin, Teddy; so while she reluctantly accepts the fact that he is there to keep her from harm, she doesn't like it.
To say any more would be giving away the premise of the book, so, unfortunately, I will have to leave my description such as it is. I will tell you that as you read, you begin to see things through the eyes of CeCe, which includes her perceptions of the detective, and those of her parents and her friends. The story we have before us is a tale of medicine, family, revenge. At what point do medical experiments become more than that? At what point do people matter more than medicine? While most of the lives entwine together in one way or another, it is the sense that you have to decide whether something was wrong in and of itself, or not.
I found the book to be quite interesting, the tale worth reading. Almost immediately we are given bits of information to digest and think about, and I enjoyed that immensely. And while I understand the Freegan lifestyle, I don't agree with it completely (I am much too comfortable not eating food from a dumpster and food that has been partially consumed by a stranger), so yes, I did have the 'ick factor' that CeCe referred to when she did this (it is in the beginning of the book, so no spoiler there). That notwithstanding, highly recommended.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review but this in no way influenced my decision.
When her father has a police detective assigned to watch her day and night, CeCe at first clashes with and dislikes Detective DeRosa, but soon enough she discovers she's beginning to appreciate his attention to detail and the way he thinks, and he begins to remind her of her deceased twin, Teddy; so while she reluctantly accepts the fact that he is there to keep her from harm, she doesn't like it.
To say any more would be giving away the premise of the book, so, unfortunately, I will have to leave my description such as it is. I will tell you that as you read, you begin to see things through the eyes of CeCe, which includes her perceptions of the detective, and those of her parents and her friends. The story we have before us is a tale of medicine, family, revenge. At what point do medical experiments become more than that? At what point do people matter more than medicine? While most of the lives entwine together in one way or another, it is the sense that you have to decide whether something was wrong in and of itself, or not.
I found the book to be quite interesting, the tale worth reading. Almost immediately we are given bits of information to digest and think about, and I enjoyed that immensely. And while I understand the Freegan lifestyle, I don't agree with it completely (I am much too comfortable not eating food from a dumpster and food that has been partially consumed by a stranger), so yes, I did have the 'ick factor' that CeCe referred to when she did this (it is in the beginning of the book, so no spoiler there). That notwithstanding, highly recommended.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review but this in no way influenced my decision.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 2, 2016
[I received a free copy of this book though the Goodreads Giveaway program in exchange for an honest review.]
To be honest, I am not part of the author's "target audience," which she identifies as "millenials," so at first I had trouble identifying with the main character, who is a Freegan. I had no idea what that is! Basically, it's someone who dumpster-dives for edible throwaways, and otherwise tries to live well without spending any more than necessary. So she and her roomies use rainwater, have a farm for vegetables, etc.
She is also an artist who likes to sketch faces. [I imagine in future novels--one already exists and another is on the way--she will work with the police as a sketch artist.] This first novel in the "A Sketch in Crime" series focuses on our artist, Cece, and the mystery around the death of her twin brother, Teddy, who works in the genetics research facility owned and run by their father.
I had trouble at first identifying with Cece. The freegan live-off-the-grid approach isn't something that particularly interests me, and the book opens with CeCe dumpster-diving. It is written in the first person, from CeCe's point of view, and as a result I had difficulty picturing her and caring about her. It takes quite a while to develop a rapport with her, since the book starts with action instead of description. (Of course, too much description with nothing happening is even worse!) But that is a minor point.
I did really enjoy the book. The story moves along and even though there's a fair amount of information about genetics, it's not so academic that someone with little background in the field couldn't easily follow the story. By the end of the book, I found myself anxious to read the next book in the series. Fortunately, the next book Drawing Blood is already in print, so I'm off to find it!
To be honest, I am not part of the author's "target audience," which she identifies as "millenials," so at first I had trouble identifying with the main character, who is a Freegan. I had no idea what that is! Basically, it's someone who dumpster-dives for edible throwaways, and otherwise tries to live well without spending any more than necessary. So she and her roomies use rainwater, have a farm for vegetables, etc.
She is also an artist who likes to sketch faces. [I imagine in future novels--one already exists and another is on the way--she will work with the police as a sketch artist.] This first novel in the "A Sketch in Crime" series focuses on our artist, Cece, and the mystery around the death of her twin brother, Teddy, who works in the genetics research facility owned and run by their father.
I had trouble at first identifying with Cece. The freegan live-off-the-grid approach isn't something that particularly interests me, and the book opens with CeCe dumpster-diving. It is written in the first person, from CeCe's point of view, and as a result I had difficulty picturing her and caring about her. It takes quite a while to develop a rapport with her, since the book starts with action instead of description. (Of course, too much description with nothing happening is even worse!) But that is a minor point.
I did really enjoy the book. The story moves along and even though there's a fair amount of information about genetics, it's not so academic that someone with little background in the field couldn't easily follow the story. By the end of the book, I found myself anxious to read the next book in the series. Fortunately, the next book Drawing Blood is already in print, so I'm off to find it!
December 25, 2015
Drawing Conclusions is really thrilling and exciting, full of twists. Do not start it the night before you go to sleep because you risk a sleepless night.
The protagonist is Constance Prentice, CeCe for friends: she's an artist, she draws portraits. She comes from a rich family but has no relationship with her father for a long time. She is a dumpest diving freegan and her father doesn't accept it. She lives with some friends in a home that has left her grandmother. She has a twin brother Teddy who loves, he is a respected research doctor. Unfortunately, her brother is found dead in his office: he was killed. Very soon will find that even CeCe is over in the sights of the killer. CeCe's father takes the detective Frank DeRosa: must investigate and protect her daughter. Earlier CeCe is not very happy about this: find the policeman very obnoxious and collides with him many times. Knowing better and after undergoing some attacks would appreciate his protection. CeCe is determined to find out who killed her brother, also helps the investigations with wonderful portraits. Who hates so much family Prentice?
CeCe is a very interesting character: she is a smart and very sensitive girl, able to perceive in her portraits every nuance of the face and expressions. The other characters are well developed and fun, especially the CeCe's roommates.
Thanks to this book I discovered the freegan, did not know about this lifestyle. It 's a form of anti-consumerism: instead of buying the objects (especially food) are recovered, recycled, sometimes even taken from the garbage.
I really enjoyed this book. The plot is well developed and the final is really amazing. It's the beginning of a new series, I hope to read soon a new adventure of CeCe and her friends.
The protagonist is Constance Prentice, CeCe for friends: she's an artist, she draws portraits. She comes from a rich family but has no relationship with her father for a long time. She is a dumpest diving freegan and her father doesn't accept it. She lives with some friends in a home that has left her grandmother. She has a twin brother Teddy who loves, he is a respected research doctor. Unfortunately, her brother is found dead in his office: he was killed. Very soon will find that even CeCe is over in the sights of the killer. CeCe's father takes the detective Frank DeRosa: must investigate and protect her daughter. Earlier CeCe is not very happy about this: find the policeman very obnoxious and collides with him many times. Knowing better and after undergoing some attacks would appreciate his protection. CeCe is determined to find out who killed her brother, also helps the investigations with wonderful portraits. Who hates so much family Prentice?
CeCe is a very interesting character: she is a smart and very sensitive girl, able to perceive in her portraits every nuance of the face and expressions. The other characters are well developed and fun, especially the CeCe's roommates.
Thanks to this book I discovered the freegan, did not know about this lifestyle. It 's a form of anti-consumerism: instead of buying the objects (especially food) are recovered, recycled, sometimes even taken from the garbage.
I really enjoyed this book. The plot is well developed and the final is really amazing. It's the beginning of a new series, I hope to read soon a new adventure of CeCe and her friends.
January 2, 2015
Dr. Teddy Prentice dies when he ingests something he is allergic to. Since this is a mystery story and we are bright sleuth readers, we know he was murdered by someone who knew of his allergy and gave him the food item. Teddy worked for his father in the Cold Spring Harbor research lab studying genetics with the goal of trying to alter DNA. CeCe, his non-conformist twin sister determines that’s why he was murdered, but why is what she wants to find out. She works closely with Detective Frank DeRosa. Almost immediately, Teddy’s former fiancée, Naomi Gupta, ‘commits suicide.’ She was in the same genetic field as he was, though not with credentials. There has to be a link.
When DeRosa does a background check on Naomi, he finds her life was a lie. So how did Teddy get hooked up with her? CeCe had questioned that in the beginning. They are twins and close, but she knew nothing of his supposed feelings for Naomi. Throughout the story CeCe has been sketching people, which she is very good at. DeRosa picks up a clue from one of her sketches and goes off to investigate without telling her why or where he is going.
Some attempts are made on CeCe’s life, but they are not successful. DeRosa
February 3, 2017
I enjoyed the characters and plot in this book, especially the use of Freeganism as a major part of the main character's life. It's a new concept to me so I was intrigued, but it's not overly done. I didn't enjoy some of the mechanics in this book or the next one, such as dialog tags that use actions instead of speech. Dialog tags should be "he said" "she replied" "he asked" etc. not "she started" or "he rooted around." There also were a number of words used incorrectly on a regular basis that were distracting EG crumble happens to cookies, crumple happens to faces and bodies. Many times I couldn't figure out what the emotional tone was supposed to be for a scene because the character's thoughts said one thing while the action either said something else or didn't say anything at all. The writing felt a bit amateurish (or lacking a strong editor) yet I had hopes for the second book. I did read Drawing Blood and enjoyed it about as much as this one, but I was disappointed to find the same mechanical problems persisting, and a few of them increasing. If I can the third book I'll probably read it in order to visit with the characters again and see how they're doing, but I won't go out of my way to track down a copy.
February 16, 2015
4 STARS
This is a good mystery with twists you don't expect and others that I did see coming. There is a lot of science and DNA and some different life style of Freegans. Where I can appreciate some of that life style others I would not want like eating out of garbage.
The characters have a good mix to them. The main character is Cece Prentice. Cece owns a big house and land. She was disowned by her father. While still close to her twin brother. Cece dumpster dives for food. I like her. Cece is an artist
Cece's twin brother Teddy is found dead at work. Her life is in danger. She ends up working with Detective DeRosa to figure out what happened to Teddy and who wants her dead.
I wanted more to the story. Some of the ending I did not like but it worked. Other choices I did not like but for the most part I liked the story and want to see what happens next to Cece in the future.
The setting is New York state.
I was given this ebook to read by Net Galley and Midnight Ink. In return I agreed to give a honest review of it and be part of Drawing Conclusions blog tour.
July 1, 2015
Deirdre Verne, has created unique characters whom you quickly develop a strong like or dislike for, often finding yourself wondering which of them is worthy of your trust. A part of me envied the life lived at Harbor House with the group of Freegans, wishing I could be a part of them as they cared for the earth and each other. And isn't that what makes a book worth reading? When you find yourself wanting to be part of the cast of characters who weave a story not easily forgotten. I'm actually waiting for CeCe and her friends to work their way into my dreams.
DRAWING CONCLUSIONS is Verne's debut novel in The Sketch in Crime mystery series and worthy of plenty of attention. Piquing my intrigue from the first page, the rest of the book did not let me down. As I ended each chapter, I was eager to move on to the next and was sad to close the book after the final page.
DRAWING CONCLUSIONS is Verne's debut novel in The Sketch in Crime mystery series and worthy of plenty of attention. Piquing my intrigue from the first page, the rest of the book did not let me down. As I ended each chapter, I was eager to move on to the next and was sad to close the book after the final page.
March 18, 2016
I was intrigued by the cover of this book and found myself even more intrigued by the story. CeCe Prentice is an artist and Freegan (basically living off the grid, using what others have tossed out) who lives with four other Freegan friends. She has just finished dumpster diving behind a banquet hall for food with her roomie Charlie and returns home to find out that her twin brother, Teddy, a genetic researcher for their father's company, is dead. Enter the police and lots of twists, turns, action and revelations, and you have a very readable, extremely interesting and enjoyable book. I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading the next book in the series, Drawing Blood.
October 15, 2016
This was a very good book. I recommend everyone to read this book . It is worth 5 stars plus.
September 10, 2014
I loved this book. What a unique, engrossing puzzle. What an unexpected solution! The author surely did her research on this book. She keeps it simple, but the mystery involves a research facility that studies human genetics and a main character that has adopted the fregan way of life. I knew very little about either of these things before I read Drawing Conclusions. I know a little bit more now and the learning didn't hurt a bit. The well developed characters, if not the intricately crafted mystery kept me glued to my screen from start to finish
June 30, 2016
I won this book from goodreads. Thank you. I enjoyed this book with it's witty characters that starts with a group of dumpster diving friends called Freegans. The story is fast paced and the characters are lively and believable. The story will keep you guessing with lots of twists and turns to the end which was a complete mystery. I'm looking forward to this authors newest book. Sorry it took me so long to get to it. I am going through breast cancer treatment.
October 21, 2015
This is an uneasy marriage between a medical thriller and a cosy. Freegan CeCe has used her inheritance to build a community that scavenges for its needs, breaking ties with her nearby family, except her twin brother Teddy. When Teddy, who works with their top-notch researcher father, dies mysteriously, Frank comes into CeCe's life as the investigating detective. What follows are shocking revelations about CeCe's father, and also about her family as a whole.
February 23, 2016
A bit long and way too much ' I am out of my depth ' and ' poor me ' and ' this has always been about you not me ' passages. While we like the lead character and her friends we got tired very early about all the whining and again a character who just can not follow common sense. She has to storm ahead and do stupid things. Some are the right thing to do but if planned would not be dangerous. Overall well written and the freegan concept not over the top.
July 4, 2016
I received this book for review purposes. I really enjoyed this mystery about a freegan and her murdered twin brother. The reason for his death is novel and unique. The characters were well drawn. The only thing I didn't like is that the main character winds up with closed off but heart of gold detective, the rest of this book is very original and that just struck me as very formulaic. All in all a great read!
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