Family Album

Mellingham #3

by Susan Oleksiw

Gwen McDuffy has returned to Mellingham with her two children, but something is haunting her. Distracted by her own worries, she barely notices the tension at the Arbella Society, where George Frome, determined to bring questionable practices to the attention of the board of directors, is systematically offending everyone he encounters. Catherine Rocklynd, wealthy patron, is on edge, and refuses to confide in her nephew, Edwin Bennett. Kelly Kuhn, art dealer and collector, is sinking into debt trying to woo customers like Annalee Windolow. Quiet, picturesque Mellingham cannot erase the secrets and sorrows of a lifetime, so its residents do their best to hide them behind facades of philanthropy and family. But when a secretary discovers a dead body in the attic of Arbella House, the staff and volunteers of the historical society are doubly threatened. Chief of Police Joe Silva knows he'll uncover some painful secrets when he begins investigating the murder, but he must prepare himself for personal disappointment as the murder investigation moves closer to Gwen McDuffy. Richly evocative in setting, with finely drawn characters and an absorbing plot, Family Album asks meaningful questions about family and identity, and the need to belong.

Genres: Mystery

264 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1994

About the author

"People say that life is the thing, but I prefer reading." Logan Pearsall Smith

I can't imagine a life without books. Some of my best memories of a quiet rainy afternoon when Dad let me poke among his books and pick something to read.

Born and raised in New England, I have long been fascinated by the traditional New Englander and the way of life found here. I try to capture that world in two of my series.

My most recent book, Below the Tree Line, is set on a farm in central Massachusetts. Felicity O'Brien has inherited the family farm, but she has also inherited, from her mother and ancestors, the ability to heal. This is both a blessing and a burden.

My first mystery series features Chief of Police Joe Silva, in the town of Mellingham. The books in the series follow the ups and downs of people in the town but also the changes in Joe's life. He begins as a bachelor and in the most recent books is clearly a happy stepdad.

In the second series, my sleuth is an Indian-American photographer who lives at her aunt's tourist hotel on a popular beach. Raised in India, she has no desire to leave and follow her parents home to the States. She finds herself involved in all sorts of problems trying to keep her aunt's hotel solvent and out of trouble. Her aunt, for her part, despairs of ever turning Anita into a proper young Indian woman. The stories give me a chance to write about a country where I once lived and which I have loved since a child.

All three series are cozies, with fun as well as surprises.

Series:
* Joe Silva Mellingham
* Anita Ray

Reviews

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had a very slow start, I almost gave up. But once past the first 10 pages or so, it became a good read. I actually thought I knew who the murderer was, but got directed to another suspect. I was right the first time. It was a fast read, very interesting premise involving the town historical society, and members.

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mysteries are not my typical fare bit I expected a bit more drama than this provided. The author had some great insights into small town lives and personalities but the murder case unfolded very slowly. I hadn't figured out "who done it" though.