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Paul Manziuk & Jacquie Ryan Mysteries #1
Shaded Light: The Case of the Tactless Trophy Wife
With matchmaking on her mind, Ellen Brodie looks forward to a quiet long weekend with her husband, her son, and a visitor from Alberta — Lorry Preston, the auburn-haired daughter of Ellen’s favourite cousin. But the weekend is doomed: Ellen's husband invites his two legal partners and their quarrelling wives A black sheep nephew shows up One of the legal partners brings his wife’s wallflower sister Ellen’s son brings his devastatingly handsome best friend A new neighbour throws herself on Ellen’s mercy because of renovations If that isn’t enough, Lorry discovers a body in the Japanese garden, and the law arrives in the form of a tired Paul Manziuk and his brand new, totally unwanted partner, Detective Constable Jacqueline Ryan.
Note: Discussion Questions for Book Clubs are in the back of the book along with some Bonus Features not in the print versions.
Note: Discussion Questions for Book Clubs are in the back of the book along with some Bonus Features not in the print versions.
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First published January 1, 1999
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
March 12, 2017
97 pages in and apart from a brief introduction in the Prologue, the detectives haven't yet appeared.
Now, there's nothing *intrinsically* wrong with that, but my own preference in mysteries is to learn about the characters at the same time the detective(s) do and my patience was becoming strained at this point. So when one of the characters starts bleating on about her personal relationship with God in a way that sounded altogether too much like preaching by the author, I threw in the towel.
Now, there's nothing *intrinsically* wrong with that, but my own preference in mysteries is to learn about the characters at the same time the detective(s) do and my patience was becoming strained at this point. So when one of the characters starts bleating on about her personal relationship with God in a way that sounded altogether too much like preaching by the author, I threw in the towel.
June 15, 2015
After a long long time, I found a book which could give me the awesome feel of an Agatha Christie novel.
I loved it. The plot is interesting and there is elaborate detailing of the investigation. A weekend party between three business partners of a successful law firm and their spouses turns into murder scene. The story is about how the cop, Paul Manzuik and his newly promoted colleague Jacquie Ryan solve this murder mystery.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.
I loved it. The plot is interesting and there is elaborate detailing of the investigation. A weekend party between three business partners of a successful law firm and their spouses turns into murder scene. The story is about how the cop, Paul Manzuik and his newly promoted colleague Jacquie Ryan solve this murder mystery.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.
April 29, 2013
In Shaded Light I felt like I was reading a game of Clue. Author J. A. Menzies (the new ebook edition is published under the author's pseudonym; original edition under N. J. Lindquist) sets up the game board and player pieces in the first part of the book as members, wives and various hangers-on of the Toronto law firm Brodie, Fischer & Martin meet for a relaxing weekend at the lavish new home of senior partner George Brodie and his wife Ellen. The cast of characters is large and varied. Menzies delves into the past and present of each just enough to get us caring for them but not to the point of distraction. (The Kindle edition I read had a linked table of contents which included a list of characters--most helpful in keeping everyone straight through the information-heavy first part of the book.)
Once the body is found the glue of the series, middle-aged investigator Paul Manziuk and his rookie partner Jacqueline Ryan arrive on the scene. They bring with them their own goals and issues.
The questioning of each potential perpetrator (basically everybody, for everyone is a suspect) and the reaction of the cops to each other kept me busy as I tried to figure out who did it and worried these investigators wouldn’t be able to get past their own sensitivities to solve the crime before another redhead got knocked off. Provisional solutions kept me occupied till Menzies’ investigators solved the crime and all the other loose ends got tidied away at the very end of the book.
Though most of the characters have a pleasure-seeking, self-absorbed outlook (fueled by lots of alcohol) one character, Lorry Preston, lives her life as a committed Christian. She acquits herself well and makes the book a worthwhile read for the mystery lover who enjoys a serving of faith alongside generous helpings of intrigue and red herring.
Shaded Light and a second book in the Manziuk & Ryan mystery series—Glitter of Diamonds—are available as ebook downloads from J. A. Menzies’ website and as Kindle editions on Amazon.
Once the body is found the glue of the series, middle-aged investigator Paul Manziuk and his rookie partner Jacqueline Ryan arrive on the scene. They bring with them their own goals and issues.
The questioning of each potential perpetrator (basically everybody, for everyone is a suspect) and the reaction of the cops to each other kept me busy as I tried to figure out who did it and worried these investigators wouldn’t be able to get past their own sensitivities to solve the crime before another redhead got knocked off. Provisional solutions kept me occupied till Menzies’ investigators solved the crime and all the other loose ends got tidied away at the very end of the book.
Though most of the characters have a pleasure-seeking, self-absorbed outlook (fueled by lots of alcohol) one character, Lorry Preston, lives her life as a committed Christian. She acquits herself well and makes the book a worthwhile read for the mystery lover who enjoys a serving of faith alongside generous helpings of intrigue and red herring.
Shaded Light and a second book in the Manziuk & Ryan mystery series—Glitter of Diamonds—are available as ebook downloads from J. A. Menzies’ website and as Kindle editions on Amazon.
August 26, 2014
Take eight invited guests, one uninvited nephew, a self-invited neighbour and an unwanted sister, mix them together, add a housekeeper and her daughter, shake them up and with what do you get? A Manzuik and Ryan mystery.
When George and Ellen Brodie throw a weekend house party at their posh Toronto mansion, they get much more than they bargained for. One guest turns up dead in the Japanese garden and all the others become suspects.
Detective Paul Manziuk is assigned the case on top of the four he is already working. A serial killer with a special hatred for red-headed women is on the loose and all of Detective Manziuk’s leads have turned to dead ends. All he needs is to have to find another murderer. To make matters worse, there is no one available to work with him except rookie detective policewoman Jacqueline Ryan.
The case becomes more complex when the police find that all the guests have a motive for murder. And if that were not enough, a second body found the following day adds another layer of confusion.
Ms. Lindquist weaves an intricate web of lies, deceit and intrigue as she takes us from the beginning to the end of the mystery. She holds the reader’s attention with various twists and turns in the plot never revealing the motive or culprit until near the end of the story. Each plausible clue adds to the mystery and is meticulously developed until the truth is finally revealed. It is obvious that Ms. Lindquist knows her craft and has researched police procedures.
Although I found it a somewhat daunting task to keep the characters straight in my mind, and wondered if they were all necessary, I must admit that for the most part, I thoroughly enjoyed the story. I am not a mystery writer and seldom read the genre, so perhaps all the characters were necessary to the plot.
The story moves at a good pace and keeps the reader enthralled.
I hope to see more of Manziuk and Ryan.
When George and Ellen Brodie throw a weekend house party at their posh Toronto mansion, they get much more than they bargained for. One guest turns up dead in the Japanese garden and all the others become suspects.
Detective Paul Manziuk is assigned the case on top of the four he is already working. A serial killer with a special hatred for red-headed women is on the loose and all of Detective Manziuk’s leads have turned to dead ends. All he needs is to have to find another murderer. To make matters worse, there is no one available to work with him except rookie detective policewoman Jacqueline Ryan.
The case becomes more complex when the police find that all the guests have a motive for murder. And if that were not enough, a second body found the following day adds another layer of confusion.
Ms. Lindquist weaves an intricate web of lies, deceit and intrigue as she takes us from the beginning to the end of the mystery. She holds the reader’s attention with various twists and turns in the plot never revealing the motive or culprit until near the end of the story. Each plausible clue adds to the mystery and is meticulously developed until the truth is finally revealed. It is obvious that Ms. Lindquist knows her craft and has researched police procedures.
Although I found it a somewhat daunting task to keep the characters straight in my mind, and wondered if they were all necessary, I must admit that for the most part, I thoroughly enjoyed the story. I am not a mystery writer and seldom read the genre, so perhaps all the characters were necessary to the plot.
The story moves at a good pace and keeps the reader enthralled.
I hope to see more of Manziuk and Ryan.
January 30, 2022
The author cites her influences as classic age of mystery British authors and I totally get it. This is a bit of an homage to Death on the Nile. Except set in Ontario over Canada Day weekend
We have a country house party an unlikable shrew that has way more connections to the other guests than originally assumed and a whole bunch of suspects with weak alibis.
Or detective isn't a quaint eccentric Belgian but instead a large robust Canadian. Yet despite his size he does have some of the quirks associated with a certain Monsieur
The first murder doesn't happen until almost a 1/3 of the way through the book so much that I sort of forgot I was reading a mystery until it happened.
It was engrossing and a real page turner.
there is a lot of discussion revolving around God, belief and religion from one character. I don't know if the author uses it in different books and she made no mention of it in her notes
We have a country house party an unlikable shrew that has way more connections to the other guests than originally assumed and a whole bunch of suspects with weak alibis.
Or detective isn't a quaint eccentric Belgian but instead a large robust Canadian. Yet despite his size he does have some of the quirks associated with a certain Monsieur
The first murder doesn't happen until almost a 1/3 of the way through the book so much that I sort of forgot I was reading a mystery until it happened.
It was engrossing and a real page turner.
there is a lot of discussion revolving around God, belief and religion from one character. I don't know if the author uses it in different books and she made no mention of it in her notes
October 17, 2022
Suspense up to the End
It is very exciting and hard to make the investigation. You will not the killing until the very end. The characters provided a problems of all of them. The final solution quickly found the end.
It is very exciting and hard to make the investigation. You will not the killing until the very end. The characters provided a problems of all of them. The final solution quickly found the end.
August 9, 2016
I loved this murder mystery
I loved this murder mystery. The plot was good, characters interesting: some likable others less so. Secrets, lies, tension all make for an engrossing story.
I was pleased to discover this to be the first in a series featuring the newly formed detective duo, Paul Manziuk and Jacquie Ryan. I shall look forward to seeing how their professional relationship develops considering how differing their personalities and backgrounds are and also to learn about their personal lives and thereby understand how they tick and of course looking forward to their solving more murder cases together. I am now anticipating the second book "Glitter of Diamonds: The Case of the Reckless Radio Host" to be another great read.
I loved this murder mystery. The plot was good, characters interesting: some likable others less so. Secrets, lies, tension all make for an engrossing story.
I was pleased to discover this to be the first in a series featuring the newly formed detective duo, Paul Manziuk and Jacquie Ryan. I shall look forward to seeing how their professional relationship develops considering how differing their personalities and backgrounds are and also to learn about their personal lives and thereby understand how they tick and of course looking forward to their solving more murder cases together. I am now anticipating the second book "Glitter of Diamonds: The Case of the Reckless Radio Host" to be another great read.
October 3, 2015
It was really kinda rough for me to get into this book at the beginning, so if you don't think you will like this book keep reading. So like I said rough start, then whew I couldn't stop. I had no idea who the killer was. I thought I did, but I didn't, I wasn't even close. I have already started the second book in the series. I like the police detectives, their families and the way they work together. This is only a 3 book series but it could be more as Ryan and Manziuk could have a long partnership.
July 19, 2017
A country house murder: maybe my favorite murder setting.
We are introduced to a beautiful, obviously avaricious young woman, married to a rich lawyer. She isn't lovable and proves it by abusing her mousey sister and manipulating her husband. As a hardened player in matrimony (fourth marriage), he manipulates her right back.
They are guests at the lavish new estate owned by his firm's senior partner. His wife and grown son and his son's friend make up some of the many characters (suspects) in this mystery. Other guests are another partner and his wife and relatives and an acquaintance of the senior partner's wife. There are outside gardeners and a cook and her daughter. Everyone will be found to have a motive for strangling the beautiful, blackmailing young wife of the third partner. Another murder follows, and I was having no luck finding a favorite suspect. Actually, I don't think we have enough information for more than guesses until late in the story.
I liked the genre and felt comfortable reading this story. I didn't root for anyone as this is not a character study by any means. I hated having one character delivery a very explicit Christian message that is more blatant than anything I've ever read in a mystery story.
Do you think police would leave a group of people alone in a house overnight when one of them is obviously a murderer? It wouldn't have happened, I imagine, but we did need another murder.
August 28, 2018
Tedious Murder Mystery With Christian Lectures
I chose to read a new-to-me author, because I was interested in the Toronto, Canada setting of this police procedural. The book started slowly—murder happens at about 30% mark— with lengthy introductions to a family of three and their mostly unlikable house guests. There are over thirty characters, but good character development. I would have liked more personal information about the police detectives.
The plot is a straightforward country house murder, and the upscale house is populated by stereotypical characters, including several good red herrings.
I put this book aside several times, especially after reading religious spiels that didn’t further the storyline or add to character development. The police procedural sections were often lengthy and the interrogations too similar; and, due to the vast list of characters, the questioning of suspects seemed interminable.
I amused myself by guessing which of the seemingly incompatible, unmarried houseguests would end up in love. I did skim through to the end, and I can say there are no sexual scenes, no God’s name in vain, and no NSFW language.
I chose to read a new-to-me author, because I was interested in the Toronto, Canada setting of this police procedural. The book started slowly—murder happens at about 30% mark— with lengthy introductions to a family of three and their mostly unlikable house guests. There are over thirty characters, but good character development. I would have liked more personal information about the police detectives.
The plot is a straightforward country house murder, and the upscale house is populated by stereotypical characters, including several good red herrings.
I put this book aside several times, especially after reading religious spiels that didn’t further the storyline or add to character development. The police procedural sections were often lengthy and the interrogations too similar; and, due to the vast list of characters, the questioning of suspects seemed interminable.
I amused myself by guessing which of the seemingly incompatible, unmarried houseguests would end up in love. I did skim through to the end, and I can say there are no sexual scenes, no God’s name in vain, and no NSFW language.
May 14, 2018
I really enjoyed Shaded Light. The trophy wife was definitely tactless--as well as manipulative, despicable, narcissistic, and a few other non-flattering adjectives. Every guest at the country house was a suspect, except one, IMO. I could see why everyone would want to kill the witch. Even though Bart had a lot of flaws and wasn't the most trustworthy, I was rooting for him to be innocent. I felt he wasn't a bad person due to the way he treated Shauna. Of course, Shauna could have been the reason he would commit murder. There were twists and turns as well as red herrings throughout the story that kept me guessing right up until the end.
I like the dynamic between Paul and Jacqueline. They are each capable detectives and their differences complement each other. I think Paul is more of a teddy bear than the burly bear he appears to be.
This is my first book by JA Menzies. I look forward to reading more books in this series. I definitely recommend reading this book if you enjoy well-written mysteries with interesting characters.
I like the dynamic between Paul and Jacqueline. They are each capable detectives and their differences complement each other. I think Paul is more of a teddy bear than the burly bear he appears to be.
This is my first book by JA Menzies. I look forward to reading more books in this series. I definitely recommend reading this book if you enjoy well-written mysteries with interesting characters.
February 22, 2018
Good.
Paul Manziuk was the cop in charge of the case. Jacqueline Ryan was his partner for this case, who loved to talk .
"Life is one long struggle in the dark"
Detective Manziuk was still upset about the 22 yr old college student who was murdered when that got this case.
The setting is a country house party. There is first one murder Jillian, and then Chrystal.
The detective believe it was the same person, serial killer , that killed 4 other girls over the past year. They all had red hair.
I never would have thought it was the person it turned out to be.
The clues: marbles
person of interest Nick
I liked all the characters in the book
I just had trouble following at times, but that is just me and this type of book.
I was glad that the guys in the book that I liked were cleared.
All in All ,I liked this book.
Just not one I usually read
#3 BNB Challenge
I received for an honest review
Paul Manziuk was the cop in charge of the case. Jacqueline Ryan was his partner for this case, who loved to talk .
"Life is one long struggle in the dark"
Detective Manziuk was still upset about the 22 yr old college student who was murdered when that got this case.
The setting is a country house party. There is first one murder Jillian, and then Chrystal.
The detective believe it was the same person, serial killer , that killed 4 other girls over the past year. They all had red hair.
I never would have thought it was the person it turned out to be.
The clues: marbles
person of interest Nick
I liked all the characters in the book
I just had trouble following at times, but that is just me and this type of book.
I was glad that the guys in the book that I liked were cleared.
All in All ,I liked this book.
Just not one I usually read
#3 BNB Challenge
I received for an honest review
June 21, 2020
I really wanted to like this one. I love a good house party mystery. But I couldn't get through it. The POV was everywhere, but I tried to stay with it. Some of the characters where just not realistic. Kendall acts more like a wife to Nick than a friend, and it's great that Lorry is a Christian, but not even Christians are that perfect. Her sharing comes across more as sermonising.
There were several places that made me stop. How a man can be in a prone position while sitting in a lawn chair is beyond me. Later, a boy refers to his friend's mother as "Mom." And in chapter 16, the investigators agree to work all night after one visits his partner in the hospital, yet after the visit, they both end up at home.
After a while, I just stopped caring. This book could have benefited from a good editor. After reading the 4 star reviews, I decided they must have been for a different book. Very disappointing.
There were several places that made me stop. How a man can be in a prone position while sitting in a lawn chair is beyond me. Later, a boy refers to his friend's mother as "Mom." And in chapter 16, the investigators agree to work all night after one visits his partner in the hospital, yet after the visit, they both end up at home.
After a while, I just stopped caring. This book could have benefited from a good editor. After reading the 4 star reviews, I decided they must have been for a different book. Very disappointing.
September 13, 2024
Good Book
First I enjoyed the conversations on God and religion that were discussed throughout the book. I had read a review from someone who seemed to have been offended by it. That's just the way it seemed to me.
I enjoyed the book, the characters were well developed and I found myself cheering for certain characters and hoping they were not the villain.
The only reason I gave it four stars was because there were once or twice when a character had to find a phone for in a house and I couldn't understand why they didn't have their cell phone on them.
Overall worth getting to know the possible suspects and Manziuk and Ryan.
First I enjoyed the conversations on God and religion that were discussed throughout the book. I had read a review from someone who seemed to have been offended by it. That's just the way it seemed to me.
I enjoyed the book, the characters were well developed and I found myself cheering for certain characters and hoping they were not the villain.
The only reason I gave it four stars was because there were once or twice when a character had to find a phone for in a house and I couldn't understand why they didn't have their cell phone on them.
Overall worth getting to know the possible suspects and Manziuk and Ryan.
February 4, 2018
I enjoyed this book although it is difficult to say why. The trophy wife is so horrible and her sister such a victim that I would normally recoil but for some reason I enjoyed the exaggeration of these characters. The case involves the death of the trophy wife at a house party held by the head of a law firm for his law partners and their wives which is also attended by 3 uninvited guests. Evidence is scarce until an important clue is finally unearthed. Even before this, however, I had an idea of "who done it". See if you can guess!
June 16, 2020
Locked room mystery.
A senior law partner invites his partners, their wives and other friends and relatives for a long weekend at his country estate. The wife of his partner is killed in the garden and after a first round of interviews, another victim is stabbed. She knew something the cops did not, and tried blackmail.
The first victim was also a blackmailer and picked the wrong person. He is already a serial killer and is caught attacking a third member of the guest list.
Slow starting, lots of twists. Good ending.
A senior law partner invites his partners, their wives and other friends and relatives for a long weekend at his country estate. The wife of his partner is killed in the garden and after a first round of interviews, another victim is stabbed. She knew something the cops did not, and tried blackmail.
The first victim was also a blackmailer and picked the wrong person. He is already a serial killer and is caught attacking a third member of the guest list.
Slow starting, lots of twists. Good ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 24, 2019
"It's a mystery"
Don't get me wrong. I found this intriguing but I spent most of the book wondering when it had been written. Was it set in the 1930's or modern day? Some elements were clearly up to date and others could have been any when in the past eighty years. In the end, there were so many potential murderers I gave up. The one thing I was sure of, it wasn't the butler - because they didn't have one. Everything else was a mystery.
Don't get me wrong. I found this intriguing but I spent most of the book wondering when it had been written. Was it set in the 1930's or modern day? Some elements were clearly up to date and others could have been any when in the past eighty years. In the end, there were so many potential murderers I gave up. The one thing I was sure of, it wasn't the butler - because they didn't have one. Everything else was a mystery.
March 20, 2020
I enjoyed this whodunit. Veteran Homicide Detective Paul Manzuik is assigned a young woman, Jacquie Ryan, as partner. The banter between these two is loads of fun. I enjoyed following along as they solved the case. It is well written and nicely paced. The twists and turns kept me turning the pages.
I recommend this book to those who enjoy clean, cozy mysteries.
I won a copy. All views expressed are my honest opinion.
I recommend this book to those who enjoy clean, cozy mysteries.
I won a copy. All views expressed are my honest opinion.
January 28, 2018
Although this story drags a little at the beginning it turned out to be a great read. The many twists & turns will keep you guessing. The killer was someone least expected & overlooked. Loved the dynamic between the detectives Manziuk & Rayn. He's old fashioned & she's the young confident opinionated newbie.
September 26, 2019
Great book good detectives but mental issue with George sad. Good ending for Ryan. I gave it 5 stars great descriptions of characters leading up to the murdering plot to people who like mysteries
Great mystery book.good descriptions of the characters leading up to the murder ing plot for people who like to read mysteries books
Great mystery book.good descriptions of the characters leading up to the murder ing plot for people who like to read mysteries books
October 17, 2019
Shocker!!
There were many plots and sub plots, in this book. I enjoyed the twists. The characters were identified at the beginning of the book, which you can refer to, as needed. The book was well written and keeps you wondering what is going to happen next. The ending was a shocker. Please enjoy this book. It's worth it.
There were many plots and sub plots, in this book. I enjoyed the twists. The characters were identified at the beginning of the book, which you can refer to, as needed. The book was well written and keeps you wondering what is going to happen next. The ending was a shocker. Please enjoy this book. It's worth it.
July 10, 2020
A good read!!!!
Murder mystery with lots of characters with secrets to hide! The author did a great job with the plot. The story is about the lives of a group of lawyers and a weekend getaway that ends up with a surprise murder of the wife of one of the lawyers. So many twists. Excellent read!
Murder mystery with lots of characters with secrets to hide! The author did a great job with the plot. The story is about the lives of a group of lawyers and a weekend getaway that ends up with a surprise murder of the wife of one of the lawyers. So many twists. Excellent read!
January 16, 2018
I absolutely loved this book. The way the characters interacted with each other was very believable and the way you were kept hanging right to the end really added to the book . I couldn't put it down, can't wait to read more about these two and any other books J.A. Menzies writes.
March 9, 2018
I really enjoyed this 'who done it'!! It's full of interesting characters, an easy to follow plot & murder at a mansion during a family/work long week end get together!!
A solid 3.5 star read!!
Debbie, 1970, UK
A solid 3.5 star read!!
Debbie, 1970, UK
May 23, 2019
Shaded Light:The case of the Tactless Trophy Wife
A fun weekend get away, turned deadly. A beautiful mansion with horrible secrets. A must read for mystery fans! Twist at every turn. Enough said. Enjoy
A fun weekend get away, turned deadly. A beautiful mansion with horrible secrets. A must read for mystery fans! Twist at every turn. Enough said. Enjoy
May 18, 2022
Great police thriller
This book had more twist and turns. Lots of complex characters. Loved the two detectives- the odd couple. Loved the twist at the end. Would definitely recommend this author.
This book had more twist and turns. Lots of complex characters. Loved the two detectives- the odd couple. Loved the twist at the end. Would definitely recommend this author.
July 28, 2017
Like an Agatha Christie, the murder is set in a walled mansion in the suburbs of Toronto, so the number of suspects is limited to those at a house party over a long week-end.
March 6, 2018
Well developed plot. Enjoyed the interplay between the new detective team. A fun read.
July 16, 2018
Interesting characters
This was the first mystery I have read from this s author. I liked the details and the relationships as they played out. Enjoyable summer vacation read.
This was the first mystery I have read from this s author. I liked the details and the relationships as they played out. Enjoyable summer vacation read.
September 3, 2018
Very good
Book is moving constantly. There is no way that you can figure out who did what the ending is fabulous
Book is moving constantly. There is no way that you can figure out who did what the ending is fabulous
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews