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Veronica Walsh Mystery #2
Murder, by George
Retired soap opera actress Veronica Walsh leads a fulfilling second act in her Adirondack hometown of Barton. Her boutique, All Things, is thriving and she enjoys a romance with Professor Mark Burke. She has neither the time nor the desire to be an amateur sleuth.
Trouble finds her when architect Scott Culverson buys a vintage box at the village's annual flea market and discovers a valuable painting and love letter inside a locked drawer. The awe over the masterpiece, a 1920's portrait of Barton's main street, turns to rage when a fierce argument ensues. The box's seller insists the painting was not included in the sale, while Ella and Madeline Griffin, whose mother received the painting as a wedding present, demand that Scott return the painting to their family. The artist's daughter, the formidable Leona Bradshaw Kendall, later joins the battle over Orchard Street.
When Scott is stabbed to death and the painting and letter stolen, the Griffin sisters ask Veronica to help clear suspicion from their hot-tempered great-niece, Regina. Despite a vow to stay out of the investigation, Veronica's loyalty to her friends draws her into the case.
Veronica crosses paths with a shady contractor, brassy hairdresser, overwrought lawyer, and adoring Czech housekeeper as she searches for both killer and work of art. Whom can Veronica trust, and who will lead her to the brink of death?
Trouble finds her when architect Scott Culverson buys a vintage box at the village's annual flea market and discovers a valuable painting and love letter inside a locked drawer. The awe over the masterpiece, a 1920's portrait of Barton's main street, turns to rage when a fierce argument ensues. The box's seller insists the painting was not included in the sale, while Ella and Madeline Griffin, whose mother received the painting as a wedding present, demand that Scott return the painting to their family. The artist's daughter, the formidable Leona Bradshaw Kendall, later joins the battle over Orchard Street.
When Scott is stabbed to death and the painting and letter stolen, the Griffin sisters ask Veronica to help clear suspicion from their hot-tempered great-niece, Regina. Despite a vow to stay out of the investigation, Veronica's loyalty to her friends draws her into the case.
Veronica crosses paths with a shady contractor, brassy hairdresser, overwrought lawyer, and adoring Czech housekeeper as she searches for both killer and work of art. Whom can Veronica trust, and who will lead her to the brink of death?
- GenresMysteryCozy Mystery
268 pages, Hardcover
Published May 18, 2016
1 person is currently reading
503 people want to read
About the author
Jeanne Quigley
10 books70 followersJeanne Quigley is the author of the Veronica Walsh Mysteries and the Robyn Cavanagh mystery series. Unlike her fictional sleuths, she has never been a soap opera star or an accountant (though she was an accounting major for a few minutes in the spring of 1985), but she has worked for an educational publisher and in the music industry. A lifelong New Yorker, Jeanne lives in her native county.
Visit Jeanne at her website: http://www.jeannequigley.wordpress.com
http://www.facebook.com/jeannemquigley/
Visit Jeanne at her website: http://www.jeannequigley.wordpress.com
http://www.facebook.com/jeannemquigley/
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
June 13, 2018
A good mystery but somehow it didn't appeal like the first in the series. I do give it 3.5*, however.
May 20, 2016
Dollycas’s Thoughts
In this follow up to All Things Murder, Veronica finds herself caught up in another fine mystery. A relaxing day at a local flea market get very interesting when a masterpiece is found in a vintage box. Things go from interesting to scary when the box buyer is found dead and the box contents missing. When Veronica is asked to investigate and rule out one of the suspects, she tries to find someone with more to gain by the death, but she soon has way to many suspects. Just who actually killed to get their prize? Veronica is determined to find out but she may not survive the challenge.
There are a lot of characters in this story and it first it was hard to keep track of them all. This did get easier as the story continued. The characters all had different ways they were connected to the painting. Some were very brusque in their demeanor and others weren’t quite as blunt. They all believed they were entitled to the painting and/or the letter. I seriously had a hard time figuring out the killer. In my mind they all could have done it.
As a soap opera fan I really enjoy the character of Veronica Walsh. She is very successful in her retirement. Her store seems to be doing well and her relationship with Professor Mark Burke is moving in the right direction. I really liked the way their romance was written. Not too much to take away from the mystery, a perfect amount so we get to know these characters better.
The flow of the story was not as smooth in couple of places but I think that was because so many characters being suspect in my mind as well as Veronica’s. We both seemed to be second guessing ourselves and not ruling anyone out. This made the mystery plot good but just a little stilted a times.
I love the setting, Barton sounds like a wonderful place to visit. I hope to travel there again soon.
In this follow up to All Things Murder, Veronica finds herself caught up in another fine mystery. A relaxing day at a local flea market get very interesting when a masterpiece is found in a vintage box. Things go from interesting to scary when the box buyer is found dead and the box contents missing. When Veronica is asked to investigate and rule out one of the suspects, she tries to find someone with more to gain by the death, but she soon has way to many suspects. Just who actually killed to get their prize? Veronica is determined to find out but she may not survive the challenge.
There are a lot of characters in this story and it first it was hard to keep track of them all. This did get easier as the story continued. The characters all had different ways they were connected to the painting. Some were very brusque in their demeanor and others weren’t quite as blunt. They all believed they were entitled to the painting and/or the letter. I seriously had a hard time figuring out the killer. In my mind they all could have done it.
As a soap opera fan I really enjoy the character of Veronica Walsh. She is very successful in her retirement. Her store seems to be doing well and her relationship with Professor Mark Burke is moving in the right direction. I really liked the way their romance was written. Not too much to take away from the mystery, a perfect amount so we get to know these characters better.
The flow of the story was not as smooth in couple of places but I think that was because so many characters being suspect in my mind as well as Veronica’s. We both seemed to be second guessing ourselves and not ruling anyone out. This made the mystery plot good but just a little stilted a times.
I love the setting, Barton sounds like a wonderful place to visit. I hope to travel there again soon.
May 30, 2016
Murder, By George Veronica Walsh #2
(Jeanne Quigley)
I'm coming to enjoy Barton, the small Adirondeck
hometown of Veronica Walsh.
Veronica has settled into a career redirection as owner of a boutique called All Things.
The former soap opera diva is enjoying a romance with Professor
Mark Burke.
She has no interest in repeating her stint as successful amateur sleuth.
Life, however, has a way of redirecting Veronica's efforts and she
is soon embroiled in tracking a murderer and finding a stolen
miniature masterpiece.
I'm being deliberately vague to allow the reader to enter the plot
at the reader's own speed.
A little less soap bubbles in book 2 but the humor of Veronica
and the cast is still a winning element of the mystery.
4 ★
I received this ARC in Goodreads giveaway
(Jeanne Quigley)
I'm coming to enjoy Barton, the small Adirondeck
hometown of Veronica Walsh.
Veronica has settled into a career redirection as owner of a boutique called All Things.
The former soap opera diva is enjoying a romance with Professor
Mark Burke.
She has no interest in repeating her stint as successful amateur sleuth.
Life, however, has a way of redirecting Veronica's efforts and she
is soon embroiled in tracking a murderer and finding a stolen
miniature masterpiece.
I'm being deliberately vague to allow the reader to enter the plot
at the reader's own speed.
A little less soap bubbles in book 2 but the humor of Veronica
and the cast is still a winning element of the mystery.
4 ★
I received this ARC in Goodreads giveaway
November 21, 2016
Enjoyable mystery.
March 3, 2018
I think that Alice nailed it in her review when she said that this book has the makings of a Hallmark Channel Mystery. A little mystery, a little romance, lots of small town ambiance.
The authenticity of Veronica's home town and the all too true-to-life local characters are what sold me on this book.
Veronica Walsh is a retired soap opera actress who has returned to her Adirondack mountain home town of Barton, New York, and is now the owner of a gift/craft shop called All Things. I haven't read book #1 in the series, All Things Murder but, apparently, Veronica solved a murder and now has a reputation as an amateur sleuth. I still thought that it was unlikely for Ella and Madeline Griffin to recruit her as formally as they did to clear their niece when she is suspected of committing the murder of a local architect.
Nit picking: page 10 Ouch! A split infinitive!
Disclaimer: I am not related to the main character.
The authenticity of Veronica's home town and the all too true-to-life local characters are what sold me on this book.
Veronica Walsh is a retired soap opera actress who has returned to her Adirondack mountain home town of Barton, New York, and is now the owner of a gift/craft shop called All Things. I haven't read book #1 in the series, All Things Murder but, apparently, Veronica solved a murder and now has a reputation as an amateur sleuth. I still thought that it was unlikely for Ella and Madeline Griffin to recruit her as formally as they did to clear their niece when she is suspected of committing the murder of a local architect.
Nit picking: page 10 Ouch! A split infinitive!
Disclaimer: I am not related to the main character.
January 14, 2018
I was excited to continue with Veronica on her adventures in her quaint little town. This installment was set around an antique box and the treasure found inside of it. There was more than one person who was upset about the painting in the box which made for a good mystery as you were not sure who was the murderer. I liked how the romance from the first book continued on with this story. I thought the the author did a good job with keeping you interested when continuing with the series. The characters are developing more and the story lines remain interesting. A good second book.
February 26, 2018
Thank you Jeanne Quigley for my autographed book. If you are into mysteries book series this book is for you. I have come to love the characters in this series. Men and women will come to like this series. This book is definately a page turner had a hard time putting down the book. I love that you dont know who the killer is until the last chapter of the book. You keep trying to figure out who the killer is and are pleasantly suprised when you do find out. I am definately looking forward to the next book in the series. I highly recommend to all my friends and family to read.
June 5, 2016
MURDER, BY GEORGE by Jeanne Quigley
The Second Veronica Walsh Mystery
Veronica is settling in to her home town of Barton, NY, managing her store and enjoying family and friends. An unexpected art discovery at the local flea market leads to some vicious debates about who the actual owner is, or should be. On the night the painting is to have its own gallery show, the painting and its new owner are late. A search finds the owner dead and the painting gone! Could one of the town's residents vying for ownership have actually killed him? Veronica promises she won't get involved, but when pressed, that promise may not be kept!
I am happy to be walking the streets of Barton once more! Once again Quigley brings us a charming yet intricate mystery. The town of Barton is picture perfect, and the creation of an artist who captured a scene from it is a smart move. I think most people have the dream of finding treasure at a flea market or garage sale. In this case it wasn't a painting unrecognized for its worth, but rather a box with a hidden compartment hiding a recognizable treasure...along with a letter adding even more significance. But, in case anyone gets too envious of Scott and his find-remember it brings him nothing but trouble, arguments from people who say the painting should be theirs and ultimately his murder.
Quigley also deftly handles the issue almost all cozy series face. Our protagonist got into terrible danger by trying to solve the crime in the previous book, yet here she is again, about to do the same thing. In MURDER, BY GEORGE everyone reminds Victoria about what happened the last time and warn her not to get involved. The intelligent move made is that Victoria agrees wholeheartedly, says it's a matter for the police, and she has no intention of investigating. Of course, with more and more pressure from other friends she eventually does become involved, which, of course, she has to do so or we wouldn't have much of a book! But the original realization and admitting that she has no business getting involved is a pleasant slice of reality.
MURDER, BY GEORGE is an enjoyable trip to the Adirondacks. The mystery itself is great fun with lots of suspects and possible motives. Veronica Walsh proves once again that she's an intelligent woman; a realistic character who's a pleasure to read.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a copy of this book in the hopes I would review it.
The Second Veronica Walsh Mystery
Veronica is settling in to her home town of Barton, NY, managing her store and enjoying family and friends. An unexpected art discovery at the local flea market leads to some vicious debates about who the actual owner is, or should be. On the night the painting is to have its own gallery show, the painting and its new owner are late. A search finds the owner dead and the painting gone! Could one of the town's residents vying for ownership have actually killed him? Veronica promises she won't get involved, but when pressed, that promise may not be kept!
I am happy to be walking the streets of Barton once more! Once again Quigley brings us a charming yet intricate mystery. The town of Barton is picture perfect, and the creation of an artist who captured a scene from it is a smart move. I think most people have the dream of finding treasure at a flea market or garage sale. In this case it wasn't a painting unrecognized for its worth, but rather a box with a hidden compartment hiding a recognizable treasure...along with a letter adding even more significance. But, in case anyone gets too envious of Scott and his find-remember it brings him nothing but trouble, arguments from people who say the painting should be theirs and ultimately his murder.
Quigley also deftly handles the issue almost all cozy series face. Our protagonist got into terrible danger by trying to solve the crime in the previous book, yet here she is again, about to do the same thing. In MURDER, BY GEORGE everyone reminds Victoria about what happened the last time and warn her not to get involved. The intelligent move made is that Victoria agrees wholeheartedly, says it's a matter for the police, and she has no intention of investigating. Of course, with more and more pressure from other friends she eventually does become involved, which, of course, she has to do so or we wouldn't have much of a book! But the original realization and admitting that she has no business getting involved is a pleasant slice of reality.
MURDER, BY GEORGE is an enjoyable trip to the Adirondacks. The mystery itself is great fun with lots of suspects and possible motives. Veronica Walsh proves once again that she's an intelligent woman; a realistic character who's a pleasure to read.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a copy of this book in the hopes I would review it.
June 10, 2016
Her 30+ years as a Soap Opera Diva has prepared Veronica Walsh for anything, including a murder. Her show's cancellation sees her moving back home to the Adirondacks and owning a high end boutique close to the family book store run by her mother. Dating her old friend Mark, now a college professor has its perks. While she and Mark visit the village's annual flea market, they are witness to the discovery of a local artist's hidden painting and with a million dollar value placed on it, murder soon follows. The family of the woman who received it as a wedding gift, the family of the artist who painted it and the man who sold it at the flea market for $10.00 all want it. When the buyer is murdered just before the painting's first public showing, suspicion falls on the niece of the women whose mother was in the painting. This is a fast paced and twisted murder plot rivaling anything that could ever be watched on a soap opera. The deceit, intrigue, lies, affairs and shady legal dealings will keep you turning the pages to a smashing, heart stopping conclusion that rivals the best scenes from the original Dallas and Dynasty TV shows. Don't miss out on this wonderful series!
I received this ARC in a contest from the author/publisher. This is my honest opinion and fair review.
I received this ARC in a contest from the author/publisher. This is my honest opinion and fair review.
June 18, 2016
Veronica is at it again! Originally promising herself (and everyone else) that she would stay out of the latest murder investigation, she gets pulled right into it by two of the ladies from her canasta club (because who can say no to Madeline and Ella). Of course it doesn’t take long for everyone who made her promise to stay out of it to find out she’s hip-deep in it and start chastising her for it, but they don’t have to answer to the sisters, do they?
Veronica and friends get into one nerve-wracking (and sometimes hilarious) situation after another while trying to find the killer (and the missing painting), annoying quite a few people along the way (but what else is new?) as well as making the killer very nervous.
Once again, I was surprised to find out who was actually responsible for Scott’s death, and why. One of the people involved wasn’t so surprising; however, the others were. Julie Norton’s real identity was also a surprise, along with how she was actually involved in the case.
Overall, a very good read, and I look forward to reading the third installment in the series.
Veronica and friends get into one nerve-wracking (and sometimes hilarious) situation after another while trying to find the killer (and the missing painting), annoying quite a few people along the way (but what else is new?) as well as making the killer very nervous.
Once again, I was surprised to find out who was actually responsible for Scott’s death, and why. One of the people involved wasn’t so surprising; however, the others were. Julie Norton’s real identity was also a surprise, along with how she was actually involved in the case.
Overall, a very good read, and I look forward to reading the third installment in the series.
June 7, 2016
Veronica, the retired soap actress star, is back to solve another crime! Granted she wants to leave it to the police, but family of an accused murderer wants her help. So of course she has to oblige!
With both of the books by this author, I have to say she does a great job of disguising the killer. I had no clue who to really suspect. Sure there are a few characters that are somewhat shady, but I truly did have any idea who to blame in this book.
I thought the writing was well done and the story flowed nicely. We didn't see as much of Mark in this book, but he was mentioned several times, especially in what they should call each other because boyfriend/girlfriend for a couple over 50 doesn't seem quite right.
With both of the books by this author, I have to say she does a great job of disguising the killer. I had no clue who to really suspect. Sure there are a few characters that are somewhat shady, but I truly did have any idea who to blame in this book.
I thought the writing was well done and the story flowed nicely. We didn't see as much of Mark in this book, but he was mentioned several times, especially in what they should call each other because boyfriend/girlfriend for a couple over 50 doesn't seem quite right.
June 11, 2016
I did not enjoy this one as much as book one.
Perhaps it was because I was unable to sit down in one time chunk and enjoy it as I did All Things Murder.
On the other hand, I enjoyed the characters more in book one, either because they were more fully developed, or because I liked them more. I don't really like the rich, evil types, of which there were several. Maybe there was not enough of "Mom" in this.
Also, Veronica made some unadvisable moves here, instead of her just talking to people a la Ms Marple to determine whose stories did not add up.
Barton is a lovely town, and I would like to visit it again, if there is a book three.
I won a first reads contest at Goodreads.
Perhaps it was because I was unable to sit down in one time chunk and enjoy it as I did All Things Murder.
On the other hand, I enjoyed the characters more in book one, either because they were more fully developed, or because I liked them more. I don't really like the rich, evil types, of which there were several. Maybe there was not enough of "Mom" in this.
Also, Veronica made some unadvisable moves here, instead of her just talking to people a la Ms Marple to determine whose stories did not add up.
Barton is a lovely town, and I would like to visit it again, if there is a book three.
I won a first reads contest at Goodreads.
August 18, 2016
Former soap opera star Veronica Walsh has bought a business in her Adirondack home-town. When a young architect discovers a painting whose ownership is in dispute and is then murdered, Veronica vows to stay out of the investigation, a policy that lasts until two of her friends ask her to help clear their niece's name. There are a lot of characters--maybe a few too many; the lists of names can be confusing--and Veronica lands herself in big trouble when she figures out who the culprit is. Fortunately, there's an ace up her sleeve, one she doesn't even know about. This is turning out to be an enjoyable series.
August 2, 2016
The second book in a series about Veronica Walsh, former soap-opera-actress-turned-small-business-owner-turned-sleuth has a complicated cast of small town good and not-so-good guys. The plot is equally complicated (reminding me of the soap operas my mother used to watch,) full of red herrings, and I got lost/bored many times. What I liked the most is the setting, the Lake George area of New York, and 50-something Veronica’s return to her small home town.
August 8, 2016
Okay
This was okay. It started out with a lot of drama which setup a nice murder mystery. However towards the end I began to lose interest and started skipping ahead. The characters are likeable and entertaining, but, the plot kinda fell apart towards the end. I would still recommend it. It's a pretty good book.
This was okay. It started out with a lot of drama which setup a nice murder mystery. However towards the end I began to lose interest and started skipping ahead. The characters are likeable and entertaining, but, the plot kinda fell apart towards the end. I would still recommend it. It's a pretty good book.
July 25, 2016
This book is the makings of a Hallmark Channel Mysteries. Veronica Walsh is a retired soap opera actress. She lives in the town she grew up in and is the owner of All Things. Veronica gets involved in a murder mystery when Scott Culverson is murdered and her friends' niece is the main suspect.
August 26, 2016
It was an ok mystery ala Jessica Fletcher, except she's a former soap actress solving murders in her small town. There were far too many listings of characters to keep straight. And most of them annoyed me. I won't look for it's predecessor or others in the series.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews