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The Penhallow Train Incident
In the sleepy coastal Maine town of Penhallow, a stranger dies on a train, drawing Historical Society Director, Rachel Tinker, and curmudgeonly retired professor, Griffin Tate, into a spider’s web of archaeological obsession and greed. With the help of the victim’s rival, they set out to locate the Queen of Sheba’s tomb. Their plans are stymied when a tug of war erupts between the sheriff and a state police detective who want to arrest the same man for different crimes. It’s up to Rachel to solve a mystery that includes two more murders, if she wants to unlock the soft heart that beats under Griffin’s hard crust.
334 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 23, 2015
2 people are currently reading
13 people want to read
About the author
M.S. Spencer
21 books238 followers Although M. S. Spencer has lived or traveled on five continents, the last 30 years have been spent mostly in Washington, D.C. as a librarian, Congressional staff assistant, speechwriter, editor, birdwatcher, kayaker, policy wonk, non-profit director and parent. Once she escaped academia, she worked for the U.S. Senate, the U.S. Department of the Interior, in several library systems, both public and academic, and at the Torpedo Factory Art Center. She holds a BA from Vassar College, a Diploma in Arabic Studies from the American University in Cairo, and Masters in Anthropology and in Library Science from the University of Chicago. Ms. Spencer has two fabulous grown children and a perfect granddaughter. She divides her time between Maine and Florida.
Writing as M. S. Spencer, she has published sixteen cozy mystery and romantic suspense novels.
Writing as M. S. Spencer, she has published sixteen cozy mystery and romantic suspense novels.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
March 5, 2022
This was my first book by this author, but it won’t be my last. This book is fantastic! It’s a wonderful romantic suspense with some great humor thrown in. It has a little bit of everything, with a good pace, great details, awesome characters, and enough twists and turns to keep you guessing. I absolutely love Griffin, he has the best personality ever! I will definitely be reading more from this author.
February 25, 2022
This book has a little of everything: mystery, humor, heartache and romance. I thoroughly enjoyed it. My favorite character was the curmudgeon hero Griffin. His rudeness was actually quite charming. I pictured him as a grumpy Tom Selleck. There are twists and turns that I didn’t expect and the pace is good. I can’t wait to read more from this author.
March 4, 2022
Thoroughly enjoyed reading this intriguing mystery. It has twists, humor, angst, romance, intrigue, history, and mystery throughout the plot. The interesting characters' personalities, their interaction, and the story they were sharing had me captivated from beginning to end.
July 3, 2018
The Penhallow Train Incident by M S Spencer
This is a thoroughly enjoyable cosy mystery set in Maine, although we get to find out a few other countries such as Egypt and the Sudan, and it all starts with a tourist ride on the Penhallow and Mooseland Lake Railway. What a wonderful name!
Rachel Tinker is a volunteer on the railway – she sells the tickets – so when a dead body is found on the train when it returns to base, she’s involved in inquiries. Her long-time colleague, the prickly Griffin Tate, a retired professor of Middle Easter history, becomes involved too as it seems that the Queen of Sheba may be behind all the murky deeds. Rachel and Griffin are drawn closer during their investigations. They make for an interesting and feisty pair. They’re both strong-willed, witty and, despite themselves, attracted to each other but Griffin has constructed a hard shell around himself and Rachel is under no illusions about the guy. Besides, Rachel is self-sufficient and has plenty of friends so doesn’t especially need a man in her life. But he is so very good looking…
So there’s banter and attraction alongside the delvings into dark doings with a link with the distant past. We encounter a wide cast of intriguing characters, all rounded and convincing. The story is very clever and the writing is lively. You’re kept guessing all the way through.
I’m looking forward to reading more books by this excellent author.
I received a free copy of the book from the publishers and have voluntarily chosen to review it.
This is a thoroughly enjoyable cosy mystery set in Maine, although we get to find out a few other countries such as Egypt and the Sudan, and it all starts with a tourist ride on the Penhallow and Mooseland Lake Railway. What a wonderful name!
Rachel Tinker is a volunteer on the railway – she sells the tickets – so when a dead body is found on the train when it returns to base, she’s involved in inquiries. Her long-time colleague, the prickly Griffin Tate, a retired professor of Middle Easter history, becomes involved too as it seems that the Queen of Sheba may be behind all the murky deeds. Rachel and Griffin are drawn closer during their investigations. They make for an interesting and feisty pair. They’re both strong-willed, witty and, despite themselves, attracted to each other but Griffin has constructed a hard shell around himself and Rachel is under no illusions about the guy. Besides, Rachel is self-sufficient and has plenty of friends so doesn’t especially need a man in her life. But he is so very good looking…
So there’s banter and attraction alongside the delvings into dark doings with a link with the distant past. We encounter a wide cast of intriguing characters, all rounded and convincing. The story is very clever and the writing is lively. You’re kept guessing all the way through.
I’m looking forward to reading more books by this excellent author.
I received a free copy of the book from the publishers and have voluntarily chosen to review it.
February 25, 2022
Another great Spencer tale!
Let me just say, right from the start, I LOVE Griffin and Rachel.
【"We now have three murders in the space of one month in what used to be an unobjectionable little town. Omar Masri was sitting peacefully in a train car when he was gunned down. Mary Pinkney was attacked and pushed off the bridge to her death. Noreen Fowler was poisoned.” “Hmm.” Griffin rubbed his chin. “Three methods. Three venues. Doesn’t sound like a serial killer.”】
Spencer's characters are delightful. Quirky, twisted, humorous, engaging, all the hallmarks of characters you will come to love. And set into a tale that pulls in so many varied strands that you could be forgiven for thinking the tapestry will never show itself. But it does, and in so doing, unveils a story that is imaginative and colourful. Guaranteed to keep you chuckling as you flip the pages.
A story you won't want to miss, with a conclusion you simply didn't see coming!
[The Penhallow Train Incident was made available by the author for the 2022 Winter Games Reader Challenge, with no obligation to review. The opinions herein are given freely and are entirely my own.]
Let me just say, right from the start, I LOVE Griffin and Rachel.
【"We now have three murders in the space of one month in what used to be an unobjectionable little town. Omar Masri was sitting peacefully in a train car when he was gunned down. Mary Pinkney was attacked and pushed off the bridge to her death. Noreen Fowler was poisoned.” “Hmm.” Griffin rubbed his chin. “Three methods. Three venues. Doesn’t sound like a serial killer.”】
Spencer's characters are delightful. Quirky, twisted, humorous, engaging, all the hallmarks of characters you will come to love. And set into a tale that pulls in so many varied strands that you could be forgiven for thinking the tapestry will never show itself. But it does, and in so doing, unveils a story that is imaginative and colourful. Guaranteed to keep you chuckling as you flip the pages.
A story you won't want to miss, with a conclusion you simply didn't see coming!
[The Penhallow Train Incident was made available by the author for the 2022 Winter Games Reader Challenge, with no obligation to review. The opinions herein are given freely and are entirely my own.]
July 19, 2018
Quite enjoyable though at times a bit slow... Probably better read than listened to:)
This is my review of the audio version as posted on Audible:
"The Penhallow Train Incident" is probably one of those books that you should rather read than listen to cause it may be confusing when you aren't able to follow the written text.
There are three investigations going on simultaneously - two criminal ones and one historical/archaeological:) There are so many threads to follow that I had to concentrate hard not to lose track of all of them, the more so in the archaeological parts with all those names of people and places from ancient history. This plotline would probably be much easier to follow when actually reading the book.
I also have confused feelings about the main characters - I still can't decide whether they are likeable or irritating. At times Rachel is brilliant and almost a genius detective, at others she acts like a teenager in love, careless and moody, almost forgetting there's a murder to solve. Griffin is even more irritating, with his strange attitude to the woman he supposedly is deeply in love with - and although we're given explanations as to why at the end of the story, his behaviour is still irksome...
The plot itself is quite interesting, with a lot of twists in the story, misleading threads and more than one possible murder suspect, and the part concerning the search for the tomb of the Queen of Sheba is intriguing (although a bit oversimplified - clues leading to other clues, discovered one by one without any greater obstacles...:)). When we finally get the solutions to all the crimes, they turn out to be logical and plausible, and there's also quite a satisfacory ending to Rachel and Griffin's romance, so overall it's an enjoyable book.
The narration by Ms Emrys is also good, with a nice pace and quite an array of voices given to particular characters. All of them are recognizable, though some are better done than others - the one voice I really didn't like was that of Griffin; he sounded too old, too tired, too condescending. But generally it's a very decent interpretation of this complicated cozy crime mystery.
DISCLAIMER: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
This is my review of the audio version as posted on Audible:
"The Penhallow Train Incident" is probably one of those books that you should rather read than listen to cause it may be confusing when you aren't able to follow the written text.
There are three investigations going on simultaneously - two criminal ones and one historical/archaeological:) There are so many threads to follow that I had to concentrate hard not to lose track of all of them, the more so in the archaeological parts with all those names of people and places from ancient history. This plotline would probably be much easier to follow when actually reading the book.
I also have confused feelings about the main characters - I still can't decide whether they are likeable or irritating. At times Rachel is brilliant and almost a genius detective, at others she acts like a teenager in love, careless and moody, almost forgetting there's a murder to solve. Griffin is even more irritating, with his strange attitude to the woman he supposedly is deeply in love with - and although we're given explanations as to why at the end of the story, his behaviour is still irksome...
The plot itself is quite interesting, with a lot of twists in the story, misleading threads and more than one possible murder suspect, and the part concerning the search for the tomb of the Queen of Sheba is intriguing (although a bit oversimplified - clues leading to other clues, discovered one by one without any greater obstacles...:)). When we finally get the solutions to all the crimes, they turn out to be logical and plausible, and there's also quite a satisfacory ending to Rachel and Griffin's romance, so overall it's an enjoyable book.
The narration by Ms Emrys is also good, with a nice pace and quite an array of voices given to particular characters. All of them are recognizable, though some are better done than others - the one voice I really didn't like was that of Griffin; he sounded too old, too tired, too condescending. But generally it's a very decent interpretation of this complicated cozy crime mystery.
DISCLAIMER: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
March 18, 2022
Let me tell you first of all that this is not a book you can read while also reading several others.
You will need to focus and pay attention to not miss the well spaced clues and historical details.
It is a book that will keep you guessing until the final reveal.
There are a lot of characters to keep track of but each plays an integral piece in this twisty puzzle.
And yes - there are red herrings, clues that will misdirect and cause you to come to incorrect conclusions.
This is historical mystery and complicated romantic situations combined.
Rumor and gossip will muddy the truth, as is often found in small town fiction.
These characters have personality!
I won't even begin to state my opinions on the authorities supposed to solve the crimes.
If you have the fortitude to persevere and untangle the intertwined plots, you will enjoy this book.
You will need to focus and pay attention to not miss the well spaced clues and historical details.
It is a book that will keep you guessing until the final reveal.
There are a lot of characters to keep track of but each plays an integral piece in this twisty puzzle.
And yes - there are red herrings, clues that will misdirect and cause you to come to incorrect conclusions.
This is historical mystery and complicated romantic situations combined.
Rumor and gossip will muddy the truth, as is often found in small town fiction.
These characters have personality!
I won't even begin to state my opinions on the authorities supposed to solve the crimes.
If you have the fortitude to persevere and untangle the intertwined plots, you will enjoy this book.
February 25, 2022
I was excited to read this story and it did not disappoint. It did take me longer to read but that is because it gave more facts and info you needed to pay attention to. 3 murders, bank robberies, and falling in love with the grumpy man. Lot of clues given but just as many dead ends when trying to figure out who dun it. It kept you wanting to lock the outside world away and just sit in a comfy spot with a snack and just read this story and give it the attention it deserves.
I look forward to more from this author.
I did receive a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review which I have given.
I look forward to more from this author.
I did receive a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review which I have given.
March 20, 2020
This author’s style flows well and is smooth and engaging. It had a great mystery and the archaeological parts sounded very realistic and were presented in an interesting way. I didn’t guess the ending and was pleasantly surprised. The story had an old-fashioned mystery vibe that I don’t find very often and that I thoroughly enjoyed.
March 20, 2022
A who done it that keeps you guessing until the surprise ending. It has it all ....mystery, romance, humor and an interesting cast of characters. The developing romance of Rachel and Griffin is a roller coaster that has you hoping for a happy outcome. Multiple murders and numerous possibilities make this a delightful read.
June 29, 2019
A good book, engrossing and entertaining.
The plot is well developed, the characters fleshed out and the mystery keeps you guessing.
Recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
The plot is well developed, the characters fleshed out and the mystery keeps you guessing.
Recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
March 6, 2022
I love love love love it! The Penhallow Train Incident is amazing book.
March 16, 2022
This book started off a bit slowly but picked up steam as it went on. A nice mix of mystery, romance, humor and history with plenty of plot twists.
July 16, 2018
Disclaimer.
I had requested and received audible version of this book for free from the author, in exchange for an unbiased review.
What I disliked about the book -
The book started very slow and dry. I almost gave up on it, but powered through. Thankfully it did get better. Even then, parts of the story predictable.
What I liked about the book -
Once the story picked up pace, it did build up suspense and intrigue. The slow-burn gave it a mood that I usually don't find in modern detective novels. I guess it has its own charm and some readers might like it more because of that. The characters slowly grow on you and I found myself trying to analyze their psyche. Second half of the book is much better than the first. So, I would suggest the readers to have patience during the beginning of the book and wait for the good part to start.
Narration -
Narration by Phoenix Emrys was done well. Character voices were distinguishable and there was no audio quality issue.
I had requested and received audible version of this book for free from the author, in exchange for an unbiased review.
What I disliked about the book -
The book started very slow and dry. I almost gave up on it, but powered through. Thankfully it did get better. Even then, parts of the story predictable.
What I liked about the book -
Once the story picked up pace, it did build up suspense and intrigue. The slow-burn gave it a mood that I usually don't find in modern detective novels. I guess it has its own charm and some readers might like it more because of that. The characters slowly grow on you and I found myself trying to analyze their psyche. Second half of the book is much better than the first. So, I would suggest the readers to have patience during the beginning of the book and wait for the good part to start.
Narration -
Narration by Phoenix Emrys was done well. Character voices were distinguishable and there was no audio quality issue.
February 23, 2020
I read a lot of mysteries, and I have to say, I fell for some of the red herrings in this book. :) A great read! I especially love the "older romance" aspect, as well as all the archaeological references. The mystery was fun, and kept me guessing, and the Big Reveal was handled well. The author has some great turns of phrase, and I loved the Maine setting. Will definitely read more from this author!
March 1, 2022
Wonderful Story!
I bought this book because the Queen of Sheba has always intrigued me, but also because the main characters were older and academics. It was delightful to find there was humor, a small town setting and delightfully and often ridiculous dialogue and characters. Highly recommend it for these reasons!
I bought this book because the Queen of Sheba has always intrigued me, but also because the main characters were older and academics. It was delightful to find there was humor, a small town setting and delightfully and often ridiculous dialogue and characters. Highly recommend it for these reasons!
March 13, 2022
Never ending intrigue
The list of suspects seems endless. The murders and crimes keep you guessing till the end. The ending will surprise you.
The list of suspects seems endless. The murders and crimes keep you guessing till the end. The ending will surprise you.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews