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Emma Lord #27
Alpha Alpine
Emma Lord is back and better than ever! This time around, the amateur detective partners up with a rookie sleuth to investigate a string of murders in her beloved Alpine, Washington.
For a small town nestled in the Cascade Mountains’ foothills, picturesque Alpine provides more than enough headlines to fill the pages of editor and publisher Emma Lord’s Alpine Advocate. The Labor Day edition’s lead story features controversial timber baron Jack Blackwell’s scheme to become Skykomish county manager. But the recent strangling deaths of two young women are all anyone can talk about.
After a third body is found, Emma’s husband, Sheriff Milo Dodge, suspects there’s a serial killer in their midst. The latest victim is the sister of a dashing newcomer rumored to be working for Blackwell. “Black Jack,” as he’s known to his non-admirers, has a long-standing rivalry with Milo. To discover if there’s any connection between the mogul and the murders, Emma recruits the Advocate’s receptionist, Alison Lindahl, to do a little digging.
Still recovering from a recent breakup, Alison welcomes the distraction. But when the investigation puts the eager protégé in the line of fire, Emma worries that the cub reporter’s career will be over before it even begins.
For a small town nestled in the Cascade Mountains’ foothills, picturesque Alpine provides more than enough headlines to fill the pages of editor and publisher Emma Lord’s Alpine Advocate. The Labor Day edition’s lead story features controversial timber baron Jack Blackwell’s scheme to become Skykomish county manager. But the recent strangling deaths of two young women are all anyone can talk about.
After a third body is found, Emma’s husband, Sheriff Milo Dodge, suspects there’s a serial killer in their midst. The latest victim is the sister of a dashing newcomer rumored to be working for Blackwell. “Black Jack,” as he’s known to his non-admirers, has a long-standing rivalry with Milo. To discover if there’s any connection between the mogul and the murders, Emma recruits the Advocate’s receptionist, Alison Lindahl, to do a little digging.
Still recovering from a recent breakup, Alison welcomes the distraction. But when the investigation puts the eager protégé in the line of fire, Emma worries that the cub reporter’s career will be over before it even begins.
354 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 9, 2017
286 people are currently reading
283 people want to read
About the author
Mary Daheim
94 books442 followersMary Rene Richardson Daheim was an American writer of romance and mystery novels.
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January 16, 2018
Alpha Alpine by Mary Daheim is a 2017 Alibi publication.
It feels so good to touch base with my old book friend, Emma Lord!!
Once I’d turned the final page of ‘Alpine Zen’, I felt certain the series was at a close. The ending of ‘Zen’ was almost perfect and set the stage for Emma and Milo to peacefully move forward with their life and marriage, free of some heavy personal burdens standing in their way.
But, deep down I hoped it wasn’t really the end. To my great delight I discovered Dahiem was continuing the series and wasted no time requesting this latest installment from Netgalley!!
For those following the series, the story picks up where we left off, more or less, with most of the loose ends tied up.
But, ‘Jack Black’ is back up to his old tricks, giving Milo plenty to worry about. But, the atmosphere in Alpine, turns a little dark and tense, when a young woman is found murdered and Milo suspects she might be the latest victim of a serial killer.
Emma believes there could be a connection between Jack Black and the murders, so she commissions her receptionist, Alison, to do a little sleuthing on the side. However, Emma soon begins to worry that Alison has started to enjoy playing detective a little too much, which could land her in the killer's cross hairs.
The mystery here touches on some timely issues, and seemed just a tiny bit edgier to me for some reason. But, the familiar characters we’ve come to know are here, and the banter between Emma and Milo has settled into newlywed bliss, but with an 'old married couple' slant to it. They are such a cute couple and laugh out loud funny sometimes. For those just joining us, you may find their banter a bit shocking, but once you get to know them, you will see just how crazy they are for each other.
For me, part of what makes this series so great is touching base with the characters, returning to the idyllic locale of Alpine, and spying on all the drama and mayhem. But, even if you haven’t read all the books in the series, or are starting out with this one, the crime elements are exceptional, the characters were exactly on cue, and the dialogue is sharp and witty.
Every time I read a book in this series, I wish I had the time to go back and read the series from the beginning, because it really is that good.
Fans of Emma Lord will love this one, but this one might be a great place for people who haven’t read the series to jump on board, as well. Obviously, there is some history you may feel you are missing out on, but this installment also has a ‘fresh start’ feel to it. Reading ‘Alpine Zen’ would set the stage for you a little better, but you won’t need to read all the twenty-six installments to catch up.
Overall, I enjoyed this story. It may not be the strongest chapter of the series, but after twenty-seven installments, it is still fresh, still sharp, and Emma and Milo are as delightfully cranky as ever.
4 stars
It feels so good to touch base with my old book friend, Emma Lord!!
Once I’d turned the final page of ‘Alpine Zen’, I felt certain the series was at a close. The ending of ‘Zen’ was almost perfect and set the stage for Emma and Milo to peacefully move forward with their life and marriage, free of some heavy personal burdens standing in their way.
But, deep down I hoped it wasn’t really the end. To my great delight I discovered Dahiem was continuing the series and wasted no time requesting this latest installment from Netgalley!!
For those following the series, the story picks up where we left off, more or less, with most of the loose ends tied up.
But, ‘Jack Black’ is back up to his old tricks, giving Milo plenty to worry about. But, the atmosphere in Alpine, turns a little dark and tense, when a young woman is found murdered and Milo suspects she might be the latest victim of a serial killer.
Emma believes there could be a connection between Jack Black and the murders, so she commissions her receptionist, Alison, to do a little sleuthing on the side. However, Emma soon begins to worry that Alison has started to enjoy playing detective a little too much, which could land her in the killer's cross hairs.
The mystery here touches on some timely issues, and seemed just a tiny bit edgier to me for some reason. But, the familiar characters we’ve come to know are here, and the banter between Emma and Milo has settled into newlywed bliss, but with an 'old married couple' slant to it. They are such a cute couple and laugh out loud funny sometimes. For those just joining us, you may find their banter a bit shocking, but once you get to know them, you will see just how crazy they are for each other.
For me, part of what makes this series so great is touching base with the characters, returning to the idyllic locale of Alpine, and spying on all the drama and mayhem. But, even if you haven’t read all the books in the series, or are starting out with this one, the crime elements are exceptional, the characters were exactly on cue, and the dialogue is sharp and witty.
Every time I read a book in this series, I wish I had the time to go back and read the series from the beginning, because it really is that good.
Fans of Emma Lord will love this one, but this one might be a great place for people who haven’t read the series to jump on board, as well. Obviously, there is some history you may feel you are missing out on, but this installment also has a ‘fresh start’ feel to it. Reading ‘Alpine Zen’ would set the stage for you a little better, but you won’t need to read all the twenty-six installments to catch up.
Overall, I enjoyed this story. It may not be the strongest chapter of the series, but after twenty-seven installments, it is still fresh, still sharp, and Emma and Milo are as delightfully cranky as ever.
4 stars
January 7, 2018
Dollycas’s Thoughts
When I reviewed The Alpine Zen back in May of 2015 I was excited to see on Ms. Daheim’s website that the series was not ending just because we had reached the letter Z but I found that the wait would be longer than usual for book 27. Now 2+ years later I was thrilled to download it to my Kindle. It was worth the wait.
Over the years these characters have become old friends. Emma and Milo have to balance work and home life but they do it amazingly well. Their dialogue is realistic and at times quite comical. Their bickering with each other reminded me of my own parents at times. But this couple is still in the honeymoon phase of their relationship, they try to relax each evening with a drink and that usually leads them behind a closed bedroom door.
Vida is thinking of retiring from the newspaper, I will believe that when I read it. The new receptionist, Alison has jumped in with both feet, even helping Emma with her investigations. The rest of the newspaper staff is still there putting out stories online and on paper.
Milo’s daughter is doing much better and is dating a police officer, but her world is rocked when a body is found in her basement. That is not the only body found either.
The mystery itself is very interesting because there are so many things happening in Alpine. County politics is on the ballot and the vote is so close it required several recounts. An explosion at the newspaper causes major damage but no major injuries. And murder is definitely on the rise in Skykomish county. Everything may be connected to timber baron Jack Blackwell. He and Milo have never gotten along and he would like nothing better than getting Milo off the force. Milo would like nothing better to put “Jack Black” behind bars.
I really tried to slow down and savor this book, but that was almost impossible. The story has a very quick pace and we meet several new characters. The author weaves everything happening together seamlessly. Full of drama and action, I admit I was sad when I reached the end. I am already anxiously waiting for the next Emma Lord Mystery.
This is a long running series and I always recommend they be read from the start, but Ms. Daheim has included plenty of details so you shouldn’t feel lost if you start with this one. After you finish you most likely will want to go back and read them all. 🙂
When I reviewed The Alpine Zen back in May of 2015 I was excited to see on Ms. Daheim’s website that the series was not ending just because we had reached the letter Z but I found that the wait would be longer than usual for book 27. Now 2+ years later I was thrilled to download it to my Kindle. It was worth the wait.
Over the years these characters have become old friends. Emma and Milo have to balance work and home life but they do it amazingly well. Their dialogue is realistic and at times quite comical. Their bickering with each other reminded me of my own parents at times. But this couple is still in the honeymoon phase of their relationship, they try to relax each evening with a drink and that usually leads them behind a closed bedroom door.
Vida is thinking of retiring from the newspaper, I will believe that when I read it. The new receptionist, Alison has jumped in with both feet, even helping Emma with her investigations. The rest of the newspaper staff is still there putting out stories online and on paper.
Milo’s daughter is doing much better and is dating a police officer, but her world is rocked when a body is found in her basement. That is not the only body found either.
The mystery itself is very interesting because there are so many things happening in Alpine. County politics is on the ballot and the vote is so close it required several recounts. An explosion at the newspaper causes major damage but no major injuries. And murder is definitely on the rise in Skykomish county. Everything may be connected to timber baron Jack Blackwell. He and Milo have never gotten along and he would like nothing better than getting Milo off the force. Milo would like nothing better to put “Jack Black” behind bars.
I really tried to slow down and savor this book, but that was almost impossible. The story has a very quick pace and we meet several new characters. The author weaves everything happening together seamlessly. Full of drama and action, I admit I was sad when I reached the end. I am already anxiously waiting for the next Emma Lord Mystery.
This is a long running series and I always recommend they be read from the start, but Ms. Daheim has included plenty of details so you shouldn’t feel lost if you start with this one. After you finish you most likely will want to go back and read them all. 🙂
December 12, 2017
*2.5 stars
Mary Daheim's alphabetical cozy mystery series set in Alpine, Washington, seemed to have run the gamut when it reached the letter Z. But Ms Daheim surprised and delighted her faithful readers when we learned about the publication of her latest book, Alpha Alpine!
From the author's website: 'A could also be for Assume. So many readers assume that because I'd gotten to the end of the alphabet with The Alpine Zen, I (would) also be ending the series. It was my original editor's idea to use the alphabet, which was fine with me. But back then in 1992 neither of us could foresee that I'd get beyond A, B, and C. Happily, I did.'
Twenty-five years have passed since the publication of that first book. Many years ago, I began purchasing these for my mother who was a voracious reader and big fan of cozy mysteries. Eventually my whole family became hooked on these stories, including my husband.
In the timeline of the series though just sixteen years have passed. Fifteen years ago, Emma Lord, a journalist and single mother of a young son, moved to small town Alpine from the Seattle area and purchased the Alpine Advocate, the local weekly newspaper. She carried with her a torch for the father of her son who was unfortunately a married man, but she hung on to the dream that one day he would divorce his crazy wife and marry her.
Emma finds she has to work closely with the handsome, irascible local sheriff, Milo Dodge, the official source for many of her news stories, and it's inevitable that the two would be attracted to each other. Over the next fifteen years, they carry on an on-again/off-again love affair. As this latest book begins, the Dodges have finally married but continue their feisty way of bickering with each other, especially over what crime information can be released for publication. The sheriff tends to hold his cards close to his chest; his favorite phrase seems to be: 'that's part of an on-going investigation.' How frustrating when Emma has a deadline to meet!
In a shocking turn of events for long time readers, Vida Runkel, the paper's Home Editor and Emma's sidekick in crime solving, announces that she plans to retire. Whoa! Vida has been with the paper so long she often acts as if she owns it. She has been Emma's source for much local gossip, since she is a life-long Alpine resident and related to virtually everyone in some way. Who could possibly fill her shoes? Will it be Allison, the young receptionist who is smart but hell-bent on getting married?
When a young woman is found strangled in an empty house, Emma begins to let Allison do a bit of sleuthing on her own but could she be putting her young protege in danger if it turns out a serial killer is on the loose here?
Small towns are no strangers to violence and Emma is considering doing a series on domestic abuse. Her prime focus is on her nemesis Jack Blackwell, whom she calls Black Jack--a councilman and the owner of the biggest business in town. A few of his former wives/lovers would be more than happy to see him put in jail for domestic abuse but are they willing to press charges? Jack is hoping to appoint himself city manager if the town votes to change their mode of town government, and his first official act will be to get rid of Sheriff Dodge.
It is fun to revisit these 'old friends' but I found this outing to be a bit tedious--too much bickering between the Dodges; too much repetition of Allison's boyfriend woes. I did note that Ms Daheim is making an attempt to move the story along and freshen things up a bit with new characters. Hopefully this is a transitional story because I would wish for more drama and tension in future stories to keep me hanging in there.
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an arc of this new book in a much beloved series.
Mary Daheim's alphabetical cozy mystery series set in Alpine, Washington, seemed to have run the gamut when it reached the letter Z. But Ms Daheim surprised and delighted her faithful readers when we learned about the publication of her latest book, Alpha Alpine!
From the author's website: 'A could also be for Assume. So many readers assume that because I'd gotten to the end of the alphabet with The Alpine Zen, I (would) also be ending the series. It was my original editor's idea to use the alphabet, which was fine with me. But back then in 1992 neither of us could foresee that I'd get beyond A, B, and C. Happily, I did.'
Twenty-five years have passed since the publication of that first book. Many years ago, I began purchasing these for my mother who was a voracious reader and big fan of cozy mysteries. Eventually my whole family became hooked on these stories, including my husband.
In the timeline of the series though just sixteen years have passed. Fifteen years ago, Emma Lord, a journalist and single mother of a young son, moved to small town Alpine from the Seattle area and purchased the Alpine Advocate, the local weekly newspaper. She carried with her a torch for the father of her son who was unfortunately a married man, but she hung on to the dream that one day he would divorce his crazy wife and marry her.
Emma finds she has to work closely with the handsome, irascible local sheriff, Milo Dodge, the official source for many of her news stories, and it's inevitable that the two would be attracted to each other. Over the next fifteen years, they carry on an on-again/off-again love affair. As this latest book begins, the Dodges have finally married but continue their feisty way of bickering with each other, especially over what crime information can be released for publication. The sheriff tends to hold his cards close to his chest; his favorite phrase seems to be: 'that's part of an on-going investigation.' How frustrating when Emma has a deadline to meet!
In a shocking turn of events for long time readers, Vida Runkel, the paper's Home Editor and Emma's sidekick in crime solving, announces that she plans to retire. Whoa! Vida has been with the paper so long she often acts as if she owns it. She has been Emma's source for much local gossip, since she is a life-long Alpine resident and related to virtually everyone in some way. Who could possibly fill her shoes? Will it be Allison, the young receptionist who is smart but hell-bent on getting married?
When a young woman is found strangled in an empty house, Emma begins to let Allison do a bit of sleuthing on her own but could she be putting her young protege in danger if it turns out a serial killer is on the loose here?
Small towns are no strangers to violence and Emma is considering doing a series on domestic abuse. Her prime focus is on her nemesis Jack Blackwell, whom she calls Black Jack--a councilman and the owner of the biggest business in town. A few of his former wives/lovers would be more than happy to see him put in jail for domestic abuse but are they willing to press charges? Jack is hoping to appoint himself city manager if the town votes to change their mode of town government, and his first official act will be to get rid of Sheriff Dodge.
It is fun to revisit these 'old friends' but I found this outing to be a bit tedious--too much bickering between the Dodges; too much repetition of Allison's boyfriend woes. I did note that Ms Daheim is making an attempt to move the story along and freshen things up a bit with new characters. Hopefully this is a transitional story because I would wish for more drama and tension in future stories to keep me hanging in there.
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an arc of this new book in a much beloved series.
January 23, 2018
Alpha Alpine, the twenty-seventh book in the Emma Lord Mystery series, returns with fervor. Emma Lord Dodge continues her drive to make the Alpine Advocate a top-notch newspaper as well as making her marriage to Milo Dodge, the Sheriff of Alpine, work. It is the beginning of September and the big Labor Day picnic and there is also a vote pending in Alpine. It is Jack Blackwell’s, “Black Jack”, intention to get the residents of Alpine to vote him in as the City Manager and relinquish the Syknomish commissioners’ strength on Alpine. If Jack win’s the vote, he would then have control over the Sheriff’s office. This would only add fuel to the fire as to the relationship between Jack and Milo. Two young women are found strangled in abandoned houses. When a third is found, Sheriff Dodge is fearing a serial killer is on the loose. Emma is concentrating on writing an editorial about not just the pending vote but also the topic of abuse in relationships. She is also delivered the news Vida, House and Home Editor of the Alpine Advocate is considering retirement which means a replacement needs to be found. Alison Lindahl the temporary receptionist has been hired and named as the office manager. When Alison bemoans the breakup with her boyfriend, Emma encourages her to try her luck as a stringer for the paper. This is in hope it will draw Alison’s pining for marriage. This book is action packed and you will need to give your solid attention to keep all the items straight. Although I haven’t read the first book in this series, but am sure I will, I was able to understand each character and keep track of their importance.
November 28, 2017
I am delighted that this series is continuing as it is a pleasure to visit Alpine and see what Emma Lord and Sheriff Milo Dodge are doing. Vida makes an announcement. Emma promoted Alison to the office manager and encourage her ability to snoop. Young girls are found in vacant homes strangle to death. Sheriff Milo wonders about a serial killer. Jack Blackwell is acting up. He is trying to take over as county supervisor even though the election has not been a vote on. He tried to fire Milk as Sheriff and challenges Emma. Will Jack be successful? I highly recommend this book and series.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Alibi through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions expressed are my own.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Alibi through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions expressed are my own.
November 18, 2017
As I was starting this 27th book in the Emma Lord series, I realize that this is the longest series I've read. It's like going to visit old friends in a (fictitious) town I've visited many times. I was so happy to hear that Mary Daheim was continuing this series beyond Alpine Zen. This is another great Alpine mystery that kept me guessing until the very end. I struggled between trying to make the story last longer, and reading more because I really wanted to know what was going to happen next. There were several newcomers to Alpine, which made it more difficult for news editor Emma and her police chief husband Milo to solve the mysteries happening around town. There was a lot less of Vida in this book, which I have to admit I missed. I received an advance copy of this book and was happy to provide my honest review. I hope this series keeps going and going!
December 12, 2017
When the murder of two young women rocks the town of Alpine their deaths are on everyone's minds. It makes great news for Emma's paper but it's not something you want going on in your town. After a third body is discovered it looks like their is a serial killer living amongst them. Follow along as Emma tries to help her husband Sheriff Dodge figure out who the killer could be and why they are committing these murders. I have to say that this series just gets better with age. I've read it from the beginning and was happy that the author didn't stop when she reached the end of the alphabet. The characters have become old friends and I love revisiting them with each new book. I can't wait to see what happens next!
March 1, 2021
Yikes!
What an awful book.
The main character Emma and her husband Milo need some serious counselling or a divorce!
The storyline is all over the place, the characters are awful and the dialogue is absolutely horrible.
I had no idea this was a series, but I’ll never read another one!
What an awful book.
The main character Emma and her husband Milo need some serious counselling or a divorce!
The storyline is all over the place, the characters are awful and the dialogue is absolutely horrible.
I had no idea this was a series, but I’ll never read another one!
September 30, 2019
A rainy day meant I had to hit the treadmill instead of the trails but it also meant I could finish listening to the latest in the Emma Lord/Alpine series. I've been reading this series for so long and it always nice to pay Alpine and its quirky cast of characters a visit. :)
June 27, 2019
This is number 27 in this series. I have read them all. In the last book, Emma got married to the sheriff she has been involved with off/on over the past 16 years. I wanted to see how their relationship would go now. I can't say I liked it. Also, their meals - do they ever eat an actual vegetable not potatoes or corn? It feels very old school even though Emma owns her own business. Her brother and son are priests. The patriarchy is alive and well.
COYER: Read a book that takes place exclusively in a small town. PTS: 1
COYER: Read a book that takes place exclusively in a small town. PTS: 1
October 7, 2020
This was the first one of the Alpine series that I have read, but it definitely won’t be the last. I LOVE a good murder, and the author has created a great storyline that is filed with twists and turns and a wonderful cast of well developed characters.
As I reached the end of the book, I still had questions, of stuff that is going on that which needs to be resolved! What happens next? Hopefully, another installment in this series!
As I reached the end of the book, I still had questions, of stuff that is going on that which needs to be resolved! What happens next? Hopefully, another installment in this series!
February 1, 2018
Emma Lord, owner of The Alpine Advocate, a small-town Washington state newspaper, and Alpine Sheriff Milo Dodge have finally married in the 27th book in Mary Daheim’s alphabetical series. Alpha Alpine begins the second alphabetical set. Milo and Emma are settling into married life when everything starts to go crazy. Vida Runkel, busybody and long-time newspaper employee, announces her retirement, and Milo’s arch-rival, Jack Blackwell threatens to become the county manager putting Milo out of a job, while Milo’s wacky and forgetful brother and sister-in-law are on their way from Texas in an RV for an extended visit. Things really spiral out of control when Milo’s daughter finds the corpse of a young woman, a victim of a possible serial killer, in Milo’s unlived-in old house, and The Advocate’s offices are bombed while Emma is working late. To top things off, Emma has encouraged her new receptionist to investigate, much to Milo’s chagrin.
I am not a regular reader of this series, but I do pick one up from time to time. They are a very light read, and for the most part, the plot holds together well. I was interested in this one because I thought the last one was possibly the end of the series, and I wanted to see if there had been any changes. Going forward, I think some of the long-term characters will be replaced with fresh new characters if this book is any indication.
This book was possibly a little harder for me to read than some of the others as there seemed to be a lot more mention of previous books with which I am not familiar. I think one would have a difficult time reading this book as a stand-alone. There are also so many characters mentioned in the book, both old and new, that one needs a list to keep them all straight.
There were also instances in this book that didn’t seem to make much sense to me – I have no idea what the purpose of Milo’s brother’s visit was. Unless it was comedic filler, it did not add to the plot or my enjoyment of the book in any way. There was also a rather strange party/press conference near the end of the book that utterly baffled me. Several times, I noticed a rather abrupt segue to a new idea in the middle of a paragraph, and I had to go back and reread to make sure I understood what was happening.
This is a pleasant series, but I think a new reader would be better served by starting at the beginning of the series with the first A, instead of this one. Series fans will no doubt enjoy this return of Emma, Milo and the rest of the Alpine regulars.
As an aside, I found the previous style of cover for the series to be much more to my liking. The current cover does not appeal to me, and I feel it makes the book look cheap.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and Alibi in exchange for an honest review.
I am not a regular reader of this series, but I do pick one up from time to time. They are a very light read, and for the most part, the plot holds together well. I was interested in this one because I thought the last one was possibly the end of the series, and I wanted to see if there had been any changes. Going forward, I think some of the long-term characters will be replaced with fresh new characters if this book is any indication.
This book was possibly a little harder for me to read than some of the others as there seemed to be a lot more mention of previous books with which I am not familiar. I think one would have a difficult time reading this book as a stand-alone. There are also so many characters mentioned in the book, both old and new, that one needs a list to keep them all straight.
There were also instances in this book that didn’t seem to make much sense to me – I have no idea what the purpose of Milo’s brother’s visit was. Unless it was comedic filler, it did not add to the plot or my enjoyment of the book in any way. There was also a rather strange party/press conference near the end of the book that utterly baffled me. Several times, I noticed a rather abrupt segue to a new idea in the middle of a paragraph, and I had to go back and reread to make sure I understood what was happening.
This is a pleasant series, but I think a new reader would be better served by starting at the beginning of the series with the first A, instead of this one. Series fans will no doubt enjoy this return of Emma, Milo and the rest of the Alpine regulars.
As an aside, I found the previous style of cover for the series to be much more to my liking. The current cover does not appeal to me, and I feel it makes the book look cheap.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and Alibi in exchange for an honest review.
December 19, 2017
Small-town Washington state newspaper editor Emma Lord and her husband, Alpine Sheriff Milo Dodge, are settling into married life when they are both confronted by events that may irrevocably change their lives. Emma’s least favorite person in town, Jack Blackwell, is lobbying to diminish the county commission’s influence, instead replacing it with a professional county manager, and then get himself appointed to the job. Jack and Milo have never been fond of each other, and Jack once again has Milo in his sights. Young girls in town start turning up dead, and Milo is concerned he’s got a serial killer on his hands. The situation is made more complicated by the fact that these girls may have a connection to Jack. To distract her new receptionist from heartbreak, Emma recruits the young woman to do a little digging on the girls, but Emma may come to regret the decision.
I love this series. It has stood the test of time for me. I find the portrayal of small town life spot-on, and Emma’s running of the newspaper rings with authenticity. She reminds me of small town editors I used to work for. The writing is tight, the dialogue snappy, the quirky supporting characters well-drawn, and the stories are always interesting. Sometimes long-running series jump the shark for me, but this Book 27 was just as good as Book 1. I have thoroughly enjoyed seeing the characters grow and change over the years. Emma experiences her fair share of tragedy throughout the books, but she’s like the Unsinkable Molly Brown – she just gets back up and keeps on moving.
I particularly enjoy the relationship between Emma and her husband. They walk a fine line between being professional adversaries and couplehood, and balance it beautifully. I experienced something similar in my first marriage when I was a reporter and my ex was a city official, and the way Milo and Emma deal with each other feels very real to me. Spending time with Emma, Milo, and the rest of the Alpine residents seems like being around old friends. Each book in the series follows the alphabet (starting with the Alpine Advocate all the way through to the Alpine Zen) and when Daheim reached Z, I was afraid that would be all there was. I was so pleased to see Alpha Alpine come out, because it means I get to spend more time with characters I have come to mostly love – OK, Vida, the House and Home Editor annoys the crap out of me, but the rest of them I really like.
You could start with this book, as the author weaves in previous occurrences in a conversational way, and you wouldn’t feel out of the loop. However, I recommend reading it in order because the ride is so enjoyable. I eagerly await Book 28.
I love this series. It has stood the test of time for me. I find the portrayal of small town life spot-on, and Emma’s running of the newspaper rings with authenticity. She reminds me of small town editors I used to work for. The writing is tight, the dialogue snappy, the quirky supporting characters well-drawn, and the stories are always interesting. Sometimes long-running series jump the shark for me, but this Book 27 was just as good as Book 1. I have thoroughly enjoyed seeing the characters grow and change over the years. Emma experiences her fair share of tragedy throughout the books, but she’s like the Unsinkable Molly Brown – she just gets back up and keeps on moving.
I particularly enjoy the relationship between Emma and her husband. They walk a fine line between being professional adversaries and couplehood, and balance it beautifully. I experienced something similar in my first marriage when I was a reporter and my ex was a city official, and the way Milo and Emma deal with each other feels very real to me. Spending time with Emma, Milo, and the rest of the Alpine residents seems like being around old friends. Each book in the series follows the alphabet (starting with the Alpine Advocate all the way through to the Alpine Zen) and when Daheim reached Z, I was afraid that would be all there was. I was so pleased to see Alpha Alpine come out, because it means I get to spend more time with characters I have come to mostly love – OK, Vida, the House and Home Editor annoys the crap out of me, but the rest of them I really like.
You could start with this book, as the author weaves in previous occurrences in a conversational way, and you wouldn’t feel out of the loop. However, I recommend reading it in order because the ride is so enjoyable. I eagerly await Book 28.
January 19, 2018
Somebody has it in for Emma. Now that she's married she has the sheriff on speed dial. I missed the Alpine stories and this story reminded me how much.
December 11, 2017
Ms. Daheim begins again at A with this alphabetic cozy mystery series.
Alpha Alpine is the 27th in the Emma Lord series. It’s Labor Day in Alpine, a small town in the Cascade Range of mountains in Washington state. Emma is investigating a mysterious death of a new waitress at the Venison Inn and the shooting of the waitress’ brother. Why did the waitress wear a wig and use a false name when applying for her new position? Do the other two similar murders nearby imply a serial killer is at large? Blackwell is up to his usual shenanigans. This time he is trying to run for a City Manager position that hasn’t even been voter-approved yet and is investigating the Sheriff’s office.
I haven’t read Mary Daheim since 2001 when she was only up to letter N (Alpine Nemesis #14). I’m not sure why I stopped. Alpha Alpine is #27 in the series after Alpine Zen. The beginning of this book was pretty confusing for non-series readers (and me). All the characters are not only introduced but their relationship to other characters explained extensively in the first half of the book. I found this boring compared to solving a murder case and starting skimming at about 5% in. The first murder (of a visitor to the town of course) doesn’t occur until 20% into the book. Much change occurred in the 16 years since I read the series. Emma is now married to Sheriff Milo. Vida is talking about retiring. Alison is a new character who is helping Emma investigate rather than Vida this time. I always loved the small town setting of this series and that continues to be the case with this entry. The mystery wasn’t as good as I expected from this author. The extensive character explanation was a sluggish way to begin. I think Alpha Alpine deserves a solid 3 stars. However, it is not as good as her previous books. For readers just beginning the series, I would recommend starting at the first entry in the series, Alpine Advocate, rather than here.
Thanks to the publisher, Alibi, and NetGalley for an advanced review copy.
Alpha Alpine is the 27th in the Emma Lord series. It’s Labor Day in Alpine, a small town in the Cascade Range of mountains in Washington state. Emma is investigating a mysterious death of a new waitress at the Venison Inn and the shooting of the waitress’ brother. Why did the waitress wear a wig and use a false name when applying for her new position? Do the other two similar murders nearby imply a serial killer is at large? Blackwell is up to his usual shenanigans. This time he is trying to run for a City Manager position that hasn’t even been voter-approved yet and is investigating the Sheriff’s office.
I haven’t read Mary Daheim since 2001 when she was only up to letter N (Alpine Nemesis #14). I’m not sure why I stopped. Alpha Alpine is #27 in the series after Alpine Zen. The beginning of this book was pretty confusing for non-series readers (and me). All the characters are not only introduced but their relationship to other characters explained extensively in the first half of the book. I found this boring compared to solving a murder case and starting skimming at about 5% in. The first murder (of a visitor to the town of course) doesn’t occur until 20% into the book. Much change occurred in the 16 years since I read the series. Emma is now married to Sheriff Milo. Vida is talking about retiring. Alison is a new character who is helping Emma investigate rather than Vida this time. I always loved the small town setting of this series and that continues to be the case with this entry. The mystery wasn’t as good as I expected from this author. The extensive character explanation was a sluggish way to begin. I think Alpha Alpine deserves a solid 3 stars. However, it is not as good as her previous books. For readers just beginning the series, I would recommend starting at the first entry in the series, Alpine Advocate, rather than here.
Thanks to the publisher, Alibi, and NetGalley for an advanced review copy.
January 7, 2018
I was amazed when I saw the list of books Mary Daheim has written in the Emma Lord Series. She has already been through the alphabet once with titles in ascending order and has started again. I know I would have enjoyed the book more had I read the previous 26 books because there must be a lot of back story to Alpha Alpine, but Daheim does a great job of cluing the reader in on the many characters mentioned and how they relate to each other and to the current story. In fact I would say she is a master at making the book understandable and interesting to the new reader without being redundant.
Emma Lord is the editor and publisher of a weekly newspaper in Alpine, Washington, where if everyone is not related to everyone else, they are at least all related to Vida who is the House and Home editor and makes it her job to know everyone’s business. Emma is married to Sheriff Milo Dodge, giving her an inside edge and also causing friction when Dodge can not disclose information she wants. This mystery contains the murder of young girls, an unexpected assassination attempt, an explosion, domestic abuse, and a visit by Dodge’s brother in his Texas sized RV. All of these events keep both Emma and Milo quite busy in their jobs and at home.
The paper has an interesting staff, and the story is also fleshed out with deputies, townspeople and visitors, but despite the large number of characters, I never felt overwhelmed by them. The setting is well defined as mountainous Alpine seasonally moves from hot to cooler weather. Along with Emma and Milo, the reader is continually evaluating characters and their motives as new information and more crimes come to light. When you get to the end, you will be happy with the resolution, but you may find yourself wanting to know more about Alpine and its inhabitants.
I would like to extend my thanks to netgalley.com and to Random House (Alibi) for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Emma Lord is the editor and publisher of a weekly newspaper in Alpine, Washington, where if everyone is not related to everyone else, they are at least all related to Vida who is the House and Home editor and makes it her job to know everyone’s business. Emma is married to Sheriff Milo Dodge, giving her an inside edge and also causing friction when Dodge can not disclose information she wants. This mystery contains the murder of young girls, an unexpected assassination attempt, an explosion, domestic abuse, and a visit by Dodge’s brother in his Texas sized RV. All of these events keep both Emma and Milo quite busy in their jobs and at home.
The paper has an interesting staff, and the story is also fleshed out with deputies, townspeople and visitors, but despite the large number of characters, I never felt overwhelmed by them. The setting is well defined as mountainous Alpine seasonally moves from hot to cooler weather. Along with Emma and Milo, the reader is continually evaluating characters and their motives as new information and more crimes come to light. When you get to the end, you will be happy with the resolution, but you may find yourself wanting to know more about Alpine and its inhabitants.
I would like to extend my thanks to netgalley.com and to Random House (Alibi) for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 21, 2017
I had assumed that “The Alpine Zen” was the final installment in the long-running Emma Lord series. I had read these books from A to Z and was pleasantly surprised to see “Alpha Alpine” in the new Emma Lord Returns series. The book picks up where the last one ends and doesn’t miss a beat. Emma and Milo are very much in love and enjoying married life when they’re home or out together after work. However, when they’re on the job (Emma as owner of the local newspaper and Milo as sheriff), they still engage in their usual friendly bickering and competition over solving cases. They make a great team, even though they can’t share everything the other learns due to potential conflicts of interest, and that makes things awkward but interesting.
The last few books in the Emma Lord series had lost some steam, but this one is up to the author's usual standards and seems comfortable but fresh. Vida is back to bossing Emma around, although she isn’t as involved in the investigation as usual, and other members of the “Alpine Advocate” seem more like themselves. Alison, the young receptionist for the newspaper, seems to have a knack at sleuthing, and works well with Emma during the investigation into two recent murders. Emma can have a sharp tongue, but as long as it’s not overdone, I enjoy her sarcastic sense of humor. The book is entertaining, and I hope it’s the first of many more Emma Lord mysteries.
I received this book from NetGalley, through the courtesy of Alibi. The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
The last few books in the Emma Lord series had lost some steam, but this one is up to the author's usual standards and seems comfortable but fresh. Vida is back to bossing Emma around, although she isn’t as involved in the investigation as usual, and other members of the “Alpine Advocate” seem more like themselves. Alison, the young receptionist for the newspaper, seems to have a knack at sleuthing, and works well with Emma during the investigation into two recent murders. Emma can have a sharp tongue, but as long as it’s not overdone, I enjoy her sarcastic sense of humor. The book is entertaining, and I hope it’s the first of many more Emma Lord mysteries.
I received this book from NetGalley, through the courtesy of Alibi. The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
January 6, 2018
Always enjoy the Alpine mystery series.
I am very pleased that Mary DAHEIM has the new Emma Lord mystery out for 2018! The continuous story of Emma, owner of the local newspaper and her now husband, Sheriff Dodge has been fun to read about for over twenty books. Looking forward to the next installment!
I am very pleased that Mary DAHEIM has the new Emma Lord mystery out for 2018! The continuous story of Emma, owner of the local newspaper and her now husband, Sheriff Dodge has been fun to read about for over twenty books. Looking forward to the next installment!
December 11, 2017
3 stars
This is a long-standing series, but the first one I have read. It might have been better if I had started earlier in the series. I picked this up because I truly enjoy Mary Daheim’s Bed & Breakfast Mystery series. The characters in the town and all the relationships were extremely hard for me to follow.
The story starts out nearing the end of the week just before Labor Day. In addition to the holiday, the town is focused on an upcoming election that would change the county government from a commission to run by a county manager. Emma’s husband’s (Sherriff Dodge) opponent, Jack Blackwell is lobbying for the role of county manager and clearly hoping to remove Dodge.
A body of a young woman is found which is thought to relate to a potential string of serial murders. So Dodge is extremely busy over the weekend. To top the weekend off, during a Labor Day celebration, Jack Blackwell is shot at.
The story is fast paced and the mysteries themselves are quite well constructed. Just not knowing all the characters in the town made for a difficult read. I really wanted to enjoy this as I have read good reviews about the Emma Lord series, but I was disappointed.
Thank you NetGalley and publisher, Random House Publishing Group – Alibi, for the opportunity to read this ARC.
This is a long-standing series, but the first one I have read. It might have been better if I had started earlier in the series. I picked this up because I truly enjoy Mary Daheim’s Bed & Breakfast Mystery series. The characters in the town and all the relationships were extremely hard for me to follow.
The story starts out nearing the end of the week just before Labor Day. In addition to the holiday, the town is focused on an upcoming election that would change the county government from a commission to run by a county manager. Emma’s husband’s (Sherriff Dodge) opponent, Jack Blackwell is lobbying for the role of county manager and clearly hoping to remove Dodge.
A body of a young woman is found which is thought to relate to a potential string of serial murders. So Dodge is extremely busy over the weekend. To top the weekend off, during a Labor Day celebration, Jack Blackwell is shot at.
The story is fast paced and the mysteries themselves are quite well constructed. Just not knowing all the characters in the town made for a difficult read. I really wanted to enjoy this as I have read good reviews about the Emma Lord series, but I was disappointed.
Thank you NetGalley and publisher, Random House Publishing Group – Alibi, for the opportunity to read this ARC.
November 25, 2017
Thank you to NetGalley.com for the opportunity to read an Advanced Reader Copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
I thought my beloved Emma Lord mystery series closed its final chapter when it finally got to the letter Z last year, but I was pleasantly surprised to find out there would be a 27th installment! Emma and everyone else in Alpine are back – the good and the bad and of course there are strings at the end that have not been finished so I’m already anticipating a 28th book.
What I loved: I love Emma and Dodge as a couple – he truly loves her. Vida is still awesome although she’s getting a little crotchety in her advancing years – and no mention of her beloved birdie?
What I didn’t love: Allison and her quest to be married off are both extremely annoying. Seriously. It happens when it happens so relax a little and stop perstering Emma for advice. She’s not exactly the one I’d turn to for romantic musings. Secondly – can we kill off someone who is an actual Apline resident once in a while? It seems like anyone who is a visitor usually winds up dead in this town – hardly the Welcome Center motto.
What I learned: My local paper sucks compared to the Advocate.
Overall Grade: B
www.FluffSmutandMurder.com
December 5, 2017
I guess going through the alphabet once wasn't good enough for Emma Lord, or Mary Daheim. I was delighted to see another cozy featuring the quirky characters of Alpine, Washington. As the town votes on the future of its leadership, Sheriff Dodge is dealing with a potential serial killer and an attack by his old nemesis Jack Blackwell, who thinks he can get in a position to remove Dodge from office and scare Emma into submission. I have enjoyed how Ms. Daheim has had her characters evolve. Faithful readers will wonder whether Vida really will make good on her promise to retire. Just like Emma ponders, what will the Alpine Advocate be like without her presence? Ms. Daheim starts to fill Vida's shoes a bit with the added involvement of Alison as Emma's sidekick. I always like it when there are multiple characters to draw from in each story. Ms. Daheim continues to keep the series fresh.
A copy of this book was provided by NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Alibi in exchange for an honest review.
A copy of this book was provided by NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Alibi in exchange for an honest review.
February 28, 2018
Alpha Alpine is the 27th (wow!) book in Mary Daheim's Emma Lord series, but it can definitely stand alone. With that caveat, I have to say that while reading you realize a whole lot has gone on in Alpine before this particular book started and that you're a little bit behind the times. However, I found this book to be a very enjoyable read, enjoyed the town of Alpine and its many characters, as well as the relationship between newspaper owner and editor Emma and her sheriff husband Milo. The mystery is complex, and the book has many twists and turns as well as red herrings, with the ending taking me completely by surprise. This series is one that I definitely want to get into and recommend, and I look forward to starting Emma's adventures in The Alpine Advocate (this series goes from A-Z in the titles, and is now back to the letter "A").
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 23, 2024
Although it's always a treat to read about Alpine (my Northwest dream town), this one was a little slow. The mysterious deaths mostly seemed to be setting the stage for the author's next mystery series and the novel's incessant harping about how bad "Black Jack" was as a person/husband seemed a little dated. Women do have lives outside of who they are married to or whether they have a family. In fact, this storyline seemed very at odds with our Heroine, Emma Lord, who always seemed to be the number one example of an independent female lead.
I listened to this via Audible while living through an extended home construction project and quite frankly, I think my enjoyment of the story suffered from the narrator. Every voice sounded the same.
Listened again during while preparing for a lot of Christmas visitors and this time the slow pace was perfect!
I listened to this via Audible while living through an extended home construction project and quite frankly, I think my enjoyment of the story suffered from the narrator. Every voice sounded the same.
Listened again during while preparing for a lot of Christmas visitors and this time the slow pace was perfect!
November 19, 2017
After 26 stories Vida Runkel announces her retirement from the Alpine Advocate, Emma Lord and Milo Dodge are married and settled into their renovated log cabin and life in Alpine is being shaken by proposed local government structural changes.
The first part of the book is bogged down with character descriptions but the rest of the story is time tested Mary Daheim cozy and the ending leaves you wanting more.
Emma arrived in Alpine in 1989 and as of this story, she has been there for 16 years, making this setting 2005 - or at least that seems to be what I can figure out. Milo & Emma's bantering as a couple is a bit dated and feels uncomfortable in 2017 standards.
Thank you Alibi and Net Galley for accepting my volunteering to read this ARC.
The first part of the book is bogged down with character descriptions but the rest of the story is time tested Mary Daheim cozy and the ending leaves you wanting more.
Emma arrived in Alpine in 1989 and as of this story, she has been there for 16 years, making this setting 2005 - or at least that seems to be what I can figure out. Milo & Emma's bantering as a couple is a bit dated and feels uncomfortable in 2017 standards.
Thank you Alibi and Net Galley for accepting my volunteering to read this ARC.
November 22, 2017
Labor Day looms and with it an upcoming election that may change the form of Alpine’s government from a three county commissioner system to a county manager form of government. Unfortunately, a brash, violent tempered and abusive timber company owner is pushing to be the county manager if the voters approve the plan.
As Emma Lord looks for newsworthy topics for her Alpine Advocate weekly paper, murders occur near and in her small village of Alpine, some 85 miles up in the Cascades from Seattle.
I’ve read a handful Mary Daheim’s Emma Lord Alpine Advocate mysteries and enjoyed them, but this latest, the 27th in the series, seems forced, too long, with too many characters, and not enough of that gorgeous setting in those awe inspiring mountains.
As Emma Lord looks for newsworthy topics for her Alpine Advocate weekly paper, murders occur near and in her small village of Alpine, some 85 miles up in the Cascades from Seattle.
I’ve read a handful Mary Daheim’s Emma Lord Alpine Advocate mysteries and enjoyed them, but this latest, the 27th in the series, seems forced, too long, with too many characters, and not enough of that gorgeous setting in those awe inspiring mountains.
December 4, 2017
I have read a few, but not all, of the books in this very long running series- and am happy to have returned to it. Daheim gives you enough info so that you don't feel lost if you're like me or if you haven't read any of the books but not too much, I think, if you're a devoted reader. This is classic cozy territory, with Emma, a newspaperwoman and Milo, her husband the sheriff dealing with murder in the small town of Alpine. This time around Emma recruits Alison, who works at the Advocate, to help untangle whether Jack Blackwell, a rich man, is a serial killer even as he's running for office. The mystery is well done, the twists pretty good, and it's an entertaining quick read. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
January 10, 2018
Alpha Alpine by Mary Daheim is the 27th book in the Emma Lord series, and my first book of the series. I have read most of the books in the Bed and Breakfast series and enjoyed them as well. Emma Lord is the owner, editor, and publisher of the Alpine Advocate Newspaper and she is married to Sheriff Milo Dodge. When women are murdered in Alpine, the mystery begins. Once I started this book, I could not stop reading it until I was done. Not only does this book have an exciting mystery but also very refreshing and a quick read. I'm also excited that I have 26 other books in this series to read while waiting for a new one. If you love fun cozy mysteries, which are my favorite, you will love this book.
I was given a copy of this book for a fair and honest review.
I was given a copy of this book for a fair and honest review.
January 23, 2018
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an eARC of this book.
This is #27 in the Emma Lord series. TWENTY SEVEN!!!!! How could I have missed so many????? It actually was rather interesting jumping into the middle of these characters who have known each other and been interacting for 27 books. I didn't feel terribly lost because I was gently guided by the characters with brief introductions of the backstory. That said, I did feel somewhat the intruder and while able to appreciate the current action, I couldn't relate to many of the characters with much depth. The plot was interesting enough and there was plenty of action.
I am giving only 3 stars but it's not the book's fault that I didn't get it all and I am pretty sure that readers of the series would give it 4.
This is #27 in the Emma Lord series. TWENTY SEVEN!!!!! How could I have missed so many????? It actually was rather interesting jumping into the middle of these characters who have known each other and been interacting for 27 books. I didn't feel terribly lost because I was gently guided by the characters with brief introductions of the backstory. That said, I did feel somewhat the intruder and while able to appreciate the current action, I couldn't relate to many of the characters with much depth. The plot was interesting enough and there was plenty of action.
I am giving only 3 stars but it's not the book's fault that I didn't get it all and I am pretty sure that readers of the series would give it 4.
January 19, 2018
This isn't a bad book, it just isn't at the top of the list. It is the first book of this series that I have read, and that might have contributed to the disconnect I felt. I couldn't connect with the main character, and I think that is because I really didn't get her back story. There were a lot of somewhat odd characters who probably featured in other books, as well. The mystery was the least part of the story, it seemed, and there wasn't any kind of clear trail. So I think it would be better to start at the beginning of the series.
December 12, 2017
Lots going on in this tale. Abuse, politics, marital strife, single seeking marriage, and so much more. The dialog between Emma and Milo is amusing. I look forward to reading more about them and their adventures as newspaper publisher and sheriff. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley for my voluntary review.
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