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Imogene and the Boys #2
The Curse of the Bridal Chamber: An Imogene and the Boys Novel
The indomitable senior sleuth Imogene and her outrageously endearing Alabama family find themselves in hot water while on a family vacation at a mermaid convention in sunny Florida. When Imogene and her brood, including Goose the bulldog, encounter a dead body floating in the freshwater springs beneath their glass-bottom boat, the local police immediately arrest one of the Alabama visitors for the crime. Now the aging amateur crime solver must exonerate her own family, but unearthing a killer among the park's past and present mermaids and employees promises to be no easy task, since so many of them are thrilled that the victim is sleeping with the fishes. And a decades-old curse that has deposited more than one dead body in the Bridal Chamber spring now seems focused on Imogene and her kin, who are wading into dangerous waters indeed. Witty and colorful, The Curse of the Bridal Chamber will keep you enthralled until the final surprising revelation.
255 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 14, 2016
7 people are currently reading
492 people want to read
About the author
Hunter Murphy
2 books193 followersHunter Murphy is a writer and library staffer from Alabama. Some of his literary heroes include P.G. Wodehouse, Eudora Welty, Christopher Morley, Eugene Walter, David Leavitt, and Agatha Christie. He’s a fan of good storytelling, no matter the medium. He lives with his longtime partner and their dashingly handsome English bulldog.
Imogene in New Orleans is the first in a mystery series featuring Imogene, the boys, and Goose the English bulldog.
Imogene in New Orleans is the first in a mystery series featuring Imogene, the boys, and Goose the English bulldog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
June 5, 2016
This is the second book I've read by Hunter Murphy. Imogene in New Orleans was a great fun read but I think The Curse of the Bridal Chamber is even better. In this book, Aunt Agnes joins Imogene and "the boys." They visit a mermaid convention in Florida. On their first boat tour, a corpse emerges below the glass in the bottom of the boat. One of Imogene's family gets arrested for the murder, so the sisters go into overdrive to piece together what happened. It's a frantic, hilarious chase full of mishaps.
The Bridal Chamber is a spring that feeds the river and the curse involving it is so interesting.
I love mermaids too. The sisters interactions with the mermaids were funny. Thanks to the author/ publisher for an advance copy. I'm so glad I got an early peek.
The Bridal Chamber is a spring that feeds the river and the curse involving it is so interesting.
I love mermaids too. The sisters interactions with the mermaids were funny. Thanks to the author/ publisher for an advance copy. I'm so glad I got an early peek.
June 6, 2016
**ARC provided by the publisher**
I’d follow Imogene anywhere, but when she and the boys take Aunt Agnes to a mermaid convention in Florida, the fun is outstanding. Aunt Agnes is Imogene’s older sister, who calls the mermaids “women fish”. :) Goose the bulldog is so cute. I loved the setting too, an old park where Hollywood filmed Tarzan and other movies around the crystal clear water.
The mystery involves the death of a park employee, a man who mistreated the mermaids and probably deserved to die. The old curse that has haunted the park sort of lingers over the employees “like a bad spirit” according to Imogene. She learns about the legend of the Bridal Chamber, an old story of ill-fated love. Imogene and her gang are forced to investigate the murder, and they end up uncovering secrets that they didn’t mean to uncover. The obstacles they run into are hysterical. This book was pure pleasure. 4.5
I’d follow Imogene anywhere, but when she and the boys take Aunt Agnes to a mermaid convention in Florida, the fun is outstanding. Aunt Agnes is Imogene’s older sister, who calls the mermaids “women fish”. :) Goose the bulldog is so cute. I loved the setting too, an old park where Hollywood filmed Tarzan and other movies around the crystal clear water.
The mystery involves the death of a park employee, a man who mistreated the mermaids and probably deserved to die. The old curse that has haunted the park sort of lingers over the employees “like a bad spirit” according to Imogene. She learns about the legend of the Bridal Chamber, an old story of ill-fated love. Imogene and her gang are forced to investigate the murder, and they end up uncovering secrets that they didn’t mean to uncover. The obstacles they run into are hysterical. This book was pure pleasure. 4.5
March 24, 2017
Very enjoyable cozy mystery. I saw this book on NetGalley and requested it because of the cover and the fact that it was in FL at a mermaid convention. I didn't realize it was the second book in a series...but, it actually worked well as a stand alone. Fell in love with the characters, Imogene, Billy, Jackson, and Goose the bulldog. The Alabama family (I live and am from Alabama, so big plus) travels to FL for a family vacation. They stop at Clear Springs Park and find themselves participating in a mermaid convention, where many mermaids of all generations who starred in the shows come together. While riding in a glass bottom boat...a body is discovered. So our mystery begins. Murder, mayhem and madness follow. One of the members of the Alabama family is arrested. I'll stop there...but, I can say it's loads of fun and there is just the right amount of mystery involved. Pure escapism. I now plan to read the first book by Hunter Murphy with the same cast. Such interesting characters. I could see myself hanging with them in FL, New Orleans...Mobile????
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a digital book to read in an exchange for an honest review. Pure escapism. Highly entertaining! I recommend it!
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a digital book to read in an exchange for an honest review. Pure escapism. Highly entertaining! I recommend it!
July 16, 2016
I really wanted to like this book… and I did. I was drawn to the concept of a vacation in “real Florida” that turns upside down because of a murder. This book is a character-driven mystery, led by an all-star cast including two Southern seniors, a gay couple, and a bulldog named Goose. Throw in some mermaids, monkeys, and the setting of some world-famous Hollywood films (including Tarzan), and you’re set for a good time.
I don’t want to spoil it all, but suffice it to say that one of the main characters is falsely accused of the crime, which initiates a frenetic investigation. If you don’t have a sense of humor, this book is not for you. The book is funny. There were a lot of red herrings. I wasn’t sure who did the dirty deed until the last chapter, but I surely enjoyed the ride!
I don’t want to spoil it all, but suffice it to say that one of the main characters is falsely accused of the crime, which initiates a frenetic investigation. If you don’t have a sense of humor, this book is not for you. The book is funny. There were a lot of red herrings. I wasn’t sure who did the dirty deed until the last chapter, but I surely enjoyed the ride!
June 27, 2016
This is exactly what I needed, a fun murder mystery on a lazy summer weekend. Imogene and Agnes made me laugh a lot. I was interested in the secrets lurking in that lovely park too. Plus the bulldog was funny and I have always loved mermaids and old people. It made me want to visit a place like Clear Springs!
June 7, 2016
This will be fun, I thought. Elderly sisters, maybe a bit cantankerous, the grandson of one of them and his partner, and Goose, the bulldog. And mermaids! I grew up in Florida, and the park and mermaid shows the book centers around is based on the WeekiWachee Springs that I never went to (or maybe once when I was very young) but always heard about. But while I find mild cantankery amusing, this mystery is way too high on the scale for my taste. The sisters argue with each other. They argue with park employees. The argue with the grandson and his partner. Grandson's partner argues inexplicably belligerently with the police. I'm at 24%, and I just can't stay with it. Every page is a verbal confrontation (often an overreaction), and it reminds me of an extended family holiday where everyone is bickering constantly. It's exhausting. A dead body shows up fairly early on, so that's a plus, but it feels like Imogene and her sister are just going to argue their way to solving the crime. This might totally be strictly a reflection of my taste, as I also hate sitcoms where everyone sits around bickering. But I'm finding the characters fairly obnoxious, so despite a family dynamic I wanted to like and a setting that reeled me in, I'm giving up.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my fair and honest review.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my fair and honest review.
July 6, 2016
I've read this book twice now. Mermaids, murder, spunky old people, secrets, and a fascinating history of a Florida park. This did it for me. There are a lot of funny quotes in this mystery. Good stuff. Thanks to the publisher for this ebook ARC.
March 30, 2017
When Imogene and her sister Agnes are taken on a vacation to Florida by the boys (Jackson and Billy) you never know what is going to happen, well actually you do. Shortly after arriving at the Clear Springs Park for the mermaid convention, a dead body is found. When Billy is arrested for the murder, the rest of the family will do whatever it takes to prove his innocence. The problem I had with this book is the rudeness, yelling, anger etc. that occurs during this investigation. It seems that when I read books with characters of a certain age, that they are feisty but with a bit of an edge, a little too much in this case. The mystery was okay with the amateur sleuths eventually solving the case, but I could not connect with these characters. They were not very nice and often ending up in physical altercations. I did not expect this in a book that I thought was a cozy mystery. This was just not my cup of tea.
April 20, 2017
I began reading this book and didn’t realize that it was the second book in a series, but it turned out that didn’t matter! By the end of the first chapter the characters had been well established and I could sit back and enjoy it. The further the book got into the characters the funnier and more entertaining the plot was. I must say, I really like that most of the characters are senior citizens. It adds a unique perspective that most mysteries don’t have. The setting at FL and at a Mermaid convention was really entertaining and drew me in. It is a very fun and unique read. I wasn’t sure who committed the crime until the last chapter which made this book extra fun!
August 2, 2016
I was given this book by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The indomitable senior sleuth Imogene and her outrageously endearing Alabama family find themselves in hot water while on a family vacation at a mermaid convention in sunny Florida. When Imogene and her brood, including Goose the bulldog, encounter a dead body floating in the freshwater springs beneath their glass-bottom boat, the local police immediately arrest one of the Alabama visitors for the crime.
Now the aging amateur crime solver must exonerate her own family, but unearthing a killer among the park’s past and present mermaids and employees promises to be no easy task, since so many of them are thrilled that the victim is sleeping with the fishes. And a decades-old curse that has deposited more than one dead body in the Bridal Chamber spring now seems focused on Imogene and her kin, who are wading into dangerous waters indeed. Witty and colorful, The Curse of the Bridal Chamber will keep you enthralled until the final surprising revelation.
Sounds great doesn't it? That's what I thought too. At 29% I gave up. It is far too high octane, over exaggerated and completely unbelievable. It's written at such a pace it's almost impossible to keep track of the storyline. I despised every character, I found myself really not caring who killed John Kent, or why. It's not often I don't finish a book and usually feel a failure when I do, in this case all I feel is a waste of day when I could have been reading something better.
The indomitable senior sleuth Imogene and her outrageously endearing Alabama family find themselves in hot water while on a family vacation at a mermaid convention in sunny Florida. When Imogene and her brood, including Goose the bulldog, encounter a dead body floating in the freshwater springs beneath their glass-bottom boat, the local police immediately arrest one of the Alabama visitors for the crime.
Now the aging amateur crime solver must exonerate her own family, but unearthing a killer among the park’s past and present mermaids and employees promises to be no easy task, since so many of them are thrilled that the victim is sleeping with the fishes. And a decades-old curse that has deposited more than one dead body in the Bridal Chamber spring now seems focused on Imogene and her kin, who are wading into dangerous waters indeed. Witty and colorful, The Curse of the Bridal Chamber will keep you enthralled until the final surprising revelation.
Sounds great doesn't it? That's what I thought too. At 29% I gave up. It is far too high octane, over exaggerated and completely unbelievable. It's written at such a pace it's almost impossible to keep track of the storyline. I despised every character, I found myself really not caring who killed John Kent, or why. It's not often I don't finish a book and usually feel a failure when I do, in this case all I feel is a waste of day when I could have been reading something better.
February 27, 2017
I just don't think that this one was for me. As a kid I was an avid watcher of Scooby Doo, and this story hit a lot of the same notes for me in that the good guys run around in circles picking up clues and getting tied up in broom closets while the bad guys creep around in the shadows and pop out of storage sheds to bonk the main characters and run away. Unfortunately, this wasn't a book written for children, and the dog is much less endearing than Scooby Doo ever was, although he does share the same enthusiasm for snacks.
If you're looking for a fast boozy beach read, maybe pick this up....I think under those circumstances I could have withstood all the "Dagnababit, Sister!" dialogue, soap opera level overreactions, overly friendly police officers and cartoonish villains. In all fairness though, I did receive this for free in exchange for an honest review.
If you're looking for a fast boozy beach read, maybe pick this up....I think under those circumstances I could have withstood all the "Dagnababit, Sister!" dialogue, soap opera level overreactions, overly friendly police officers and cartoonish villains. In all fairness though, I did receive this for free in exchange for an honest review.
September 3, 2016
Another fantastic mystery.
I read this because I thoroughly enjoyed the first one, Imogene in New Orleans. Well #2 did not disappoint.
This book introduces us to Imogene's even wilder sister Agnes, a woman who could have a book written about her alone. When trouble comes to the group, in the form of a murder accusation, the sisters confront it head on. The result is an entertaining adventure in the Florida woods and spring-fed rivers. Throw in a mermaid convention, an old curse, and a lot of secret history, and you have a delicious gumbo.
Big thanks to the publisher for reaching out to me for a review. I gladly accepted and enjoyed this ARC.
I read this because I thoroughly enjoyed the first one, Imogene in New Orleans. Well #2 did not disappoint.
This book introduces us to Imogene's even wilder sister Agnes, a woman who could have a book written about her alone. When trouble comes to the group, in the form of a murder accusation, the sisters confront it head on. The result is an entertaining adventure in the Florida woods and spring-fed rivers. Throw in a mermaid convention, an old curse, and a lot of secret history, and you have a delicious gumbo.
Big thanks to the publisher for reaching out to me for a review. I gladly accepted and enjoyed this ARC.
June 20, 2016
Once again Imogene, Billy and Jackson are off on another whirlwind adventure. This time they are joined by Aunt Agnes, Imogene's sister, as they head to Florida and a theme park featuring mermaids. While on a glass bottom boat cruise in the park, the body of a dead man comes into view. Before you know it hypochondriac Billy has been arrested. It's up to Imogene,Jackson and Aunt Agnes to get to the real killer.
The idea of a theme park with mermaids sounds like such fun. I almost wanted to tag along, although I don't think I have the stamina to keep up with Imogene and Agnes. Another fun read.
The idea of a theme park with mermaids sounds like such fun. I almost wanted to tag along, although I don't think I have the stamina to keep up with Imogene and Agnes. Another fun read.
August 15, 2016
Fabulous book and fabulous mystery. I laughed all the way through it. I wish I had family like Imogene and Agnes. They're crazy and fun. It's an unusual plot. I found the Florida history very interesting. The racial past of the park too. I had no idea places like this existed in Florida. Getting to see it through Imogene's and Agnes's wide-eyed made it all the more pleasurable. Also, I didn't guess who the murderer was. I would highly recommend this book to mystery and comedy lovers, and anyone who likes character-driven stories.
July 11, 2016
This book has great suspense, just when you think you know what is around the corner BAM another new idea of what is going on springs into your mind. Even to the last page I was unsure how it would all pan out. One bad thing tho, why on earth did that have to happen right at the end, I found that a little deflating, but a nice feel good ending none the less.
June 21, 2020
I received an ebook from NetGalley in exchange for my opinion.
Jackson and Billy take Billy’s mom and aunt to a mermaid park for a convention. While taking a glass-bottomed boat tour, they see a mermaid... and a dead body. A planted clue sends Billy to jail, and Jackson and the sisters have to try to find the real culprit to set him free. They also look into a previous mysterious death at the park in case the two are connected.
This book was kind of a mess. The whole idea that Billy is the prime (and only) suspect is ridiculous. Yes, something of his was found with the dead man’s wallet. But they’re out-of-state visitors with zero connection to anyone at the park. As far as I can tell, the police didn’t bother to investigate a single other person despite the fact that basically every other person disliked the dead man and had motive to kill him. The whole book was basically the old ladies chasing Esther the park director and the boat captain around the park or vice versa. They’d end by having a perfectly normal conversation, which is weird for people who were threatening each other violence moments earlier, and the part ways. Repeat several times throughout the book.
The main characters were just odd and obnoxious. The old ladies essentially kidnap Esther in the beginning trying to get answers, and speed off in one of the park golf carts. The ladies and Jackson then proceed to use the gold cart as their own personal transportation throughout their stay. They also steal two of the park walkie talkies to use while they’re there. Everyone is immediately on a first name basis with perfect strangers. The old ladies and Esther. Jackson and Derek the cop. What the heck? And Jackson is a terrible investigator. He mostly just mopes about Billy being in jail. At one point, he begins talking with the park photographer to try to figure out what’s going on. He finds out that the dead man used to be his assistant. Perfect time to get more information, right? Nope! Jackson storms out because it makes him so angry to find out this potential suspect used to work with the dead man. What the heck?!
Medium amounts of swearing. Decent twists at the end. Honestly, probably a 1 1/2 star book but it wasn’t quite awful enough to give it 1 star so I rounded up to a 2.
Jackson and Billy take Billy’s mom and aunt to a mermaid park for a convention. While taking a glass-bottomed boat tour, they see a mermaid... and a dead body. A planted clue sends Billy to jail, and Jackson and the sisters have to try to find the real culprit to set him free. They also look into a previous mysterious death at the park in case the two are connected.
This book was kind of a mess. The whole idea that Billy is the prime (and only) suspect is ridiculous. Yes, something of his was found with the dead man’s wallet. But they’re out-of-state visitors with zero connection to anyone at the park. As far as I can tell, the police didn’t bother to investigate a single other person despite the fact that basically every other person disliked the dead man and had motive to kill him. The whole book was basically the old ladies chasing Esther the park director and the boat captain around the park or vice versa. They’d end by having a perfectly normal conversation, which is weird for people who were threatening each other violence moments earlier, and the part ways. Repeat several times throughout the book.
The main characters were just odd and obnoxious. The old ladies essentially kidnap Esther in the beginning trying to get answers, and speed off in one of the park golf carts. The ladies and Jackson then proceed to use the gold cart as their own personal transportation throughout their stay. They also steal two of the park walkie talkies to use while they’re there. Everyone is immediately on a first name basis with perfect strangers. The old ladies and Esther. Jackson and Derek the cop. What the heck? And Jackson is a terrible investigator. He mostly just mopes about Billy being in jail. At one point, he begins talking with the park photographer to try to figure out what’s going on. He finds out that the dead man used to be his assistant. Perfect time to get more information, right? Nope! Jackson storms out because it makes him so angry to find out this potential suspect used to work with the dead man. What the heck?!
Medium amounts of swearing. Decent twists at the end. Honestly, probably a 1 1/2 star book but it wasn’t quite awful enough to give it 1 star so I rounded up to a 2.
July 11, 2025
AKA Jungle Fever...In 2016, really?
The way I wanted to DNF this was brutal. I fought my way through because I think i requested to read it. I was sold on the Agatha Christie marketing, whom I grew up loving. Now I did like Agnes and Imogene a lot, and they probably took it from the 2 I wanted to give to the 3 I'm very generously bestowing. They reminded me of Big Business but with 2 Lily Tomlins and then make them super redneck white trash like they're from Oklahoma or...yeah, Alabama. Apparently, the South is alive and well in this novel, and the amount of racially cringe material made it right past a publisher in 2016. Cringe cringe cringe. The oversexualization of black women and the taboo aspect all hidden under the guise that this was what the times were...except we aren't in the 70s...this was published into 2016?!?!?!? Where we call women sluts because they're pregnant? Hussies and whores? And we're somehow buying into gay men having overly descriptive sexual attraction to women? The voluptuous one...the super hot one....the most attractive one...the one with the great curves. More cringe. My star rating is going down the more I process this book. I liked 2 things about this book...the sisters I already mentioned, but they definitely could be improved and less one note...and the storyline of this cursed lovers doom bridal chamber. Yeah, this should be taken back down to 2 stars, one for each thing I like about this novel.
The way I wanted to DNF this was brutal. I fought my way through because I think i requested to read it. I was sold on the Agatha Christie marketing, whom I grew up loving. Now I did like Agnes and Imogene a lot, and they probably took it from the 2 I wanted to give to the 3 I'm very generously bestowing. They reminded me of Big Business but with 2 Lily Tomlins and then make them super redneck white trash like they're from Oklahoma or...yeah, Alabama. Apparently, the South is alive and well in this novel, and the amount of racially cringe material made it right past a publisher in 2016. Cringe cringe cringe. The oversexualization of black women and the taboo aspect all hidden under the guise that this was what the times were...except we aren't in the 70s...this was published into 2016?!?!?!? Where we call women sluts because they're pregnant? Hussies and whores? And we're somehow buying into gay men having overly descriptive sexual attraction to women? The voluptuous one...the super hot one....the most attractive one...the one with the great curves. More cringe. My star rating is going down the more I process this book. I liked 2 things about this book...the sisters I already mentioned, but they definitely could be improved and less one note...and the storyline of this cursed lovers doom bridal chamber. Yeah, this should be taken back down to 2 stars, one for each thing I like about this novel.
April 24, 2021
Well, I don’t know what Netgalley is but I’m sure glad I spent my money on this book.
The first in the series was a delight. Maybe it’s because my own life is so far away from the chaotic, colourful scenes of Imogene and the boys racing around New Orlean’s streets, but something just worked for me.
In this second instalment the gang are together again, and joined by Imogene’s sister - the spritely Agnes - and the two are like peas in a pod.
Early on you discover that one of the main characters from the first book is taken in as a suspect in this Florida based murder mystery and from there the story takes several interesting, and at often times comical turns.
In a world away from home, surrounded by ageing mermaids, a mess of monkeys, and more capers and confrontations than you can shake a stick at - Imogene and Agnes shine through as the stars of the show. I enjoyed that Imogene featured far more prominently in this book, and certainly helped to flesh her out as a character. And boy is she a character.
I’m very happy to say that the entire book had me second guessing, and I don’t think I ever clocked onto who the real suspect was. A mermaid murder mystery that comes highly recommended.
Favourite character: Mr Luce, and his obsession with the wonderful ‘Hot’ Francis. Had me cackling often.
And of course, Goose the dog.
The first in the series was a delight. Maybe it’s because my own life is so far away from the chaotic, colourful scenes of Imogene and the boys racing around New Orlean’s streets, but something just worked for me.
In this second instalment the gang are together again, and joined by Imogene’s sister - the spritely Agnes - and the two are like peas in a pod.
Early on you discover that one of the main characters from the first book is taken in as a suspect in this Florida based murder mystery and from there the story takes several interesting, and at often times comical turns.
In a world away from home, surrounded by ageing mermaids, a mess of monkeys, and more capers and confrontations than you can shake a stick at - Imogene and Agnes shine through as the stars of the show. I enjoyed that Imogene featured far more prominently in this book, and certainly helped to flesh her out as a character. And boy is she a character.
I’m very happy to say that the entire book had me second guessing, and I don’t think I ever clocked onto who the real suspect was. A mermaid murder mystery that comes highly recommended.
Favourite character: Mr Luce, and his obsession with the wonderful ‘Hot’ Francis. Had me cackling often.
And of course, Goose the dog.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 19, 2023
I bought this book while living in Lakeland, FL as I was told it was a local author. The premise sounded fun to me, as I've been to the "mermaid" areas in Florida as well. That, and I always love a good who-dun-it book.
However, there was a TOO much action here. There were never any downtimes, everything was always go go go, and all the characters just fought and bickered the entire book. There was no character development at all. While I adore dogs, Goose being called "Gooey" made me want to gag. That's a horrible nickname. Jackson's obsession with his partner Billy was also a bit weird to me.
It wasn't bad, it was just way over the top for me. I did finish it, but wanted to give up many times.
However, there was a TOO much action here. There were never any downtimes, everything was always go go go, and all the characters just fought and bickered the entire book. There was no character development at all. While I adore dogs, Goose being called "Gooey" made me want to gag. That's a horrible nickname. Jackson's obsession with his partner Billy was also a bit weird to me.
It wasn't bad, it was just way over the top for me. I did finish it, but wanted to give up many times.
January 11, 2019
A great plot/story, but the characters were all annoying and did illogical things. The dog was a prop, and contributed nothing to the story. It's a first book, so maybe that's why the writing was so poor.
February 2, 2020
One of the most poorly written books I’ve ever read. It was painful to read, and I am absolutely beside myself for wasting the time to read it to the end. The dialog was stilted, the story incoherent, and the characters one dimensional.
January 16, 2017
Fabulous mystery and comedy of errors all taking place in a marvelous Florida park.
July 12, 2016
A trip to the Weeki Wachee Springs sounds like a great vacation for the whole family – but when someone gets murdered, the mermaid springs begin to look a lot less picturesque. Elderly sisters Agnes and Imogen and “the boys” (Agnes’ son Billy and his boyfriend Jackson) all get drawn into the mystery of who killed the man whose body ended up in the river – while also solving a murder from thirty odd years ago.
At first glance, you’d think this’d be a slam dunk of a mystery. It has mermaids, a wonderfully disgusting bulldog named Goose, a slightly dysfunctional family and a murder all in one place. But while the opening was engaging and the initial intrigue was promising, The Curse of the Bridal Chamber starts to lag heavily when the main actors split up. Whilst a lot of the main action follows the Deal sisters (perhaps because they are very inclined to aggressivity), we stay mostly with Jackson as he attempts to track down the sisters. So it’s frustrating when for long swatches all you get action-wise are second-hand descriptions of what seems to be more interesting things.
This delay in the action (and the fact that a lot of it is delivered second hand for a good chunk of the middle section) makes it very difficult to remain engaged throughout the story. I found myself barely hanging on only by my vindictive need to know the answer to things. In that way I suppose, the mystery aspect worked. But the mystery itself wasn’t as interesting as I would have liked. That can be pardoned of course – one of my favorite books of 2015 had rather weak mystery elements – but it had enough character and pacing to keep me invested. If a book has both – the more the better! But mediocre showings of both makes for a rough read.
On the character front, I personally found the constant gripes and aggressive complaints from the two sisters (and occasionally random other characters – when a bit of tension was needed) a bit exhausting after a while. The complaints were cute (or at least interesting) the first few times, but after a while it started to feel like you got stuck on the subway in between a couple in the middle of a heated break-up. You either want them to calm down and stop or you want to jump out onto the tracks and take your chances you can make it back to the station from there. Maybe that comes from a person whose family members are pretty confrontational – so that might be down to personal preference. But as someone whose general complaint when watching/reading things is “just talk with each other” the lack of constructive communication.
Now I didn’t go into this book knowing anything about this series (though based on the author bio at the end, I believe this is the second book in the “Imogen and the Boys” series), but I largely forgot that the sisters were distinct characters until the end reveal when Imogen suddenly takes charge – which as someone who for most of the book got used to the sisters being a whole package, it was a bit jarring. And speaking of jarring – the ending.
The ending, while long (and dearly) awaited, was deeply confusing. It had all the hallmarks of an Agatha Christie mystery in which none of the information that will be used to unmask the killer was revealed to the reader. It completely blind-sided me and rang hollow to my ears. I’d probably have a better time of it if the middle bit hadn’t been such a slog, but as it stands it isn’t an ending that makes the read worth it.
So while The Curse of the Bridal Chamber made me want to visit the Weeki Wachee Springs, it didn’t fill me with the desire to read the first book, or any subsequent entries to the series.
At first glance, you’d think this’d be a slam dunk of a mystery. It has mermaids, a wonderfully disgusting bulldog named Goose, a slightly dysfunctional family and a murder all in one place. But while the opening was engaging and the initial intrigue was promising, The Curse of the Bridal Chamber starts to lag heavily when the main actors split up. Whilst a lot of the main action follows the Deal sisters (perhaps because they are very inclined to aggressivity), we stay mostly with Jackson as he attempts to track down the sisters. So it’s frustrating when for long swatches all you get action-wise are second-hand descriptions of what seems to be more interesting things.
This delay in the action (and the fact that a lot of it is delivered second hand for a good chunk of the middle section) makes it very difficult to remain engaged throughout the story. I found myself barely hanging on only by my vindictive need to know the answer to things. In that way I suppose, the mystery aspect worked. But the mystery itself wasn’t as interesting as I would have liked. That can be pardoned of course – one of my favorite books of 2015 had rather weak mystery elements – but it had enough character and pacing to keep me invested. If a book has both – the more the better! But mediocre showings of both makes for a rough read.
On the character front, I personally found the constant gripes and aggressive complaints from the two sisters (and occasionally random other characters – when a bit of tension was needed) a bit exhausting after a while. The complaints were cute (or at least interesting) the first few times, but after a while it started to feel like you got stuck on the subway in between a couple in the middle of a heated break-up. You either want them to calm down and stop or you want to jump out onto the tracks and take your chances you can make it back to the station from there. Maybe that comes from a person whose family members are pretty confrontational – so that might be down to personal preference. But as someone whose general complaint when watching/reading things is “just talk with each other” the lack of constructive communication.
Now I didn’t go into this book knowing anything about this series (though based on the author bio at the end, I believe this is the second book in the “Imogen and the Boys” series), but I largely forgot that the sisters were distinct characters until the end reveal when Imogen suddenly takes charge – which as someone who for most of the book got used to the sisters being a whole package, it was a bit jarring. And speaking of jarring – the ending.
The ending, while long (and dearly) awaited, was deeply confusing. It had all the hallmarks of an Agatha Christie mystery in which none of the information that will be used to unmask the killer was revealed to the reader. It completely blind-sided me and rang hollow to my ears. I’d probably have a better time of it if the middle bit hadn’t been such a slog, but as it stands it isn’t an ending that makes the read worth it.
So while The Curse of the Bridal Chamber made me want to visit the Weeki Wachee Springs, it didn’t fill me with the desire to read the first book, or any subsequent entries to the series.
November 8, 2016
Recommended for readers of all genres!
I thoroughly enjoyed The Curse of the Bridal Chamber. It revolves around this mysterious Florida spring called “The Bridal Chamber.”
When Billy decides to take his partner, Jackson, his mother, and his aunt on a trip to see the mermaids at a convention, they are expecting adventure- and an adventure is precisely what they get! The convention pulls in mermaids from previous generations who starred in shows around the park. Although I did not read the first book in the series, the second book reads well as a stand-alone novel, and I could gather a gist of what I needed to know from this story.
When Billy is taken into police custody after a body surfaces in the water, Jackson, Imogene, and Agnes spend a plethora of time trying to find out who the real murderer is to gain Billy’s release. Finding out that the mermaid convention holds truths far greater than they can imagine, the three struggle to decipher who they can trust anyone. The threesome begins to see all the park employees’ secrets while trying to find clues that could lead to the truth.
It’s rare that I can say a novel like this captured and held my attention, but The Curse of the Bridal Chamber did exactly so. The world surrounding the mermaids is carefully crafted and the story takes complex turns. I spent time focusing on each character, claiming to myself that I knew the killer, only to discover that someone else seemed guiltier than another. This tale is like a classic case of “Clue,” which I am certain would keep readers interested. And did I mention mermaids? MERMAIDS! I was completely smitten from the beginning.
I would recommend this book to readers of mystery novels and humorous stories. I would easily recommend this book to readers of all ages, despite a bit of explicit language usage.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Curse of the Bridal Chamber. It revolves around this mysterious Florida spring called “The Bridal Chamber.”
When Billy decides to take his partner, Jackson, his mother, and his aunt on a trip to see the mermaids at a convention, they are expecting adventure- and an adventure is precisely what they get! The convention pulls in mermaids from previous generations who starred in shows around the park. Although I did not read the first book in the series, the second book reads well as a stand-alone novel, and I could gather a gist of what I needed to know from this story.
When Billy is taken into police custody after a body surfaces in the water, Jackson, Imogene, and Agnes spend a plethora of time trying to find out who the real murderer is to gain Billy’s release. Finding out that the mermaid convention holds truths far greater than they can imagine, the three struggle to decipher who they can trust anyone. The threesome begins to see all the park employees’ secrets while trying to find clues that could lead to the truth.
It’s rare that I can say a novel like this captured and held my attention, but The Curse of the Bridal Chamber did exactly so. The world surrounding the mermaids is carefully crafted and the story takes complex turns. I spent time focusing on each character, claiming to myself that I knew the killer, only to discover that someone else seemed guiltier than another. This tale is like a classic case of “Clue,” which I am certain would keep readers interested. And did I mention mermaids? MERMAIDS! I was completely smitten from the beginning.
I would recommend this book to readers of mystery novels and humorous stories. I would easily recommend this book to readers of all ages, despite a bit of explicit language usage.
November 8, 2016
I thoroughly enjoyed The Curse of the Bridal Chamber. It revolves around this mysterious Florida spring called “The Bridal Chamber.”
When Billy decides to take his partner, Jackson, his mother, and his aunt on a trip to see the mermaids at a convention, they are expecting adventure- and an adventure is precisely what they get! The convention pulls in mermaids from previous generations who starred in shows around the park. Although I did not read the first book in the series, the second book reads well as a stand-alone novel, and I could gather a gist of what I needed to know from this story.
When Billy is taken into police custody after a body surfaces in the water, Jackson, Imogene, and Agnes spend a plethora of time trying to find out who the real murderer is to gain Billy’s release. Finding out that the mermaid convention holds truths far greater than they can imagine, the three struggle to decipher who they can trust anyone. The threesome begins to see all the park employees’ secrets while trying to find clues that could lead to the truth.
It’s rare that I can say a novel like this captured and held my attention, but The Curse of the Bridal Chamber did exactly so. The world surrounding the mermaids is carefully crafted and the story takes complex turns. I spent time focusing on each character, claiming to myself that I knew the killer, only to discover that someone else seemed guiltier than another. This tale is like a classic case of “Clue,” which I am certain would keep readers interested. And did I mention mermaids? MERMAIDS! I was completely smitten from the beginning.
I would recommend this book to readers of mystery novels and humorous stories. I would easily recommend this book to readers of all ages, despite a bit of explicit language usage.
When Billy decides to take his partner, Jackson, his mother, and his aunt on a trip to see the mermaids at a convention, they are expecting adventure- and an adventure is precisely what they get! The convention pulls in mermaids from previous generations who starred in shows around the park. Although I did not read the first book in the series, the second book reads well as a stand-alone novel, and I could gather a gist of what I needed to know from this story.
When Billy is taken into police custody after a body surfaces in the water, Jackson, Imogene, and Agnes spend a plethora of time trying to find out who the real murderer is to gain Billy’s release. Finding out that the mermaid convention holds truths far greater than they can imagine, the three struggle to decipher who they can trust anyone. The threesome begins to see all the park employees’ secrets while trying to find clues that could lead to the truth.
It’s rare that I can say a novel like this captured and held my attention, but The Curse of the Bridal Chamber did exactly so. The world surrounding the mermaids is carefully crafted and the story takes complex turns. I spent time focusing on each character, claiming to myself that I knew the killer, only to discover that someone else seemed guiltier than another. This tale is like a classic case of “Clue,” which I am certain would keep readers interested. And did I mention mermaids? MERMAIDS! I was completely smitten from the beginning.
I would recommend this book to readers of mystery novels and humorous stories. I would easily recommend this book to readers of all ages, despite a bit of explicit language usage.
October 22, 2016
“Mama said there’d be sights and wonders…”
Clear Springs, where beauty and serenity surrounds. Mermaids and monkeys add to the enchantment of the magical park. However, the waters hide deep dark secrets that when a body rises from the deep everyone is a suspect. Which lands poor Billy McGregor, whose family was invited to the mermaid convention, in jail for a murder he couldn’t possibly have committed. The park people are determined to keep their secrets. But Billy’s partner Jackson along with the senior Deal Sisters; Imogene, Billy’s mother and her sister Aunt Agnes are on the case to free young Billy. Add Goose the bulldog and you have a group seeking the truth.
Decades filled with racism, adultery, love, romance, murders and more all tied to the curse of the Bridal Chamber, keeps readers captivated wondering who killed Grant Scroggins in 1972 and now John Kent? One can’t help but wonder are the two murders related or coincidence that both men died the same way…
Hunter writes a magical tale of intrigue and suspense. His descriptive detail is so rich and alive one can feel themselves hiding deep within the woods, standing on the promenade or riding in the glass bottomed boats. The escapades of the Deal sisters add a mix of hilarity to the mystery making this a fun, suspenseful time. A remarkable story that I didn’t want to end as I look forward to reading more from Hunter’s creative mind and the adventures of the Deal sisters, two boys and a bulldog. A delightfully entertaining and suspenseful must read.
“Mama said there’d be sights and wonders…”
Clear Springs, where beauty and serenity surrounds. Mermaids and monkeys add to the enchantment of the magical park. However, the waters hide deep dark secrets that when a body rises from the deep everyone is a suspect. Which lands poor Billy McGregor, whose family was invited to the mermaid convention, in jail for a murder he couldn’t possibly have committed. The park people are determined to keep their secrets. But Billy’s partner Jackson along with the senior Deal Sisters; Imogene, Billy’s mother and her sister Aunt Agnes are on the case to free young Billy. Add Goose the bulldog and you have a group seeking the truth.
Decades filled with racism, adultery, love, romance, murders and more all tied to the curse of the Bridal Chamber, keeps readers captivated wondering who killed Grant Scroggins in 1972 and now John Kent? One can’t help but wonder are the two murders related or coincidence that both men died the same way…
Hunter writes a magical tale of intrigue and suspense. His descriptive detail is so rich and alive one can feel themselves hiding deep within the woods, standing on the promenade or riding in the glass bottomed boats. The escapades of the Deal sisters add a mix of hilarity to the mystery making this a fun, suspenseful time. A remarkable story that I didn’t want to end as I look forward to reading more from Hunter’s creative mind and the adventures of the Deal sisters, two boys and a bulldog. A delightfully entertaining and suspenseful must read.
“Mama said there’d be sights and wonders…”
June 2, 2016
I liked the idea behind this book, but it just didn’t work for me, part of me is hoping that this is not the finished product, it is a very odd book, the first half of the story really jarred with me and seemed really disjointed, with the characters really over reacting at the situations they were in and it just didn’t flow, after the 50% point, it was like a different writer had taken over and the story flowed so much better and the characters settled down.
However, I really wanted to give the sisters Imogene and Agnes a good slap in the face, they were just so obnoxious, yet they are supposed to be the heroines of the pliece.
I did like the relationships between Billy and Jackson, and Peter Luce and Frances, especially the later 2 who were beautifully defined.
Another gripe I have is that the book is too long for the story, a lot of the same things are gone over, when it is not necessary and the story with the monkey seemed pointless and could e removed without detriment to the story.
It is a shame because this story has the potential to be a very funny and good read, but it’s just not for me in it’s present form.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review for an honest review
However, I really wanted to give the sisters Imogene and Agnes a good slap in the face, they were just so obnoxious, yet they are supposed to be the heroines of the pliece.
I did like the relationships between Billy and Jackson, and Peter Luce and Frances, especially the later 2 who were beautifully defined.
Another gripe I have is that the book is too long for the story, a lot of the same things are gone over, when it is not necessary and the story with the monkey seemed pointless and could e removed without detriment to the story.
It is a shame because this story has the potential to be a very funny and good read, but it’s just not for me in it’s present form.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review for an honest review
June 23, 2017
I received an advance ebook from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book seemed like it would be a lot of fun. Murder. At a mermaid convention. In the swamps of Florida. A pair of kooky old women as amateur detectives. This had all the makings of a great summer read, something along the lines of a Dave Barry or Carl Hiassen novel.
I tried. I really did, but I couldn't finish the book. The mermaid convention is just beginning, the old ladies are appropriately saucy, and the dead body shows up within a few chapters. But the way most of the characters interact is so overblown and far from believable, it was hard to read. It was a bit like watching one of those day time reality shows, a Jerry Springer or some such. Most of the characters behavior seems overblown and overly confrontational. And two of the leads, Imogene's son Billy and his partner, Jackson (who, I presume are not meant to be suspects in this case, as we follow them and the old women from the start of the book), make several choices after the discovery of the body so strange as to defy belief.
I hate not finishing a book, but sometimes it's for the best.
Check out more reviews by checking out my blog!
www.theirregularreaderblog.wordpress.com
This book seemed like it would be a lot of fun. Murder. At a mermaid convention. In the swamps of Florida. A pair of kooky old women as amateur detectives. This had all the makings of a great summer read, something along the lines of a Dave Barry or Carl Hiassen novel.
I tried. I really did, but I couldn't finish the book. The mermaid convention is just beginning, the old ladies are appropriately saucy, and the dead body shows up within a few chapters. But the way most of the characters interact is so overblown and far from believable, it was hard to read. It was a bit like watching one of those day time reality shows, a Jerry Springer or some such. Most of the characters behavior seems overblown and overly confrontational. And two of the leads, Imogene's son Billy and his partner, Jackson (who, I presume are not meant to be suspects in this case, as we follow them and the old women from the start of the book), make several choices after the discovery of the body so strange as to defy belief.
I hate not finishing a book, but sometimes it's for the best.
Check out more reviews by checking out my blog!
www.theirregularreaderblog.wordpress.com
September 12, 2016
Hunter Murphy selects settings that are unique and he makes them come alive. I have read travel logs that are less vivid and enticing. As in his debut, Imogene and the boys are hilarious and irresistible. What a fun romp! I can't wait for the next adventure!
October 18, 2016
The Curse of the Bridal Chamber by Hunter Murphy is the second wonderful installment to a great series. This latest cozy mystery takes readers to Florida. I love following Hunter Murphy's group of characters as they travel. No matter where they go there's bound to be an adventure. Wherever the main character, Imogene, goes, there's a dead body popping up somewhere. This time;however, Imogene's relative will end up arrested for the murder. It will take everything Imogene has as an amateur sleuth to solve the puzzling murder case.
Hunter Murphy has once again lured me inside of his world of fiction. Hilarious, exciting, and full of action. The mystery is intriguing and as the danger builds up, so does the suspense. A killer is close and with the sleuthing going on...the risks get higher. Imogene is a character to love. Her quirky ways and personality have a way of winning me over...she always keeps me guessing as to what will happen next. The Curse of the Bridal Chamber is full of those who hated the dead victim and a curse. Can Imogene and her partner solve the case before it's too late? Overall, I highly recommend this new read to readers everywhere. The cover is as colorful as the plot within...a brilliant cozy mystery that swept me off my feet and into the book.
Hunter Murphy has once again lured me inside of his world of fiction. Hilarious, exciting, and full of action. The mystery is intriguing and as the danger builds up, so does the suspense. A killer is close and with the sleuthing going on...the risks get higher. Imogene is a character to love. Her quirky ways and personality have a way of winning me over...she always keeps me guessing as to what will happen next. The Curse of the Bridal Chamber is full of those who hated the dead victim and a curse. Can Imogene and her partner solve the case before it's too late? Overall, I highly recommend this new read to readers everywhere. The cover is as colorful as the plot within...a brilliant cozy mystery that swept me off my feet and into the book.
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