Death on Nantucket

A Merry Folger Nantucket Mystery #5

by Francine Mathews

Spencer Murphy is a national treasure. A famous correspondent during the Vietnam War who escaped captivity in Southeast Asia, he made a fortune off of his books and television appearances. But Spence is growing forgetful with age; he’s started to wander and even fails to come home one night. When a body is discovered at Step Above, the sprawling Murphy house near Steps Beach, Nantucket police detective Meredith Folger is called in to investigate.

The timing couldn’t be worse: It’s the Fourth of July, Merry’s planning her wedding to cranberry farmer Peter Mason, and her new police chief is gunning for her job. Merry is inclined to call the death at Step Above a tragic accident . . . until another member of the Murphy clan comes to a brutal end. As Merry grapples with a family of unreliable storytellers—some incapable of recalling the past, and others determined that it never be known—she suspects that the truth may be forever out of reach, trapped in the failing brain of a man whose whole life may be a lie.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Detective, Procedural, Beach Reads, Crime, Mystery Thriller

289 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 6, 2017

About the author

Francine Mathews was born in Binghamton, NY in 1963, the last of six girls. Her father was a retired general in the Air Force, her mother a beautiful woman who loved to dance. The family spent their summers on Cape Cod, where two of the Barron girls now live with their families; Francine's passion for Nantucket and the New England shoreline dates from her earliest memories. She grew up in Washington, D.C., and attended Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School, a two hundred year-old Catholic school for girls that shares a wall with Georgetown University. Her father died of a heart attack during her freshman year.

In 1981, she started college at Princeton – one of the most formative experiences of her life. There she fenced for the club varsity team and learned to write news stories for The Daily Princetonian – a hobby that led to two part-time jobs as a journalist for The Miami Herald and The San Jose Mercury News. Francine majored in European History, studying Napoleonic France, and won an Arthur W. Mellon Foundation Fellowship in the Humanities in her senior year. But the course she remembers most vividly from her time at Princeton is "The Literature of Fact," taught by John McPhee, the Pulitzer Prize winning author and staff writer for The New Yorker. John influenced Francine's writing more than even she knows and certainly more than she is able to say.

Francine spent three years at Stanford pursuing a doctorate in history; she failed to write her dissertation (on the Brazilian Bar Association under authoritarianism; can you blame her?) and left with a Masters. She applied to the CIA, spent a year temping in Northern Virginia while the FBI asked inconvenient questions of everyone she had ever known, passed a polygraph test on her twenty-sixth birthday, and was immediately thrown into the Career Trainee program: Boot Camp for the Agency's Best and Brightest. Four years as an intelligence analyst at the CIA were profoundly fulfilling, the highlights being Francine's work on the Counter terrorism Center's investigation into the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103, over Lockerbie, Scotland, in 1988, and sleeping on a horsehair mattress in a Spectre-era casino in the middle of Bratislava.

Another peak moment was her chance to debrief ex-President George Bush in Houston in 1993. But what she remembers most about the place are the extraordinary intelligence and dedication of most of the staff – many of them women – many of whom cannot be named.

She wrote her first book in 1992 and left the Agency a year later. Fifteen books have followed, along with sundry children, dogs, and houses. When she's not writing, she likes to ski, garden, needlepoint, and buy art.

Reviews

[John · Rating 2 out of 5]

By far the strongest part of this book was the Nantucket setting. As someone who has spent a great deal of time there, the author captured that well... almost too well, in the sense that after a while it seemed to contain place (rather than the usual name) dropping. Very true about the Wharf Rats, with its probationary system for membership, where (sponsored) potential members can visit regularly to determine if they're a fit. Not just flags and pendants, my mom has a necklace with a rat pendant, while another member has a rat insignia tattoo. Basically, it's a social club where members drop by for coffee (sometimes also cake, donuts, etc.) during the morning; there are also a few other events during the May - October season as well. The deck on the waterfront makes for a beautiful hangout.

The story itself I found a contrived mess. Family in question a nasty bunch indeed. Moreover, to me this one seemed a clear attempt at snagging the Elin Hilderbrand, Nancy Thayer, etc. readership. A shell (framework) of a murder mystery with a heavy overlay of "beach read" to it primarily. Mention of Merry's fiance's Greenwich/Upper East Side $$$$ background added to the effect.

I really liked the previous books from decades ago, and the next one seems promising, but this one? Ugh!

[Darcia Helle · Rating 3 out of 5]

The title immediately drew me to this book. I'm from Massachusetts, and spent time on Nantucket Island when I was a child. I no longer live in the state, so the nostalgia of "home" was a nice perk with this story. The author does a great job of placing us on that island. I was never part of the wealthy culture that has taken over, but I felt it come alive on the pages.

The first half of the story reads like a family drama wrapped around a mysterious death. Merry's character and her investigation are secondary to the family members' theatrics. The mystery intensifies and Merry's investigation picks up speed throughout the second half of the book. Here we get to play detective along with Merry as she uncovers the secrets and lies.

I didn't feel I got to know Merry's character beyond the basics of her personality. There is little character development with her, and not much beyond what we need to know with the others. The character I liked best was Andre. Despite his part being relatively small, I had a better sense of who he was at his core. The others all felt superficial to me.

I haven't read any of the previous books in this series. I assume Merry's character is fleshed out better in the first book or two. If you're looking for a connection with her, you might want to start at the beginning with this series.

*I received an advance copy from the publisher, via Amazon Vine, in exchange for my honest review.*

[Cathy Cole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Francine Mathews has been one busy writer. When approached by her publisher to write another of her Merry Folger mysteries-- a series she wrote in the mid- to late 1990s-- she agreed on one condition: that she rewrite the first four books to bring them up to date. Having read and enjoyed the books in their first incarnation, I have to admit that I am interested in the updated versions.

Death on Nantucket continues the things I liked so much about the other books in the series. Mathews (who writes the Jane Austen mysteries under the name Stephanie Barron) brings the landscape of Nantucket to life in all its sights, sounds, and smells. She also brings in many fascinating facts about the island, some of them historical and some of them about everyday things like trash and landfills. Merry Folger is a strong, intelligent main character whom I quickly grew to like.

Woven into the investigation are scenes from Merry's personal life. That ex-Chicago cop who's now police chief on Nantucket is so obnoxious that I just had to roll my eyes and fume, and Mathews includes some mouth-watering scenes that will have dedicated foodies blissed out. Even though the members of the Murphy family didn't seem to be able to tell the truth, I had little trouble in deducing what was going on. But it certainly was great to visit Nantucket, and I'd go see Merry Folger again anytime!

[Linda (NOT RECEIVING NOTIFICATIONS) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am back on Nantucket with Detective Merry Folger when she meets the epitome of a dysfunctional family. At the same time, she is acclimating herself with the new chief of police. He is a strict, by the book, boss.

Merry must follow orders, solve what may be a suicide (or is it murder?) and plan for her wedding. Of course, I want more of Peter, on the pages.

Once again, the suspense won me over. It is a long 4th of July holiday. Tourists alone would have kept Merry busy. When three generations in one family, including someone’s boyfriend, congregate in one house, secrets surface. All of them have reasons for unhappiness.

All in all, this is a good police procedural. I have never visited this area of the US and I enjoyed the setting. I will continue with the Merry Folger mystery series. BTW, I read the 2017 publication.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death On Nantucket
By
Francine Matthews



What it's all about...

OMG...did I ever love this book! It's set on Nantucket which could not be more perfect. And...it's set on Nantucket over the 4th of July...fireworks, parades, picnics...so it could not be more festive. Add to all of that that it was a murder mystery, too! Wonderful! Merry is the detective who has to find out who murdered a famous elderly but declining resident of a lovely old island house. The victim's family gathers there making this death even more complex.

Why I wanted to read it...

I love books that take place on Nantucket...they just simply take my breath away. I loved Merry and her fiancé, I loved the Nantucket families...well...most of them. I loved the beaches and the foods! I need to get to Nantucket!

What made me truly enjoy this book...

I realized that Merry is the main character in at least 4 other cozy Nantucket mysteries. I think these can be read out of order and still be delightful!

Why you should read it, too...

Readers who love unique mysteries will thoroughly enjoy the characters as well as the situations in this book.

[Summer · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5
A great breezy mystery

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars. Quick easy read. This may just be the Nantucket version of Philip Craig's murder mysteries set on Martha's Vineyard

[Barbara Switzer · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book has great descriptions of Nantucket and the island life. The plot is good, twisted. The characters are a bit thinly drawn. All in all it was a quick & enjoyable read (for me it was Nantucket that drew me).

[Liz · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very fast read. Extremely abrupt ending, especially for the series ender.

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another satisfying read in this series. I am enjoying these characters and well developed plots. The setting, Nantucket, can't be beat!

[Colleen Sharry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised by how gripping and interesting this was. A good beach read!

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this mystery! It is set over 4th of July weekend festivities on Nantucket. Having spent ALL my Independence Days as a child (and even some as an adult) on Cape Cod, the descriptions in this book -- both negative and positive -- are extremely accurate.

Detective Merry Folger had hoped to simply enjoy the best parts of 4th of July: great food, sunshine, a parade, and if course, fireworks over Nantucket Sound. Instead, she gets caught up with a dead body on the premises of a family owned by a famous journalist now suffering from dementia. Then she discovers the dead woman is his long-lost adopted daughter from Laos whom his older son's didn't like, but were not on the Island when she died/was killed.

To make things even more difficult, there's a new Chief in town; literally. Merry's father has retired from his duties as Chief of Police, and now Merry's boss is a "take-no-prisoners," scowling, unfriendly guy who doesn't know the Island, doesn't know the Cape or even New England. He came up through the ranks in Chicago, and doesn't seem to have much use for Nantucket's ways.

A well-written story without a lot of extraneous characters or details. Much easier to follow and yet still keeps the Reader guessing until the very last pages. Exactly what one wants in a mystery!

Some foul language

HIGHLY RECOMMEND

[Mel]

Complex story, kept me guessing, some local color of Nantucket. But something about it, I guess the writing, just doesn’t make me inclined to read another one in the series though.

[Mimi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve found during this time of social distancing that I’ve had a hard time concentrating, so my book choices have been light reads. Death on Nantucket was an entertaining mystery with a few twists that kept you guessing. This is my first time reading anything by Francine Mathews who also writes under the name of Stephanie Barron. This is the fifth in a series, but it certainly didn’t make a difference that I hadn’t read the previous ones. A nice escape for right now!

[Jeneba Charkey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so glad I persevered through the first chapters of this book which were overly concerned with trivia about the daily lives of the main characters. I probably would have felt differently if I had read the books in this series in order and had had time to develop some curiosity about the personalities.

Once the actual plot got under way, my feelings changed. I was swept up by the well-chosen details about island life and how its pressures and pleasures contributed to the events that occurred. The writing is spare but beautifully paced and never gets in the way of the story.

The reason I am giving the book five stars is that the ending is almost impossible to guess - but in no way does it appear contrived or forced. That is very unusual in many of the novels I have recently read, mystery and other.

Yay!

I am now going to start over with the first book in the series.

[E · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ages ago, I enjoyed reading the first four books in this series (published in the 1990s) and was disappointed when Mathews quit producing them. (I find the more popular books written under her Stephanie Baron pseudonym not nearly as interesting, especially the Jane Austen ones.) This book announces a wonderful return to the Detective Merry Folger series, which has not only compelling characters and plot, but also beautiful descriptions of Nantucket’s traditions, beaches, people, culture, history, and scenery. I loved escaping vicariously from landlocked Colorado’s arid summer heat to Nantucket’s ocean breezes, rain, and sandy beaches so much that I may just go back and read the other four again. I hope this book signals the start of a new batch of crimes for Folger to solve.

[False · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am not a fan of mysteries where everything is crammed in at the last minute in the grand summation of "who dunnit" and "what it all means." Especially when the author has characters "thinking logically" or in her writing seems to urge you, the viewer, to think logically. For starters, when a major player in this mystery has Alzheimers (or does he?) all bets are off as far as logic goes.

To add insult to injury, one of the major plot threads is never resolved, just hand-waved away, and that seems to be a theme in most of these books series. In the last few pages, crime solved, all neat and tidy with a bow. For once, it would be nice for a mystery writer to jam the protagonists back into their daily drudgeries and routines. There was also a lot of bar-restaurant-shop namedropping in this book, but nothing on the scale of say, Elin Hilderbrand.

A black and white cut and dried policeman from Chicago has been introduced into the mix, now acting chief of the police department on Nantucket, and he's constantly butting heads with our gal, Merry Folger. How long will that last? Already characters have said to her, "It should have been you." And somehow I'm sure down the road, it will be. Though, logically (that pesky word again) she wouldn't be able to go out and solve crimes as she does now. It would be the politics of town viz crime viz policing with a hefty dose of computer-paperwork.

I found myself more curious about property values and staging a wedding rather than who was killing off family members. Money does funny things to people. It can destroy lives and families. Anything taken as a given, really.

This series is better than that, and the author is better than that. Both are done a major disservice by the cheap, poorly-written end of this book.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Francine Mathews’s Merry Folger books have my vote for one of the best summertime reads ever! And, because I am a latecomer to the series, I didn’t have to wait twenty years for this installment; I’m even tempted to pick up the latest book, which is (so far as I know) still in hardcover.

Remarkably—and unplanned—I read Death on Nantucket right around Independence Day, which is when the story takes place; that was surprise number one. Surprise number two was just how well the series picks up from the last installment, which was written so long ago. As with the rest of the books, this one is atmospheric—lots of local color—and well plotted and contains good character sketches and development.

One of the things I enjoy most about this series—aside from its location—is the attention paid to Nantucket’s role as a summer resort; anyone who’s ever lived in a summer resort will chuckle with recognition over moments that other readers may gloss over. This installment continues the good—and not-so-good—humor about tourists, their necessary evil—helping the local economy—and the relief that a year-rounder feels when they go home.

The only real quibble that I have is that we don’t see nearly enough of Peter Mason or Ralph Waldo Folger, who are two of my favorite characters in the series. And while I didn’t notice any real continuity problems, I was struck—towards the end of the book when a character pulls out her reading glasses—that Merry either no longer needs hers, or Mathews doesn’t include that particular any longer, or I just didn’t notice any mention of it. An odd detail to notice, for sure.

But, what a pleasure it was to spend time on Nantucket—even if it was only as an armchair traveller!

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, my confession: I am binging on this series, having discovered the most recent novel just a few weeks ago. Further, someone else has, too, because the books are disappearing from my public library's shelf, forcing me to read them out of order. This is the fifth book, published in 2017. The author always inserts details of the special Nantucket celebrations that delight those who have lived their lives there as well as the rich and famous "off-islanders" who spend the summer months. This story evolves over the Fourth of July celebration, steeped in island tradition, challenged by the influx of tourists.

While Detective Merry Folger plans her upcoming wedding to Peter Mason, she is also responding to the leadership style of the newly appointed police chief. There's something not quite right here, and the reader only gets hints. The secrets and dysfunction of the family of elderly Spencer Murphy, an internationally acclaimed journalist, an American hero, are the bigger mysteries of the novel. Dementia, divorce, racism, and homophobia are among the story threads skillfully embedded in the plot and characters and a stately home in great need of repair, much like the family.

A big part of the back story involves the years following the Viet Nam War in Laos, a part of our history that is always difficult to revisit. Another piece involves stories told about human rights and justice, and the failed (thankfully, I believe) internationally-funded Nantucket Wind Farm project. The author juggles all these pieces skillfully, tying them together in a successful murder investigation that also reflects the damage done to children in a bad marriage, the depth and breadth of anger, hurt and resentment, the stuff of a Greek tragedy.

[Anne, Unfinished Woman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have not read the previous installments of this series by Mathews, and will need to go back to catch up on a very compelling group of characters. This newest is a saga of a significantly dysfunctional family, long time, wealthy residents of Nantucket. Coming together over the investigation of the accident/suicide/murder of the adopted, part Hmong, daughter of patriarch Spencer Murphy, Nora, the deep seated rancor between brothers, and significant others is painful. Spencer a former war correspondent has built his reputation on books written about his time during the Vietnam War, during which he survived the unrest in Laos, and the plot harkens back to that time describing the chaos and politics of the region. But for one family member, Nora was universally disliked and her appearance now does not bode well for the future. As secrets are revealed, and as Spencer faces the encroachment of dementia, Merry Folger, the series protagonist, must solve a number of subsequent deaths while preparing for her wedding and dealing with a particularly nasty new police chief. To further complicate the story it is the Fourth of July and on Nantucket that means not just normal tourists, but the out-of-control youth that come for an alcoholic riot. But Merry and the Island's revelry will take a back seat to the inner workings of this sad group of players. Relationships disintegrate as suspicions mount, much as the beautiful old house is falling down around the family. Red herrings abound and I was taken aback at the ending. Mathews has created a well written and provocative study of what lies, misperceptions and intolerance can do. Damn good read.

[Ed · Rating 4 out of 5]

#5 in the Merry Folger series. This series entry follow a 19 year hiatus after #4 Death in a Cold Hard Light (1998). In 1916, the original entries in the series were updated in preparation of the series continuation. I read the first two revised entries and then the original versions of the next two. Since the novels are not too time specific, I didn't notice much difference except for Merry's brother being killed in the Gulf War rather than in Viet Nam. The novels are very readable and the Nantucket Island culture adds to the enjoyment. I look forward to further series entries.

Nantucket police detective Meredith "Merry" Folger is trying to finalize the details of her wedding as the Fourth of July approaches. When a body is found on the widow's walk of the house belonging to famed retired foreign correspondent Spencer Murphy, the hordes of summer tourists make investigating the death even more difficult for Merry. The victim, discovered weeks after her death, is identified as Nora, Spencer's estranged daughter. Was Nora's death an accident or murder? The dysfunctional Murphy clan and their long-held grudges against each other present Merry with multiple suspects, each with a motive. Complicating the investigation is Spencer's dementia. A second murder leads Merry's investigation into Spenser's background as a journalist. Has the past finally caught up with the globe-trotting journalist?

[Avid Series Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Death on Nantucket by Francine Mathews is the 5th book of the Merry Folger mystery series set on contemporary Nantucket Island. The July 4th weekend is coming up, and the Nantucket police have summoned reinforcements from the mainland for the expected onslaught of young tourists on the beaches who will break laws and need medical care after their holiday excesses. Between police duties, Merry finalizes details for her upcoming September wedding to Peter. Merry's police duties have become onerous due to a new chief, extremely overqualified and dictatorial.

Already busy, Merry must now focus on deaths occurring in a wealthy family. Spencer Murphy is a world famous war correspondent. His home Step Above is perched on a cliff overlooking Steps Beach. Adopted daughter Nora visits but then promptly disappears....until Spencer's son Elliot and his lover arrive. Spencer appears to be lost to dementia - or is he? The rest of his family arrive, invited or not, and tension mounts. Each family member holds grudges, each expect to gain in different ways from their anticipated inheritance. Plenty of motives and plot twists keep the reader guessing; the breakthrough comes when the patriarch's will reveals details completely unexpected by his sons.

The setting on Nantucket Island enhances the story, not just with local culture, but with stormy weather, and fog in July! Recommend reading this series from the beginning, to understand the background on Merry, her family and friends.

[Amy Paget · Rating 3 out of 5]

Do you ever read an author's blurb...and feel like you have done NOTHING in your life? Here's Ms. Mathews bio...."born the last of 6 girls, attended Princeton and Stanford, going to work for the CIA, leaving the agency...and then writing 27 books"....! SIGH.

Despite my biographical jealousy, I thoroughly enjoyed this family murder mystery novel. I liked the Nantucket ambience which imbued the work, and the many twists that left me continually guessing as to who the perpetrator(s) was. The plot centers around the family relationships and the veracity of an award-winning Viet Nam war correspondent. A subplot also features how a new police chief is relating to his officers.

Because Death on Nantucket is #5 in the series, I felt that I got to know the family characters better than Merry Folger, the lead sleuth. I will certainly try another in this series. Matthews also writes the very popular Begin a Jane Austen mystery series under the pen name of Stephanie Barron. That series will NOT be on my reading list.

[Kathleen Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is. great summer read - and a good companion to all the other novels set on Nantucket. I like Merry because she's. no-nonense police officer who is well grounded but also has a good sense of humor. In this installment, she's dealing with both long held family secrets and lies in order to solve a murder as well as a lot of turmoil, both good and bad, in her personal life. The romantic aspects of her relationship with Peter never overwhelm the story but are instead just another component of making her a realistic character, Unlike some Nantucket books this one cuts across the social lines and gives you a good sense of what it's like for everyone on the island. I very much enjoyed visiting with her again (it's been too long) and look forward to the next book BUT you could easily and happily read this as a standalone. Thanks to Edelweiss for the DRC.

[Ladie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another thoroughly enjoyable Nantucket murder mystery by Francine Mathews. If anything this one was more complex than the others, but there was less of the romantic byplay between the female protagonist, Detective Merry Folger, and Peter Mason. I also missed the detective's interactions with her grandfather and father, both former police chiefs on the Nantucket force. However the author wove the treacheries of the Southeast Asian conflict in Laos and Vietnam into the heart of her plot, and that more than made up for the lack of these familiar aspects of former Merry Folger Nantucket mysteries. I'm always left wondering how much Francine Mathews brings her former experience with the CIA into her fiction.

[Cozy Reader Lady · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Death on Nantucket (A Merry Folger Nantucket Mystery)" is book 5 in the series by Francine Matthews. It read very well standalone. Having not read any of the previous books I didn't feel like I was missing anything. However, maybe I would have connected better with the book if I had read the previous books. Also, this is more of a cozy police procedural mystery then a true cozy mystery as the investigation is done by an actual police detective rather than a meddling amateur/civilian. I call it cozy because that's what it is, no danger and no dramatic romance. It was a good mystery that kept me guessing and well thought out. I didn't have the murder in my top picks at all. A little 4th of July related.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really delivered with a great, summer murder mystery. I didn't realize this was the fifth in a series, and that after a hiatus of almost twenty years, the author has returned to Nantucket and police detective Merry Folger. It didn't matter in the least that I haven't read the other books. Summertime on Nantucket, for both islanders and summer people are described with vivid detail. The family dynamics of the Murphys, from estranged brothers, the ex-wife, and an aging parent, combine into a fascinating story. The past somewhat dictates how things are playing out in the present and I was really engrossed though out the whole mystery.

[Ann · Rating 2 out of 5]

Merry Folger, detective on Nantucket's tiny police force, investigates the murder of Nora Murphy, adopted daughter of Spence Murphy. Soon a whole horde of family members descend on the Murphy home, including the dead woman's brothers and their family. It seems that Nora had discovered that the book that had made Spence Murphy's reputation was a fraud - would this be a motive for murder?

This book was long on descriptions of the beauty of Nantucket, food, and clothes. As a detective novel it definitely did not fall into the "puzzle it out for yourself category". So although this is technically a police procedural, I would classify it as "cozy", and as such, not really for me.

[Molly · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 The body of a family member turning up on the July 4th weekend, a month after its demise, sends Merry into a full-on investigation and the disharmonious Murphy family into a tailspin, especially Spence Murphy, a famous Vietnam War correspondent who is showing signs of dementia. Meanwhile, Merry is getting ready for her Sept. wedding to Peter and dealing with her no-nonsense new boss from Chicago. This book was written 20 years after the previous one in the series but takes place just after that one ends and fits seamlessly with the previous books. I'm glad to see there's another one coming out in May of 2021.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

3-1/2 stars. I read the earlier Merry Folger mysteries when they first came out and was sorry that there had been no more so I was looking forward to this. Love the Nantucket setting, remembered enough about the characters to know the back stories (though that's not a necessity), and there were enough twists to keep it interesting. At times, though, it was a tad too lecture-y on whatever subject the author thought the readers should learn about, from tides to wind farms, etc. Still, an entertaining read and I hope there will be more to the series.