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Gertrude, Gumshoe #3
Gertrude, Gumshoe and the VardSale Villain
A young woman is missing, and her boyfriend is desperate to find her.Desperate enough to hire Gertrude, Gumshoe.Thrilled to have her first real client, Gertrude gets right to work. But is she ready for a real case? Can she catch a kidnapper without getting snatched up herself?
137 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 19, 2017
37 people are currently reading
59 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
November 19, 2021
Always a ton of laughs 😂. Love Gertrude!
December 11, 2017
Again we see a tie-in from a former character in Gertrude, Gumshoe and the VardSale Villain. In the first story, we met Andy a janitor who works at Private Eyes (a dance club) His girlfriend is missing and Gertrude has her first paying customer. Thanks to a calendar she learns Samantha Cooper was met by a seller from a wildly popular site called Vardsale. She enlists the help of Calvin (Old Man Crow) since she needs A. his computer and B. a ride. Gertrude's investigations have her meeting sellers, gathers clues and getting herself in trouble. Hilarious, and daring Merrill delivered another interesting case. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
March 20, 2023
The book has 167 pages but Goodreads has it as 21. I'm reading the whole series of these books. So far all if them are fun and I'd say whimsical because Gertrude is a fun silly old lady who likes to play detective.
February 13, 2024
2.5 stars
Really simple story about an elderly private investigator who happens to solve her first case involving missing women. This book could’ve been so much better. But then again, I picked it to read because it was short.
Really simple story about an elderly private investigator who happens to solve her first case involving missing women. This book could’ve been so much better. But then again, I picked it to read because it was short.
April 8, 2020
I enjoyed this book but it was very different to the previous books. In this book Gertrude just asks a lot of questions before getting herself in a pickle. What is different about that you ask? ....well that would be giving away plot spoilers. Let's just say all Gertrude's cats get feed my Calvin. Still a very funny book with Gertrude's blunt questioning technique. It is a stand alone book so you don't need to have listened to the other books but if you are a first time listener to the Gertrude series I don't think you should start with this one because this book did seem shorter than the others and you might not get the full Gertrude effect. Also In this book I got confused with how old Gertrude is meant to be because she uses a walker, doesn't know how to use the internet but was referred to as a spring chicken and is rolling around on the ground with a kidnapper. Other than that I enjoyed it and off to start the next book.
Gertrude has got her first paying case. A missing women. The only clue is a name and an appointment time. Her boyfriend has no clue what it means but with Calvin's reluctant help they work out the missing woman was addicted to shopping and sell on the internet, at YardSale. Soon Gertrude is hot on the trail of a kidnapper but she gets more than she is bargaining for.
I like the narrator and she does make Gertrude sound elderly.
Gertrude has got her first paying case. A missing women. The only clue is a name and an appointment time. Her boyfriend has no clue what it means but with Calvin's reluctant help they work out the missing woman was addicted to shopping and sell on the internet, at YardSale. Soon Gertrude is hot on the trail of a kidnapper but she gets more than she is bargaining for.
I like the narrator and she does make Gertrude sound elderly.
May 28, 2025
Gertrude, Gumshoe is back for another mystery to solve. This is book #3 in the series and Gertrude suddenly finds herself in demand as a private investigator. She’s not surprised because she knows how good she is. The police, on the other hand, are not so thrilled.
When a young man asks for her help finding his missing girlfriend, Gertrude is quick to come to his assistance. The police have already turned him away believing the girlfriend just left him, but Gertrude is suspicious. As she does her own investigating, she finds there are other women missing as well. She’s determined to find out what is happening and where these women are now.
Gertrude can be ornery, but I think she’s so much fun. An investigator needing a walker and depending on others to drive her places? Gertrude often finds herself in crazy situations.
These are short books and fill an afternoon quite nicely. The cases are intriguing despite the short length of the book. Gertrude always proves to be a better detective than I am. I’m looking forward to reading more in this series.
When a young man asks for her help finding his missing girlfriend, Gertrude is quick to come to his assistance. The police have already turned him away believing the girlfriend just left him, but Gertrude is suspicious. As she does her own investigating, she finds there are other women missing as well. She’s determined to find out what is happening and where these women are now.
Gertrude can be ornery, but I think she’s so much fun. An investigator needing a walker and depending on others to drive her places? Gertrude often finds herself in crazy situations.
These are short books and fill an afternoon quite nicely. The cases are intriguing despite the short length of the book. Gertrude always proves to be a better detective than I am. I’m looking forward to reading more in this series.
December 19, 2019
I received this book for free. I am voluntarily posting this review and all opinions expressed herein are my own.
Another fun and entertaining adventure with Gertrude and Old Man Crow [Calvin]. Even though Gertrude is gruff around the edges and absolutely blunt - the manner in which she investigates cases, learns about new technology, interacts with possible suspects, and ultimately saves the day brings a smile to my face. Gertrude is a unique character for cozy mysteries. I loved how she was thinking about her cats being left alone after being kidnapped. I absolutely adore Calvin and Gertrude's interactions. And the fact that she gets angry when people believe or act as if she is elderly tells a lot about her feisty character. This is such an enjoyable series - highly recommend!
The narrator, Darlene Allen, who narrates all the Gertrude Gumshoe books, is pitch perfect and does a great job with Gertrude's zingers.
Another fun and entertaining adventure with Gertrude and Old Man Crow [Calvin]. Even though Gertrude is gruff around the edges and absolutely blunt - the manner in which she investigates cases, learns about new technology, interacts with possible suspects, and ultimately saves the day brings a smile to my face. Gertrude is a unique character for cozy mysteries. I loved how she was thinking about her cats being left alone after being kidnapped. I absolutely adore Calvin and Gertrude's interactions. And the fact that she gets angry when people believe or act as if she is elderly tells a lot about her feisty character. This is such an enjoyable series - highly recommend!
The narrator, Darlene Allen, who narrates all the Gertrude Gumshoe books, is pitch perfect and does a great job with Gertrude's zingers.
September 13, 2022
When Gertrude answered the knock on her door, she found her first real client. Andy’s girlfriend had gone missing. He’d reported it to the police, but they didn’t take it seriously. Gertrude did and was excited about having her first paying client!
Gertrude isn’t a spring chicken and may walk with a walker, but she is one determined lady when it comes to investigating. With the assistance of her neighbour, Calvin, she is hot on the trail of the missing girl.
Her sleuthing leads her to a sort of commune out in the middle of nowhere. She finds not only the girl, she’s hired to find, but a small number of other “missing persons,” being held by one woman. How is Gertrude going to get the ladies out safely?
This is a light hearted read I read in one sitting.
Gertrude isn’t a spring chicken and may walk with a walker, but she is one determined lady when it comes to investigating. With the assistance of her neighbour, Calvin, she is hot on the trail of the missing girl.
Her sleuthing leads her to a sort of commune out in the middle of nowhere. She finds not only the girl, she’s hired to find, but a small number of other “missing persons,” being held by one woman. How is Gertrude going to get the ladies out safely?
This is a light hearted read I read in one sitting.
August 18, 2017
Getrude is a hoot! Instead of going quietly into old age, she has decided to re-invent herself as an old-fashioned gumshoe. Hauling around a walker and relying on the free elderly bus doesn't slow her down any. She also makes her neighbor, Calvin, help from time to time. He doesn't want to admit it, but he seems to enjoy their little forays..some...maybe...possibly. Robin does a wonderful job of taking the fads of the day and weaving them into fun, cozy mysteries. This was my favorite Gertrude story so far!
August 8, 2020
I'm finding it very entertaining that an older woman who needs a walker is the PI in these stories. It leads to a lot of very strange situations. She sounds to be a bit of a hoarder, does not have a drivers' license, or computer and in the first book did not have a cell phone and had not heard of texting. Due to this she is constantly bothering her neighbor to give her rides, let her use his computer and air conditioning and always having him pay for things.
These are definitely light fun romps of a read. Beach reads for the non-romance type person. I highly recommend them..
These are definitely light fun romps of a read. Beach reads for the non-romance type person. I highly recommend them..
February 11, 2021
The 3rd book in this cozy mystery series with lots of humour and one liners.
Gertrude is a lady of a certain age who takes an interest in 'helping' the police when crimes happen, whether they want her help or not.
This time, someone actually asks her to help, hello to find his girlfriend who has gone missing. Gertrude finds herself embroiled in the online world of yard sales, but this time has she put herself in real danger?
The storyline is a little farfetched in places, but if you like cozy mystery with quirky humour and even quirkier characters, then this is for you!
Gertrude is a lady of a certain age who takes an interest in 'helping' the police when crimes happen, whether they want her help or not.
This time, someone actually asks her to help, hello to find his girlfriend who has gone missing. Gertrude finds herself embroiled in the online world of yard sales, but this time has she put herself in real danger?
The storyline is a little farfetched in places, but if you like cozy mystery with quirky humour and even quirkier characters, then this is for you!
February 13, 2019
Gertrude gets her first real gumshoe case, a missing persons case, when a young woman goes missing after having met up with someone through an online resale site.
The usual cast of misfits and the usual shenanigans ensue.
It's hard not to love the irrepressible Gertrude and her bumbling but surprisingly effective investigative techniques.
A thoroughly entertaining adventure with a heroine you can't help having a soft spot for.
The usual cast of misfits and the usual shenanigans ensue.
It's hard not to love the irrepressible Gertrude and her bumbling but surprisingly effective investigative techniques.
A thoroughly entertaining adventure with a heroine you can't help having a soft spot for.
September 3, 2023
I love this series! I can’t get enough! Gertrude is a true crazy cat lady! She is my new favorite character! She is hilarious with lots of one liners and corny jokes. She is actually smarter than people give her credit for, especially in this mystery. She catches onto clues and has her “sidekick” Calvin to help her. I’m enjoying how their awkward relationship is evolving through these stories. Time to read another book!
June 12, 2018
Her first or last case
Another great read! Can she solve her first paying case? Gertrude has landed her first paying case but will it be her last? Our spunky, kooky senior gets herself into more trouble. Loved it! If you love your cozy mystery to have quirky characters and a great plot then this is definitely for you. Great read! More please.
Another great read! Can she solve her first paying case? Gertrude has landed her first paying case but will it be her last? Our spunky, kooky senior gets herself into more trouble. Loved it! If you love your cozy mystery to have quirky characters and a great plot then this is definitely for you. Great read! More please.
March 21, 2019
Gertrude, Gumshoe: And the Vardsale Villain was an other great read by Robin Merrill. Gertrude is at it again when Samantha's boyfriend hires her to find his missing girlfriend. He becomes her first read client and she can't wait to find out just where his missing girlfriend is. I can't wait to read more of Gertrude's crazy antics.
May 24, 2019
Gertrude Gumshoe: Murder and the Vardsale Villain was my sixth read from author Robin Merrill. Very different than the Piercehaven books I'd previously read by her, this mystery was entertaining & enjoyable (think Murder She Wrote with an average female lead). (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
March 11, 2020
Multiple women who shopped on an internet yard sale site are disappearing. The virtual site called 'Vardsale " is the hunting ground for a kidnapper. Gertrude stumbles into the case and becomes a hero. Each Gumshoe case is funnier than the last. If you need a smile, introduce yourself to Gertrude. I was gifted this from the author.
November 1, 2021
Robin Merrill has a way of making you love Gertrude and all her antics. I'm pretty sure that Gertrude is a member of my family. She's funny and quirky and determined to solve crimes. And she finally gets her first paying client!
I listened to this on Audible and the narration by Darlene Allen was spot on!
I listened to this on Audible and the narration by Darlene Allen was spot on!
June 12, 2017
Gertrude Is A Howl
I have read the other Gertrude books so I knew the characters. Gertrude still gets into trouble, but this time the author had her do things that her character probably wouldn't do. That is the reason I only gave the story 4 stars.
I have read the other Gertrude books so I knew the characters. Gertrude still gets into trouble, but this time the author had her do things that her character probably wouldn't do. That is the reason I only gave the story 4 stars.
August 27, 2021
Quirky, fast fun read. I wish the author would flesh these out a little more, add some depth to Gertrude and Old Man Crow because they are such unique characters and I feel this skims the surface for how they are. But, these are a joy to read if your want a quick diversion.
November 30, 2018
Gertrude is back and manages to get herself caught up in another mystery. This time she may be in over her head though... who knew virtual yard sales could be so dangerous.
October 16, 2019
Very entertaining, love it!
August 15, 2020
The more that I read the more that I love Gertrude and Old Man Crow. I felt for Sue and wondered what Dave's story was. Great reads.
April 23, 2022
I enjoyed listening to this book. I enjoyed listening to Gertrude's antics and found myself laughing throughout. I think you will also enjoy this book.
May 24, 2022
This is a fun series. Crazy adventures of Gertrude and her antics. It always a quick listen with fun involved as she somehow ends up solving the crime.
October 16, 2023
3.5 rounded up ⭐️ another cozy vacation quick read. Gertrude is such a giggle!!
February 25, 2017
I wrote this review once and I'm not sure what happened to it… This was by far my favorite Gertrude story. I have read every one of Robin's books and thoroughly enjoyed getting to know quirky Gert from Maine. Her adventures or misadventures keep you laughing and guessing till the very end. Robin has a way of drawing you in and making you love Gertrude and her compadres. Keep 'em coming Robin I'll read every last one.
January 3, 2020
Gertrude, Gumshoe And the VardSale Villain — Robin Merrill (20 chapters) July 3-4, 2018
Briefly: Gertrude is visited by a character from a previous story. His girlfriend is missing and asks Gertrude to help. Other women wind up missing too. A virtual yard sale seems to be the link. Gertrude sets out to solve the case, but ends up being in a sticky situation and contemplates ending her gumshoe business.
Andy’s girlfriend, Samantha, is missing; he has no money so he goes to Gertrude to help him out. Gertrude is intrigued and starts piecing the clues together. Unfortunately no one believes Andy except for his girlfriend’s roommate. When Gertrude shows up with Andy to look for clues at the apartment, Akayla, Samatha’s roommate is finally convinced to call the police.
Gertrude pieces more clues together and ends up in the same place as Samantha. There they work out a plan to bring the villain in.
Great series, acceptable for all reading ages.
Four stars.
Briefly: Gertrude is visited by a character from a previous story. His girlfriend is missing and asks Gertrude to help. Other women wind up missing too. A virtual yard sale seems to be the link. Gertrude sets out to solve the case, but ends up being in a sticky situation and contemplates ending her gumshoe business.
Andy’s girlfriend, Samantha, is missing; he has no money so he goes to Gertrude to help him out. Gertrude is intrigued and starts piecing the clues together. Unfortunately no one believes Andy except for his girlfriend’s roommate. When Gertrude shows up with Andy to look for clues at the apartment, Akayla, Samatha’s roommate is finally convinced to call the police.
Gertrude pieces more clues together and ends up in the same place as Samantha. There they work out a plan to bring the villain in.
Great series, acceptable for all reading ages.
Four stars.
May 21, 2020
Shopping on the internet is proving fatal as woman go missing. Gertrude saves the day by solving. Good series and narrator. Given audio for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews