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Puzzle Lady #19
The Purloined Puzzle
Amateur sleuth and crossword impresario Cora Felton is asked to solve a puzzle, only to find that it’s been stolen—and a murder weapon has been left in its place.
When the obnoxious sixteen-year-old Peggy Dawson asks Cora Felton to solve a puzzle for her, Cora is delighted to find that the puzzle has been stolen. She is less delighted, however, when a blood-stained knife is found in its place.
Soon a body is discovered in the middle of Main Street, and Cora has a murder investigation on her hands. It does not help matters when she hears that her least favorite ex-husband, Melvin, is in town pulling a real estate scam, particularly when she discovers that Melvin may have purchased the knife. Now it’s up to the Puzzle Lady to figure out what really happened, in The Purloined Puzzle, from the New York Times' bestselling author Parnell Hall.
When the obnoxious sixteen-year-old Peggy Dawson asks Cora Felton to solve a puzzle for her, Cora is delighted to find that the puzzle has been stolen. She is less delighted, however, when a blood-stained knife is found in its place.
Soon a body is discovered in the middle of Main Street, and Cora has a murder investigation on her hands. It does not help matters when she hears that her least favorite ex-husband, Melvin, is in town pulling a real estate scam, particularly when she discovers that Melvin may have purchased the knife. Now it’s up to the Puzzle Lady to figure out what really happened, in The Purloined Puzzle, from the New York Times' bestselling author Parnell Hall.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published March 13, 2018
34 people are currently reading
635 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
April 7, 2018
3.5 Just pure fun , a series I go to whenever I need some bumbling humor. The Puzzle Lady, Cora Felton is a hoot, if she gets involved in a case, which she often does, anything goes. There are crossword puzzles as clues, even some soduko, and they can be the cause of much speculation. The witty dialogue and a woman, who can be compared to the deceiving clever, Columbo, just make these books so entertaining. The case is often secondary, but somehow, and I'm not sure how, they all get solved, come together in the end. The secondary characters even the police officers add greatly to the fun, all seem to fall under the cleverness of the Puzzle Lady. Though of course there is a story there too. No need to read from the beginning, though as always starting there adds insight to the characters and their relationships, but this one would be fun on it's own.
I also learned a new phrase I quite like, perennial millennials, quite clever.
I also learned a new phrase I quite like, perennial millennials, quite clever.
May 14, 2018
A girl sees the Puzzle Lady on the street, and says that somebody slipped a crossword puzzle under her door. She'd like the PUzzle Lady to solve it.
The puzzle is stolen, a bloody knife is found, The Puzzle Lady's ex-husband is in town, there's more mysterious puzzles.
Quite a mystery. A little talky, but entertaining. The series perspective has changed, as the series progressed.
The puzzle is stolen, a bloody knife is found, The Puzzle Lady's ex-husband is in town, there's more mysterious puzzles.
Quite a mystery. A little talky, but entertaining. The series perspective has changed, as the series progressed.
March 28, 2019
This was a huge disappointment.
Here's why I chose to take a chance on this book while I was browsing at the library:
1. There was an added element of solving puzzles (crosswords, Sudoku) in trying to solve the mystery which seemed an interesting twist on the average mystery.
2. The main character was older (described early on in the book as having a "grandmotherly" look); I thought this might keep things clean and cut down on the excessive focus on sex in so many mysteries (these two once slept together; these two want to sleep together; these two are sleeping together; etc.).
3. I enjoy reading mysteries.
Here's why I did not enjoy this book at all:
1. The added puzzle-solving element was lame. It felt forced and gimmicky rather than necessary for the story. I didn't even bother to try to solve them myself. The author gave the solution a couple of pages later in the story. The solution of the mystery and the part the puzzles played in it required some jumping to conclusions, so I'm glad I didn't waste the time or energy on solving the puzzles myself.
2. Cora Felton, the "grandmotherly" main character was not the least bit grandmotherly in actions or attitude. She was a wise-cracking, tough, annoying character. While I wasn't expecting (or wanting) Miss Marple, I thought an older main character might keep things tame and be an interesting change from the typical police officer or private investigator. And rather than having this older main character help me avoid the annoying "who's sleeping with who" that shows up in most mysteries, it was talked about in almost every chapter, really taking away from the book as a whole.
3. It was just poorly written. It read more like a screen play than a novel and was just jam-packed with choppy dialogue. Here's an example:
"Exactly."
"This is a disaster."
"That's what I've been trying to tell you."
"Does he know you know yet?"
"Not yet."
"Are you going to tell him?"
"Not if I can help it."
"How'd you find out?"
"I saw his contract."
"How did that happen?"
"Well that's the problem."
"Uh oh."
"Yeah."
"Where was the contract?"
"In his briefcase."
And the conversation continues after that.
I'm ashamed to admit that I actually FINISHED the book. At one point I commented on my dislike of the book and my daughter asked, "Then why are you still reading it?" I responded, "I don't really know."
It was a quick and easy read and it helped pass the time, but I think that's all this book really has going for it. I will be avoiding the Puzzle Lady in the future.
Here's why I chose to take a chance on this book while I was browsing at the library:
1. There was an added element of solving puzzles (crosswords, Sudoku) in trying to solve the mystery which seemed an interesting twist on the average mystery.
2. The main character was older (described early on in the book as having a "grandmotherly" look); I thought this might keep things clean and cut down on the excessive focus on sex in so many mysteries (these two once slept together; these two want to sleep together; these two are sleeping together; etc.).
3. I enjoy reading mysteries.
Here's why I did not enjoy this book at all:
1. The added puzzle-solving element was lame. It felt forced and gimmicky rather than necessary for the story. I didn't even bother to try to solve them myself. The author gave the solution a couple of pages later in the story. The solution of the mystery and the part the puzzles played in it required some jumping to conclusions, so I'm glad I didn't waste the time or energy on solving the puzzles myself.
2. Cora Felton, the "grandmotherly" main character was not the least bit grandmotherly in actions or attitude. She was a wise-cracking, tough, annoying character. While I wasn't expecting (or wanting) Miss Marple, I thought an older main character might keep things tame and be an interesting change from the typical police officer or private investigator. And rather than having this older main character help me avoid the annoying "who's sleeping with who" that shows up in most mysteries, it was talked about in almost every chapter, really taking away from the book as a whole.
3. It was just poorly written. It read more like a screen play than a novel and was just jam-packed with choppy dialogue. Here's an example:
"Exactly."
"This is a disaster."
"That's what I've been trying to tell you."
"Does he know you know yet?"
"Not yet."
"Are you going to tell him?"
"Not if I can help it."
"How'd you find out?"
"I saw his contract."
"How did that happen?"
"Well that's the problem."
"Uh oh."
"Yeah."
"Where was the contract?"
"In his briefcase."
And the conversation continues after that.
I'm ashamed to admit that I actually FINISHED the book. At one point I commented on my dislike of the book and my daughter asked, "Then why are you still reading it?" I responded, "I don't really know."
It was a quick and easy read and it helped pass the time, but I think that's all this book really has going for it. I will be avoiding the Puzzle Lady in the future.
May 16, 2018
I'm taking a break from cozy mysteries after two truly awful ones in a row. I wish the Puzzle Lady was funny, or interesting, or believable -- or even made a little sense. Instead, she is vulgar, confusing, and it is very difficult to see why anyone spends any time with her at all -- I certainly didn't want to and would never read another one in this series.
Neither the many red herrings nor the actual solution make any kind of sense -- there basically is no plot, just a lot of declarations by the main character and a lot of unbelievable activity and extremely bad dialogue.
It is unfortunate, because the book does contain three puzzles, two crosswords and a Sudoku, which are fun to solve. They are solved for you two pages later, so you don't have to do them if you don't want to, and the clues are not helpful in solving the mystery, because...well, it's not possible to solve the mystery, because there are not enough clues, motivations, suspects or plot for it to be done.
I'm sorry the rating system doesn't include negative numbers. Worst book I've read in the last two years, by far.
Buy an actual puzzle book instead.
Neither the many red herrings nor the actual solution make any kind of sense -- there basically is no plot, just a lot of declarations by the main character and a lot of unbelievable activity and extremely bad dialogue.
It is unfortunate, because the book does contain three puzzles, two crosswords and a Sudoku, which are fun to solve. They are solved for you two pages later, so you don't have to do them if you don't want to, and the clues are not helpful in solving the mystery, because...well, it's not possible to solve the mystery, because there are not enough clues, motivations, suspects or plot for it to be done.
I'm sorry the rating system doesn't include negative numbers. Worst book I've read in the last two years, by far.
Buy an actual puzzle book instead.
May 1, 2018
Cora thinks that the worst problem in her life is the reappearance of her least favorite ex-husband, Melvin. Then a teen asks Cora to solve a puzzle that was just left at the teen’s house. Only before it can be solved, the puzzle disappears. Then the teen’s older brother reports finding a bloody knife in his bedroom even though there hasn’t been a murder. Is a corpse going to appear?
Fans of the series will be delighted with the latest installment. We get the usual banter as Cora causes havoc on her way to solving the case. The usual twists are there before we reach the logical solution. The characters are on the thin side, which is nothing new for the series, yet I’ve come to care for them and was glad to visit them again. I laughed multiple times along the way, and those who enjoy puzzles will be glad to know there are two crossword and one Sudoku along the way.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
Fans of the series will be delighted with the latest installment. We get the usual banter as Cora causes havoc on her way to solving the case. The usual twists are there before we reach the logical solution. The characters are on the thin side, which is nothing new for the series, yet I’ve come to care for them and was glad to visit them again. I laughed multiple times along the way, and those who enjoy puzzles will be glad to know there are two crossword and one Sudoku along the way.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
March 25, 2024
The story line is kind of silly, but I really enjoy the dialogue in these books. I laughed out loud several times.
December 29, 2017
It's not very often I start a review like this, but I have NO IDEA how to rate this book.
The story was great and interesting. I really liked the characters. This is my first Puzzle Lady book and I have to say, it's like one of Jenny Crusie's heroines picked the wrong guy and became an even crankier, more blunt version of her burnt-in-love self later. The secondary characters were fun and unique. They all had roles to play and I'm kind of shocked how distinct they were (because of the section below).
The style was really unique. I'm guessing over 80% of this book was dialogue. Which is fine with me! I love dialogue heavy stories if the author can pull them off. There'd be pages and pages of banter without tags even. And, only 2Xs did I have to backtrack - which is pretty darn good for this style.
It's the actual banter that started to get old. I found that I'd put the book down bc I was exhausted and tired of the pace and banter. Sometimes we'd go thru something and then live thru it again when the characters had to tell each other about it with 4Xs as many words. So, what could have been an unputdownable read often became a "maybe I'll take a break" read.
Would I rec it? YES! I'll try another one for sure, but I'll so know it's not something I just sit down and read in one reading. 3.8888 bc, 3.75 is too neat for the heroine.
The story was great and interesting. I really liked the characters. This is my first Puzzle Lady book and I have to say, it's like one of Jenny Crusie's heroines picked the wrong guy and became an even crankier, more blunt version of her burnt-in-love self later. The secondary characters were fun and unique. They all had roles to play and I'm kind of shocked how distinct they were (because of the section below).
The style was really unique. I'm guessing over 80% of this book was dialogue. Which is fine with me! I love dialogue heavy stories if the author can pull them off. There'd be pages and pages of banter without tags even. And, only 2Xs did I have to backtrack - which is pretty darn good for this style.
It's the actual banter that started to get old. I found that I'd put the book down bc I was exhausted and tired of the pace and banter. Sometimes we'd go thru something and then live thru it again when the characters had to tell each other about it with 4Xs as many words. So, what could have been an unputdownable read often became a "maybe I'll take a break" read.
Would I rec it? YES! I'll try another one for sure, but I'll so know it's not something I just sit down and read in one reading. 3.8888 bc, 3.75 is too neat for the heroine.
March 27, 2018
A teenager receives a mysterious crossword puzzle, but by the time she finds someone to solve it, it's been stolen. Her older brother finds a bloodied knife, but by the time a corpse is found, he's already turned it in to the police. To say the plot is convoluted understates the matter, but the real problem with this book is that Hall has written about the background so many times that he skimps on it this once. So a new reader (I've read most of the series) will have no idea what it means when Cora's least favorite ex-husband shows up, because there's no background about her many husbands, or know why it's a big secret that her niece writes the crossword puzzles.
January 13, 2020
Fun cozy mystery for fans of puzzles. Lots of good wordplay, silly humor, and the author provides the puzzle that is the impetus for the story, so the reader can try to solve that as the story goes along. I enjoyed this book.
Overall rating: 3.5/5.0 stars.
Overall rating: 3.5/5.0 stars.
February 6, 2018
The Purloined Puzzle...A Puzzle Lady Mystery
By
Parnell Hall
What it's all about...
Cora is famous for creating these amazing crossword puzzles. The problem is that she doesn’t write them and she actually hates crossword puzzles. Her niece is the one who writes them. But no one really knows this...except...perhaps...for Cora’s ex husband. Cora has a rocky relationship with him. When he returns to Cora’s little town...he becomes a prime suspect for murder. This murder then becomes two murders. Cora seems to love this kind of puzzle and she gets overly involved in finding out what really happened and who really committed these murders.
This is the 19th Puzzle Lady book and my first Puzzle Lady book.
Why I wanted to read it...
Cora sounded as though she was a really unique character. The dialogue in this book was fast and clever. Cora was sarcastic and full of dry humor. I checked other Puzzle Lady books and Cora seemed to be a sort of elderly lady. Covers with her showed a white haired kind of sweetly chubby woman. However in this 19th book she seemed much younger. She was really active and dare I say seemed to be kind of interested in “getting busy”...especially with Melvin...accused murderer and ex husband. She denied any interest in him but there seemed to be an undercurrent of sexuality between the two of them.
What made me truly enjoy this book...
The plot and characters were fantastic in this book. It ranged from teenage Peggy Dawson and the first Puzzle to sex, drugs and rock and roll. I never was bored while reading this book. The banter among all characters was delightfully fun!
Why you should read it, too...
Readers who love a different kind of cozy mystery will really love this book. I think it can be read as a stand alone even though there are 18 books before it. I really want to read the earliest ones to see how Cora grew and changed.
I received an advance reader’s copy of this book from the publisher...St. Martin’s Press...through NetGalley and Amazon. It was my choice to read it and review it.
April 15, 2019
Book #: 6
Title: The Purloined Puzzle
Author: Parnell Hall
Popsugar Category: A book revolving around a puzzle or game (Crossword Puzzles)
Goodreads Category: A book with a criminal character (murderer)
Goodreads Category: A book from one of the top 5 money making genres (crime/mystery)
Goodreads Category: A book featuring an elderly character (Cora Felton)
Book Riot Category: A cozy mystery
A-Z Title Category: P for Purloined
A-Z Author Category: H for Hall
Dagonell Category: The next book in a series you're following (My downfall last year!)
Format: Hardcover, Interlibrary Loan
Rating: **** four out of five stars
This is the 19th and newest volume in the Puzzle Lady series. I've read them all.
Cora Fenton is "the puzzle lady". She's the hollywood stereotype of everybody's grandmother,
white hair in a bun, lace shawl, granny dress, etc. Her weekly crossword puzzle is published
in nearly 200 newspapers nationwide, she is available for ribbon cuttings, civic events, etc.
She even endorses a brand of children's breakfast cereal. Her niece Sherry, her only living relative, is her personal secretary and chauffeur. She keeps track of her appointments, makes sure the weekly column is sent in, and drives her everywhere for the ribbon cutting ceremonies.
Cora is a complete fraud. She smokes like a chimney, drinks like a fish, swears like a longshoreman, and couldn't make or solve a crossword puzzle if you put a gun to her head. Sherry is the real puzzle lady, Cora is just a corporate icon like Colonel Sanders or Ronald McDonald. Cora also has a knack for getting involved in murders.
The previous book was a bit of a let-down, with the author playing a little too fast and loose with
the rules for a cozy mystery. This one was an improvement. Cora still snoops in cars and motel rooms, but she's a little more cautious about getting caught and is able to alibi herself out when people see her. And I completely missed who the real killer was. Frankly, I will continue to read these books just for the character development. At dinner, I was reading entire pages out loud to my wife! :D
Title: The Purloined Puzzle
Author: Parnell Hall
Popsugar Category: A book revolving around a puzzle or game (Crossword Puzzles)
Goodreads Category: A book with a criminal character (murderer)
Goodreads Category: A book from one of the top 5 money making genres (crime/mystery)
Goodreads Category: A book featuring an elderly character (Cora Felton)
Book Riot Category: A cozy mystery
A-Z Title Category: P for Purloined
A-Z Author Category: H for Hall
Dagonell Category: The next book in a series you're following (My downfall last year!)
Format: Hardcover, Interlibrary Loan
Rating: **** four out of five stars
This is the 19th and newest volume in the Puzzle Lady series. I've read them all.
Cora Fenton is "the puzzle lady". She's the hollywood stereotype of everybody's grandmother,
white hair in a bun, lace shawl, granny dress, etc. Her weekly crossword puzzle is published
in nearly 200 newspapers nationwide, she is available for ribbon cuttings, civic events, etc.
She even endorses a brand of children's breakfast cereal. Her niece Sherry, her only living relative, is her personal secretary and chauffeur. She keeps track of her appointments, makes sure the weekly column is sent in, and drives her everywhere for the ribbon cutting ceremonies.
Cora is a complete fraud. She smokes like a chimney, drinks like a fish, swears like a longshoreman, and couldn't make or solve a crossword puzzle if you put a gun to her head. Sherry is the real puzzle lady, Cora is just a corporate icon like Colonel Sanders or Ronald McDonald. Cora also has a knack for getting involved in murders.
The previous book was a bit of a let-down, with the author playing a little too fast and loose with
the rules for a cozy mystery. This one was an improvement. Cora still snoops in cars and motel rooms, but she's a little more cautious about getting caught and is able to alibi herself out when people see her. And I completely missed who the real killer was. Frankly, I will continue to read these books just for the character development. At dinner, I was reading entire pages out loud to my wife! :D
December 29, 2017
The Purloined Puzzle is the nineteenth installment in the Puzzle Lady series set in the small town of Bakerhaven, CT and featuring Cora Felton. Things have been rather quiet for Cora now that she has quit drinking and smoking, that is until sixteen year old Peggy Dawson accosts her on the street.
The rather persistent and obnoxious teen claims that she has a crossword puzzle that Cora must solve. Unwilling to admit that she can't solve the puzzle she foists the young girl off on Harvey Beerbaum, the portly crossword enthusiast. The problem is that the girl insists the puzzle has been stolen.
Things go from bad to worse for Cora when ex-husband Melvin arrives in town and she discovers that he is preparing to write a tell all book about her. When a dead body surfaces on Main Street stabbed with a hunting knife belonging to Melvin, Cora unwillingly sets out to prove he's not a killer.
The usual mayhem and madness ensue that readers of the series have come to expect from Cora, attorney Becky Baldwin, niece Sherry and her husband Aaron, and Police Chief Harper. The quick dialogue exchanges are the equivalent of watching a professional tennis match and will often cause outbursts of laughter.
I received an advanced copy of The Purloined Puzzle from NetGalley via Minotaur Books a division of St. Martin's Press. While not required to write a review I am more than happy to offer my honest opinion.
The rather persistent and obnoxious teen claims that she has a crossword puzzle that Cora must solve. Unwilling to admit that she can't solve the puzzle she foists the young girl off on Harvey Beerbaum, the portly crossword enthusiast. The problem is that the girl insists the puzzle has been stolen.
Things go from bad to worse for Cora when ex-husband Melvin arrives in town and she discovers that he is preparing to write a tell all book about her. When a dead body surfaces on Main Street stabbed with a hunting knife belonging to Melvin, Cora unwillingly sets out to prove he's not a killer.
The usual mayhem and madness ensue that readers of the series have come to expect from Cora, attorney Becky Baldwin, niece Sherry and her husband Aaron, and Police Chief Harper. The quick dialogue exchanges are the equivalent of watching a professional tennis match and will often cause outbursts of laughter.
I received an advanced copy of The Purloined Puzzle from NetGalley via Minotaur Books a division of St. Martin's Press. While not required to write a review I am more than happy to offer my honest opinion.
March 12, 2018
Amusing quick cozy mystery read! The Purloined Puzzle is the 19th book in the Puzzle Lady series but still feels fresh.
Cora Felton has a problem. Her least favorite ex-husband Melvin is in town doing another shady real estate deal. Also, there is a pesky teenager first losing, then finding, a crossword that she wants Cora to solve. Unfortunately, Cora is the face, but not the brains, behind the wildly popular Puzzle Lady syndicated column. The brains being her niece Sherry.
Melvin has his own problems. He is accused of murder. Cora and her friend/sometimes boss, attorney Betsy take Melvin’s case.
This is a pleasantly different cozy read. Cora is in late middle age but still has a sex drive. She is no Miss Marple. Cora is perfectly willing to bend and even break the law. The text is 90% dialogue, which makes for a very fast read.
You had me at corpse. Where’s the body? [said Cora]
Middle of Main Street. [stated the Police Chief]
Are you kidding me?
I wish I were.
Never mind, I’ll see for myself.
The Purloined Puzzle is recommended for cozy fans. However, I have just one complaint. This series started in 1999, when I was substantially younger than Cora. Now it appears that we are the same age. How do I sign up for this fictional fountain of youth, hopefully before I’m Miss Marple’s peer? I took off one star because the murderer was too easy to guess. That leaves this book at 3 stars.
Thanks to the publisher, Minotaur Books, and NetGalley for an advanced copy.
Cora Felton has a problem. Her least favorite ex-husband Melvin is in town doing another shady real estate deal. Also, there is a pesky teenager first losing, then finding, a crossword that she wants Cora to solve. Unfortunately, Cora is the face, but not the brains, behind the wildly popular Puzzle Lady syndicated column. The brains being her niece Sherry.
Melvin has his own problems. He is accused of murder. Cora and her friend/sometimes boss, attorney Betsy take Melvin’s case.
This is a pleasantly different cozy read. Cora is in late middle age but still has a sex drive. She is no Miss Marple. Cora is perfectly willing to bend and even break the law. The text is 90% dialogue, which makes for a very fast read.
You had me at corpse. Where’s the body? [said Cora]
Middle of Main Street. [stated the Police Chief]
Are you kidding me?
I wish I were.
Never mind, I’ll see for myself.
The Purloined Puzzle is recommended for cozy fans. However, I have just one complaint. This series started in 1999, when I was substantially younger than Cora. Now it appears that we are the same age. How do I sign up for this fictional fountain of youth, hopefully before I’m Miss Marple’s peer? I took off one star because the murderer was too easy to guess. That leaves this book at 3 stars.
Thanks to the publisher, Minotaur Books, and NetGalley for an advanced copy.
March 23, 2018
THE PURLOINED PUZZLE by Parnell Hall
The Nineteenth Puzzle Lady Mystery
Cora Felton has a problem. Actually she has more than one. First of all, Melvin, the worst of her ex-husband, is in town. Secondly, an annoying teenage girl keeps pestering her to solve puzzles...puzzles which tend to disappear and reappear. Then there's the murder. With murder weapons appearing before crimes are committed, suspects arrested and released, nothing much makes sense. But the worst bit, Melvin has a contract for a tell-all book. Will he spill the beans about the Puzzle Lady? Will Cora have to kiss her career goodbye?
Whip like banter fuels this lightning fast paced novel. The plot is a bit audacious with everybody, including the reader, wondering what's going on. It's reminiscent of a who's on first routine except that nobody actually knows who's on first or who's even playing! The Puzzle Lady Mysteries employ a darker shade of humor with characters who aren't the nicest people, yet I'm still left smiling and snickering.
Confusion and misdirection abound, yet readers are led to a satisfying conclusion. Filled with witty repartee THE PURLOINED PUZZLE is a fun addition to this long running series.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a digital ARC provided through NetGalley, in the hopes I would review it.
The Nineteenth Puzzle Lady Mystery
Cora Felton has a problem. Actually she has more than one. First of all, Melvin, the worst of her ex-husband, is in town. Secondly, an annoying teenage girl keeps pestering her to solve puzzles...puzzles which tend to disappear and reappear. Then there's the murder. With murder weapons appearing before crimes are committed, suspects arrested and released, nothing much makes sense. But the worst bit, Melvin has a contract for a tell-all book. Will he spill the beans about the Puzzle Lady? Will Cora have to kiss her career goodbye?
Whip like banter fuels this lightning fast paced novel. The plot is a bit audacious with everybody, including the reader, wondering what's going on. It's reminiscent of a who's on first routine except that nobody actually knows who's on first or who's even playing! The Puzzle Lady Mysteries employ a darker shade of humor with characters who aren't the nicest people, yet I'm still left smiling and snickering.
Confusion and misdirection abound, yet readers are led to a satisfying conclusion. Filled with witty repartee THE PURLOINED PUZZLE is a fun addition to this long running series.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a digital ARC provided through NetGalley, in the hopes I would review it.
March 19, 2025
The good: This book is fast-paced and it's not boring. I enjoy crosswords, which is why I picked this book up in the first place. Using crosswords and a sudoku was an interesting twist to a murder mystery. Despite many annoying issues in the book, I continued to want to continue reading.
The bad: The style of writing dialogue without attributing quotes to a speaker drove me crazy. I kept losing track of who was speaking and having to backtrack. Sometimes I didn't bother backtracking because I decided it didn't really matter what the characters were saying, which is never a good sign for a book.
The main character was also rather unlikable. Perhaps I would have understood her better if I had started at book 1 (I started on book 19 because it was on a library display), but a major premise of the books baffled me. She's supposedly famous for being the "Puzzle Lady," but she has to keep the scandalous secret that she doesn't actually know how to do crossword puzzles. Why doesn't she just learn? She puts a huge amount of time and energy and deception into keeping this ridiculous secret that would ruin her career, but she's too lazy to do any honest work.
There are definitely better books out there, but I'd be willing to read another in this series. Maybe I should try the first one.
The bad: The style of writing dialogue without attributing quotes to a speaker drove me crazy. I kept losing track of who was speaking and having to backtrack. Sometimes I didn't bother backtracking because I decided it didn't really matter what the characters were saying, which is never a good sign for a book.
The main character was also rather unlikable. Perhaps I would have understood her better if I had started at book 1 (I started on book 19 because it was on a library display), but a major premise of the books baffled me. She's supposedly famous for being the "Puzzle Lady," but she has to keep the scandalous secret that she doesn't actually know how to do crossword puzzles. Why doesn't she just learn? She puts a huge amount of time and energy and deception into keeping this ridiculous secret that would ruin her career, but she's too lazy to do any honest work.
There are definitely better books out there, but I'd be willing to read another in this series. Maybe I should try the first one.
June 10, 2018
This is my first introduction to this series. Instantly, I connected with the characters. They were quirky. Just how I like my characters in cozy mysteries. This is the best art of these types of books. Cora is so sweet and someone that I would want to hang out with. Although, no offense as she may be known as the Puzzle Lady but she is not that great at solving crossword puzzles. The person that showed he had a real knack for solving puzzles is Harvey Beerbaum. I give credit to people who can solve crossword puzzles. I struggle at them. My forte are word searches.
Not to be forgotten is Chief Dale Harper. He did not showcase in my eyes that he is a strong leader but he is an alright guy. He does work well with others. When it counts the most, he does come through.
This book was made fun by the characters. The whodunit aspect was laid out and wrapped up I a nice package. Added bonus are the crossword puzzles inserted in this book. The puzzles actually help to solve the case. Which makes reading this book interactive.
Not to be forgotten is Chief Dale Harper. He did not showcase in my eyes that he is a strong leader but he is an alright guy. He does work well with others. When it counts the most, he does come through.
This book was made fun by the characters. The whodunit aspect was laid out and wrapped up I a nice package. Added bonus are the crossword puzzles inserted in this book. The puzzles actually help to solve the case. Which makes reading this book interactive.
February 15, 2018
Parnell Hall’s Puzzle Lady Mysteries are alive and doing well with the release of the 19th adventure. Cora Felton is the Puzzle Lady, but her niece Sherry is the puzzle-solving, puzzle creator behind the scenes. Cora’s ex-husband comes to town and is quickly arrested for murder. Cora, who usually helps the police solve crime, can’t decide whether to help her husband or not. While this is an interesting and somewhat tricky case, it feels like I would have enjoyed it more had I read previous books in the series.
Hall is a skillful writer. Most of this story is told through dialogue between the characters – and it’s rather snappy at that. I haven’t found many authors that have used dialogue as effectively and almost obsessively as Hall has in The Purloined Puzzle. I enjoyed that aspect of the mystery very much.
Hall is a skillful writer. Most of this story is told through dialogue between the characters – and it’s rather snappy at that. I haven’t found many authors that have used dialogue as effectively and almost obsessively as Hall has in The Purloined Puzzle. I enjoyed that aspect of the mystery very much.
October 31, 2020
I will start this off by saying I did not know the book was part of a series when I picked it up, so my review is based on that knowledge.
I enjoyed the story, BUT I will not go out of my way to find other books in the series.
Cora as a character is so damn sassy/saucy, but one I would tire of quickly. I almost felt bad for Chief, Dan, Becky, and Sherry for having to put up with her all the time.
The other issue I have is the dialogue. Don't get me wrong, I love quick conversations without all the extra details, BUT there were time I lost track of who was speaking. The author could have but something in occasionally to indicate who was actually talking. There were a few times I had to back to the last character reference and work my way forward.
That said this book will go to my donate pile instead of my share pile.
I enjoyed the story, BUT I will not go out of my way to find other books in the series.
Cora as a character is so damn sassy/saucy, but one I would tire of quickly. I almost felt bad for Chief, Dan, Becky, and Sherry for having to put up with her all the time.
The other issue I have is the dialogue. Don't get me wrong, I love quick conversations without all the extra details, BUT there were time I lost track of who was speaking. The author could have but something in occasionally to indicate who was actually talking. There were a few times I had to back to the last character reference and work my way forward.
That said this book will go to my donate pile instead of my share pile.
June 20, 2021
If you love word play, sarcasm, and convoluted thinking, Parnell Hall's Puzzle Lady mysteries are definitely for you. Also a good choice if you like crossword puzzles and/or suduko since they are included in the books and for those in the know, WILL SHORTZ is the cruciverbalist providing the puzzles.
In this one, Cora's one-time husband Melvin shows up in Bakerhaven and Cora is immediately suspicious but between a teen-aged girl with a puzzle for Cora to solve, a couple of murders, and a lot of other shenanigans, it takes time for Cora to resolve the Melvin situation, especially when he gets arrested for murder and she gets arrested for interfering in the police investigation.
In this one, Cora's one-time husband Melvin shows up in Bakerhaven and Cora is immediately suspicious but between a teen-aged girl with a puzzle for Cora to solve, a couple of murders, and a lot of other shenanigans, it takes time for Cora to resolve the Melvin situation, especially when he gets arrested for murder and she gets arrested for interfering in the police investigation.
April 2, 2018
An okay story. I found the dialog to be a bit tedious although sometimes humorous. Most of the story is just dialog marked by quotation marks with different speakers noted only by their speaking being on different lines. The puzzles were interesting but not enough to have me trying to solve them. I just turned a few pages and saw the solutions. The sudoku seemed a bit silly way to reveal a car’s license number and I certainly wouldn’t have guessed the murderer or the reason.
I won’t bother with anymore in this series.
I won’t bother with anymore in this series.
April 29, 2018
I received a copy of this book from GoodReads. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is quite a quick read. I really liked the character of Cora. I found her to be quite delightful. I had never read any books by Parnell Hall. I wanted to give this one a try as I enjoy doing crossword puzzles and this is what I thought might be interesting. I would recommend this book to others who enjoy a good mystery. Myself, I will be looking for other books in the Puzzle Lady series as I enjoyed this first one I read.
July 12, 2018
Loved the characters they are a complete hoot and a half but the plot kept me puzzled and I had trouble believing the premise that begins with a cryptic crossword that mysteriously disappears from a young girls room ...That being said .....I would still read more puzzle lady mysteries ..I love fun characters and witty dialogue in my books so I am not sorry I spent my time pursuing it ...even if I did guess the culprit before the end which despite a life long love of this genre i rarely do ...I you need a fun afternoon novel ...Try it 👍
December 12, 2018
If you are looking for a lighthearted and terribly funny murder mystery with witty dialogues, especially between Cora and her ex-husband, that resemble the hilarious and catchy dialogues you hear in the gangster movies from 1930’s, you may like this book. Although the book is heavy on the character but not on the plot development initially, the ending with so many twists is brilliant. Not only I liked the colorful characters, I found myself laughing out loud, especially reading Cora’s exchanges with Melvin, and I liked the fact the chapters were short and to the point. Found and a half stars.
October 22, 2021
This has so so many twists and turns. Cora is an idiot--they all are. The police department are baffoons. This book is one slap down after another. Meant to be funny? I laughed a few times. But after feeling like I was in an argument the whole book; I am done with this series.
I went to the library and this is a book I randomly selected. It is mystery, but one of the dumbest I have ever read. It didn't make sense with all of Cora's ramblings. The ending helped clear up some misconceptions.
I only give it 3 stars because of the twists and turns. I didn't guess the "murder".
I went to the library and this is a book I randomly selected. It is mystery, but one of the dumbest I have ever read. It didn't make sense with all of Cora's ramblings. The ending helped clear up some misconceptions.
I only give it 3 stars because of the twists and turns. I didn't guess the "murder".
June 9, 2024
So I didn’t realize this was part of a series before reading, although I don’t think it’s necessary to read them in order, the author sets the stage pretty well.
I will say, at times I found the dialogue heavy writing charming and reminiscent of dialogue in old film, but it left much to the imagination about the scene. Not to mention the back and forth between characters would go on for pages at a time sometimes and I would forget who is saying what.
Plot was a little fuzzy but entertaining, don’t think it’s ironclad though.
3.3/5
I will say, at times I found the dialogue heavy writing charming and reminiscent of dialogue in old film, but it left much to the imagination about the scene. Not to mention the back and forth between characters would go on for pages at a time sometimes and I would forget who is saying what.
Plot was a little fuzzy but entertaining, don’t think it’s ironclad though.
3.3/5
January 8, 2018
Cora Felton finds herself face-to-face with ex-husband Melvin jn this latest escapade from the geriatric wise-cracker.
The vast bulk of the novel is dialogue, so if you are someone who enjoys in-depth description, you won't find it here.
In rather enjoyed the snappy repartee
It moved the plot forward and left out extraneous details.
Perfect read for a snowy weekend.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.
The vast bulk of the novel is dialogue, so if you are someone who enjoys in-depth description, you won't find it here.
In rather enjoyed the snappy repartee
It moved the plot forward and left out extraneous details.
Perfect read for a snowy weekend.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.
March 14, 2018
**I voluntarily read this ARC**
This series is one of the hardest for me to figure out a rating for. As a mystery, it really isn't a strong book. I still can't figure out how that mystery even worked, let alone how Cora figured it out. Where it shines is in its bizarre sense of humor. It is similar to the rest of the series with constantly talking in circles, which can get confusing if you aren't used to it.
This series is one of the hardest for me to figure out a rating for. As a mystery, it really isn't a strong book. I still can't figure out how that mystery even worked, let alone how Cora figured it out. Where it shines is in its bizarre sense of humor. It is similar to the rest of the series with constantly talking in circles, which can get confusing if you aren't used to it.
April 3, 2018
3.75 stars
My Saturday/Sunday read! The book turned out to be quite good, but it seemed to go nowhere for the first 1/3 of the book. But once it got going, it was a good read. The dialogue in this book seemed crisper than other books and contained some good humor. I liked the ending. If you are fan of the Puzzle Lady series, hang through the first third and you'll be rewarded with a good story.
My Saturday/Sunday read! The book turned out to be quite good, but it seemed to go nowhere for the first 1/3 of the book. But once it got going, it was a good read. The dialogue in this book seemed crisper than other books and contained some good humor. I liked the ending. If you are fan of the Puzzle Lady series, hang through the first third and you'll be rewarded with a good story.
June 23, 2018
Cora Felton, aka The Puzzle Lady, is waylaid on her way to buy a scone by an annoying teenager who insists she solve a puzzle for her. Fortunately for Cora (who can't solve or create a puzzle) salvation appears in the guise of Harvey Beeerbaum, who can. So starts a puzzling mystery that doesn't begin with a murder but ends with multiple ones. Cora is amusing but the plot drags on a little longer than it needs to. The ending is very clever.
June 24, 2018
I might have liked it more if I realized it was book 19 in a series, and had read the prior books, as the characters might have been more likeable to me. The plot stands on its own, but all the references to past relationships among the characters were lost of me, as well as the reasons for the attitudes between them. They felt shallow and were uninteresting. I did finish the book, but won’t read any others in this series.
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