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Daisy Gumm Majesty Mystery #5
Genteel Spirits
The movie biz has come to Pasadena and Daisy Gumm Majesty is up to her ears in trouble. Spike is in obedience training, a spoiled actress wants Daisy as her very own spiritualist and someone is sending poison-pen letters to the Leading Man.
Worse, the motion picture folks claim that Germans are out to steal their new invention being used on the set.
Butting heads with Detective Sam Rotondo, assigned to the movie-set as security, Daisy is on the case with Spike in tow. Now, if she can just find a way to keep everyone's secrets a secret without letting the Germans get away with grand theft.
Worse, the motion picture folks claim that Germans are out to steal their new invention being used on the set.
Butting heads with Detective Sam Rotondo, assigned to the movie-set as security, Daisy is on the case with Spike in tow. Now, if she can just find a way to keep everyone's secrets a secret without letting the Germans get away with grand theft.
323 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 10, 2011
59 people are currently reading
134 people want to read
About the author
Alice Duncan
103 books112 followersAlso writes as Emma Craig, Rachel Wilson, Anne Robins and wrote two books under the name of Jon Sharpe (Pecos Belle Brigade and California Crusader).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
February 7, 2015
Another charming entry in the Daisy Gumm Majesty mystery series. This time, Daisy is dealing with dog obedience lessons, nurse-maiding a silent film diva, catering to her spiritualist clients, humoring her increasingly depressed and grumpy WWI vet husband, and catching the writer of poison pen letters. Daisy handles it all with aplomb, style to spare, and (mostly) good humor.
July 27, 2016
I love these books. They are as irresistible as potato chips. Daisy and her family (well her husband, not so much) are delightful, and the descriptions of her wardrobe and the city of Pasadena in the 1920s makes the city into another character.
Maintaining the the quality of the writing over a series can be a challenge, one that Duncan appears to meet effortlessly.
Maintaining the the quality of the writing over a series can be a challenge, one that Duncan appears to meet effortlessly.
May 13, 2021
With Mrs. Pinkerton away Daisy is a bit bored having an unusual amount of free time. In a case of be careful what you wish for she is hired by a movie star Lola de la Monica to be her spiritual advisor while filming a movie in town. From day one Lola is nothing but a nuisance and Daisy is rueing the day she agreed to this job, but work is work and she does it to the best of her ability. When the stars Lola and Monty get poison pen letters Daisy and Harold are put to work trying to find the culprit before something drastic occurs. Shenanigans ensue and Sam Rotondo eventually is on the case.
There is also lovely scenes with Billy and Spike as the trio go through dog obedience school. Mild spoiler there’s a very sad ending. If you’ve read the series you can probably guess what but that’s all I’ll say about it. All in all another wonderfully enjoyable and somewhat odd story in the Daisy Gumm Majesty series. Definitely recommend you pick it up and enjoy the brief glimpse into the 1920’s and the motion picture business.
I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.
There is also lovely scenes with Billy and Spike as the trio go through dog obedience school. Mild spoiler there’s a very sad ending. If you’ve read the series you can probably guess what but that’s all I’ll say about it. All in all another wonderfully enjoyable and somewhat odd story in the Daisy Gumm Majesty series. Definitely recommend you pick it up and enjoy the brief glimpse into the 1920’s and the motion picture business.
I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.
August 13, 2019
The Diva and Daisy go head to head
Another great read that seems to end with her worst fears. However she has completed her current job. A job that started off with an invitation to the mansion a movie star has just bought for his family. This leads to a job as spiritual consultant to the female star of the Silver Screen that is being planned to be filmed at the property. It isn't until she gets there that she finds out exactly how much of a diva she will be having to deal with. Okay she got a poison pen letter but her antics and tantrums are enraging evoke on set. The female star has also been getting letters and she's now been asked to look into that too. Sam however has to be kept in the dark as he too is on set to safeguard a new invention. Can she find out who is sending the letters and keep the female star in line? Will Billy accept all the time she has to spend at the estate? Will Spike pass his obedience class? Will the end of the movie make life better or has fate another curve ball to send in her direction?
Another great read that seems to end with her worst fears. However she has completed her current job. A job that started off with an invitation to the mansion a movie star has just bought for his family. This leads to a job as spiritual consultant to the female star of the Silver Screen that is being planned to be filmed at the property. It isn't until she gets there that she finds out exactly how much of a diva she will be having to deal with. Okay she got a poison pen letter but her antics and tantrums are enraging evoke on set. The female star has also been getting letters and she's now been asked to look into that too. Sam however has to be kept in the dark as he too is on set to safeguard a new invention. Can she find out who is sending the letters and keep the female star in line? Will Billy accept all the time she has to spend at the estate? Will Spike pass his obedience class? Will the end of the movie make life better or has fate another curve ball to send in her direction?
October 4, 2022
"Genteel Spirits," by Alice Duncan, is the fifth in the "Daisy Gumm Majesty Mysteries" series of Cozy Mysteries.
This installment begins with "the first few months of 1922," and continues on to June, 1922.
Daisy is contacted by a friend, with whom she went to school, when she was younger. Turns out, the childhood/school friend is the secretary to a matron, whose grandson is a big time movie star. Of course, Daisy (or, Desdemona to her Spiritualist clients) goes to the estate, because she is going to conduct a seance.
Of course, she did not foresee getting roped in to being the spiritual advisor of the lead actress for the film, who is quite problematic, to say the least.
All the while the movie is in production, another mystery is brewing, that of two of the movie's stars receiving poisoned pen letters. Little do they know the identity of the poisoned pen letter is closer to home.
I have enjoyed every one of the "Daisy Gumm Majesty Mysteries" I have read, thus far. In fact, the only thing I did not like about this one is the cliffhanger.
This installment begins with "the first few months of 1922," and continues on to June, 1922.
Daisy is contacted by a friend, with whom she went to school, when she was younger. Turns out, the childhood/school friend is the secretary to a matron, whose grandson is a big time movie star. Of course, Daisy (or, Desdemona to her Spiritualist clients) goes to the estate, because she is going to conduct a seance.
Of course, she did not foresee getting roped in to being the spiritual advisor of the lead actress for the film, who is quite problematic, to say the least.
All the while the movie is in production, another mystery is brewing, that of two of the movie's stars receiving poisoned pen letters. Little do they know the identity of the poisoned pen letter is closer to home.
I have enjoyed every one of the "Daisy Gumm Majesty Mysteries" I have read, thus far. In fact, the only thing I did not like about this one is the cliffhanger.
October 4, 2018
I get a kick out of this series based on a spiritualist medium, who knows she's a fake but only gives comfort and advice to the grieving and/or people with more money than sense. Set in 1922, Daisy Gumm Majesty is married to her childhood sweetheart Billy, who's health was ruined by the bullets and mustard gas of WWI. In this outing, she's the spiritual advisor to a completely vapid actress on a movie set. The actress starts getting poison pen letters as does the lead actor, whose home the movie is being filmed in. Well, his grandmother's but he bought it for her, the ungrateful B.
I like this series because the characters are compelling and you don't end up with a pile of dead bodies at the end.
I like this series because the characters are compelling and you don't end up with a pile of dead bodies at the end.
November 20, 2018
I love Daisy. I love her family, even grumpy Billy. I love her little dog Spike and her pride in training him. I love the time period and the way the author brings to our mind the tragedy visited upon so many men and their families who served in WW1. So why 3 stars? This particular installation in he series had a very weak mystery...who wrote the poison pen letters? But mostly because the folksy style of writing began to grate on my nerves. “There I go again:digressing”, “Anyhow, Where was I?”, “Where was I? I’m sorry I keep getting distracted.”, “I’m being sarcastic in case you didn’t notice. Anyhow..” I may eventually read the next in the series, but I have to recover from all those ashes first.
May 4, 2021
As always a wonderful dip into the lives of Daisy, her family and friends. This time Daisy's 'special talent' takes her to a movie set where the femme fatale is causing problems. Between calming Lola and finding out who is sending poison pen letters it is a wonder she has any time for training Spike and caring for Billy as his health goes further into decline.
Always a joy to read, the series can be read as a stand alone but following the series through gives a better background to each character.
I received a free copy of this ebook from ebook discovery. This is my honest and freely given review.
Always a joy to read, the series can be read as a stand alone but following the series through gives a better background to each character.
I received a free copy of this ebook from ebook discovery. This is my honest and freely given review.
May 16, 2017
Thoroughly enjoy reading the Daisy Gumm Majesty series. She is in her early twenties, yet supports her disabled WWI veteran husband and several other family members by offering her services as a spiritualist or medium, which she freely admits to those close to her that it is a bunch of hooey. She must put up with rich clients, a husband who is in constant pain, and his best friend, who rubs Daisy the wrong way. Maybe as a detective, he feels she attracts too much trouble.
The series is somewhat lighthearted (other than her husbands downward health spiral) and gives the reader a wonderful glimpse into life in the 1920s. The story is filled with rich details of the era-from clothing, to food, to customs.
The series is somewhat lighthearted (other than her husbands downward health spiral) and gives the reader a wonderful glimpse into life in the 1920s. The story is filled with rich details of the era-from clothing, to food, to customs.
July 1, 2019
This is one of the better stories in the series. It is an interesting mystery although no one actually gets murdered. The background story is also well done, adding a lot to both the story and the development of the characters. I even enjoyed the setting, the filming of a silent movie in 1920-something.
April 29, 2021
This series has really grown on me. I love Daisy and all of the recurring characters and the hints of drama and mystery. It’s sad to see Billy slowly deteriorate but it’s been a long time coming. I can’t wait to read the next book!
I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.
I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.
December 19, 2017
Fun Book
I am not fond of cosy books, but these silly Daisy Gumm books are well written easy to read, and entertaining. I have read at least five of them now and they are a quick fun read.
I am not fond of cosy books, but these silly Daisy Gumm books are well written easy to read, and entertaining. I have read at least five of them now and they are a quick fun read.
May 23, 2017
This time we get a peek at the silent film industry. What fun.
January 18, 2020
Even though the repetitive nature of the story continued, this book moved along better than the first three that I read. The story was more intriguing.
April 24, 2020
Genteel Spirits -
Very good read, humor and drama. Interesting and well- developed characters. I would recommend this book Uts a delightfully easy read.
Very good read, humor and drama. Interesting and well- developed characters. I would recommend this book Uts a delightfully easy read.
May 3, 2020
Another light and mystical read by Alice Duncan. Daisy and her gang always lift my spirits!😂😊
February 17, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. The end made me cry a lot though. As someone who has had a family member commit suicide, it hit really close to home.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 15, 2019
GENTEEL SPIRITS, Alice Duncan, 2011
Set in Pasadena in the 1920s, this gentle cozy series is just a whole lot of fun. This time out Daisy gets involved with people in the movie industry, as a film is being shot in their city. The star of the film, a flighty, spoiled actress with a massive ego, wants Daisy there at all times while the film is being shot as her very own spiritualist and advisor. Despite having to deal with the lady's constant "trauma" and tantrums, Daisy soon finds herself in possession of a lot of secrets to keep as well as mysteries to solve. Unfortunately, Sam Rotondo is providing security for the film, and his presence, as well as his unvarying suspicions, are a constant thorn in Daisy's side.
It was interesting hearing what it was like to shoot a silent film. Ms. Duncan always has her historical facts straight, whether she's writing about Pasadena, film stars, WWI, or what Daisy is wearing. Luckily for the reader, her research appears naturally in the books so that you don't even notice you've learned things until later! An afternoon spent with Daisy in Pasadena is an afternoon well-spent.
Set in Pasadena in the 1920s, this gentle cozy series is just a whole lot of fun. This time out Daisy gets involved with people in the movie industry, as a film is being shot in their city. The star of the film, a flighty, spoiled actress with a massive ego, wants Daisy there at all times while the film is being shot as her very own spiritualist and advisor. Despite having to deal with the lady's constant "trauma" and tantrums, Daisy soon finds herself in possession of a lot of secrets to keep as well as mysteries to solve. Unfortunately, Sam Rotondo is providing security for the film, and his presence, as well as his unvarying suspicions, are a constant thorn in Daisy's side.
It was interesting hearing what it was like to shoot a silent film. Ms. Duncan always has her historical facts straight, whether she's writing about Pasadena, film stars, WWI, or what Daisy is wearing. Luckily for the reader, her research appears naturally in the books so that you don't even notice you've learned things until later! An afternoon spent with Daisy in Pasadena is an afternoon well-spent.
February 2, 2012
Alice Duncan’s GENTEEL SPIRITS exudes personality and gentle humor. Daisy Gumm Majesty has an endearing persona much like Stephanie Plum. Both Evanovich and Duncan write their novels in first person voice most effectively. Duncan has an excellent knowledge of the 1920’s and what it was like to live in Pasadena, California in that era.
Her details of setting are wonderful and put the reader right into the time and place of the novel. Daisy, a fake spiritualist, is hired to help a movie star diva control her emotions as a film is made. She figures out who is sending poison pen letters to the stars of the film and puts a stop to it. At the same time, Daisy has to contend with problems at home. Her beloved husband Billy is dying from injuries sustained in the First World War. The novel is at times light-hearted and humorous and at others serious and thoughtful—shades of Jacqueline Winspear. I strongly recommend this novel as well as Alice Duncan’s other books.
Her details of setting are wonderful and put the reader right into the time and place of the novel. Daisy, a fake spiritualist, is hired to help a movie star diva control her emotions as a film is made. She figures out who is sending poison pen letters to the stars of the film and puts a stop to it. At the same time, Daisy has to contend with problems at home. Her beloved husband Billy is dying from injuries sustained in the First World War. The novel is at times light-hearted and humorous and at others serious and thoughtful—shades of Jacqueline Winspear. I strongly recommend this novel as well as Alice Duncan’s other books.
July 18, 2019
Genteel Spirits (A Daisy Gumm Majesty Mystery, Book 5) — Alice Duncan (23 chapters) Dec. 10-18, 2018.
This was a tougher middle story in a three set set I read. (Incidentally, the author does a very good job of writing three book sets; they are true arcs, that should be read together.)
In this story, Daisy is tasked with shadowing an actress, a drama queen, on a movie set. The actress hires Daisy to be her on-call spiritualist. But that’s not all that’s amiss. The good detective Sam is also on the scene to protect a piece of film equipment that the producer fear will be stolen by the Germans. Sam is beyond excited to be on the set (not!)
Meanwhile, Daisy and Billy take Spike to dog obedience training; but Billy begins to act different. When Daisy overhears a conversation between Billy and Sam, things begin to unravel, leading up to an intense climax.
This story is very dark. It reads and progresses to that end.
This feels like a turning point story.
Three stars
This was a tougher middle story in a three set set I read. (Incidentally, the author does a very good job of writing three book sets; they are true arcs, that should be read together.)
In this story, Daisy is tasked with shadowing an actress, a drama queen, on a movie set. The actress hires Daisy to be her on-call spiritualist. But that’s not all that’s amiss. The good detective Sam is also on the scene to protect a piece of film equipment that the producer fear will be stolen by the Germans. Sam is beyond excited to be on the set (not!)
Meanwhile, Daisy and Billy take Spike to dog obedience training; but Billy begins to act different. When Daisy overhears a conversation between Billy and Sam, things begin to unravel, leading up to an intense climax.
This story is very dark. It reads and progresses to that end.
This feels like a turning point story.
Three stars
October 23, 2011
Daisy Gumm Majesty is a phony psychic, providing some comfort to foolish rich people in 1920's Pasadena. She helps support her family, including her war-wounded husband Billy. But now she's working with a difficult, and not very nice, movie star as a film is produced at a mansion owned by a Southern lady whose grandson is also a film idol, Monty. Not only must Daisy keep Lola calm, but she is asked to help Monty, a man with a secret who is getting poison pen letters. The presence of Billy's best friend, police detective Sam, on the set is not helping either--he's always suspicious of Daisy. This book is fairly short on crime, but advances Daisy's personal story. Duncan seems to specialize in eager, not too worldly heroines who narrate their books with individualized voices. The plot may not enthrall you, but Daisy will.
October 12, 2011
this time daisy is working for a lady during a movie shoot. it takes place in pasadena in a rich persons yard which sounds like its acres huge, with 3 houses and big yard. her husband is still sick. the dog is doing well in training.
since i hurt my back this weekend, i took it easy this after noon and read the whole book. it was good, except at the end, poor billy od. the ironic part was, i had the scanner on, as soon as i was done with the book, a call went out that someone od in the bathroom (didnt hear where) and right away i heard sirens out the back window. it was close by.
poor billy, he was in such pain...daisy said it was teh worst day of her life.
next book coming out feb 2012, cant wait to see what happens
since i hurt my back this weekend, i took it easy this after noon and read the whole book. it was good, except at the end, poor billy od. the ironic part was, i had the scanner on, as soon as i was done with the book, a call went out that someone od in the bathroom (didnt hear where) and right away i heard sirens out the back window. it was close by.
poor billy, he was in such pain...daisy said it was teh worst day of her life.
next book coming out feb 2012, cant wait to see what happens
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 29, 2015
I had no idea what I was getting into when I started this--there was no murder--mostly it was a simple little story about a young woman whose husband had been severely injured in WWI and she had to find a way to support him, actually several relatives. I liked Daisy and her family but this turns out to be the 5th book in the series and throughout the book I sensed that she was being set up with another man to take over when her husband died. I'm not sure I will try anymore of her books--it just left me feeling a bit unbalanced.
April 15, 2014
This new series features a,black and white cat named Eddie and the protagonist, Minnie whom Eddie adopted. Eddie manages to be on board the maiden voyage of the bookmobile. At the end of the day he escapes and Minnie finds a murder victim. The book has many descriptions of people, many that are irrelevant. I got lost among this part. Minnie spends a lot of free time talking to Eddie. He answers Murr! Eddie's actions are a cat. I will read the next one.
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June 12, 2015
As I've mentioned before, I like to read these Daisy Majesty stories as a readers palate cleanser in between heavier reads because they are so light and entertaining. This book in the series has Daisy working on the set of a silent movie film and is just as enjoyable as the rest of the series. A tragic turn at the end of the story, however, had me jumping right into the next book in the series to see how Daisy deals with her travails.
March 17, 2015
I'm not crazy about the style of this series - there's too much sadness in the protagonist's situation with her injured veteran husband for it to be as funny as the style would support. And the historical allusions that keep me coming back are somewhat diminished by a slight clunkiness. They are interesting, though, and I'll probably read more for the history if nothing more.
March 19, 2013
Now I've read the entire short series-so far anyway-of six books. This one did not disappoint. For you die hard mystery fans these books are not really mysteries in the traditional sense but there is always something fishy going on that Daisy gets herself involved in.
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January 29, 2016I absolutely love the Daisy Gumm series! Daisy is a spunky young gal in the early '20's making her way in a world not especially friendly to women attempting to be the major breadwinner for their family.
October 13, 2011
Light, fun and easy read. Set in 20's in California.
March 19, 2012
Great writing, funny, good for the hear and soul. Very entertaining and well written.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews