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Gregor Demarkian #1
Not a Creature Was Stirring
Edgar Award Finalist: The patriarch of a wealthy, notoriously unpleasant Philadelphia family is murdered, and a former FBI agent must figure out whodunit.
The Hannaford who made the family fortune called himself a tycoon. The newspapers called him a robber baron. Since the days of Robert Hannaford I, the family has infested Philadelphia society like a disease. The current Hannafords are a clan of embezzlers, gamblers, and fantasy novelists. This Christmas, they have money in their bank accounts, crime in their blood, and murder on their minds. Gregor Demarkian is their reluctant guest. A former FBI agent who quit the agency after his wife's death, he is invited by the Hannaford patriarch to come for dinner at the family mansion. Demarkain arrives just in time to find his host bludgeoned to death in his study and his investigation will lead him to the Hannafords, a family of cold-blooded killers.
The Hannaford who made the family fortune called himself a tycoon. The newspapers called him a robber baron. Since the days of Robert Hannaford I, the family has infested Philadelphia society like a disease. The current Hannafords are a clan of embezzlers, gamblers, and fantasy novelists. This Christmas, they have money in their bank accounts, crime in their blood, and murder on their minds. Gregor Demarkian is their reluctant guest. A former FBI agent who quit the agency after his wife's death, he is invited by the Hannaford patriarch to come for dinner at the family mansion. Demarkain arrives just in time to find his host bludgeoned to death in his study and his investigation will lead him to the Hannafords, a family of cold-blooded killers.
370 pages, ebook
First published November 1, 1990
189 people are currently reading
1544 people want to read
About the author
Jane Haddam
55 books132 followersAka Orania Papazoglou
Jane Haddam (b. 1951) is an American author of mysteries. Born Orania Papazoglou, she worked as a college professor and magazine editor before publishing her Edgar Award–nominated first novel, Sweet, Savage Death, in 1984. This mystery introduced Patience McKenna, a sleuthing scribe who would go on to appear in four more books, including Wicked, Loving Murder (1985) and Rich, Radiant Slaughter (1988).
Not a Creature Was Stirring (1990) introduced Haddam’s best-known character, former FBI agent Gregor Demarkian. The series spans more than twenty novels, many of them holiday-themed, including Murder Superior (1993), Fountain of Death (1995), and Wanting Sheila Dead (2005). Haddam’s most recent novels are Blood in the Water (2012) and Hearts of Sand (2013). Wife of William L DeAndrea.
Jane Haddam (b. 1951) is an American author of mysteries. Born Orania Papazoglou, she worked as a college professor and magazine editor before publishing her Edgar Award–nominated first novel, Sweet, Savage Death, in 1984. This mystery introduced Patience McKenna, a sleuthing scribe who would go on to appear in four more books, including Wicked, Loving Murder (1985) and Rich, Radiant Slaughter (1988).
Not a Creature Was Stirring (1990) introduced Haddam’s best-known character, former FBI agent Gregor Demarkian. The series spans more than twenty novels, many of them holiday-themed, including Murder Superior (1993), Fountain of Death (1995), and Wanting Sheila Dead (2005). Haddam’s most recent novels are Blood in the Water (2012) and Hearts of Sand (2013). Wife of William L DeAndrea.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
December 10, 2024
"Not a Creature was Stirring", is the very first in Jane Haddam's long-running Gregor Demarkian series, which I read when first published in 1990 and it remains one of my favourites. When we meet Gregor Demarkian he is a fifty five year old man, retired after twenty years at the FBI. His beloved wife, Elizabeth, is dead - Demarkian had retired mainly to care for her - and now he is a man without purpose. He has returned to his childhood Armenian ethnic neighbourhood in Philadelphia and this place, Cavanaugh Street, and his neighbours are all very important to Demarkian's character and the books. In many ways, this novel really sets the scene for a series which becomes (like all good series) filled with characters who seem like old friends.
Of course, this first novel also introduces the important character of Bennis Hannaford, whose family are wealthy, influential and extremely dysfunctional. When Robert Hannaford, father of Bennis and her six siblings, contacts Father Tibor (an eccentric Armenian priest) and asks him to arrange for Gregor Demarkian to attend a dinner at his family home, events are set in motion which end in murder. When Demarkian is asked to act as a consultant in the case, he finds a reason to go on living.
The series in order is as follows:
Gregor Demarkian
1. Not a Creature Was Stirring (1990)
2. Precious Blood (1991)
3. Act of Darkness (1991)
4. Quoth the Raven (1991)
5. A Great Day for the Deadly (1992)
6. A Feast of Murder (1992)
7. A Stillness in Bethlehem (1992)
8. Murder Superior (1993)
9. Dear Old Dead (1994)
10. Festival of Deaths (1994)
11. Bleeding Hearts (1994)
12. Fountain of Death (1995)
13. And One to Die On (1996)
14. Baptism in Blood (1996)
15. Deadly Beloved (1997)
16. Skeleton Key (2000)
17. True Believers (2001)
18. Somebody Else's Music (2002)
19. Conspiracy Theory (2003)
20. The Headmaster's Wife (2005)
21. Hardscrabble Road (2006)
22. Glass Houses (2007)
23. Cheating At Solitaire (2008)
24. Living Witness (2009)
25. Wanting Sheila Dead (2010)
26. Flowering Judas (2011)
27. Blood in the Water (2012)
28. Hearts of Sand (2013)
29. Fighting Chance (2014)
Although the books are all stand alone stories and can be read as such, it is always best to read a series such as this, with lots of familiar characters who appear in many books, in order. Jane Haddam also has another series, Patience McKenna, the first book of which is Sweet, Savage Death: Patience McKenna (writing as Orania Papazoglou) Series, Book 1 (The Patience McKenna Mysteries). Gregor Demarkian is one of my favourite fictional detectives and this first novel is a delight.
Of course, this first novel also introduces the important character of Bennis Hannaford, whose family are wealthy, influential and extremely dysfunctional. When Robert Hannaford, father of Bennis and her six siblings, contacts Father Tibor (an eccentric Armenian priest) and asks him to arrange for Gregor Demarkian to attend a dinner at his family home, events are set in motion which end in murder. When Demarkian is asked to act as a consultant in the case, he finds a reason to go on living.
The series in order is as follows:
Gregor Demarkian
1. Not a Creature Was Stirring (1990)
2. Precious Blood (1991)
3. Act of Darkness (1991)
4. Quoth the Raven (1991)
5. A Great Day for the Deadly (1992)
6. A Feast of Murder (1992)
7. A Stillness in Bethlehem (1992)
8. Murder Superior (1993)
9. Dear Old Dead (1994)
10. Festival of Deaths (1994)
11. Bleeding Hearts (1994)
12. Fountain of Death (1995)
13. And One to Die On (1996)
14. Baptism in Blood (1996)
15. Deadly Beloved (1997)
16. Skeleton Key (2000)
17. True Believers (2001)
18. Somebody Else's Music (2002)
19. Conspiracy Theory (2003)
20. The Headmaster's Wife (2005)
21. Hardscrabble Road (2006)
22. Glass Houses (2007)
23. Cheating At Solitaire (2008)
24. Living Witness (2009)
25. Wanting Sheila Dead (2010)
26. Flowering Judas (2011)
27. Blood in the Water (2012)
28. Hearts of Sand (2013)
29. Fighting Chance (2014)
Although the books are all stand alone stories and can be read as such, it is always best to read a series such as this, with lots of familiar characters who appear in many books, in order. Jane Haddam also has another series, Patience McKenna, the first book of which is Sweet, Savage Death: Patience McKenna (writing as Orania Papazoglou) Series, Book 1 (The Patience McKenna Mysteries). Gregor Demarkian is one of my favourite fictional detectives and this first novel is a delight.
August 6, 2019
The first thing you see when you open up this book is a map. A map of a huge, 40 room, mansion. Then you get a cast of characters: the owner of this mansion is Daddy, who is mean and hateful. Seven adult children who are all a bit... dysfunctional for various reasons. Mother, wife to Daddy, obviously, at least in this story, is quite ill. Throw in a butler, cook, etc. What do you get?? A great game of CLUE! That's what I thought. And I was right! This is a delightful, old fashioned whodunit! A great read for the holidays, or anytime! I thoroughly enjoyed this book! And whodunit?? You'll not find out until the last page, 'cause I'm not gonna tell ya!
February 22, 2020
What a hard book to rate. It was a fast read, and for the authors first book it was well done, but the problem with the book for me is the fact that even though it is well written and have good characters and plot, I never felt connected to the book. I just could not really feel that we were getting any depth into a lot of the characters, and I have no idea what was going on with our protagonist Gregor Demarkian and John Henry Jackman who is now the lead detective investigating the case. I think a lot more will be fleshed out with the Demarkian character in future books but while the story was good I never was able to see the crimes through the eyes of Demarkian. Lots of red herrings, but the murderer seemed obvious to me. Like I said, there were interesting characters but it something was just missing that made me think WOW! A good debut novel and considering I have a lot of Haddam's books on my Kindle I am hopeful that this series will improve.
August 7, 2019
I found this book slow to start and, in fact, was ready to put it down as a "did not finish," but decided to keep going owing to the stellar reviews I'd read about it. I'd give this one a 3.5- star rating, but rounded down due to its lackluster beginning (nearly the first 75 pages, give or take.)
The middle and end of this one were full of building suspense and as a whodunit, it was clever.
The middle and end of this one were full of building suspense and as a whodunit, it was clever.
August 18, 2020
I am absolutely delighted to see that Jane Haddam has finally arrived on kindle! This novel, "Not a Creature was Stirring", is the very first in her long-running Gregor Demarkian series, which I read when first published in 1990 and it remains one of my favourites. When we meet Gregor Demarkian he is a fifty five year old man, retired after twenty years at the FBI. His beloved wife, Elizabeth, is dead - Demarkian had retired mainly to care for her - and now he is a man without purpose. He has returned to his childhood Armenian ethnic neighbourhood in Philadelphia and this place, Cavanaugh Street, and his neighbours are all very important to Demarkian's character and the books. In many ways, this novel really sets the scene for a series which becomes (like all good series) filled with characters who seem like old friends.
Of course, this first novel also introduces the important character of Bennis Hannaford, whose family are wealthy, influential and extremely dysfunctional. When Robert Hannaford, father of Bennis and her six siblings, contacts Father Tibor (an eccentric Armenian priest) and asks him to arrange for Gregor Demarkian to attend a dinner at his family home, events are set in motion which end in murder. When Demarkian is asked to act as a consultant in the case, he finds a reason to go on living.
Sadly, not all the books in this series are currently on kindle, although I hope that they will eventually appear. The series in order is as follows:
Gregor Demarkian
1. Not a Creature Was Stirring (1990)
2. Precious Blood (1991)
3. Act of Darkness (1991)
4. Quoth the Raven (1991)
5. A Great Day for the Deadly (1992)
6. A Feast of Murder (1992)
7. A Stillness in Bethlehem (1992)
8. Murder Superior (1993)
9. Dear Old Dead (1994)
10. Festival of Deaths (1994)
11. Bleeding Hearts (1994)
12. Fountain of Death (1995)
13. And One to Die On (1996)
14. Baptism in Blood (1996)
15. Deadly Beloved (1997)
16. Skeleton Key (2000)
17. True Believers (2001)
18. Somebody Else's Music (2002)
19. Conspiracy Theory (2003)
20. The Headmaster's Wife (2005)
21. Hardscrabble Road (2006)
22. Glass Houses (2007)
23. Cheating At Solitaire (2008)
24. Living Witness (2009)
25. Wanting Sheila Dead (2010)
26. Flowering Judas (2011)
27. Blood in the Water (2012)
28. Hearts of Sand (2013)
The next book on kindle is Act of Darkness: Gregor Demarkian Series, Book 3 (The Gregor Demarkian Holiday Mysteries) , although the second book is actually "Precious Blood". Although the books are all stand alone stories and can be read as such, it is always best to read a series such as this, with lots of familiar characters who appear in many books, in order. However, I am not complaining - I have waited a long while to replace my beloved, tattered paperbacks (which I will still keep, but which are falling apart) on kindle. Also, as many of Jane Haddam's earlier books are now out of print, hopefully this will enable new readers to discover the delights of one of my favourite fictional detectives. Jane Haddam also has another series, Patience McKenna, the first book of which is Sweet, Savage Death: Patience McKenna (writing as Orania Papazoglou) Series, Book 1 (The Patience McKenna Mysteries) .
Of course, this first novel also introduces the important character of Bennis Hannaford, whose family are wealthy, influential and extremely dysfunctional. When Robert Hannaford, father of Bennis and her six siblings, contacts Father Tibor (an eccentric Armenian priest) and asks him to arrange for Gregor Demarkian to attend a dinner at his family home, events are set in motion which end in murder. When Demarkian is asked to act as a consultant in the case, he finds a reason to go on living.
Sadly, not all the books in this series are currently on kindle, although I hope that they will eventually appear. The series in order is as follows:
Gregor Demarkian
1. Not a Creature Was Stirring (1990)
2. Precious Blood (1991)
3. Act of Darkness (1991)
4. Quoth the Raven (1991)
5. A Great Day for the Deadly (1992)
6. A Feast of Murder (1992)
7. A Stillness in Bethlehem (1992)
8. Murder Superior (1993)
9. Dear Old Dead (1994)
10. Festival of Deaths (1994)
11. Bleeding Hearts (1994)
12. Fountain of Death (1995)
13. And One to Die On (1996)
14. Baptism in Blood (1996)
15. Deadly Beloved (1997)
16. Skeleton Key (2000)
17. True Believers (2001)
18. Somebody Else's Music (2002)
19. Conspiracy Theory (2003)
20. The Headmaster's Wife (2005)
21. Hardscrabble Road (2006)
22. Glass Houses (2007)
23. Cheating At Solitaire (2008)
24. Living Witness (2009)
25. Wanting Sheila Dead (2010)
26. Flowering Judas (2011)
27. Blood in the Water (2012)
28. Hearts of Sand (2013)
The next book on kindle is Act of Darkness: Gregor Demarkian Series, Book 3 (The Gregor Demarkian Holiday Mysteries) , although the second book is actually "Precious Blood". Although the books are all stand alone stories and can be read as such, it is always best to read a series such as this, with lots of familiar characters who appear in many books, in order. However, I am not complaining - I have waited a long while to replace my beloved, tattered paperbacks (which I will still keep, but which are falling apart) on kindle. Also, as many of Jane Haddam's earlier books are now out of print, hopefully this will enable new readers to discover the delights of one of my favourite fictional detectives. Jane Haddam also has another series, Patience McKenna, the first book of which is Sweet, Savage Death: Patience McKenna (writing as Orania Papazoglou) Series, Book 1 (The Patience McKenna Mysteries) .
July 14, 2019
Not a Creature Was Stirring (Gregor Demarkian, #1) by Jane Haddam.
This is the 1st book in the wonderful Gregor Demarkian series. These books may be read alone or in order. I chose to go back to the beginning after reading 10 Demarkian novels. This story reveals the roots of Demarkian's new chapter in his life after retiring from the FBI and the start of his relationship with a future significant person.
The Hannaford Siblings:
Bennis: successful author.
Ann Marie: frustrated spinster/caregiver.
Teddy: college professor suffering with a painful leg injury.
Chris: pot head.
Emma: suicidal(?)
Myra: unhappily married to Richard Van Damn.
Bobby: financial wizard (?).
Robert Hannaford-Father.
Cordelia Day Hannaford-Mother.
Demarkian has retired after 20 years with the FBI. His reputation goes before him as a renowned detective/inspector extraordinaire. He is still recovering from his wife, Elizabeth's, death. Demarkian has decided to return to his original residence, Cavanaugh Street, an area that preserves his Armenian culture.
Retirement is not all it's made out to be for Demarkian. There's something missing and it's getting to him. He's restless, but for what. Then Father Tibor has a message for him coming from a multi-millionaire. A man he neither knows or has ever met. Robert Hannaford offers him $100,000 to come to his estate as his guest. This invitation is only the beginning of a new chapter in his life...a chapter that answers the question to his restlessness.
A grand entrance into the world of Gregor Demarkian.
This is the 1st book in the wonderful Gregor Demarkian series. These books may be read alone or in order. I chose to go back to the beginning after reading 10 Demarkian novels. This story reveals the roots of Demarkian's new chapter in his life after retiring from the FBI and the start of his relationship with a future significant person.
The Hannaford Siblings:
Bennis: successful author.
Ann Marie: frustrated spinster/caregiver.
Teddy: college professor suffering with a painful leg injury.
Chris: pot head.
Emma: suicidal(?)
Myra: unhappily married to Richard Van Damn.
Bobby: financial wizard (?).
Robert Hannaford-Father.
Cordelia Day Hannaford-Mother.
Demarkian has retired after 20 years with the FBI. His reputation goes before him as a renowned detective/inspector extraordinaire. He is still recovering from his wife, Elizabeth's, death. Demarkian has decided to return to his original residence, Cavanaugh Street, an area that preserves his Armenian culture.
Retirement is not all it's made out to be for Demarkian. There's something missing and it's getting to him. He's restless, but for what. Then Father Tibor has a message for him coming from a multi-millionaire. A man he neither knows or has ever met. Robert Hannaford offers him $100,000 to come to his estate as his guest. This invitation is only the beginning of a new chapter in his life...a chapter that answers the question to his restlessness.
A grand entrance into the world of Gregor Demarkian.
January 4, 2021
This first book in the Gregor Demarkian mystery series was published back in 1991. My friend Sarah told me about these books and I was delighted with them. Great plots, interesting suspects, amusing supporting cast, a holiday connection. And something you don't find in many mysteries, two characters who aren't just cardboard. One of them is the former FBI detective, Demarkian, who is still mourning the death of his much-beloved wife and regrets having retired early; he misses his job.
He has moved back to the neighborhood in Philadelphia where he grew up, a small Armenian enclave that has come through the years without decaying or losing its ethnic qualities. He finds there many of the people he knew 30 years ago and at first he is uncomfortable at the old women who manage to find out everything that is happening in the neighborhood. (This is not an Armenian thing - in the small Yankee/French Canadian town where I grew up people knew what you were going to do before you did it.)
The other particularly interesting character in the series is Father Tibor, the priest at the Armenian Catholic Church. He is wise and saintly, in as realistic a portrayal of such a man as I've read anywhere. He has lived under three repressive regimes and reads in six languages. He has books piled up everywhere in his apartment behind the church. He is always there when anyone needs help but he doesn't interfere with anybody. Whenever Demarkian begins to think Tibor is too naive, Father Tibor shows that it is perhaps Demarkian who is the naive one. The warmth and charm of this character is deeply engaging.
And the mystery? The father of a large and very wealthy Main Line family is found dead just moments before Demarkian arrives for dinner after having been invited in a mysterious manner by the dead man. He finds there the Bryn Mawr police chief, John Henry Newman Jackman, a man he has worked with in the past, a very good detective but over his head in this case.
If you pay very close attention you can figure out who's killing whom and why. But it isn't obvious and the clues are cleverly interwoven with the herring.
He has moved back to the neighborhood in Philadelphia where he grew up, a small Armenian enclave that has come through the years without decaying or losing its ethnic qualities. He finds there many of the people he knew 30 years ago and at first he is uncomfortable at the old women who manage to find out everything that is happening in the neighborhood. (This is not an Armenian thing - in the small Yankee/French Canadian town where I grew up people knew what you were going to do before you did it.)
The other particularly interesting character in the series is Father Tibor, the priest at the Armenian Catholic Church. He is wise and saintly, in as realistic a portrayal of such a man as I've read anywhere. He has lived under three repressive regimes and reads in six languages. He has books piled up everywhere in his apartment behind the church. He is always there when anyone needs help but he doesn't interfere with anybody. Whenever Demarkian begins to think Tibor is too naive, Father Tibor shows that it is perhaps Demarkian who is the naive one. The warmth and charm of this character is deeply engaging.
And the mystery? The father of a large and very wealthy Main Line family is found dead just moments before Demarkian arrives for dinner after having been invited in a mysterious manner by the dead man. He finds there the Bryn Mawr police chief, John Henry Newman Jackman, a man he has worked with in the past, a very good detective but over his head in this case.
If you pay very close attention you can figure out who's killing whom and why. But it isn't obvious and the clues are cleverly interwoven with the herring.
December 27, 2019
3.5 stars for the first in this series but was intrigued enough in the evolving character of Gregor Demarkian to continue with the next book. The Hannaford family were horrid people and some of the language used by the father was vulgar and offensive. I had almost figured out the culprit in the murders but considered the investigating by the local police as ineffectual at best.
July 6, 2019
Not A Creature Was Stirring is the first book in the Gregor Demarkian series and the first book by Jane Haddam that I have read. I thought I would like it but didn't realize how much I would like it.
The book centers around the Hannaford family who gather together for Christmas. The Hannafords who are wealthy made their fortune several generations ago through the railroad. The family is dysfunctional. The mother is very ill and close to death. The father is not liked by his childrem. He is rather evil and mean spirited.
The reader is introduced to Gregor Demarkian in this book. He retired from the FBI. He recently lost his wife. One of the best parts of the book is that he went back to live on Cavanaugh Street where he grew up. He has friends and neighbors here that look out for him. I can see that they will be in future books where they will be like friends to the reader.
The priest Father Tibor says Robert Hannaford will give $100,000 to his church if Gregor comes to Christmas dinner at the Hannaford Estate. Gregor became quite famous in his previous career in the FBI. Gregor goes as a favor for the priest not knowing what is really going on. Upon arrival, a murder has occurred. More murders occur as the story progresses.
The character development was one real strength in this book. The mystery was well written. I will continue on with the series.
I like Gregor Demarkian and look forward to reading about him and his Cavanaugh Street friends in future books.
The book centers around the Hannaford family who gather together for Christmas. The Hannafords who are wealthy made their fortune several generations ago through the railroad. The family is dysfunctional. The mother is very ill and close to death. The father is not liked by his childrem. He is rather evil and mean spirited.
The reader is introduced to Gregor Demarkian in this book. He retired from the FBI. He recently lost his wife. One of the best parts of the book is that he went back to live on Cavanaugh Street where he grew up. He has friends and neighbors here that look out for him. I can see that they will be in future books where they will be like friends to the reader.
The priest Father Tibor says Robert Hannaford will give $100,000 to his church if Gregor comes to Christmas dinner at the Hannaford Estate. Gregor became quite famous in his previous career in the FBI. Gregor goes as a favor for the priest not knowing what is really going on. Upon arrival, a murder has occurred. More murders occur as the story progresses.
The character development was one real strength in this book. The mystery was well written. I will continue on with the series.
I like Gregor Demarkian and look forward to reading about him and his Cavanaugh Street friends in future books.
June 23, 2021
3.5 ⭐. It was good, but not enough to retain my interest. I probably won't continue the series, least not for a while. I have far too many other priorities.
May 8, 2019
Pretty good
June 13, 2021
First Sentence: "Listen," Myra said, as soon as the phone was picked up, without waiting to find out who had answered it.
Gregor Demarkian, a retired profiler for the FBI "…the most Irish Catholic organization in the U.S. government" is asked for a special favor by his good friend, Father Tibor. Philadelphia Main Line millionaire Robert Hannaford has offered the priest $100,000 for his crumbling church if Gregor will have Christmas dinner at "Engine House," the Hannaford estate. What Gregor finds is a house with every inch decorated for Christmas; a group of siblings who don't like themselves or one another, some of whom are in financial and or legal trouble, and a matriarch crippled with Muscular Sclerosis who never leaves her room. Shortly after arriving, Hanniford is found in his den where a marble bust accidentally fell, killing him. Was it an accident? Gregor doesn't think so.
Haddam's voice is one that captivates. With a heading of "PART ONE SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18-SATURDAY DECEMBER 24 THE FIRST MURDER," it's clear there's an interesting story ahead. And it is nice that a floorplan of the house is included at the beginning of the book. The story is filled with subtle, often dialogue-driven humor. There is a cynicism and sharpness to her voice that causes frequent chuckles—"No intelligent psychopath had to murder a dozen little old ladies to get his kicks. He would wreak far more havoc by going into government work." After that, it is the character of Gregor and his friend Father Tibor who are the hook. We learn of Gregor's past and about life within an Armenian community.
As for the family/victims, they are a mess. It is hard to work up a whole lot of sympathy for them. It makes one glad to not be wealthy, or at least, overly entitled.
As for the plot, in the end, aren't all motives really quite basic? The family Gregor is investigating is filled with unpleasant characters, and none more so than the father. As the investigation proceeds, it is understandable why he was murdered.
One point of interest is that each of Haddam's 30 books, is set against the background of a holiday. This somehow truly fits with her sense of humor.
"Not a Creature was Stirring" is a familial version of Agatha Christie's "And Then There None." The has a strange, obscure plot of even stranger, mainly unsympathetic people other than those surrounding Gregor. However, what it really has is a delightful voice, eminently quotable lines, and a lot of smoking: one forgets how prevalent smoking was in 1990. This was one of those books where you feel as though you should have figured it out, but didn't. It's also a book that makes one really want to continue the series.
NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING (Pol(ret)-Gregor Demarkian-NYC/PA-Contemp) – Good
Jane Haddam, 1st in series
Mysterious Press, 1990, 320 pp
Gregor Demarkian, a retired profiler for the FBI "…the most Irish Catholic organization in the U.S. government" is asked for a special favor by his good friend, Father Tibor. Philadelphia Main Line millionaire Robert Hannaford has offered the priest $100,000 for his crumbling church if Gregor will have Christmas dinner at "Engine House," the Hannaford estate. What Gregor finds is a house with every inch decorated for Christmas; a group of siblings who don't like themselves or one another, some of whom are in financial and or legal trouble, and a matriarch crippled with Muscular Sclerosis who never leaves her room. Shortly after arriving, Hanniford is found in his den where a marble bust accidentally fell, killing him. Was it an accident? Gregor doesn't think so.
Haddam's voice is one that captivates. With a heading of "PART ONE SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18-SATURDAY DECEMBER 24 THE FIRST MURDER," it's clear there's an interesting story ahead. And it is nice that a floorplan of the house is included at the beginning of the book. The story is filled with subtle, often dialogue-driven humor. There is a cynicism and sharpness to her voice that causes frequent chuckles—"No intelligent psychopath had to murder a dozen little old ladies to get his kicks. He would wreak far more havoc by going into government work." After that, it is the character of Gregor and his friend Father Tibor who are the hook. We learn of Gregor's past and about life within an Armenian community.
As for the family/victims, they are a mess. It is hard to work up a whole lot of sympathy for them. It makes one glad to not be wealthy, or at least, overly entitled.
As for the plot, in the end, aren't all motives really quite basic? The family Gregor is investigating is filled with unpleasant characters, and none more so than the father. As the investigation proceeds, it is understandable why he was murdered.
One point of interest is that each of Haddam's 30 books, is set against the background of a holiday. This somehow truly fits with her sense of humor.
"Not a Creature was Stirring" is a familial version of Agatha Christie's "And Then There None." The has a strange, obscure plot of even stranger, mainly unsympathetic people other than those surrounding Gregor. However, what it really has is a delightful voice, eminently quotable lines, and a lot of smoking: one forgets how prevalent smoking was in 1990. This was one of those books where you feel as though you should have figured it out, but didn't. It's also a book that makes one really want to continue the series.
NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING (Pol(ret)-Gregor Demarkian-NYC/PA-Contemp) – Good
Jane Haddam, 1st in series
Mysterious Press, 1990, 320 pp
December 22, 2019
I enjoyed Not A Creature Was Stirring. It is the first in a long series featuring Gregor Demakian, and Armenian-American ex-FBI investigator who here gets drawn into the case of a sequence of murders in one of Philadelphia’s richest families.
As a story it’s all pretty cosy and really the equivalent of a familiar Country House mystery set in 1990 Philadelphia. I thought more than once that it was very like a Poirot and then one of the characters said almost exactly that (although the denouement was more Miss Marple than Poirot) – and all that was just fine with me. The real strength of the book lies in Jane Haddam’s very good writing and structure (although it did drag a little in the middle, I thought), her thoughtful characterisation – especially of Demarkian – and her depiction of the Armenian community, all of which I found very good.
I am grateful to Susan Riaz for introducing me to this series. This opener isn’t a classic but is very enjoyable and has real promise for the rest of the series, of which I shall definitely be reading more. Recommended.
As a story it’s all pretty cosy and really the equivalent of a familiar Country House mystery set in 1990 Philadelphia. I thought more than once that it was very like a Poirot and then one of the characters said almost exactly that (although the denouement was more Miss Marple than Poirot) – and all that was just fine with me. The real strength of the book lies in Jane Haddam’s very good writing and structure (although it did drag a little in the middle, I thought), her thoughtful characterisation – especially of Demarkian – and her depiction of the Armenian community, all of which I found very good.
I am grateful to Susan Riaz for introducing me to this series. This opener isn’t a classic but is very enjoyable and has real promise for the rest of the series, of which I shall definitely be reading more. Recommended.
January 26, 2014
If you like classic mysteries, you will enjoy this one, although the quicker wits among you will solve it early on. What I enjoyed the most about this one was the detective, Demarkian, and the way that he comes to term with who he really is even though his beloved wife has died. Next to that, I enjoyed the contrast between the high WASP Christmas on Philadelphia's Main Line and the same holiday in the Armenian neighborhood. Both cultures are strange to me, and I was happy to be an invited guest.
December 18, 2019
This is a new series for me. (I seem to always be starting series and never finishing them.) Taking place on the Main Line in the wealthy suburbs at Christmas there is not too much holiday cheer, but plenty of holiday spirits are to be had.
This was a well crafted mystery and I liked the ethnic dash of the Armenian American community. Though, it is packaged to look like a cozy mystery, I would qualify it as such. Good read.
This was a well crafted mystery and I liked the ethnic dash of the Armenian American community. Though, it is packaged to look like a cozy mystery, I would qualify it as such. Good read.
March 28, 2022
Not A Creature Was Stirring is the first book in the much lauded series by Jane Haddam that features Gregor Demarkian. Gregor was a famous FBI investigator, reknowned for his uncanny ability to guess what criminals are thinking and bring them to justice. But Gregor's wife Elizabeth contracted cancer and died after a long decline, and Gregor lost his drive to solve crimes. Now Gregor is newly retired, and not exactly sure what to do with himself.
It is Christmas, and the Philadelphia neighborhood where Demarkian lives is decorating and preparing for the holiday, though Gregor does not personally engage in the festivities. Gregor is Armenian, and he is surrounded by Armenian neighbors. Everyone seems to know their neighbor. A priest, Father Tibor, asks Gregor to find the boy who got Donna Moradanyan pregnant and then ran off. Hardly the sort of case that would tax the abilities of someone as capable as Demarkian. Then comes a call from Robert Hannaford. Hannaford offers a briefcase full of money ($100K!) if Demarkian will come to his mansion for Christmas dinner. Clearly the ruthless patriarch senses criminal deeds in his family and wants a top flight investigator to shed light on the potential crime.
Robert Hannaford is a fabulously wealthy (the novel was written in 1990, so the $400 million net worth of Hannaford is presented as a staggering sum) man whose ancestors made money in railroads. Hannaford lives in a vast mansion called The Engine House. Hannaford sired seven offspring, and hates them all. The feeling is mutual, the seven children all loathe Hannaford in turn, and Haddam depicts Robert Hannaford as deserving of their hatred. Nor do the children like each other - each is a flawed human with amoral sensibilities. The mother, Cordelia, is suffering a long decline from multiple-sclerosis, and it is clear that this will be her last Christmas. Despite their animosity, the seven children all return to The Engine House for a Christmas celebration to honor their mother. And then someone smashes in the head of Robert Hannaford. Because heavy snowfall and estate security limits the comings and going from the Engine House, it is clear that one of the seven children must be the murderer. But who? And why? Ultimately, I guessed the wrong murderer, and I could never figure out the motive. Haddam fooled me.
The seven children confused me - there were too many for me to keep straight. What was the difference between Teddy and Christopher? There are a lot of subplots - Myra wants to divorce her rich husband, yet needs money to do so. Haddam makes it clear that she and Bobby are engaged in some illicit money making scheme. Bennis is presented as the only stable, sane child - she has left the Hannafords and become a fantasy novelist, making millions for her stories about faeries and unicorns. Anne Marie stays at the estate, devoted to the care of Cordelia, constantly fretting about her mother's decline. Emma is the youngest child, born much later than the older six siblings. Christopher smokes a lot of dope and has a tremendous gambling problem. Teddy is a failed assistant professor at a third rate college. Everyone smokes too much. All of these snakes are used to money, yet Robert Hannaford's will does not leave his vast wealth to them. So who benefits from his death? Or was the murder simply revenge for a lifetime of abuse? Demarkian of course figures it out.
The Gregor Demarkian series is currently up to 30 volumes. I am certain that I will never read them all, but I may return for one or two more. Presumably the Armenian neighbors and former FBI personalities all grow into familiar characters over the course of the series.
It is Christmas, and the Philadelphia neighborhood where Demarkian lives is decorating and preparing for the holiday, though Gregor does not personally engage in the festivities. Gregor is Armenian, and he is surrounded by Armenian neighbors. Everyone seems to know their neighbor. A priest, Father Tibor, asks Gregor to find the boy who got Donna Moradanyan pregnant and then ran off. Hardly the sort of case that would tax the abilities of someone as capable as Demarkian. Then comes a call from Robert Hannaford. Hannaford offers a briefcase full of money ($100K!) if Demarkian will come to his mansion for Christmas dinner. Clearly the ruthless patriarch senses criminal deeds in his family and wants a top flight investigator to shed light on the potential crime.
Robert Hannaford is a fabulously wealthy (the novel was written in 1990, so the $400 million net worth of Hannaford is presented as a staggering sum) man whose ancestors made money in railroads. Hannaford lives in a vast mansion called The Engine House. Hannaford sired seven offspring, and hates them all. The feeling is mutual, the seven children all loathe Hannaford in turn, and Haddam depicts Robert Hannaford as deserving of their hatred. Nor do the children like each other - each is a flawed human with amoral sensibilities. The mother, Cordelia, is suffering a long decline from multiple-sclerosis, and it is clear that this will be her last Christmas. Despite their animosity, the seven children all return to The Engine House for a Christmas celebration to honor their mother. And then someone smashes in the head of Robert Hannaford. Because heavy snowfall and estate security limits the comings and going from the Engine House, it is clear that one of the seven children must be the murderer. But who? And why? Ultimately, I guessed the wrong murderer, and I could never figure out the motive. Haddam fooled me.
The seven children confused me - there were too many for me to keep straight. What was the difference between Teddy and Christopher? There are a lot of subplots - Myra wants to divorce her rich husband, yet needs money to do so. Haddam makes it clear that she and Bobby are engaged in some illicit money making scheme. Bennis is presented as the only stable, sane child - she has left the Hannafords and become a fantasy novelist, making millions for her stories about faeries and unicorns. Anne Marie stays at the estate, devoted to the care of Cordelia, constantly fretting about her mother's decline. Emma is the youngest child, born much later than the older six siblings. Christopher smokes a lot of dope and has a tremendous gambling problem. Teddy is a failed assistant professor at a third rate college. Everyone smokes too much. All of these snakes are used to money, yet Robert Hannaford's will does not leave his vast wealth to them. So who benefits from his death? Or was the murder simply revenge for a lifetime of abuse? Demarkian of course figures it out.
The Gregor Demarkian series is currently up to 30 volumes. I am certain that I will never read them all, but I may return for one or two more. Presumably the Armenian neighbors and former FBI personalities all grow into familiar characters over the course of the series.
March 15, 2019
FBI agent Gregor Demarkian retired two years ago after the death of his wife. He has moved back to his childhood neighborhood, an Armenian-American neighborhood in Philadelphia. He is invited to Christmas Eve dinner at the estate of an extremely wealthy, extremely nasty man, and has no idea what prompted the invitation. By the time he arrives, the man has been murdered. Which of his seven adult children is the murderer? Or were they all in it together since he hated them all and they hated him? The dying mother is the only person holding the family together, but when more murders occur, it's doubtful whether she can survive the horrors.
I had to keep reminding myself while reading this that it was not an Agatha Christie Hercule Poirot adventure! In fact, there is a comment made in the story relating to a newspaper article about Gregor referring to him as a modern Poirot. The characters are thoroughly delightful, and I love the way the author develops the situation of the murderous family, as well as the elements of Gregor's own life. This is the first in the series, and I am definitely looking forward to reading them all!
I had to keep reminding myself while reading this that it was not an Agatha Christie Hercule Poirot adventure! In fact, there is a comment made in the story relating to a newspaper article about Gregor referring to him as a modern Poirot. The characters are thoroughly delightful, and I love the way the author develops the situation of the murderous family, as well as the elements of Gregor's own life. This is the first in the series, and I am definitely looking forward to reading them all!
November 19, 2018
This is straightforward detective fiction but very well written. The prose flows smoothly and the observations are pointed and amusing. This is the first of many subsequent books about ex-FBI agent Gregor Demarkian who gets dragged into investigating a series of murders within a Mainline Philadelphia Wasp family. He's described as the "Armenian Hercule Poirot" which seems quite apt to me. Since I'm Armenian and have lived in Philadelphia, I was intrigued to read this. It turned out be reliably entertaining. Since only a bit of our detective's history and psyche are revealed, you'd have to continue with the series to discover more. Since I only have so much time, and there's so much to read, not sure I'll continue.
October 7, 2021
A good mystery, with careful character development and a well-thought-out plot that completely made sense. I did guess the murderer before the end but not the motive, and it's good to spend time with Gregor Demarkian, "the Armenian Hercule Poirot."
December 31, 2023
A good Agatha Christie type mystery- the murderer was a little obvious, which is why I guessed wrong!
December 23, 2017
I think that I have read this before though it didn't seem familiar to me. If so, it is not surprising that I guessed who the murderer was (based solely on personality, not clues) - I may have subconsciously remembered.
I love the Armenian-American background; as I grew up in a town with a lot of Armenians, many aspects of this background remind me of my hometown.
I love the Armenian-American background; as I grew up in a town with a lot of Armenians, many aspects of this background remind me of my hometown.
June 17, 2018
Satisfying as a novel, but not completely satisfying as a mystery. I didn't feel like I could have put the pieces together.
December 13, 2022
I read this YEARS ago! First one in the series…loved getting the beginnings! Such good writing and characters! So sorry she’s no longer with us. If you haven’t read these mysteries I highly recommend.
September 17, 2022
My first encounter with Haddam's Gregor Demarkian - Cozy, well written, murders, quirky characters and kept me guessing. I will be seeing Gregor again!
June 15, 2015
My second Gregor Demarkian book, though this is actually the first one in the series. I recommend reading this one first if you're going to start reading the series.
Gregor Demarkian is an Armenian-American former FBI analyst, who retired from his job because his wife Elizabeth was suffering from cancer. Now a widower, Gregor lives alone in an apartment in his old neighborhood. While it is still heavily Armenian, it is more upscale now, though the residents don't seem entirely comfortable with their new prosperity. Father Tibor, the new Armenian Orthodox priest, brings him the case of Robert Hannaford, a wealthy (and thoroughly rotten) businessman who wants to hire Gregor for reasons that are not made immediately clear.
It is Christmastime and the Hannaford family gathers to "celebrate" (or whatever it is they call it) at Engine House, the family home. The Hannaford family is extremely dysfunctional - Robert hates his children, who return the feeling. Cordelia, his wife, is an invalid and does not have much time left. Bobby and Myra are involved in financial shenanigans that could land them in jail. Teddy is about to lose his job at a third-rate college because he passed a student's paper off as his own. Chris owes a large sum to loansharks, who are looking for him. Anne Marie, who stayed home to take care of her parents and the family home, is brittle, stressed out, and Emma is depressed and may be hiding something. The only one who seems to be doing just fine for herself is Bennis, the highly successful author of a series of fantasy novels. Tension is high like it always whenever the Hannafords get near each other. The only ones who like each other are Chris, Bennis, and Emma, and even Chris seems to be mainly concerned on what he can get for himself. I almost felt sorry for Robert, even though he was such a nasty person.
Before Gregor can arrive on the scene and meet with Robert Hannaford, the old man is murdered, though the police are reluctant to call it that. In fact, the police are reluctant to have Gregor anywhere near and cut his investigation short. It doesn't last long - soon the police admit they need his help and Gregor is back doing what he does best. It isn't long before there are two more deaths in quick succession and then a fourth attempt that is quickly foiled in time to catch the killer.
I didn't enjoy this Haddam novel as much as I did the first one I read (A Stillness in Bethlehem), partly because the surroundings weren't as much fun (small town Vermont at Christmastime versus Christmas with a mostly unpleasant family, one of whom is a killer). I also figured out who did it, which was annoying. However, I enjoyed the story, especially the little touches of Gregor's neighborhood. I love that he lives in the neighborhood he grew up in, and he knows everyone.
I will definitely read more books in this series.
Gregor Demarkian is an Armenian-American former FBI analyst, who retired from his job because his wife Elizabeth was suffering from cancer. Now a widower, Gregor lives alone in an apartment in his old neighborhood. While it is still heavily Armenian, it is more upscale now, though the residents don't seem entirely comfortable with their new prosperity. Father Tibor, the new Armenian Orthodox priest, brings him the case of Robert Hannaford, a wealthy (and thoroughly rotten) businessman who wants to hire Gregor for reasons that are not made immediately clear.
It is Christmastime and the Hannaford family gathers to "celebrate" (or whatever it is they call it) at Engine House, the family home. The Hannaford family is extremely dysfunctional - Robert hates his children, who return the feeling. Cordelia, his wife, is an invalid and does not have much time left. Bobby and Myra are involved in financial shenanigans that could land them in jail. Teddy is about to lose his job at a third-rate college because he passed a student's paper off as his own. Chris owes a large sum to loansharks, who are looking for him. Anne Marie, who stayed home to take care of her parents and the family home, is brittle, stressed out, and Emma is depressed and may be hiding something. The only one who seems to be doing just fine for herself is Bennis, the highly successful author of a series of fantasy novels. Tension is high like it always whenever the Hannafords get near each other. The only ones who like each other are Chris, Bennis, and Emma, and even Chris seems to be mainly concerned on what he can get for himself. I almost felt sorry for Robert, even though he was such a nasty person.
Before Gregor can arrive on the scene and meet with Robert Hannaford, the old man is murdered, though the police are reluctant to call it that. In fact, the police are reluctant to have Gregor anywhere near and cut his investigation short. It doesn't last long - soon the police admit they need his help and Gregor is back doing what he does best. It isn't long before there are two more deaths in quick succession and then a fourth attempt that is quickly foiled in time to catch the killer.
I didn't enjoy this Haddam novel as much as I did the first one I read (A Stillness in Bethlehem), partly because the surroundings weren't as much fun (small town Vermont at Christmastime versus Christmas with a mostly unpleasant family, one of whom is a killer). I also figured out who did it, which was annoying. However, I enjoyed the story, especially the little touches of Gregor's neighborhood. I love that he lives in the neighborhood he grew up in, and he knows everyone.
I will definitely read more books in this series.
January 2, 2023
DNF Very unlikeable characters in the introductory chapter - lost interest and moved on.
December 21, 2014
Having read a few others in this series, I was always a bit puzzled about the character. So when the opportunity came to get a copy of this book, I decided to do so. I like to, as I've said before, "take the edge off" of Christmas by reading a murder mystery that takes place during the holiday season. This was a good choice. It was published in 1990 before the advent of mobile phones and internet access for all so it is a bit dated in that regard which makes it interesting. The action takes place in the home of a fabulously wealthy - and very nasty - multimillionaire living on Philadelphia's Main Line. Gregor Demarkian, is not yet sixty, retired from the FBI after having spent a storied career there. He is still mourning his wife who died of cancer two years before. Now he's moved back into his old neighborhood in Philadelphia, an Armenian enclave complete with an Armenian Catholic Church and nosy but well meaning neighbors. He hasn't returned to the church as yet although he does go to mass one day. However he soon gets to meet the rather unworldly but intellectually impressive Father Tibor, pastor of the church, who learns through the neighborhood grapevine that Gregor is back. (They call him Krekor though which can be a bit confusing.) Father Tibor has been approached by a wealthy, ruthless and rather nasty man who lives in a huge house on Philadelphia's Main Line and hates his children, now adults, with a passion. He offers Father Tibor a briefcase of cash for his church and neighborhood outreach if he'll convince Gregor to go to his home on Christmas Eve for dinner when his entire family will be there. However, before Gregor can meet him, he is murdered. Soon Gregor is enlisted as a consultant by a local Bryn Mawr and former Philly cop who studied under him and both dislikes and venerates him. One brutal murder follows another. It soon becomes obvious that it's one of the hated children, but which one? If you're familiar with the slow food movement, then you'll understand what I mean when I say this is a slow read. There's not a lot of action here, just intellect. It has helped me to understand previous books by reading this one. Now I'm off to get the rest of the series!
August 11, 2012
I am enjoying my revisiting this series so far. I know I've read books in this series some time ago, however; it was so long ago, I don't remember any of the ones I've read (at least so far). Don't get excited - I've only read two others, not counting this one.
Gregor Demarkian is an unusual character and person. I wouldn't have known this when I first read them, but now he kind of reminds me of the "Monk" character on TV. A very intelligent, natural and even a gifted detective, but with his demons or foibles to battle. He is not quite as eccentric as Monk, but close (maybe); Thank god!!! (I had to give up on that series - it was just too much; maybe too campy after awhile.)
In this first book, Gregor is still recovering (?)/healing from the death of his wife. A former FBI agent, renounded for his ability to solve murders (complicated, complex murders; especially serial killer murders); Gregor retired to help his ailing wife as she was dying. Now, he seems ready to have something more to do with his life than grieve and recover. The murders in this book test him and challenge him to get back on his game. This was as interesting and enjoyable read.
Gregor Demarkian is an unusual character and person. I wouldn't have known this when I first read them, but now he kind of reminds me of the "Monk" character on TV. A very intelligent, natural and even a gifted detective, but with his demons or foibles to battle. He is not quite as eccentric as Monk, but close (maybe); Thank god!!! (I had to give up on that series - it was just too much; maybe too campy after awhile.)
In this first book, Gregor is still recovering (?)/healing from the death of his wife. A former FBI agent, renounded for his ability to solve murders (complicated, complex murders; especially serial killer murders); Gregor retired to help his ailing wife as she was dying. Now, he seems ready to have something more to do with his life than grieve and recover. The murders in this book test him and challenge him to get back on his game. This was as interesting and enjoyable read.
December 28, 2015
On a snowy Christmas Eve, Gregor is mysteriously summoned to the isolated estate of the Hannaford family who represent the old money of Philadelphia. He arrives in time to find the body of Robert Hannaford, the multi-millionaire patriarch, dead in his study. With a suspect list consisting of seven siblings in attendance, Gregor must find the murderer among them, but not before other deaths occur at the snowbound estate. This is the first of the series, which began with each novel being set during a holiday, but has now evolved into so many books, that the initial gimmick has become irrelevant.
I like this traditional mystery series the more I read of it. The writing is literate and the author does not talk down to the reader. Jane Haddam sets up the characters with possible motives beautifully each time. There is plenty of psychological and sociological commentary included in each book with Gregor Demarkian, the retired head of the FBI's Behavioral Science unit, as main detective. This book is a good place to start the series, though I have read them out of order. 4 STARS.
I like this traditional mystery series the more I read of it. The writing is literate and the author does not talk down to the reader. Jane Haddam sets up the characters with possible motives beautifully each time. There is plenty of psychological and sociological commentary included in each book with Gregor Demarkian, the retired head of the FBI's Behavioral Science unit, as main detective. This book is a good place to start the series, though I have read them out of order. 4 STARS.
January 15, 2014
Whew! I finally forced myself to finish this slow, plodding old-fashioned mystery! A large dysfunctional family returns to the family estate for Christmas and several of them end up dead, one by one. They were a totally uninteresting lot, and I found myself not really caring whether they lived or died! The only interesting characters in this book were Gregor Demarkian (the retired FBI protagonist) and the Armenian community he is part of. Now, a book about them might be more interesting! The writer did not leave many clues for the reader to put together...we just watched mutely while Demarkian brilliantly solved all the murders with a sudden brainwave. I also own another book in this series, but I think it will remain unread for a long while!
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