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Miss Zukas #2
Miss Zukas and the Island Murders
The ever-conscientious Miss Helma Zukas of Bellehaven, Washington, is not one to renege on a promise—even one made hastily . . . and too long ago to possibly remember! So when an anonymous note in the morning mail reminds her of her vow to bring her high school classmates together for a twenty-year reunion, Miss Zukas hops to and begins organizing the perfect celebration . . . despite some vague and mysterious warnings about dire consequences.
But when a secret saboteur disrupts her well-planned reunion—stranding Helma and her old classmates on a fogbound island with a murderer in their midst—the intrepid librarian-sleuth takes charge once again. With a dubious assist from her raffish friend Ruth, Miss Zukas is determined to close the books on crimes both current and overdue for solution . . . before the killer takes the alumni out of circulation permanently.
But when a secret saboteur disrupts her well-planned reunion—stranding Helma and her old classmates on a fogbound island with a murderer in their midst—the intrepid librarian-sleuth takes charge once again. With a dubious assist from her raffish friend Ruth, Miss Zukas is determined to close the books on crimes both current and overdue for solution . . . before the killer takes the alumni out of circulation permanently.
212 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 1, 1995
12 people are currently reading
263 people want to read
About the author
Jo Dereske
22 books101 followersI grew up in rural Michigan, greatly influenced by my Lithuanian roots. I'm one of those tedious people who wanted to write stories as soon as I learned to read, but believed I had to leave Michigan first. In fact, I couldn't wait to shake off that Michigan dust! Curiously, everything I write seems to have a connection to Michigan or my Lithuanian heritage.
I now live in the beautiful foothills of Mount Baker, near Bellingham, Washington.
I've loved being a librarian: libraries are one of our last truly public institutions, where the whole world, in all its zits and glory, passes through.
There are twelve titles in the Miss Zukas mystery series. Miss Zukas is tough, honest, crafty, a complicated woman with a deep but futile desire to perceive the world in black and white. And yes, Helma Zukas is what used to be called, a “real” librarian. You might say she embraces the stereotype. Helma is unapologetic.
Ruby Crane is a forgery specialist, a subject that's fascinated me since I forged my first absence excuse in fourth grade. There are three books in the series.
My three young people's books were written when my children were young.
Please visit me on my website!
jo 5/26/2013
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
July 12, 2012
When I read the first Miss Zukas mystery, I enjoyed the way that the author revealed the personality of the heroine. It was an excellent example of showing instead of telling the reader. And what did she show? A fastidious librarian, very conservative in her tastes and actions. Helma (don't call her "Helm") Zukas likes things to be just so.
That is why I pictured Miss Zukas as my elder, someone with many years on me. Imagine my shock when I realized that Helma is my contemporary. This dawned on me in the second book where Miss Zukas is helping to plan her 20th high school reunion. Wait, what? My 20th reunion will be next year.
This confusion over the heroine's age isn't the author's fault; in fact, it isn't a fault at all. She was explicit in stating that Miss Zukas joined the staff at the public library in Bellehaven, Washington right after earning her library degree. In her "show don't tell" style, Dereske makes clear that Miss Zukas fits in with the other elderly residents at the apartment complex she moved into 15 years prior, but she is not the same age. Instead, she behaves as a stereotypical prim and proper librarian making her feel older than she really is.
I've enjoyed the first two books in this amateur-sleuth series. They are quick reads, perfect for summertime reading. In Miss Zukas, Dereske has created a likeable character complete with strengths and weaknesses.
That is why I pictured Miss Zukas as my elder, someone with many years on me. Imagine my shock when I realized that Helma is my contemporary. This dawned on me in the second book where Miss Zukas is helping to plan her 20th high school reunion. Wait, what? My 20th reunion will be next year.
This confusion over the heroine's age isn't the author's fault; in fact, it isn't a fault at all. She was explicit in stating that Miss Zukas joined the staff at the public library in Bellehaven, Washington right after earning her library degree. In her "show don't tell" style, Dereske makes clear that Miss Zukas fits in with the other elderly residents at the apartment complex she moved into 15 years prior, but she is not the same age. Instead, she behaves as a stereotypical prim and proper librarian making her feel older than she really is.
I've enjoyed the first two books in this amateur-sleuth series. They are quick reads, perfect for summertime reading. In Miss Zukas, Dereske has created a likeable character complete with strengths and weaknesses.
July 26, 2020
I did not realize this was a 2nd book in the series. It reads like a stand alone. A who done with the same quality as an Agatha Christie without being Victorian. My favorite mysteries tend to include class reunions, cold cases, books and cats. This book amazingly had a bit of all the above. She was not overly descriptive (like the excellent styles of Mary Higgins Clark, or Sidney Sheldon) just a wonderful, well written story without a lot of frou frou to compensate and attract readers. I know it's an older series, but I'm going to go back and read every single one.
December 31, 2022
Pleasant to read, a bit predictable plot. But if you like Miss Zukas, you like these novels of cosy murdery.
July 10, 2021
Another fun whodunnit featuring the impeccable Miss Zukas.
"Well, tell Bruce to send more of those Lithuanian koogie potato things, would you?"
"Kugelis," Helma corrected.
Ms. Moon didn't use the term, "staff meeting." She preferred "Harmony circle."
"Well, tell Bruce to send more of those Lithuanian koogie potato things, would you?"
"Kugelis," Helma corrected.
Ms. Moon didn't use the term, "staff meeting." She preferred "Harmony circle."
January 26, 2010
#2 Helma Zukas mystery, featuring the intrepid librarian who lives in fictional Bellehaven, WA. Helma gets an anonymous letter reminding her that she promised to plan her 20-year high school reunion, and also hints that the death of a classmate after a basketball game their senior year may not have been an accident as was previously believed.
Since Helma was the class treasurer and invested their funds with her usual aplomb, she and her friend Ruth who also hails from back home, decide to invite the whole class from Scoop River, MI (all fifty-two of them) to come to Bellehaven to spend a weekend at a resort in the San Juan Islands. Only half of them end up coming, and it's clear that someone is out to sabotage not only the reunion, but also possibly Helma and other members of the class who may know something about the classmate's death.
This is kind of a strange series--to read the description, you wouldn't really think it would be my "thing" but I'm finding that I actually quite enjoy it so far. Helma is staid, practical, old-fashioned, and seems much older than her age. Her friend Ruth, an artist, is the polar opposite, being flamboyant and outgoing and always with a man on her arm. This mystery had a somewhat predictable ending, but overall it was a good, light read and I'm enjoying getting to know these characters better.
Since Helma was the class treasurer and invested their funds with her usual aplomb, she and her friend Ruth who also hails from back home, decide to invite the whole class from Scoop River, MI (all fifty-two of them) to come to Bellehaven to spend a weekend at a resort in the San Juan Islands. Only half of them end up coming, and it's clear that someone is out to sabotage not only the reunion, but also possibly Helma and other members of the class who may know something about the classmate's death.
This is kind of a strange series--to read the description, you wouldn't really think it would be my "thing" but I'm finding that I actually quite enjoy it so far. Helma is staid, practical, old-fashioned, and seems much older than her age. Her friend Ruth, an artist, is the polar opposite, being flamboyant and outgoing and always with a man on her arm. This mystery had a somewhat predictable ending, but overall it was a good, light read and I'm enjoying getting to know these characters better.
June 22, 2014
I hadn't read a Miss Zukas book in ages and it's just as good as I remember. Helma Zukas is a very proper and straight-laced librarian in Washington State. As a fellow librarian, I reveled in their staff meetings described by their head librarian as "Harmony circles".
Also, the following sign was a very good way to gauge when it's time to take your 15 minute break "WHEN A LIBRARIAN DELIGHTS IN GREETING THE PUBLIC WITH A 'NO', AWAY FROM THE REFERENCE DESK HE OR SHE MUST GO". I took this book as my vacation book and it fulfilled its travelling companionship excellently!
Also, the following sign was a very good way to gauge when it's time to take your 15 minute break "WHEN A LIBRARIAN DELIGHTS IN GREETING THE PUBLIC WITH A 'NO', AWAY FROM THE REFERENCE DESK HE OR SHE MUST GO". I took this book as my vacation book and it fulfilled its travelling companionship excellently!
January 16, 2013
I'm working my way through this series.
It's a nice surprise when the second book is better than the first one.
The way Helma Zukas' past is slowly revealed and her personality beyond her public persona are both fun to read.
I read this one while on the road, so I'm not sure if I followed all the little subplots, but I did like how she tied past and present together for a good mystery.
It's not deep, but it's fun.
It's a nice surprise when the second book is better than the first one.
The way Helma Zukas' past is slowly revealed and her personality beyond her public persona are both fun to read.
I read this one while on the road, so I'm not sure if I followed all the little subplots, but I did like how she tied past and present together for a good mystery.
It's not deep, but it's fun.
August 14, 2008
I really enjoyed the setting of a class reunion for this little mystery. I'm liking Miss Zukas and her pal Ruth, and the characters' past comes into play bringing the classmates in. I know I'm going to enjoy the whole series... with its subtle revelation of relationships, and the clueless geeky heroine.
January 13, 2020
This is the second book in the series and my second book of Dereske's to read. I see no reason to stop reading this series. Still fun to read. I like how the characters are developing. I think I enjoy reading this series that was written in the '90s even more today than had I read them back when they were written. Love older technology.
November 10, 2017
It's been a long time since I read a Miss Zukas mystery, and I enjoyed getting plugged back in. It was a light read, but with some interesting (and smart, some of them) twists and turns. And of course, I liked the library connections. I look forward to reading more in the series.
December 23, 2025
I am continuing to enjoy this series.
12/22/25: I am re-reading this series. I am enjoying it as much as the first time. I don't know if I will continue.
12/22/25: I am re-reading this series. I am enjoying it as much as the first time. I don't know if I will continue.
March 13, 2025
Didn't remember a thing, but definitely enjoyed the story. The mystery is good, the murderer difficult to guess. I also liked evidence of development in Miss Zukas' character, particularly her reluctant adoption of a cat.
February 1, 2022
Nedidutis puikumėlis. Ne tik todėl, kad panelė Vilhelmina Žukas yra lietuvių kilmės, bet todėl - kad ji tokia tobula ir dar bibliotekininkė. Ir pasigaili katino.
Skaičiau ne angliškai, o lietuviškai, iš draugės surinktų ištraukų, publikuotų bibliotekų leidinyje. Padėkos jai!
Citatos:
"Žinios apie Deivido Morzės mirtį buvo pasenusios dvidešimčia metų, bet Helma aiškiai prisiminė tą siaubingą susižavėjimą, kad jų klasės berniukas - jų bendraamžis - mirė, tą nelauktą maloniai gąsdinantį savo nemirtingumo pojūčio įtrūkimą, tą nepaprasto paauglio išaukštinimą, perkėlimą į Mirusiųjų ir Nepasiekiamųjų priekaištams luomą, kurį kanonizavo ir globojo mirtis." (trečias skyrius)
"Seniau užstatyta Belheiveno dalis buvo senesnė, žalesnė, vėsesnė, paparčiai čia užaugdavo didesni už krūmus, o vijokliai bandė užgožti ir neabejotinai gotikiniu stiliumi apsivyti viską, kas nepakankamai greitai judėjo: tvoras, garažus, elektros stulpus." (penktas skyrius)
Skaičiau ne angliškai, o lietuviškai, iš draugės surinktų ištraukų, publikuotų bibliotekų leidinyje. Padėkos jai!
Citatos:
"Žinios apie Deivido Morzės mirtį buvo pasenusios dvidešimčia metų, bet Helma aiškiai prisiminė tą siaubingą susižavėjimą, kad jų klasės berniukas - jų bendraamžis - mirė, tą nelauktą maloniai gąsdinantį savo nemirtingumo pojūčio įtrūkimą, tą nepaprasto paauglio išaukštinimą, perkėlimą į Mirusiųjų ir Nepasiekiamųjų priekaištams luomą, kurį kanonizavo ir globojo mirtis." (trečias skyrius)
"Seniau užstatyta Belheiveno dalis buvo senesnė, žalesnė, vėsesnė, paparčiai čia užaugdavo didesni už krūmus, o vijokliai bandė užgožti ir neabejotinai gotikiniu stiliumi apsivyti viską, kas nepakankamai greitai judėjo: tvoras, garažus, elektros stulpus." (penktas skyrius)
May 8, 2009
Helma Zukas is receiving anonymous letters. One writer wants her to keep her promise and organize her twentieth high school reunion; the other warns her that trouble awaits if she does. But she did promise, and so she brings her classmates to a small resort island off the coast of Washington, only to find that someone had cancelled the reservation and that the inn is not nearly ready for them. When one of the classmates is found dead, Helma and her friend Ruth realize that there's a murderer on the island with them.
February 17, 2020
I like this series enough to read more books in the group. There were a lot of characters, but things fell into place handily for each of them.
Having graduated from Scoop River High School in Michigan 20 years ago, librarian Helma Zukas and her artsy friend Ruth take on planning a class reunion in Washington state. But Helma receives warning letters about the death of a classmate after a big basketball game, and also learns that the classmate's girlfirend was recently found dead. As the classmates gather, Helma is aware that one of them is a murderer. They all are ferried to one of the San Juan Islands, and things are sure to play out there with them discovering who is the murderer - and why.
Having graduated from Scoop River High School in Michigan 20 years ago, librarian Helma Zukas and her artsy friend Ruth take on planning a class reunion in Washington state. But Helma receives warning letters about the death of a classmate after a big basketball game, and also learns that the classmate's girlfirend was recently found dead. As the classmates gather, Helma is aware that one of them is a murderer. They all are ferried to one of the San Juan Islands, and things are sure to play out there with them discovering who is the murderer - and why.
October 4, 2017
I read three of this series in quick succession, and by the third I was warming up to the character, but, really, I could not identify with somebody who could, even in private, utter only "Faulkner" as her most heated swear word.
July 30, 2020
Generally I'm not fond of mysteries. I either solve them early or wonder how the heck anyone figured it out. The Miss Zukas mysteries are different because I like the main character and her friend, Ruth.
June 14, 2022
Helma did a great job solving murders at her class reunion!
August 1, 2024
Miss Zukas, I love you.
April 7, 2013
This is the first Miss Zukas book I've read, and I'll certainly read more. I enjoyed the fastidious and orderly Helma Zukas, even as I recognized that her inflexible, rule-bound personality would preclude me ever liking her a whole lot in real life. (I wouldn't dislike her, but she's certainly not someone I'd seek out as a friend.)
The mystery was revealed in suitably mystifying ways, the pace good and denouement well-crafted. Some mysteries go on far too long after we've reached the apex of the story. Here, the revelation was crisp, clean and efficient. (Miss Z would approve.)
My only caveat for this book: we have a group of 23 adults who still really care about the romance and rivalries of their high school years. Seriously? Who, in their late thirties, can still summon up fury and indignation at the girl (now a woman) who 'stole' your crush 20 years ago? Shouldn't we all have grown up just a smidge? That aspect of the plot was irritating and just plain silly.
Apart from that, though, I thoroughly enjoyed the book. (Particularly since the one aspect that annoyed me is unlikely to appear in other books.) It was a light, easy read, with likeable characters and a tidy plot line. I will definitely seek out more Miss Zukas books.
The mystery was revealed in suitably mystifying ways, the pace good and denouement well-crafted. Some mysteries go on far too long after we've reached the apex of the story. Here, the revelation was crisp, clean and efficient. (Miss Z would approve.)
My only caveat for this book: we have a group of 23 adults who still really care about the romance and rivalries of their high school years. Seriously? Who, in their late thirties, can still summon up fury and indignation at the girl (now a woman) who 'stole' your crush 20 years ago? Shouldn't we all have grown up just a smidge? That aspect of the plot was irritating and just plain silly.
Apart from that, though, I thoroughly enjoyed the book. (Particularly since the one aspect that annoyed me is unlikely to appear in other books.) It was a light, easy read, with likeable characters and a tidy plot line. I will definitely seek out more Miss Zukas books.
January 6, 2009
Miss Zukas is an impossible character but that's why we love mystery fiction: impossible creatures like Poirot inhabit that world and we can pretend such beings could exist in our world, though, one would hope, our world would have less people being bumped off for spurious reasons.
April 5, 2011
Helma Zukas, formerly of Scoop River, Michigan,and now a Northwest resident plans their 20th high school reunion in the San Juan Islands. Unsolved issues from high school crop up to make it a reunion to remember.
Tightly written--keeps one interested in a small book.
Tightly written--keeps one interested in a small book.
September 8, 2015
I love Miss Zukas and her precise, prissy, persnickety self.
Imagining Helma as a high school student was interesting.
I missed this book when reading further in the series, and am happy to have caught up with her.
Imagining Helma as a high school student was interesting.
I missed this book when reading further in the series, and am happy to have caught up with her.
April 5, 2011
This series of books about librarian Helma Zukas is funny, funny, funny! I have read a number of them and enjoyed all of them. Helma gets into trouble while arranging her high school reunion in this one.
September 26, 2011
A cute & cuddly "cozy" mystery, starring a librarian whose sense of and desire for order leads her into solving murders, as well as organizing her high school reunion. Set in the Puget Sound area, this dryly humorous series is extra fun for locals.
July 26, 2007
Another light local mystery.
June 3, 2008
Miss Zukas remains one of my favorite cozy mysteries.
December 18, 2008
I just love Helma Zukas! I was laughing just a few pages into Chapter 1 when Miss Zukas is rearranging her fiction books into alphabetical order from Library of Congress order.
October 9, 2008
I like the characters. the one thing that I hate that is the earlier books are so hard to find.
March 1, 2009
This is the second in the series. I thought I'd read the first, but I haven't ... ooops!!! Oh well, I'll read that next, but out of order bothers me!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews