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Museum #8
Digging Up History
When a summer intern at the Preservation Society discovers an aged document hidden in the binding of an antique book, Society president Nell Pratt is intrigued by the is it a valuable historic document or just a useless scrap of paper? When analysis reveals that it’s a hand-drawn map of one of Philadelphia’s oldest neighborhoods, Nell learns that the area is being excavated for a new real estate development and may hold long-buried secrets from the city’s historic heyday.
Determined to get to the bottom of the map’s origin and what it might tell her about the mysterious plot of land, Nell will have to contend with a construction company owner who disappears, a former Society board member who’s harbored a dark secret her entire life, and a remarkable discovery that may have the dead turning over in their graves . . .
Praise for the Museum
“[The] archival milieu and the foibles of the characters are intriguing, and it’s refreshing to encounter an FBI man who is human, competent, and essential to the plot.” —Publishers Weekly
“She’s smart, she’s savvy, and she’s sharp enough to spot what really goes on behind the scenes in museum politics.” —Mary Jane Maffini, author of the Charlotte Adams Mysteries
“National Treasure meets The Philadelphia Story in this clever, charming, and sophisticated caper.” —Hank Phillippi Ryan, award-winning author of The Other Woman
About the
Sheila Connolly is an Anthony and Agatha Award–nominated author of numerous bestselling cozy mystery series, including the Orchard Mysteries, the Museum Mysteries, the County Cork Mysteries, the Relatively Dead Mysteries, and the Victorian Village Mysteries. In addition, she has published Once She Knew, a romantic suspense; Reunion with Death, a traditional mystery set in Tuscany; and a number of short stories. She lives in Massachusetts with her husband and three cats and travels to Ireland as often as possible.
Determined to get to the bottom of the map’s origin and what it might tell her about the mysterious plot of land, Nell will have to contend with a construction company owner who disappears, a former Society board member who’s harbored a dark secret her entire life, and a remarkable discovery that may have the dead turning over in their graves . . .
Praise for the Museum
“[The] archival milieu and the foibles of the characters are intriguing, and it’s refreshing to encounter an FBI man who is human, competent, and essential to the plot.” —Publishers Weekly
“She’s smart, she’s savvy, and she’s sharp enough to spot what really goes on behind the scenes in museum politics.” —Mary Jane Maffini, author of the Charlotte Adams Mysteries
“National Treasure meets The Philadelphia Story in this clever, charming, and sophisticated caper.” —Hank Phillippi Ryan, award-winning author of The Other Woman
About the
Sheila Connolly is an Anthony and Agatha Award–nominated author of numerous bestselling cozy mystery series, including the Orchard Mysteries, the Museum Mysteries, the County Cork Mysteries, the Relatively Dead Mysteries, and the Victorian Village Mysteries. In addition, she has published Once She Knew, a romantic suspense; Reunion with Death, a traditional mystery set in Tuscany; and a number of short stories. She lives in Massachusetts with her husband and three cats and travels to Ireland as often as possible.
221 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 25, 2019
276 people are currently reading
463 people want to read
About the author
Sheila Connolly
65 books1,389 followersSheila Connolly taught art history, structured and marketed municipal bonds for major cities, worked as a staff member on two statewide political campaigns, and served as a fundraiser for several non-profit organizations. She also managed her own consulting company providing genealogical research services.
She was a member of Sisters in Crime-New England (president 2011), the national Sisters in Crime, and the fabulous on-line SinC chapter, the Guppies. She also belonged to Romance Writers of America and Mystery Writers of America.
Sheila was Regent of her local DAR chapter, and a member of the Society of Mayflower Descendants. She was also the grandchild of Irish immigrants. In addition to genealogy, Sheila loved restoring old houses, visiting cemeteries, and traveling.
She was a member of Sisters in Crime-New England (president 2011), the national Sisters in Crime, and the fabulous on-line SinC chapter, the Guppies. She also belonged to Romance Writers of America and Mystery Writers of America.
Sheila was Regent of her local DAR chapter, and a member of the Society of Mayflower Descendants. She was also the grandchild of Irish immigrants. In addition to genealogy, Sheila loved restoring old houses, visiting cemeteries, and traveling.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
July 8, 2019
Unlike other books in this series, this one was much heavier on the history than the mystery. There was no villain. Nothing was at risk. The truth was uncovered by good old fashioned research, a couple of fortuitous finds, and a confession. It's an enjoyable and interesting read, but anyone expecting to see a sleuth actively solving a crime and facing obstacles along the way is likely to be disappointed.
July 6, 2019
I loved this book so much! I love history so I suggest if you enjoy history like I do, read this book! It involves an old mystery and uncovering relics. I don't want to give anything away! This book also stands alone nicely.
August 1, 2019
As I have been a member of The Historic Preservation Society for a long time, when I spotted this title I decided that I had to read it. Sheila Connolly’s Digging Up History (Museum Mystery #8) is a fun read for someone who is interested in preserving history as I am. The setting is Philadelphia, a very appropriate place for history relating to the American Revolution, and the characters are members of two museums supposedly located there-The Preservation Society and a newer museum centered on The American Revolution. The find that the plot revolves around is a rather large find which leads to a smaller but intriguing and valuable find, and all this has the characters in a dither.
Add an FBI man who happens to be very close to the President of the Preservation Society, a summer intern with loads of enthusiasm, a former board member of PS who knows just about all the local history from 18th c. to the present, but who has been harboring a ‘dark’ secret, and an a specialist on Revolutionary weapons plus the police, and the reader is practically presented with a Marx Brothers movie. Interesting and great fun! 4 stars.
Add an FBI man who happens to be very close to the President of the Preservation Society, a summer intern with loads of enthusiasm, a former board member of PS who knows just about all the local history from 18th c. to the present, but who has been harboring a ‘dark’ secret, and an a specialist on Revolutionary weapons plus the police, and the reader is practically presented with a Marx Brothers movie. Interesting and great fun! 4 stars.
December 25, 2019
I have been a fan of Sheila Connolly since I read her first Orchard book in paperback. Since my eyesight is such that I cannot even read the large printed books. I still have the first six paperbacks so I know it longer than5 years. I have like history all my life. I would have major in it except I there was nothing but teaching to do with a history major. It is no wonder I enjoy learning about the early Americans and Victoria England. The museum stories have been a must read books. I don't know how I missed this the eighth book in the Museum series we find Nell Pratt looking at a document that her summer intern, Dylan brought to her. It a collection of books from a member of the Founding Fathers, Harriet Featherstone. Dylan found it in the binding of a book. Unable to read the document she asks James, her FBI friend if he could enhance it. He was successful and it turned out to be a map of early Philadelphia. Checking out the address Nell and friends find a field of bones. Just outside the field of bones they find another skeleton in the basement of a house.
The group work with the police to remove the bones. With the removal of the bones under the house a second skeleton is found and over 20 GOLDEN CANYONS. Where did they come from? Why a field full of disjointed bones?
The group work with the police to remove the bones. With the removal of the bones under the house a second skeleton is found and over 20 GOLDEN CANYONS. Where did they come from? Why a field full of disjointed bones?
June 26, 2019
This was the first time I read a book in the "A Museum Mystery" series, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Even though I hadn't read the previous books I had no trouble following along, it can totally be read as a stand alone.
When a summer intern at the Preservation Society discovers an aged document hidden in the binding of an antique book, Society president Nell Pratt is intrigued by the possibilities: is it a valuable historic document or just a useless scrap of paper? When analysis reveals that it’s a hand-drawn map of one of Philadelphia’s oldest neighborhoods, Nell learns that the area is being excavated for a new real estate development and may hold long-buried secrets from the city’s historic heyday.
Determined to get to the bottom of the map’s origin and what it might tell her about the mysterious plot of land, Nell will have to contend with a construction company owner who disappears, a former Society board member who’s harbored a dark secret her entire life, and a remarkable discovery that may have the dead turning over in their graves . . .
I found myself engrossed in the story and reading it in one sitting. It was entertaining, full of twists and turns as well as a few surprises. I even learnt something about Philadelphia and american history.
The Protagonist Nell is a strong, educated woman, and the side characters are realistic too. The characters are well rounded. I look forward to reading the next installment in this series.
I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Beyond the Page Publishing and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.
When a summer intern at the Preservation Society discovers an aged document hidden in the binding of an antique book, Society president Nell Pratt is intrigued by the possibilities: is it a valuable historic document or just a useless scrap of paper? When analysis reveals that it’s a hand-drawn map of one of Philadelphia’s oldest neighborhoods, Nell learns that the area is being excavated for a new real estate development and may hold long-buried secrets from the city’s historic heyday.
Determined to get to the bottom of the map’s origin and what it might tell her about the mysterious plot of land, Nell will have to contend with a construction company owner who disappears, a former Society board member who’s harbored a dark secret her entire life, and a remarkable discovery that may have the dead turning over in their graves . . .
I found myself engrossed in the story and reading it in one sitting. It was entertaining, full of twists and turns as well as a few surprises. I even learnt something about Philadelphia and american history.
The Protagonist Nell is a strong, educated woman, and the side characters are realistic too. The characters are well rounded. I look forward to reading the next installment in this series.
I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Beyond the Page Publishing and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.
August 7, 2019
Not what I had grown to expect from this author, this was more of a historical road trip than anything else, even though there were hundreds of human skeletons lying around. Not much intrigue here, just a history lesson, sorry that’s just my opinion. All in all a historically interesting read with a bit of mystery not enough for my appetite.
June 23, 2019
Digging Up History is the eight book(plus one novella). in the A Museum Mystery series.
I am so excited that this informative series has found a new publisher. I love historical mysteries and even though this isn’t a historical series the author skillfully weaves in historical events in and around Philadelphia into the stories.
Nell is busy putting together the financial spreadsheets for the upcoming board of directors meeting of the Society for the Preservation of Pennsylvania Antiquities when her summer intern, Dylan Robertson, presents her with an interesting project. While cataloging the recent collection of books from the estate of Harriet Featherstone, he finds a book from the 18th century that has been rebound and a piece of paper was used as stuffing when it was rebound. The paper is carefully removed and it appears to be a map with some writing but with its age when much of the ink has faded. Nell asks her partner, James, an FBI agent, if his office could enhance the page so that they will be able to read what is on the page. It turns out to be a map showing piers near the Delaware River which they speculate was drawn in the mid-1700s. A former member of the board and a friend of Nell’s, Marty, familiar with the area as she had family that lived in the area. Marty relates to Nell that when she was a child, she and one of her playmates had crawled into a hole in one of the houses and saw a dead body and they made a quick retreat and never told anyone of their find. As Nell, Marty, and Dylan are about to visit the area depicted on the map when Marty get a call from a family friend and developer, Barney. As Barney’s company was preparing to develop the property they start turning over bones and parts of coffins. Before it is all over, Nell and her team have found a cemetery that has been forgotten for nearly two centuries. They also find the house that Marty remembered from her childhood and find that there are actually two bodies and cache of British brass cannons in the basement of the house. With what they have found, Nell is sure that the Society will be able to get some great publicity from the find if they can learn more about the cemetery and what was found in the long-abandoned house.
Another well-plotted and told story from Ms. Connolly. There are plenty of twists and turns and I was kept guessing till the end.
I’m anxiously awaiting the next book in the series.
I am so excited that this informative series has found a new publisher. I love historical mysteries and even though this isn’t a historical series the author skillfully weaves in historical events in and around Philadelphia into the stories.
Nell is busy putting together the financial spreadsheets for the upcoming board of directors meeting of the Society for the Preservation of Pennsylvania Antiquities when her summer intern, Dylan Robertson, presents her with an interesting project. While cataloging the recent collection of books from the estate of Harriet Featherstone, he finds a book from the 18th century that has been rebound and a piece of paper was used as stuffing when it was rebound. The paper is carefully removed and it appears to be a map with some writing but with its age when much of the ink has faded. Nell asks her partner, James, an FBI agent, if his office could enhance the page so that they will be able to read what is on the page. It turns out to be a map showing piers near the Delaware River which they speculate was drawn in the mid-1700s. A former member of the board and a friend of Nell’s, Marty, familiar with the area as she had family that lived in the area. Marty relates to Nell that when she was a child, she and one of her playmates had crawled into a hole in one of the houses and saw a dead body and they made a quick retreat and never told anyone of their find. As Nell, Marty, and Dylan are about to visit the area depicted on the map when Marty get a call from a family friend and developer, Barney. As Barney’s company was preparing to develop the property they start turning over bones and parts of coffins. Before it is all over, Nell and her team have found a cemetery that has been forgotten for nearly two centuries. They also find the house that Marty remembered from her childhood and find that there are actually two bodies and cache of British brass cannons in the basement of the house. With what they have found, Nell is sure that the Society will be able to get some great publicity from the find if they can learn more about the cemetery and what was found in the long-abandoned house.
Another well-plotted and told story from Ms. Connolly. There are plenty of twists and turns and I was kept guessing till the end.
I’m anxiously awaiting the next book in the series.
June 27, 2019
When a summer intern discovers a document in the binding of a book that he is working on Nell is happy to try and find out its history. The document could be nothing or it could turn out to be a true find in the world of history. Nell soon learns that the hidden gem is a map of one of Philadelphia's oldest neighborhoods. She can't wait to investigate the area that the map includes and soon comes to find out that the exact place she is looking for is under development and will soon be turned into some pricey real estate. Not to be deterred, Nell plans to chat with the head of the construction company and find a way to stop his work on the site so that she will have time to figure out just what the map is all about. Things begin to take a dark turn when the construction owner disappears, leaving Nell to think what else bad can happen. She soon learns that there are ominous secrets being held by those involved in her new mystery. Follow along as Nell tries discover the truth before it is bulldozed and covered up. This is such a wonderful series that is filled with great tidbits of history, I think it is always a fun thing to learn while you read.
January 25, 2020
Avevo adocchiato questa serie così, quando qualche settimana fa questo libro era in offerta, l'ho comprato, anche se è l'ultimo a essere stato pubblicato. Ora l'ho letto e l'ho quasi adorato. Pagherei oro per essere al posto della protagonista...
Tutto inizia con la scoperta di un vecchio documento in un libro e di un cimitero di cui si era perso notizia, poi un'altra scoperta porta la protagonista e i suoi amici a indagare il periodo della Rivoluzione Americana, che è uno dei miei periodi storici preferiti. La storica che è in me si è praticamente trovata in paradiso e ho adorato la protagonista quando afferma che la storia non è solo una noiosa serie di date in un libro di scuola, ma che può essere davvero interessante e sorprendente. Sante parole!
Tutto inizia con la scoperta di un vecchio documento in un libro e di un cimitero di cui si era perso notizia, poi un'altra scoperta porta la protagonista e i suoi amici a indagare il periodo della Rivoluzione Americana, che è uno dei miei periodi storici preferiti. La storica che è in me si è praticamente trovata in paradiso e ho adorato la protagonista quando afferma che la storia non è solo una noiosa serie di date in un libro di scuola, ma che può essere davvero interessante e sorprendente. Sante parole!
October 1, 2019
I found this book just sort of meh. To me, it dragged, was repetitive, and the dialogue a little stilted. It's ok if you are a fan of the series, but just ok. The parts that are the most interesting are those dealing with the history of Philadelphia which are well done and seem to be research-based. Otherwise, it was sort of a slog to get through. Get through it I did, but would not say to mystery-reading friends that this one is a must-read.
May 7, 2021
Philly location - yes, please!
Museums and libraries and historical research, oh my!
Cozy mystery - sure, sometimes they're cute. And I needed something lighthearted.
This book - blech. garbage. I'm probably not the target audience... but if I'm not, who is?? It has the makings of a great story!! But it was boring, generic, and lackluster. Who reads this drivel?
Museums and libraries and historical research, oh my!
Cozy mystery - sure, sometimes they're cute. And I needed something lighthearted.
This book - blech. garbage. I'm probably not the target audience... but if I'm not, who is?? It has the makings of a great story!! But it was boring, generic, and lackluster. Who reads this drivel?
December 1, 2019
A very good history lesson about Philadelphia during the Revolutionary War. Informative about historical and genealogical research. Not much mystery. Unlikeable main character with a henpecked significant other (he does whatever she wants and she wants a lot).
July 10, 2020
Not for me...painfully boring.
June 23, 2019
Once again, Sheila Connolly skillfully incorporates an important current issue into one of her series, this time it’s in her latest Museum Mystery, Digging Up History.
Summer intern Dylan Robertson finds an old document that Nell Pratt’s boyfriend James Morrison gets treated so it can be read. Turns out it’s a very old map of a small area of Philadelphia that is being developed by Barney, an acquaintance of Marty Terwilliger, former board member of the Preservation Society. When contacted, Barney invites Marty and Nell to the site to discuss a problem he’s encountered. Seems the construction crew unearthed skeletal remains and all work stopped while the source of the bones is determined.
Naturally, the Preservation Society’s resources prove valuable in the search to solve this puzzle. Another site, adjacent to the primary development, becomes involved when two more bodies and over 20 pristine cannons, dating back to the 1770s, are found in a tunnel off the basement of an abandoned house, deepening the mystery.
Ms. Connolly creates a fascinating mystery using the discovery of hundreds of old bones on a site under development with the search to find out how and why the bones were there in the first place. Well developed characters, realistic details describing the research and just enough twists make this both an enlightening and engaging read. More importantly, Ms. Connolly calls attention to the tension that exists between preserving the historical and the push for new construction.
Summer intern Dylan Robertson finds an old document that Nell Pratt’s boyfriend James Morrison gets treated so it can be read. Turns out it’s a very old map of a small area of Philadelphia that is being developed by Barney, an acquaintance of Marty Terwilliger, former board member of the Preservation Society. When contacted, Barney invites Marty and Nell to the site to discuss a problem he’s encountered. Seems the construction crew unearthed skeletal remains and all work stopped while the source of the bones is determined.
Naturally, the Preservation Society’s resources prove valuable in the search to solve this puzzle. Another site, adjacent to the primary development, becomes involved when two more bodies and over 20 pristine cannons, dating back to the 1770s, are found in a tunnel off the basement of an abandoned house, deepening the mystery.
Ms. Connolly creates a fascinating mystery using the discovery of hundreds of old bones on a site under development with the search to find out how and why the bones were there in the first place. Well developed characters, realistic details describing the research and just enough twists make this both an enlightening and engaging read. More importantly, Ms. Connolly calls attention to the tension that exists between preserving the historical and the push for new construction.
July 22, 2019
Princess Fuzzypants here: As a history buff, when an author can conjure up a story that has fascinating and well drawn characters who stumble upon a mystery and through their skill and tenacity can find a solution, all while spicing the story up with bits of history and trivia, I am on board. Sheila Connolly has a knack in many of her stories for doing just that. Her Museum series excels at it and this book is no exception. In fact, it might be my favourite.
A long time donor to the Society has bequeathed a huge number of books that Nell has asked her summer intern to catalogue and examine. He discovers a piece of paper in the binding. With the help of modern technology, they can see the map that was written on the paper that dates around the Revolutionary War. When Nell and her colleagues go to the site of the map, they discover a cache of bodies. There are also two other bodies nearby and a stock of pristine cannons. The plot, as they say, thickens. Everyone, including the police, want to know how the bodies got there, who they are and whether they represent something historically important.
I love the way Nell is able to find the right people to use their particular knowledge and expertise to help her sort through the mystery and come up with the answers. It is fascinating and intelligent. The origins of the story are based on an actual discovery. The characters are all respectful of the talents of the other characters and therefore work together well.
It all adds up to a smart and highly entertaining read. Five purrs and two paws up.
A long time donor to the Society has bequeathed a huge number of books that Nell has asked her summer intern to catalogue and examine. He discovers a piece of paper in the binding. With the help of modern technology, they can see the map that was written on the paper that dates around the Revolutionary War. When Nell and her colleagues go to the site of the map, they discover a cache of bodies. There are also two other bodies nearby and a stock of pristine cannons. The plot, as they say, thickens. Everyone, including the police, want to know how the bodies got there, who they are and whether they represent something historically important.
I love the way Nell is able to find the right people to use their particular knowledge and expertise to help her sort through the mystery and come up with the answers. It is fascinating and intelligent. The origins of the story are based on an actual discovery. The characters are all respectful of the talents of the other characters and therefore work together well.
It all adds up to a smart and highly entertaining read. Five purrs and two paws up.
June 29, 2019
Nell Pratt is back! It's been too long since we've read about her mystery solving adventures!
When Nell's summer intern, Dylan Robertson, discovers a mysterious document, in a book donated by a collector named Harriet Featherstone, the mystery begins! The document, which turns out to be a map, leads the history professionals to a shocking discovery - in one of Philly's historic neighborhoods.
Marty Terwilliger's family secret plays an important role in the book. I won't give anything away, but it's an interesting secret! I enjoyed the conversations between Nell and Marty - they're always witty and full of mutual respect. It was nice to see Nell and James's relationship moving to a new level...it was romantic (but not too much) and it added another dimension to the book.
History and the mystery were foremost in the book. If you're a history buff, you're in for a treat! The authors descriptions of past and present day Philadelphia were wonderful...I felt as if I was right there - reliving the past and solving the present day mystery!
One hint - check out the Postscript - turns out the author was a fund-raiser for the Historical Society of Pennsylvania! It also includes interesting historical information. I'm looking forward to another visit to Philly!
I received an ARC from NetGalley for a fair and honest review of this book.
When Nell's summer intern, Dylan Robertson, discovers a mysterious document, in a book donated by a collector named Harriet Featherstone, the mystery begins! The document, which turns out to be a map, leads the history professionals to a shocking discovery - in one of Philly's historic neighborhoods.
Marty Terwilliger's family secret plays an important role in the book. I won't give anything away, but it's an interesting secret! I enjoyed the conversations between Nell and Marty - they're always witty and full of mutual respect. It was nice to see Nell and James's relationship moving to a new level...it was romantic (but not too much) and it added another dimension to the book.
History and the mystery were foremost in the book. If you're a history buff, you're in for a treat! The authors descriptions of past and present day Philadelphia were wonderful...I felt as if I was right there - reliving the past and solving the present day mystery!
One hint - check out the Postscript - turns out the author was a fund-raiser for the Historical Society of Pennsylvania! It also includes interesting historical information. I'm looking forward to another visit to Philly!
I received an ARC from NetGalley for a fair and honest review of this book.
June 23, 2019
I thought that minor archeology in Philadelphia would be interesting in a mystery. Imagine my absolute delight in finding more than just a paved over cemetery (think of the discovery of King Richard under a British car park) but a pair of bodies and a host of beautiful brass canons commissioned by King George but never used in the American Revolution! Excellent story based in my other addiction (museums/books). The plot is ingenious and involves museum professionals, a construction manager, an FBI agent, and local law enforcement! The characters are all interesting and well developed, the imagery clear. I devoured it in one sitting! What else would you expect from a former Rev War reenactor?
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Beyond the Page Publishing via NetGalley. Thank you!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Beyond the Page Publishing via NetGalley. Thank you!
June 24, 2019
It was great to read another installment in this series.
It was an engrossing and entertaining read, full of twists and turns.
I learnt something new and was fascinated by the setting.
The characters are well written as usual, the plot kept me guessing and the setting was well described.
I look forward to reading the next installment in this series.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
It was an engrossing and entertaining read, full of twists and turns.
I learnt something new and was fascinated by the setting.
The characters are well written as usual, the plot kept me guessing and the setting was well described.
I look forward to reading the next installment in this series.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
March 3, 2021
For a book about secret historical maps and dead bodies, it was remarkably uneventful. Even the history facts were pedestrian and bland. I didn’t pick up a lot of personality from most of the characters and I kept waiting for a real plot. I would give it maybe two and a half stars but three would be a bit of a stretch.
March 20, 2020
I used to enjoy this series a lot but I could barely make it through this book. I know it's a "history" series but this was just boring and convoluted. I skimmed through the last fifty pages because it was just so dull.
April 8, 2020
Executive Director of a historical society in Philadelphia becomes involved in the mystery surrounding historical dead bodies. Amateurish, not very exciting. I did finish it to find out who the bodies belonged to, but was sorely tempted to abandon the book at every page.
July 8, 2019
Very unusual mystery, but very good!
August 25, 2020
Time for a mystery! And while there were a great many bodies in this story, they were all over two hundred years old. Nell pratt, imtrepid president of the Philadelphia Historical Society, becomes invlovled in the discovery of an eighteenth century cemetery that has been found under a parking lot that was being cleared for a luxury apartment project. Nell is called in because the contractor naturally wants the bodies moved and needs to know what they represent so that the right city agency can be called. Before that can happen though, her friend and board member Marty finds two more bodies in the basement of a house across the street. Turns out that Marty had known there was at least one body there since she was a child and discovered it while playing. The police are called and discover that there is not only a second body behind the first, but also a cache of very old bronze cannons. One of the two men appears to have been a British soldier (based on the buttons found around him) while the other's clothing fragments reveal nothing. A little research on Nell's part and the cemetery is discovered to have been part of a Baptist church property and, according to an 1860 article in the Inquirer, was supposedly moved across town in that year. Obviously not all the bodies! And who are the two men and what is a pile of what turn out to be 36 British cannon doing in the basement of a 1770s Philadelphia home? Lots of fun for a history junkie on a smoky August weekend.
October 26, 2021
I enjoyed this book, but I have to confess I kept waiting for a dead body to show up, a new corpse. But they found at least 400 dead bodies from around the 1770's and they had been covered over with asphalt. This made it more a lot of history story and a lot of hard work by Nell and James her boyfriend from the FBI, her student apprentice and her good friend Marty. The man Barney that started clearing the land, was missing for awhile, but they found him with just a broken ankle. I had to laugh at myself waiting for a murder to happen and being disappointed when no one died. It's fun to read how all the clues were found to solve and find out where the bodies came from. It was a fun read and I recommend reading it.
November 18, 2020
An entirely different mystery style. Is there a murder, or even a crime? A very enlightening book based on a real place, real events and the process of determining historic information. I enjoyed this book a great deal and look forward to reading the rest of this series, although I actually started with number 8, something a try never to do with a series of books. While I was sad to discover that the author has died, she left a sizable collection of this series and several others so I have been presented with many other books to enjoy.
April 10, 2020
I wish I knew Nell Pratt
I have loved everyone of the Museum Mysteries. Ms. Connolly never disappoints. Anyone with an interest in antiques, genealogy or just a good mystery will enjoy this one. They are well written and intelligent without being at all stuffy. Having never been to Philadelphia it's been great to "see" it through Nell's eyes. Her descriptions paint pictures with words.⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I have loved everyone of the Museum Mysteries. Ms. Connolly never disappoints. Anyone with an interest in antiques, genealogy or just a good mystery will enjoy this one. They are well written and intelligent without being at all stuffy. Having never been to Philadelphia it's been great to "see" it through Nell's eyes. Her descriptions paint pictures with words.⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
May 25, 2020
I loved the story as I really enjoy history and genealogical research, but I felt like the writer may have been rushed due to all the repetition. I may have given it a 4, but was so disappointed at the end when Harold was explaining to Nell that he knew about the story of the two men, but he never explained it. I even went back and read that chapter again thinking I may have missed something. Did I?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 24, 2020
This is the last book in this series. I will miss reading her version of mysteries in Philly. I live within 50 miles from Nell's museum. So reading about the local stuff gets interesting. Just one note: the lady who read the book on the audio book needs to rerecord some of the localities. The first time she said Reading Terminal Market it was like "reading a book". The second time mentioned it was the Reading as in take a ride on the Reading from the Monopoly board.
March 16, 2020
So I should read this series from the beginning. I loved the museum setting. I loved the cultural community of Philadelphia. But there’s no conflict in this book? The murder is centuries old. I kept waiting for more conflict to appear, but it never did. I would definitely like to read the other books in this series, but this one felt like a filler.
December 24, 2022
Lots of historical knowledge and well written. However, the adventure wasn't there. But I can't discount Nell's enthusiasm either. And I earned a better appreciation for history as it's so easily lost. And makes me want to travel to Philadelphia and other historical places. I wish history class had been presented this way. Maybe I would have remembered more of it.
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