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Silvermoon Retirement Village #2
Hip Flask and Hanging
97 year old Alice Atkinson has many ghosts in her past, but she never expected to see this one walk past her in the street.
She doesn't have much time to think about the past though as her friend Teresa asks her for help. She thinks someone is breaking into her apartment and soon Alice and her trusty young companion Vanessa are on the case.
Tracking down the culprit might be exactly what she needs to stop thinking about the events of London in 1969, but soon the two events may overlap more than she would like, and once again she finds herself in danger.
Alice has made it this far, she's not going down without a fight.
She doesn't have much time to think about the past though as her friend Teresa asks her for help. She thinks someone is breaking into her apartment and soon Alice and her trusty young companion Vanessa are on the case.
Tracking down the culprit might be exactly what she needs to stop thinking about the events of London in 1969, but soon the two events may overlap more than she would like, and once again she finds herself in danger.
Alice has made it this far, she's not going down without a fight.
- GenresCrime
122 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 31, 2020
8 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
About the author
Rodney Strong
33 books115 followersWriting is one of those things that I have always done. I vividly remember spending most of an English exam writing a complicated adventure story as the answer to an exam question. I passed the exam, either because of, or despite the answer.
I tend to write the story that comes to mind, regardless of genre.
I tend to write the story that comes to mind, regardless of genre.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
August 2, 2021
HIP FLASK AND HANGING is the second in the Silvermoon Retirement Village Cozy series featuring the intrepid, impressive and slightly dodgy 97 year old Alice Atkinson, resident of the aforementioned retirement village and investigator. She of the many many ghosts from the past, although one wandering past her in the street was most unexpected, and decidedly unwelcome.
The past is one thing, and it's gotten way too close which is going to need Alice to do some serious recalling of events from 1969 in Swinging London, but in the current day, and much closer to home, her friend Teresa needs help - she's sure somebody is breaking into her retirement complex apartment but nobody will believe her. It's up to Alice, and her trusty companion, fellow sleuth, and home employee, Vanessa to track down the culprit. Needless to say, events from 1969 seem to have leaked into current day life, and Alice finds herself in danger, and we all know Alice isn't going anywhere without putting up a darn good fight.
This really is a very engaging cosy styled series, mostly because the character of Alice is wonderfully real. It doesn't hurt that this gentle, mannered elderly lady has lived quite a life, and continues to do so, what with hipflasks secreted all over the apartment, and some of the memories of 1969 London decidedly on the risque side of little old lady expectations.
Comic, and clever, this series is one of those that will most definitely appeal to anybody who is looking for something a little unusual, and perhaps a little hopeful as we all slide inexorably into that age where you'd hope that a bit of reminiscing wasn't going to work better than medically prescribed sleep medications.
https://www.austcrimefiction.org/revi...
The past is one thing, and it's gotten way too close which is going to need Alice to do some serious recalling of events from 1969 in Swinging London, but in the current day, and much closer to home, her friend Teresa needs help - she's sure somebody is breaking into her retirement complex apartment but nobody will believe her. It's up to Alice, and her trusty companion, fellow sleuth, and home employee, Vanessa to track down the culprit. Needless to say, events from 1969 seem to have leaked into current day life, and Alice finds herself in danger, and we all know Alice isn't going anywhere without putting up a darn good fight.
This really is a very engaging cosy styled series, mostly because the character of Alice is wonderfully real. It doesn't hurt that this gentle, mannered elderly lady has lived quite a life, and continues to do so, what with hipflasks secreted all over the apartment, and some of the memories of 1969 London decidedly on the risque side of little old lady expectations.
Comic, and clever, this series is one of those that will most definitely appeal to anybody who is looking for something a little unusual, and perhaps a little hopeful as we all slide inexorably into that age where you'd hope that a bit of reminiscing wasn't going to work better than medically prescribed sleep medications.
https://www.austcrimefiction.org/revi...
March 30, 2020
I just love Alice and hope she will be around for many more adventures. When Alice is asked by a neighbor to help her because she thinks someone is taking things from her apartment, Alice enlists the help of Vanessa. Alice also sees someone from her past and she starts remembering a not so good time. But, in the present, she has to help her neighbor and she is teaching Vanessa a few tricks along the way.
March 31, 2020
Book 2 in an hysterical cozy mystery! Our heroine is a 97 year old former and maybe present con artist named Alice! Vanessa who works in the retirement home where Alice lives has taken to Alice and as in the first book gets involved in the next mystery as well. Alice is feisty, stubborn and totally in charge! When her friend Teresa asks for help to see if someone has been taking things from her apartment, she gets involved and brings Vanessa along with her. The format in this book is fun since we sort of know about Alice's previous life, at least that she was a con. The author gives us Alice's backstory of one of her cons that went wrong, but she got out of...or so she thought. This is done very deftly by every other chapter, Alice remembers the con and how it went down and how the mark was used but swore he would get her in the end. Well, who was that man in the train station that looked so much like the mark? But he was dead by now right? IS Teresa delusional or is someone actually going into her apartment? These are two instances that Alice has to deal with along with her "sidekick" Vanessa who Alice is trying to teach how to be a good con. This book was hysterical and I just couldn't put it down in one sitting. The first book in this series is a winner too! A must read series, I can't wait for the next one. I received and ARC from the author, but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
April 1, 2020
Alice is at the train station to meet Amanda when she runs into an enemy fifty years in her past, a nasty piece of work named Richard Dankworth. He killed a man Alice (aka Maureen Stratler) loved in 1969, and in revenge, she stole the majority of his fortune. He swore he’d get even with her someday, and in a sunny day in 2020, she fears someday is now.
At the same time, one of Silvermoon’s well-heeled residents, Teresa, complains that valuables are missing from her apartment and blames the young cleaner, Joshua. He explains to Alice and her front-desk friend, Vanessa, why he’s working as a cleaner, but denies burglary. With her friend Tony’s help, she sets up a few video cameras to catch the intruder in action, but the results stun everyone.
As the story switches back and forth between present-day Wellington, NZ and 1969 London and New York City, Alice’s complex past not only fills in like a coloring page, but reveals the forces that have driven her throughout her adult life. Hip Flask and Hanging offers readers the most thorough glimpse into Alice’s life — and what she taught Amanda — and how she’s survived so long.
At the same time, one of Silvermoon’s well-heeled residents, Teresa, complains that valuables are missing from her apartment and blames the young cleaner, Joshua. He explains to Alice and her front-desk friend, Vanessa, why he’s working as a cleaner, but denies burglary. With her friend Tony’s help, she sets up a few video cameras to catch the intruder in action, but the results stun everyone.
As the story switches back and forth between present-day Wellington, NZ and 1969 London and New York City, Alice’s complex past not only fills in like a coloring page, but reveals the forces that have driven her throughout her adult life. Hip Flask and Hanging offers readers the most thorough glimpse into Alice’s life — and what she taught Amanda — and how she’s survived so long.
July 15, 2022
Book 2 in the series sees a dual timeline story alternating between a young Alice in London, 1969, and 97-year-old Alice in the Silvermoon retirement village. Both stories are connected in that Alice fears she has seen a face from her past - Richard Dankworth - at Silvermoon, but she can't quite fathom how that might be possible. In 1969, Alice (under the guise of Maureen) is on the case of a friend's murder, and Dankworth is her prime suspect. Rightly so, it seems, as she lays a trap to catch him out and, while she's at it, to "relieve" him of his great wealth.
Meanwhile, there's trouble afoot at the retirement village. Together with Vanessa, who's enjoying being Alice's protégée more than she cares to admit, the duo set out to catch the culprit on camera.
The London story is more dramatic and dangerous, although the modern tale is not without its risk for the almost-centenarian. Dankworth is is worthy villain ... but what is he doing at Silvermoon? Has Alice's past finally caught up with her?
As in book one, the relationship and banter between Alice and Vanessa is chuckle-worthy, sometimes sharp, but always showing a deep fondness for each other.
A fun, short read.
Meanwhile, there's trouble afoot at the retirement village. Together with Vanessa, who's enjoying being Alice's protégée more than she cares to admit, the duo set out to catch the culprit on camera.
The London story is more dramatic and dangerous, although the modern tale is not without its risk for the almost-centenarian. Dankworth is is worthy villain ... but what is he doing at Silvermoon? Has Alice's past finally caught up with her?
As in book one, the relationship and banter between Alice and Vanessa is chuckle-worthy, sometimes sharp, but always showing a deep fondness for each other.
A fun, short read.
March 31, 2020
Did you ever make an error in judgment in your life, with the nagging thought that someone might some day come back to even the score? Alice, 97-year-old con artist extraordinare, has made very few mistakes in her colorful career, with one notable exception. When she believes she has seen an evil familiar face, Alice begins to remember their previous encounter and its results. Is her former nemesis back to seek revenge? Meanwhile, someone has been in a friend’s apartment at the Silvermoon Retirement Village and with her young friend, Vanessa, Alice begins to investigate. Alice is a feisty and lovable nonagenarian, who is unique and so entertaining. While she has lost a step or two physically, she retains a sharp and clever mind, and a funny and sarcastic sense of humor. I enjoy all of Rodney Strong’s wonderful and diverse characters, but I confess that Alice is my favorite. In a time of immense stress, this is the perfect book to amuse and entertain everyone.
March 31, 2020
This is a delightful spinoff from the hitchhiker series which I love. I was happy to see that main character, Oliver, pop up a couple of times in this story.
Alice sees what she thought was a ghost from her past. She was quite disturbed to find out he was still alive and in her town! Knowing he wished her demise, she grabbed Vanessa and they took off in the opposite direction.
Back at Silver Moon, a neighbor says that she believes someone has been in her apartment. Alice and Vanessa investigate.
Will Alice's old nemesis come after her after all these years? The story flashes back to 1969 to fill in what occurred as we learn a bit more about Alice's younger years. Will they figure out who is getting into Teresa's apartment and why?
I received an ARC from the author and this is my voluntary review. Looking forward to the next book!
Alice sees what she thought was a ghost from her past. She was quite disturbed to find out he was still alive and in her town! Knowing he wished her demise, she grabbed Vanessa and they took off in the opposite direction.
Back at Silver Moon, a neighbor says that she believes someone has been in her apartment. Alice and Vanessa investigate.
Will Alice's old nemesis come after her after all these years? The story flashes back to 1969 to fill in what occurred as we learn a bit more about Alice's younger years. Will they figure out who is getting into Teresa's apartment and why?
I received an ARC from the author and this is my voluntary review. Looking forward to the next book!
April 5, 2020
I received a review copy from the author at my request and this is my honest opinion. This is a very delightful book and Alice is quickly becoming one of my favorite characters. I want to be her when I grow up! She has more spunk at 98 than most people half her age. I like the way Mr. Strong moved between past and present to tell his story. Many times changing from past to present and back again can be confusing and disruptive to the story, but in Mr. Strong's capable hands it works very well. I also enjoyed the nod to his Hitchhiker stories with the short appearance of Oliver. I can't wait to get my hands on the next book in the series and see what else Alice can get herself into. I'm also impatient to get the next Hitchhiker story. Get busy, Rodney, you have impatient fans waiting!!
April 7, 2020
Even better than Poker Chips &Poison, the 1st book of the series. And I thought that was a 5* read. Alice was more well rounded &3 dimensional in this entry.
I loved how she has her own little inside joke with herself with the hip flasks. It shows an evil & twisted sense of humor & it's awesome.
There are 2 stories in one in this installment & I was afraid of not liking it. It alternates every chapter & most times this just doesn't work. Pulls you out of the story if that makes any sense. Surprisingly, he made it work & both stories are really good.
Don't know how he plans to top these 1st 2 books, but I'm waiting anxiously for book 3!
I was provided an ARC of this book, but all opinions are my own 2 cents worth.
I loved how she has her own little inside joke with herself with the hip flasks. It shows an evil & twisted sense of humor & it's awesome.
There are 2 stories in one in this installment & I was afraid of not liking it. It alternates every chapter & most times this just doesn't work. Pulls you out of the story if that makes any sense. Surprisingly, he made it work & both stories are really good.
Don't know how he plans to top these 1st 2 books, but I'm waiting anxiously for book 3!
I was provided an ARC of this book, but all opinions are my own 2 cents worth.
April 1, 2020
Alice is 97 years old has an encounter with a man that she realizes she knew many years ago. He wanted to kill her at that time.
Alice had her sidekick, Vanessa with her during the encounter. Vanessa is the receptionist at the upper class retirement home where Alice lives. Alice has a history as a con-woman and she's teaching some of the tricks of the trade to Vanessa.
When one of the neighbors thinks that something is amiss in her apartment, Alice decides to investigate on her own with Vanessa at her side.
This story is told by alternating between current time and an event in 1969. Cleverly written and amusing, I recommend this book.
Alice had her sidekick, Vanessa with her during the encounter. Vanessa is the receptionist at the upper class retirement home where Alice lives. Alice has a history as a con-woman and she's teaching some of the tricks of the trade to Vanessa.
When one of the neighbors thinks that something is amiss in her apartment, Alice decides to investigate on her own with Vanessa at her side.
This story is told by alternating between current time and an event in 1969. Cleverly written and amusing, I recommend this book.
March 30, 2020
Alice who is 97 sees a ghost from her past but he really isn't a ghost, he is alive and well and this really shakes Alice up. The man from her past deserves to be exposed for what he did in the past and Alice is determined to get the goods on him. So with the help of her companion at the Retirement Village, she sets out to put things right but things don't always go as planned. It is a wonderful story with a lot of twists and turns that I never saw coming. I love Alice and the life she has led and it is a great book.
March 5, 2021
More about Alice's past....
I love that we see more about Alice's past. In this episode Alice's past comes back to haunt her. Can she help one of the Silvermoon residents find out if someone is breaking into her apartment? Can Vanessa help Alice once again or will her past win out? Love all the characters in this series and can't wait for the next one!
I received an ARC. This is my honest review.
I love that we see more about Alice's past. In this episode Alice's past comes back to haunt her. Can she help one of the Silvermoon residents find out if someone is breaking into her apartment? Can Vanessa help Alice once again or will her past win out? Love all the characters in this series and can't wait for the next one!
I received an ARC. This is my honest review.
July 18, 2021
Alice didn’t mine getting old it was the feeling old she didn’t like.
Vanessa at 23 was smart and more than being a concierge to the residents.
Awaiting Amanda at the train station a man from Alice past brushes against her. This gives us an inside look of Alice’s life In London.
While a neighbor believe someone is breaking in and taking things. Could the ghost of Alice’s past be connected. Delightful
Vanessa at 23 was smart and more than being a concierge to the residents.
Awaiting Amanda at the train station a man from Alice past brushes against her. This gives us an inside look of Alice’s life In London.
While a neighbor believe someone is breaking in and taking things. Could the ghost of Alice’s past be connected. Delightful
April 20, 2023
Kindle unlimited ebook. Well, I think I’m done with this series for now. I was viewing these books as cozy mysteries and turns out, not so much. This doesn’t mean I won’t go back to the series with a different mindset but for now I’m looking for simple easy to read cozies. I’m not sure what I feel about Alice’s implied history . Not sure it is as it appears but I don’t like that they currently glorify con artists. I do like the older characters and the relationship between Alice and Vanessa
March 30, 2020
I absolutely love this fun series featuring 97 year old Alice. Something odd is happening at the retirement village and a foe from Alice’s shady past reappears. The writing is fresh and skillful. The plot is tight and multi-layered and filled with interesting characters. I’m looking forward to future installments. I received this book free and chose to make a voluntary, unbiased review.
March 31, 2020
What a great heroine! I love Alice Atkinson. When her escapades of the past collide with her current life, we are all taken on a fantastic ride. Reading this book, as we are all “staying-at-home” due to Covid-19, was a welcome escape from today’s reality. I thoroughly enjoyed the book. This is my honest, voluntary review of an advanced reader copy of this book.
April 1, 2020
Alice and Vanessa are at it again, this time solving an attempted robbery. Alice lives at Silvermoon retirement village and Vanessa works there. Alice has taken Vanessa on as her protege, whether Vanessa wants to or not. They are fun to hang out with and the story flows quickly. I really like this series.
April 12, 2020
5.0 out of 5 stars Love Alice!
Reviewed in the United States on April 6, 2020
Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
Alice and friends are at it again. I really liked how some of Alice’s past was revealed as a subplot. I really look forward to reading more from this series. I received an ARC and this is my honest opinion.
Reviewed in the United States on April 6, 2020
Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
Alice and friends are at it again. I really liked how some of Alice’s past was revealed as a subplot. I really look forward to reading more from this series. I received an ARC and this is my honest opinion.
March 30, 2020
I have read this book and leaving my honest review.
A new author for me a different book to what I usually read.
Well I enjoyed the book very much. Interesting and
Exciting. Will not spoil but I hope you enjoy as much as
I did.
A new author for me a different book to what I usually read.
Well I enjoyed the book very much. Interesting and
Exciting. Will not spoil but I hope you enjoy as much as
I did.
March 31, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. I laughed at all the places where the flasks were hidden. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
I volunteered an honest review in exchange for an ARC copy of this book.
I volunteered an honest review in exchange for an ARC copy of this book.
March 31, 2020
Feisty senior in a high profile retirement village confront the challenges of again, and face off with a variety of thief’s, thugs, and ne’er do wells
Echoes of their past collide with present greed of those ready to exploit them
Wild and witty KU read!
Echoes of their past collide with present greed of those ready to exploit them
Wild and witty KU read!
March 31, 2020
Fantastic book; very well written with excellent characters, plot and story. I like the format, as it's not too long, and there's something happening all the time. Although it covers two different time periods, it's no problem following both.
November 19, 2020
A British and American Mystery
I'm not usually into the English style but this was intriguing with most of the story taking place in London and environs. The rest was in the U.S. and recounted as memories of a 94-year-old woman. Very interesting.
I'm not usually into the English style but this was intriguing with most of the story taking place in London and environs. The rest was in the U.S. and recounted as memories of a 94-year-old woman. Very interesting.
March 17, 2021
A really good book
Wonderful, just like the first book. Alice is living in a retirement village but hasn't exactly retired. She solves mysteries in her unique way. These books are a good fun read. I hope there will be more. Well worth five stars.
Wonderful, just like the first book. Alice is living in a retirement village but hasn't exactly retired. She solves mysteries in her unique way. These books are a good fun read. I hope there will be more. Well worth five stars.
June 5, 2025
I love the relationship between Alice and Vanessa. The story switches back and forth between the present and 1969, with Alice recalling certain events in her life so we get more insight into Alice's past. The residents and staff at the retirement home are always fun.
March 31, 2020
I love these characters at the Silvermoon Retirement Village. Such a wonderful bunch of characters and a great story. I am hooked on this author's series (this one and Hitchhiker).
April 2, 2020
Good read. Characters are great and setting is different. Can't wait to read more.
April 3, 2020
Another 'cosy' read by Rodney Strong. Love reading the antics that the main character Alice brings to the book.
October 26, 2021
I love Alice!
August 5, 2020
I love Alice and her cohorts at the Silvermoon Retirement Village. She is a spunky 97-year-old former con artist. Alice is feisty and keeps you chuckling. The dual timeline aspect was interesting and the author did a great job making the transition smoothly.
The characters are well developed and are so entertaining. I am in love with this series and wish I could find a retirement facility with such interesting individuals. Sign me up for a room!
Thank you to the author and LoreQuinn Publishing for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own. I can't wait for the next visit with Alice and her friends...and enemies.
The characters are well developed and are so entertaining. I am in love with this series and wish I could find a retirement facility with such interesting individuals. Sign me up for a room!
Thank you to the author and LoreQuinn Publishing for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own. I can't wait for the next visit with Alice and her friends...and enemies.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews