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Roger and Bess Mystery #1
A Friend of Silence
What safer haven could there be than a Quaker boarding school in a tiny New England coastal village? What secrets lie beneath its serene and quiet beauty? Out of the blue, the campus is laid open, the peace of Old Harbor Friends shattered by the murder of lascivious, comptroller, Milt Wickie. Wickie is discovered in his office, a scrimshaw knife protruding from his chest, a knife belonging to beloved teacher and grieving widow, Bess Dore. Initially a suspect, the forty-two year old, Bess is soon exonerated and jumps headlong into a murder investigation along with old flame, police detective, Roger Demaris, and Harry Winthrop, an amateur sleuth, prolific writer, and the son of the school's wealthiest patron. Will Bess find romance along the way, giving her heart to the gruff police officer, who still adores her, or to the fly-by-night, but charming Harry who is clearly smitten? Will the killer strike again? Will the silence and calm of the 200-year old Friends school ever again be restored?
352 pages, Paperback
First published August 19, 2011
599 people are currently reading
1144 people want to read
About the author
M. Lee Prescott
49 books162 followers“You only live once – but if you work it right, once is enough.”
– Joe E. Lewis
Hello, friends and generous readers!
Welcome to my Goodreads page! I write romances, mysteries, suspense, and women’s fiction. Grab one of my books and see what you think. Are you a fan of humorous, first-person mysteries? Readers have lots of fun with Ricky Steele (Prepped to Kill, Gadfly, Jigsaw, Lost in Spindle City, and Poof!). How about small-town cozy mysteries? Join Roger and Bess (A Friend of Silence, In the Name of Silence, and The Silence of Memory) in the village of Old Harbor where murders occur almost as much as in Cabot Cove. (Roger and Bess Mysteries).
Did someone say romance? Aside from stand-alone romances like Widow’s Island and Hestor’s Way, I write two popular romance series -- Morgan’s Run (twelve books and counting) and Morgan’s Fire (seven titles with more on the way!). Morgan’s Run books are set in the beautiful U.S. southwest and are peopled with gorgeous cowboys and strong, contemporary women. The spin-off series, Morgan’s Fire moved some of the gang east to the New England coastal village of Horseshoe Crab Cove where the romance sizzles and amazing couples find their way to happily ever after.
I also have a YA title, Song of the Spirit, an award-winning historical romance that explores the kidnapping, torture, and enculturation of indigenous children in so-called “Indian schools.” That book features one of my favorite characters, Wind Flower, a strong resilient teenager who protects her younger sister and holds onto her values and culture, despite the daily cruelties of life at Rose Academy.
I am now retired from teaching, but my scholarly work continues. I am currently writing about my recent research-- the impact of mindfulness on readers and writers. I live on a beautiful river and when not writing, I love to spend time with family and friends, practice yoga, swim, walk, canoe, and teach mindfulness to people of all ages. Life is full!
Come on over and visit -- http://www.mleeprescott.com-- to explore and signup for my newsletter. I love to hear from readers and always respond so be in touch anytime! Follow me on BookBub https://bit.ly/3AImHzS
– Joe E. Lewis
Hello, friends and generous readers!
Welcome to my Goodreads page! I write romances, mysteries, suspense, and women’s fiction. Grab one of my books and see what you think. Are you a fan of humorous, first-person mysteries? Readers have lots of fun with Ricky Steele (Prepped to Kill, Gadfly, Jigsaw, Lost in Spindle City, and Poof!). How about small-town cozy mysteries? Join Roger and Bess (A Friend of Silence, In the Name of Silence, and The Silence of Memory) in the village of Old Harbor where murders occur almost as much as in Cabot Cove. (Roger and Bess Mysteries).
Did someone say romance? Aside from stand-alone romances like Widow’s Island and Hestor’s Way, I write two popular romance series -- Morgan’s Run (twelve books and counting) and Morgan’s Fire (seven titles with more on the way!). Morgan’s Run books are set in the beautiful U.S. southwest and are peopled with gorgeous cowboys and strong, contemporary women. The spin-off series, Morgan’s Fire moved some of the gang east to the New England coastal village of Horseshoe Crab Cove where the romance sizzles and amazing couples find their way to happily ever after.
I also have a YA title, Song of the Spirit, an award-winning historical romance that explores the kidnapping, torture, and enculturation of indigenous children in so-called “Indian schools.” That book features one of my favorite characters, Wind Flower, a strong resilient teenager who protects her younger sister and holds onto her values and culture, despite the daily cruelties of life at Rose Academy.
I am now retired from teaching, but my scholarly work continues. I am currently writing about my recent research-- the impact of mindfulness on readers and writers. I live on a beautiful river and when not writing, I love to spend time with family and friends, practice yoga, swim, walk, canoe, and teach mindfulness to people of all ages. Life is full!
Come on over and visit -- http://www.mleeprescott.com-- to explore and signup for my newsletter. I love to hear from readers and always respond so be in touch anytime! Follow me on BookBub https://bit.ly/3AImHzS
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
February 4, 2017
Over the years at Old Harbor Friends school, there have been a few deaths, attacks, and now, a staff member has been found stabbed with an antique from the Arts/Varsity Field coach, Mrs. Dore's late husband.
Mrs. Dore is a widow of ten years and seems to be stuck in a pattern. The book introduces us to many students and fellow staff members.
It was well written, lots of description of the inter-personal relationships of the Detective and Mrs. Dore. The character of the latest victim is drawn out for the reader to understand the motive clearly.
To me, personally, the book rather rambled on. I knew whom committed the crime early on and perhaps that is why the book seemed slow going. A good book just not for my taste.
Mrs. Dore is a widow of ten years and seems to be stuck in a pattern. The book introduces us to many students and fellow staff members.
It was well written, lots of description of the inter-personal relationships of the Detective and Mrs. Dore. The character of the latest victim is drawn out for the reader to understand the motive clearly.
To me, personally, the book rather rambled on. I knew whom committed the crime early on and perhaps that is why the book seemed slow going. A good book just not for my taste.
September 6, 2015
Won this book in July and started reading it last week. Wish I had read it sooner. This book is just awesome. Loved it from cover to cover. The wrting is great and the flow andstyle of the author makes this a book easy to read. Top it off with great story and characters - characters you wish you knew in real life - and you have yourself a great book. Already looking in our local library for her other novels as well. My wife just started it yesterday and also loves it so far.
April 18, 2016
This book was good enough to make me want to finish it. I did think the characters were too contrived. The plot needed more development. I kept thinking the setting was abroad.
November 25, 2022
A murder at Old Harbor Friends, a Quaker boarding school, leaves both staff and students horrified. Though the victim was odious, such violence flies in the face of the values taught by the school. Bess Dore tries to restore calm to her charges while also unwittingly becoming the go-between for the police and a private detective hired by the school.
There was so much to unpack with this story, perhaps too much. I lost track of the countless relationships, affairs, and rivalries that comprised the dynamic of the school's adult population. This was not the happy campus that Bess, the main character, insisted it was. If my children were enrolled at Old Harbor Friends when all the goings-on came to light, I'd have withdrawn them from its "care".
Moving from the school to the detectives, I found that neither side won my favour. The police officer in charge of the case was needlessly irascible and uncouth. The private investigator sent up red flags with his oh-so-smooth behaviour. The main character seemingly adored them both - in different ways - but I could not share her opinion. After the conclusion of the case, I would have sent the two of them on their way.
For me, the whole work moved glacially. There was far too much description for a story that needed a snappier pace. Rather than intriguing, the telling irritated me yet I truly wanted to like this story.
If there was a positive, it was exposure to a religion not often encountered in a mystery. I did like the minuscular glimpses of Quaker life. This book may become a springboard for my next trip down the rabbit hole of research.
There was so much to unpack with this story, perhaps too much. I lost track of the countless relationships, affairs, and rivalries that comprised the dynamic of the school's adult population. This was not the happy campus that Bess, the main character, insisted it was. If my children were enrolled at Old Harbor Friends when all the goings-on came to light, I'd have withdrawn them from its "care".
Moving from the school to the detectives, I found that neither side won my favour. The police officer in charge of the case was needlessly irascible and uncouth. The private investigator sent up red flags with his oh-so-smooth behaviour. The main character seemingly adored them both - in different ways - but I could not share her opinion. After the conclusion of the case, I would have sent the two of them on their way.
For me, the whole work moved glacially. There was far too much description for a story that needed a snappier pace. Rather than intriguing, the telling irritated me yet I truly wanted to like this story.
If there was a positive, it was exposure to a religion not often encountered in a mystery. I did like the minuscular glimpses of Quaker life. This book may become a springboard for my next trip down the rabbit hole of research.
February 6, 2017
This story takes place at Old Harbor Friends Quaker boarding school, where comptroller and womanizer Milt Wickie is found murdered with an antique scrimshaw knife. Art teacher and widow, Bess Dore is shocked to see the knife is part of her deceased husband’s collection. How did someone break into her home, steal the knife and stab Wickie? Bess is soon questioned by detective and old flame Roger Demaris, but immediately found innocent of any wrongdoing. Will the killer strike again before being discovered? Will Bess find love again?
I had some trouble with this book. First, I found that there were an awful lot of characters to keep track of – many of them were thrown into the mix right at the start and I found it confusing. Then there was the language. The scenes with Bess and her friends were calm and well mannered, but the author had some of the male characters using some pretty foul language. It felt entirely out of place in the book when it randomly appeared. For this reason, and because of the rampant infidelity included in the story, I wouldn't consider this a cozy mystery.
I also found myself mentally inserting missing commas and correcting minor grammatical mistakes. Yet, the author was fond of using some fairly obscure words when simpler words would have done just fine. Some additional editing might be in order.
This book wasn’t terrible, but it wasn’t great either. I’d still be willing to give this author another try, however.
3 of 5 Stars, Susan Barton, http://ebookreviewgal.com
I had some trouble with this book. First, I found that there were an awful lot of characters to keep track of – many of them were thrown into the mix right at the start and I found it confusing. Then there was the language. The scenes with Bess and her friends were calm and well mannered, but the author had some of the male characters using some pretty foul language. It felt entirely out of place in the book when it randomly appeared. For this reason, and because of the rampant infidelity included in the story, I wouldn't consider this a cozy mystery.
I also found myself mentally inserting missing commas and correcting minor grammatical mistakes. Yet, the author was fond of using some fairly obscure words when simpler words would have done just fine. Some additional editing might be in order.
This book wasn’t terrible, but it wasn’t great either. I’d still be willing to give this author another try, however.
3 of 5 Stars, Susan Barton, http://ebookreviewgal.com
August 29, 2017
It took me a long while to get through this book. I did not know it was the first in the series, so the incredible amount of focus on the main characters makes sense now. It still detracts from the mystery aspect that this book is supposed to have had. I would have liked to see more focus on the main plot instead of building up the character's romantic status. How many times does it need to be rubbed in that Bess is a grieving widow and that Roger still has a thing for her?
I'm very disappointed with this book because everything else in it makes it an intriguing plot idea. The setting, the side characters and their quirks and secrets. On to the next mystery!
I'm very disappointed with this book because everything else in it makes it an intriguing plot idea. The setting, the side characters and their quirks and secrets. On to the next mystery!
January 9, 2025
This is such a sweet story for being a murder mystery. It has just the right amount of mystery and romance. There are a couple of repetitive things but it's such a good story that you don't mind them. There are a lot of characters that you get to know just enough. Some you hate, some you love, some you're indifferent to. You grow to love the main character so much that you forgive her flaws when they're finally revealed. A Friend of Silence is gently paced, and I look forward to many more adventures of Bess Dore. M. Lee Prescott does a wonderful job of drawing you in with ease and a kind of grace.
January 29, 2020
Love and murder are a strange combination.
This is one of the best mysteries I have read in a while. It seems Harry and Bess are made for each other and Harry knows it at once. Strange things happen in a Quaker school that shouldn't happen anywhere. I thought I had the murderer figured out. Bit, was I wrong. The clues lead first one way then another. See if you can get it right before the end.
This is one of the best mysteries I have read in a while. It seems Harry and Bess are made for each other and Harry knows it at once. Strange things happen in a Quaker school that shouldn't happen anywhere. I thought I had the murderer figured out. Bit, was I wrong. The clues lead first one way then another. See if you can get it right before the end.
December 30, 2023
Fun, twisting, and a good old-fashioned mystery!
I started this book quite a while ago and picked it up again recently. I think I put it down because I felt bombarded with so many characters so early. Once I picked the book back up, however, and got into the story, it was hard to put down! I loved the settings, characters, and plot. I can always do without unnecessary swear words, and using the same/similar names (e.g., Pete and Peter) is too confusing.
I started this book quite a while ago and picked it up again recently. I think I put it down because I felt bombarded with so many characters so early. Once I picked the book back up, however, and got into the story, it was hard to put down! I loved the settings, characters, and plot. I can always do without unnecessary swear words, and using the same/similar names (e.g., Pete and Peter) is too confusing.
July 7, 2017
I love the characters in this book and I am excited to see where it takes us. Bess is a very well put together character that leads us deep into her life and it's nice to see a romance blooming while all the mystery and murder suspects are around. Great book and I am looking forward to the next in the series.
July 15, 2018
Illustrations
The fact that people wear a public facade isn't something you would spend much time thinking about, but it necessary to remember that fact while doing murder investigations. The Quaker touch made this fact much more poignant.
Interesting story with multiple confessions and infidelities.
The fact that people wear a public facade isn't something you would spend much time thinking about, but it necessary to remember that fact while doing murder investigations. The Quaker touch made this fact much more poignant.
Interesting story with multiple confessions and infidelities.
February 2, 2019
This is the story of a murder at a Quaker New England Boarding School. Roger Demaris, the local policeman, begins to investigate. The Board of the school hires Harry Winthrop, Jr. to investigate as well. Mrs. Beth Dore who was around at the time of the murder, teams up with Roger and Harry to find the killer. How they locate the murderer makes for a riveting read. Highly recommend this book.
June 1, 2017
Nice, cozy mystery
Enjoyable, little mystery. I was fairly certain I had pegged the murderer about halfway through but wasn't sure 'til the end. If you don't like course language, there's one character who has a potty mouth.
Enjoyable, little mystery. I was fairly certain I had pegged the murderer about halfway through but wasn't sure 'til the end. If you don't like course language, there's one character who has a potty mouth.
June 17, 2017
Even though it was set in New England, it has the feel of a British mystery.
A bit dry but enjoyable. The characters were defined well and the insight into a Quaker school environment was interesting.
A bit dry but enjoyable. The characters were defined well and the insight into a Quaker school environment was interesting.
January 30, 2018
Charming
The story is good, the plots really interesting, and each character has something unique about them that is quite fascinating. I really like this, and I wasn’t expecting too
The story is good, the plots really interesting, and each character has something unique about them that is quite fascinating. I really like this, and I wasn’t expecting too
February 18, 2018
I enjoyed this story, I will look for the next one, I enjoy the sitting is within a school and I enjoyed the characters. It kept me guessing on who did the murder. I was surprised about a few things in the story.
February 27, 2018
A who done it murder mystery without clean up needed, less descriptive of the murderious gore, but enough shared to entice the imagination. bit flakey romance between a few characters, but sounds like book two may follow up. Enjoyed the premise of a peeping Tom as a Robin Hood sort of person.
August 30, 2018
I really enjoyed the story. The characters were believable, and easy to imagine. It was suspenseful enough to keep me readings. The big downside was the overly descriptive sentences that were not necessary. I started skipping over these sentences because they were over the top. A real distraction from a good story. If it were not for the suspense, I would have given up around the second chapter.
June 6, 2019
Nice, not quite cozy, mystery. Sweet. Lots of characters to keep track of, and a few names are quite similar. Main characters are nice, but I don't really love them. YMMV. Some trouble with the 'insta-love' as well. Still, will consider reading further in series. 3.5 stars.
January 23, 2020
3 star
Liked the female MC but some small things weren't as ideal for me as a reader. Also there were some wrong word errors and awkward spots, but nothing serious. I'd read more if I had the opportunity though. I appreciated the setting and Friends references.
Liked the female MC but some small things weren't as ideal for me as a reader. Also there were some wrong word errors and awkward spots, but nothing serious. I'd read more if I had the opportunity though. I appreciated the setting and Friends references.
May 17, 2021
Wow! I wasn’t expecting the end of that book! Loved it!
It has a so many characters in that storyline and I’m delighted to see who got it in the act!
Looking forward to read more book series soon…
It has a so many characters in that storyline and I’m delighted to see who got it in the act!
Looking forward to read more book series soon…
January 17, 2022
Oh my heavens, I did enjoy this story and am looking forward to reading more in the series. I loved Bess and some of her friends and Harry was quite the find. I like the idea of her longtime friend, Roger and Bess joining forces to solve crimes.
August 24, 2017
I was sad to find out who the killer was and what happened to him. Overall, a good reading experience.
March 11, 2018
Loved it
This book had me guessing till the end. I love that. I usually have things figured out pretty quick. Very good and very sweet.
This book had me guessing till the end. I love that. I usually have things figured out pretty quick. Very good and very sweet.
May 16, 2018
Profanity started at 6%
Profanity started with a bang at 6%. I don’t do profanity and I did not finish this book. Deleted from my kindle.
Profanity started with a bang at 6%. I don’t do profanity and I did not finish this book. Deleted from my kindle.
August 12, 2018
Recommended
Good mystery. Plot invites you to try and solve the mystery. I recommend it to readers that enjoy books with a twist
Good mystery. Plot invites you to try and solve the mystery. I recommend it to readers that enjoy books with a twist
April 23, 2019
Enjoyable, non-threatening, light mystery. Engaging enough that I will look for the next one.
June 6, 2019
I liked this book better as I read more of it. It’s a slow start but understand that it’s the first in a series. I would be interested to see the next in the series to see how it develops.
January 22, 2023
I really enjoyed this book and the fact that there were so many suspects :-)
October 15, 2024
This took me a bit to get into the flow of the book. Once I did, it was really good and enjoyable. Liked the twists and turns that kept me reading.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews