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Daisy Gumm Majesty Mystery #16
Wedded Spirits
Bridal Bouquet Becomes Murder Weapon in Wedded Spirits, a Cozy Historical Mystery by Alice Duncan—1925, Pasadena, California—Daisy is the Matron of Honor for the wedding of Mr. Robert Browning and Miss Regina Petri, Daisy's favorite librarian, when she discovers the body of a young man on the floor of the dressing room. From the looks of the flower petals falling from his mouth, he'd chomped down Regina's bridal bouquet.Having recently studied poisoned plants in the library, Daisy knows all of the flowers in Regina’s bouquet are poisonous. She figures someone poisoned the fellow, although she can’t quite figure out how.Sam and the usual cast of characters investigate, including their old friend Lou Prophet. Daisy uncovers a long-list of possible suspects but the murderer might be closer than anyone suspects.From the The Daisy Gumm Majesty Cozy Mystery Series is a light-hearted mystery in a historical setting. There are no explicit sexual scenes and minimal cursing (Lou Prophet can be a little coarse) and will be enjoyed by readers who appreciate clean and wholesome reads. Fans of Carola Dunn, Amanda Quick, Elizabeth Peters, Rhys Bowen, and M. Louisa Locke will not want to miss this series.“If you like the 1920’s era, cozy mysteries and hints at paranormal this is absolutely a series for you!” ~Peggy, Avid Fan“I love this series! I love the writing style, and the characters. Ms. Duncan has a fun way of telling a story and having Daisy make funny ‘asides’ to the reader.” ~Nova Todd“I always enjoy Daisy’s adventures but the addition of Mr. Prophet is the best! I highly recommend to readers of cozy mysteries.” ~Joanna Lindsey, Verified ReviewerYou can start anywhere, but you’ll want to read all of the Daisy Gumm Majesty SpiritsFine SpiritsHigh SpiritsHungry SpiritsGenteel SpiritsAncient SpiritsDark SpiritsSpirits OnstageUnsettled SpiritsSpirits UnitedSpirits UnearthedShaken SpiritsScarlet SpiritsExercised SpiritsWedded SpiritsABOUT ALICE In an effort to avoid what she knew she should be doing, Alice folk-danced professionally until her writing muse finally had its way. Now a resident of Roswell, New Mexico, Alice enjoys saying no smog, no crowds, and yes to loving her herd of wild Dachshunds.
342 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 5, 2022
22 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
About the author
Alice Duncan
103 books113 followersAlso writes as Emma Craig, Rachel Wilson, Anne Robins and wrote two books under the name of Jon Sharpe (Pecos Belle Brigade and California Crusader).
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
March 10, 2022
Another fun Daisy Gumm Majesty mystery, with just a bit of bite…
Wedded Spirits is the seventeenth in the Daisy Gumm Majesty series, which I’ve been quite fond of over the years. And Wedded Spirits, which will be coming out on April 5, is a fun addition to the series, albeit with occasional serious moments.
Long-time readers of the series might guess that the “wedding” referred to in the title would be Daisy’s own, since she has been engaged to Pasadena Police Detective Sam Rotondo for several books now. But, although Daisy’s wedding IS on the horizon, long-time readers would still be wrong. Rather, Daisy is serving as Matron of Honor for Regina Petri, her favorite librarian, when she finds a dead body in the bride’s dressing room – after the wedding is over, thank heaven. At first, it seems that the unknown man has been poisoned, but Daisy’s family doctor, Dr. Benjamin, soon figures out that things are a bit more complicated. So Daisy, Sam, Lou Prophet, and the usual crew are off: figuring out who the dead man was, talking to witnesses and suspects, tracking down clues, and of course, eating Aunt Vi’s amazing food, before they finally figure out whodunnit, and why.
Like all of the Daisy Gumm Majesty books, this is first and foremost a cozy. Although she makes her living as a medium, holding (presumably) fake seances for the rich society ladies of the Pasadena area, Daisy retains an essential goodness of heart that somehow hasn’t been spoiled by her seventeen-books worth of experience with dead bodies. But she’s not a push-over either, standing up for herself and her friends when she needs to, and expressing some pretty firm, and rather enlightened for her time, views on subjects ranging from spousal abuse to attitudes towards gay men. Still, even with occasional moments of slightly uncomfortable reality, if you don’t like cozies, this series probably won’t be for you.
Author Alice Duncan also does a great job with the historical background, right down to wedding dress styles, china and silverware patterns, hair styles (I had to check Wikipedia for “marcelled hair”), car makes/models, business establishments and street names. I’m a little bit biased here, since I myself lived in Pasadena, California, for many years, several decades ago, and I get a little extra zing when I recognize places or buildings. But Duncan provides enough details that folks who don’t know the area well will also get a nice sense of time and place.
Overall, Wedded Spirits is a fun, quick read, even though the motive for the crime, and its eventual aftermath, were a bit tough to take. I’ll now be eagerly waiting for the next one to come out! And finally, my thanks to the author and her publisher, who were kind enough to provide me with an advance copy to review.
Wedded Spirits is the seventeenth in the Daisy Gumm Majesty series, which I’ve been quite fond of over the years. And Wedded Spirits, which will be coming out on April 5, is a fun addition to the series, albeit with occasional serious moments.
Long-time readers of the series might guess that the “wedding” referred to in the title would be Daisy’s own, since she has been engaged to Pasadena Police Detective Sam Rotondo for several books now. But, although Daisy’s wedding IS on the horizon, long-time readers would still be wrong. Rather, Daisy is serving as Matron of Honor for Regina Petri, her favorite librarian, when she finds a dead body in the bride’s dressing room – after the wedding is over, thank heaven. At first, it seems that the unknown man has been poisoned, but Daisy’s family doctor, Dr. Benjamin, soon figures out that things are a bit more complicated. So Daisy, Sam, Lou Prophet, and the usual crew are off: figuring out who the dead man was, talking to witnesses and suspects, tracking down clues, and of course, eating Aunt Vi’s amazing food, before they finally figure out whodunnit, and why.
Like all of the Daisy Gumm Majesty books, this is first and foremost a cozy. Although she makes her living as a medium, holding (presumably) fake seances for the rich society ladies of the Pasadena area, Daisy retains an essential goodness of heart that somehow hasn’t been spoiled by her seventeen-books worth of experience with dead bodies. But she’s not a push-over either, standing up for herself and her friends when she needs to, and expressing some pretty firm, and rather enlightened for her time, views on subjects ranging from spousal abuse to attitudes towards gay men. Still, even with occasional moments of slightly uncomfortable reality, if you don’t like cozies, this series probably won’t be for you.
Author Alice Duncan also does a great job with the historical background, right down to wedding dress styles, china and silverware patterns, hair styles (I had to check Wikipedia for “marcelled hair”), car makes/models, business establishments and street names. I’m a little bit biased here, since I myself lived in Pasadena, California, for many years, several decades ago, and I get a little extra zing when I recognize places or buildings. But Duncan provides enough details that folks who don’t know the area well will also get a nice sense of time and place.
Overall, Wedded Spirits is a fun, quick read, even though the motive for the crime, and its eventual aftermath, were a bit tough to take. I’ll now be eagerly waiting for the next one to come out! And finally, my thanks to the author and her publisher, who were kind enough to provide me with an advance copy to review.
May 26, 2022
I have, sadly, reached the end of the Daisy Gumm series, at least for now. Another book is promised for next year, we'll see. This is one of the best and most consistent series of books I have had the pleasure to read. They just hit a sweet spot for me. In Wedded Spirits Daisy finds yet another body, this time at the wedding reception of her friend Regina Petrie. Cecil Darlington has been murdered by having an assortment of objects forced down his throat until he strangled. Daisy must enter the world of the Bright Young Things, the young people who decided, after World War 1, the only important thing in the world was fun and adventure. The motive for the killing is creepy, but Daisy rises above it and comes through again. Once again, during a séance to contact Cecil, Daisy seems to lose control of her fake spirit guide, Raleigh, causing her to wonder if she has somehow blundered into real spiritualism. Daisy freely admits she is a fraud, but now and then something happens during a spiritualist session that unsettles her and makes her wonder. If you enjoy the Daisy Gumm books, I might point you to Ms. Duncan's parallel series, the Angel series featuring Mercy Allcutt, would be mystery writer. If you are a fan of period cozy mysteries, The Daisy Gumm series, set in the "Roaring Twenties" is one of the best.
April 10, 2022
Here come the brides
Daisy and Same are attending the wedding of beloved friend and librarian Regina Petrie now Browning. As they’re readying to take their leave Daisy stumbles upon a body with the wedding bouquet of all things in his mouth. Daisy, Sam and trusty Old West character Lou Prophet find out the most awful things about the victim as they investigate. Daisy trying to plan her own wedding which is just a couple months away is dogged by three odd young ladies wherever she goes. What unravels are the strange actions of the idle rich man and his friends which leads to his death.
Great story. So happy to have a new Daisy mystery to read!! And yay she and Sam finally got married!!!!
Daisy and Same are attending the wedding of beloved friend and librarian Regina Petrie now Browning. As they’re readying to take their leave Daisy stumbles upon a body with the wedding bouquet of all things in his mouth. Daisy, Sam and trusty Old West character Lou Prophet find out the most awful things about the victim as they investigate. Daisy trying to plan her own wedding which is just a couple months away is dogged by three odd young ladies wherever she goes. What unravels are the strange actions of the idle rich man and his friends which leads to his death.
Great story. So happy to have a new Daisy mystery to read!! And yay she and Sam finally got married!!!!
April 13, 2022
ebook
im so excited to read this book, daisy finally gets married!!!
but she was at her friends wedding first and found a dead man with the bridal bouquet she caught stuffed down his mouth
3 women started following her, actually turning up first where ever she went, and turned out the man had lots of women, one got preg, and they got together and did him in as he deserved!
daisy had a seance and this time rolly took over again, pretty scary! he was at her wedding too but not scary
im so looking forward to the next book of her honeymoon and i hope when she moves in across the street from her parents.
im so excited to read this book, daisy finally gets married!!!
but she was at her friends wedding first and found a dead man with the bridal bouquet she caught stuffed down his mouth
3 women started following her, actually turning up first where ever she went, and turned out the man had lots of women, one got preg, and they got together and did him in as he deserved!
daisy had a seance and this time rolly took over again, pretty scary! he was at her wedding too but not scary
im so looking forward to the next book of her honeymoon and i hope when she moves in across the street from her parents.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 7, 2022
Love these books!
I have read all of the Daisy Gumm Majesty Mystery books and have enjoyed every one of them. Daisy really is something else. (A caution as her aunt says) The books are funny, entertaining and I can't always figure out the culprit. Even when I do I still enjoy how the characters get their answers. I do hope this isn't the last book and that Daisy continues her line of work with more actual spirits attending. That would be a hoot!
I have read all of the Daisy Gumm Majesty Mystery books and have enjoyed every one of them. Daisy really is something else. (A caution as her aunt says) The books are funny, entertaining and I can't always figure out the culprit. Even when I do I still enjoy how the characters get their answers. I do hope this isn't the last book and that Daisy continues her line of work with more actual spirits attending. That would be a hoot!
April 6, 2022
This is one of those books where I want to read in one sitting, but read it very slowly so it doesn't end. And then read it again. Daisy never disappoints as she has to deal with crime, her future husband and the corpses she continues to find. I love this series so much. Yes, I'm a huge Daisy Gumm Majesty fan.
April 8, 2022
Wonderful, as always!
I was so happy to see this book pop up on my Kindle. I've been looking forward to it for a while. I love Daisy's personality and talents. She so REAL! The story had a lot of twists and turns that led to a satisfying ending. I'd recommend this book to anyone who like a good cozy mystery.
I was so happy to see this book pop up on my Kindle. I've been looking forward to it for a while. I love Daisy's personality and talents. She so REAL! The story had a lot of twists and turns that led to a satisfying ending. I'd recommend this book to anyone who like a good cozy mystery.
April 21, 2022
Love at first book in this series
As I was looking for a new series to read a came across the Daisy Gumm Majesty books. Started with the first and have read them all. I just love Daisy. These books are super, filled with humor and fun as well as being clean. They also give a glimpse of Pasadena in the 1920's, an era I love. I hope there will be more added.
As I was looking for a new series to read a came across the Daisy Gumm Majesty books. Started with the first and have read them all. I just love Daisy. These books are super, filled with humor and fun as well as being clean. They also give a glimpse of Pasadena in the 1920's, an era I love. I hope there will be more added.
November 14, 2022
Wonderful
Daisy finds another body at her friends wedding. She has three stalkers they seem to be everywhere she goes. She does a seance and something strange happens. Is Rolly an imaginary spirit from her childhood or something more spooky? Hopefully we will find out at some point. I really enjoyed reading this book.
Daisy finds another body at her friends wedding. She has three stalkers they seem to be everywhere she goes. She does a seance and something strange happens. Is Rolly an imaginary spirit from her childhood or something more spooky? Hopefully we will find out at some point. I really enjoyed reading this book.
February 18, 2023
So, so good, read them all!
In the last 3 weeks I've read all 17 of Alice Duncan's Daisy Gumm-Majesty Mysteries series.
Mrs. Daisy Majesty and company are great characters, the feel of place and time (late teens to mid-twenties of the last century) is solid, so much to love in these mysteries. Number 18 is on the way glad to say, and I've already pre-ordered it!
In the last 3 weeks I've read all 17 of Alice Duncan's Daisy Gumm-Majesty Mysteries series.
Mrs. Daisy Majesty and company are great characters, the feel of place and time (late teens to mid-twenties of the last century) is solid, so much to love in these mysteries. Number 18 is on the way glad to say, and I've already pre-ordered it!
April 6, 2022
Great read as usual
I love Alice Duncan's characters. She brings them to life so well I feel like they are friends. The mystery is unusual and kept me interested in who did it. Recommend reading the entire series.
I love Alice Duncan's characters. She brings them to life so well I feel like they are friends. The mystery is unusual and kept me interested in who did it. Recommend reading the entire series.
April 7, 2022
I love Daisy!
Alice Duncan writes great cozy mysteries and her heroine, Daisy Gumm Majesty reminds me of me at 25. So glad Sam and Daisy finally got married. May they live happily ever after.
Alice Duncan writes great cozy mysteries and her heroine, Daisy Gumm Majesty reminds me of me at 25. So glad Sam and Daisy finally got married. May they live happily ever after.
April 9, 2022
Delightful!
Alice Duncan has done it again with her wonderful cozy mystery series. Book 17 sees Daisy and Sam married at long last. The requisite murder mystery is innovative and engaging. A sheer delight to read and enjoy!
Alice Duncan has done it again with her wonderful cozy mystery series. Book 17 sees Daisy and Sam married at long last. The requisite murder mystery is innovative and engaging. A sheer delight to read and enjoy!
April 11, 2022
Married at last
I love this series, the era, the history, Daisy, her family. The setting, Pasadena, the plot was visible but twisted. Can't wait to see what Daisy and Sam are up to next.
I love this series, the era, the history, Daisy, her family. The setting, Pasadena, the plot was visible but twisted. Can't wait to see what Daisy and Sam are up to next.
April 17, 2022
Great Seried
This is must read. You will love Daisy and all of her friends and family. I also look forward to the next book. Thanks Alice Duncan for writing a book that makes you feel good
This is must read. You will love Daisy and all of her friends and family. I also look forward to the next book. Thanks Alice Duncan for writing a book that makes you feel good
April 25, 2022
I enjoy the Daisy Gumm Magesty series. They are lighter reading and definitely not thrillers. This one was fairly predictable as far as the outcome They always leave me looking forward to the next one as a break from some heavier reading.
May 3, 2022
Yay! Daisy and Sam finally tied the knot!
This book was much anticipated and did not disappoint. In a very satisfying addition to the series, Daisy and Sam finally have the wedding we have all been waiting for. Now, for babies....
This book was much anticipated and did not disappoint. In a very satisfying addition to the series, Daisy and Sam finally have the wedding we have all been waiting for. Now, for babies....
May 14, 2022
Ding, dong, the cad is dead
Another winner from Alice Duncan! Even at a wedding, Daisy manages to find a body, and at a seance, Rolly gets out of control. This is a series I thoroughly enjoy.
Another winner from Alice Duncan! Even at a wedding, Daisy manages to find a body, and at a seance, Rolly gets out of control. This is a series I thoroughly enjoy.
June 9, 2022
I love them all!
What a wonderful series this is. I hope Ms. Duncan writes a bunch more. The characters are written so well that it’s like visiting extended family. The stories are fun and Daisy is a hoot! I highly recommend this series.
What a wonderful series this is. I hope Ms. Duncan writes a bunch more. The characters are written so well that it’s like visiting extended family. The stories are fun and Daisy is a hoot! I highly recommend this series.
March 6, 2023
By golly
We could do with Daisy having fewer "by golly" moments and moaning a little less about her lack of cooking skills and Mrs Pinkerton's shrieking but it's another clean tale with an off-the-page death and no gory details...
We could do with Daisy having fewer "by golly" moments and moaning a little less about her lack of cooking skills and Mrs Pinkerton's shrieking but it's another clean tale with an off-the-page death and no gory details...
March 31, 2023
Excellent book
I love reading Daisy's adventures, you never know what she's going to stumble across next. Alice Duncan is a great author and I can't wait for the next instalment of Daisy Gumm Majesty mystery
I love reading Daisy's adventures, you never know what she's going to stumble across next. Alice Duncan is a great author and I can't wait for the next instalment of Daisy Gumm Majesty mystery
April 17, 2022
Finally Wed!
A very tricky and unusual plot wove through what I felt was going to be all about wedding planning. I hope this series keeps going because of its humor too.
A very tricky and unusual plot wove through what I felt was going to be all about wedding planning. I hope this series keeps going because of its humor too.
April 25, 2022
Fabulous!!
As usual, Alice Duncan has outdone herself! I will never get tired of this series. My parents lived in Pasadena in the 1920's so I love reading about that time.
As usual, Alice Duncan has outdone herself! I will never get tired of this series. My parents lived in Pasadena in the 1920's so I love reading about that time.
June 4, 2022
Gimme Majesty Rotondo
I enjoy this series so much. All the characters, the story lines. Looking forward to number eighteen. Thank you Alive Duncan
I enjoy this series so much. All the characters, the story lines. Looking forward to number eighteen. Thank you Alive Duncan
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews