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Dorothy Martin #19
The Missing Masterpiece
Dark dealings are afoot within the ancient walls of Mont-Saint-Michel, France.
One tourist is missing.
Another strayed on to dangerous ground — quicksand — and barely escaped with her life.
And the streets are abuzz with strange rumours.
Everyone is saying there’s a priceless medieval manuscript to be found here. A rare prize for whoever lays hands on it first.
Could everything that’s happening be traced back to this book?
If anyone can piece it all together, it’s plucky Dorothy Martin. She is sojourning on the Mont and never could resist a mystery.
But is her snooping about to lead her into mortal danger?
One tourist is missing.
Another strayed on to dangerous ground — quicksand — and barely escaped with her life.
And the streets are abuzz with strange rumours.
Everyone is saying there’s a priceless medieval manuscript to be found here. A rare prize for whoever lays hands on it first.
Could everything that’s happening be traced back to this book?
If anyone can piece it all together, it’s plucky Dorothy Martin. She is sojourning on the Mont and never could resist a mystery.
But is her snooping about to lead her into mortal danger?
230 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2017
285 people are currently reading
215 people want to read
About the author
Jeanne M. Dams
46 books217 followersJeanne M. Dams lives in South Bend, Indiana. The Body in the Transept, which introduced Dorothy Martin, won the Agatha Award for Best First Novel. Dams is also the author of Green Grow the Victims and other Hilda Johansson mysteries published by Walker & Company.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
August 21, 2017
Actually more like 3.5* but didn’t feel I should round up to 4*.
I usually don’t read ‘cozy mysteries’ but when I saw the cover of this book and the description – just had to read it. Glad I did. I enjoy the main characters and really enjoyed boing back, in my mind anyway, to Mont San Michel. Boy, IMHO, the author described the weather and worn, slippery steps so well. When we were there however, there were also little flying bugs that annoyed me to no end. Added to the drizzle and dangers conditions on those worn steps. In spite of all of that, and the fact that I had an injured ankle too, I enjoyed my visit to Mont San Michel. It was amazing to see the tide changing and the water covering part of the island that was dry when we first arrived.
I enjoyed the ‘mystery’ and the information about manuscripts also.
In fact, I might even pick up another Dorothy Martin mystery some day, despite fact that it’s not my usual genre.
Recommended for those who like short, entertaining and interesting mysteries.
I usually don’t read ‘cozy mysteries’ but when I saw the cover of this book and the description – just had to read it. Glad I did. I enjoy the main characters and really enjoyed boing back, in my mind anyway, to Mont San Michel. Boy, IMHO, the author described the weather and worn, slippery steps so well. When we were there however, there were also little flying bugs that annoyed me to no end. Added to the drizzle and dangers conditions on those worn steps. In spite of all of that, and the fact that I had an injured ankle too, I enjoyed my visit to Mont San Michel. It was amazing to see the tide changing and the water covering part of the island that was dry when we first arrived.
I enjoyed the ‘mystery’ and the information about manuscripts also.
In fact, I might even pick up another Dorothy Martin mystery some day, despite fact that it’s not my usual genre.
Recommended for those who like short, entertaining and interesting mysteries.
July 19, 2021
Not her best work
I currently live in Texas and no one talks like that! In fact, they make fun of me because of my South Carolina accent.
If you're ever in Indiana and are from a state that actually drinks ice tea, don't order it. It was the worst stuff I've ever had!
I currently live in Texas and no one talks like that! In fact, they make fun of me because of my South Carolina accent.
If you're ever in Indiana and are from a state that actually drinks ice tea, don't order it. It was the worst stuff I've ever had!
January 17, 2022
Another great read from Jeanne. This time Dorothy has to go off on her own because Alan has broken his ankle and can't travel. They had promised to travel to France for the opening of an exhibition by their young friend Gilly who we met in a previous book. It's decided she should go herself to the opening and Alan will catch up when doctors allow.
While site seeing at Mont-Saint-Michel Dorothy has a fall and is looked after by a young English tour guide. The following few days involve more accidents, disappearances, misdirection, many, many lies, murder. You name it, it's there.
I enjoyed this so much and noted so many references to other books, authors, places and art works to keep me busy for a long time.
While site seeing at Mont-Saint-Michel Dorothy has a fall and is looked after by a young English tour guide. The following few days involve more accidents, disappearances, misdirection, many, many lies, murder. You name it, it's there.
I enjoyed this so much and noted so many references to other books, authors, places and art works to keep me busy for a long time.
September 2, 2017
I would like to thank NetGalley for providing a copy of this book for review. Dorothy Martin's visit to Mont St. Michel is anything but a routine tour. The report of a near-drowning of a German woman, the attack on a young tourist and rumors of missing songs by Abelard waiting to be discovered provide a number of puzzling clues.
Dorothy inadvertently involves herself in investigations wherever she goes. However, this time her husband, retired police inspector Alan Nesbitt, is laid up back in England with a broken ankle. Waiting for him to join her, she is assisted by Peter, a guide at the abbey, who is not always truthful with his answers and may be more involved with events than he admits. By the time Alan arrives on the scene Dorothy has more questions than answers.
Jeanne Dams introduces enough twists and red herrings to keep you confused and amused. Her characters interact well and each new encounter brings another piece to the puzzle. Fans of Miss Marple or Jessica Fletcher will be charmed by Dorothy Martin.
Dorothy inadvertently involves herself in investigations wherever she goes. However, this time her husband, retired police inspector Alan Nesbitt, is laid up back in England with a broken ankle. Waiting for him to join her, she is assisted by Peter, a guide at the abbey, who is not always truthful with his answers and may be more involved with events than he admits. By the time Alan arrives on the scene Dorothy has more questions than answers.
Jeanne Dams introduces enough twists and red herrings to keep you confused and amused. Her characters interact well and each new encounter brings another piece to the puzzle. Fans of Miss Marple or Jessica Fletcher will be charmed by Dorothy Martin.
February 19, 2018
I thought I would enjoy this mystery much more than I did because I had an amazing experience in 2015 spending a night on Le Mont Saint Michel with my husband after most tourists had left. However, I did not like this book as much as some of the author’s earlier works. 3.5 would be a more accurate rating.
January 18, 2020
I've been reading this series for years but have fallen behind. I decided to catch up with Dorothy and her crime-solving adventures. Sadly I'm disappointed. This plot is confusing, weak and lacks focus. I was especially put off by the tenured professor's over-the-top Texas accent and poor grammar. Dorothy needs to rein in the eating- her predilection for wacky hats has been replaced by ingesting enormous amounts of food.
June 30, 2017
I enjoyed reading this book, but.... I found that I was not going back to it because I was thinking about it. Something was missing to make it great. I enjoyed reading about all the food that was served but that wasn't part of the mystery.
April 26, 2018
A nice, quick, cosy read that can be finished in a day.
Dorothy Martin goes to France, supposedly with her husband Alan Nesbitt, a retired police inspector, but things don’t go as planned. Instead, he breaks his ankle and is held back in England. While waiting for him, Dorothy explores Mont Saint- Michel and goes to visit the exposition of a dear friend, her reason for a visit to France. Talk of a near-drowning German woman, the attack on a young tourist and rumours of stolen songs by Abelard may provide the perfect puzzle while she waits.
This was my first time reading a Dorothy Martin and a Jeanne Dams book and I must say it was very entertaining.
The setting was beautifully chosen. The descriptions of the typical French streets, the monuments and the environment, in general, made the story very captivating. I could almost see the colours and the places come out of the book.
The plot has enough twists to keep you interested from beginning to end and events that don’t seem connected at all will make your head turn. With each new character introduced, a piece of the puzzle comes along too. The people are the missing pieces in a way. However, keep you with the notion of time was a bit tricky. Jeanne Dams knows fully well how to integrate events not in several days, but in a matter of hours. I noticed that, as a reader, I expect that time just flies in plots, and with this novel, I felt the author took a present approach. Much like, she is in Dorothy’s shoes.
The characters are great and they’re easy to follow throughout the story. Dams does an excellent work in managing all the characters and not losing the strings of their goal and fate. Every single character is there for a reason, even if you don’t realise it until the end of the book. Dorothy is a great female lead. I left like she was like Miss Marple (likes gossip, has no shame in picking up conversations with people) and Jessica Fletcher (for the smooth and intelligent way of gathering information, clues and her impeccable sense of logic and analysis). Alan, the male protagonist, actually becomes a fundamental part of the story. His connections to his former police office in England provide a great deal of help in making sense of everything and finding important and hidden information. I enjoyed reading their interactions and just “seeing” them together. Their relationship gave a fluffy feeling. Plus, the fact that they’re older, the level of maturity is also different. Loved every paragraph!
I recommend this book to all the fans of a puzzling mystery with historical references, a few twists and unexpected endings!
Thank you NetGalley, the publisher Severn House Publishers and the author for allowing me to read and review a digital copy of this book.
Dorothy Martin goes to France, supposedly with her husband Alan Nesbitt, a retired police inspector, but things don’t go as planned. Instead, he breaks his ankle and is held back in England. While waiting for him, Dorothy explores Mont Saint- Michel and goes to visit the exposition of a dear friend, her reason for a visit to France. Talk of a near-drowning German woman, the attack on a young tourist and rumours of stolen songs by Abelard may provide the perfect puzzle while she waits.
This was my first time reading a Dorothy Martin and a Jeanne Dams book and I must say it was very entertaining.
The setting was beautifully chosen. The descriptions of the typical French streets, the monuments and the environment, in general, made the story very captivating. I could almost see the colours and the places come out of the book.
The plot has enough twists to keep you interested from beginning to end and events that don’t seem connected at all will make your head turn. With each new character introduced, a piece of the puzzle comes along too. The people are the missing pieces in a way. However, keep you with the notion of time was a bit tricky. Jeanne Dams knows fully well how to integrate events not in several days, but in a matter of hours. I noticed that, as a reader, I expect that time just flies in plots, and with this novel, I felt the author took a present approach. Much like, she is in Dorothy’s shoes.
The characters are great and they’re easy to follow throughout the story. Dams does an excellent work in managing all the characters and not losing the strings of their goal and fate. Every single character is there for a reason, even if you don’t realise it until the end of the book. Dorothy is a great female lead. I left like she was like Miss Marple (likes gossip, has no shame in picking up conversations with people) and Jessica Fletcher (for the smooth and intelligent way of gathering information, clues and her impeccable sense of logic and analysis). Alan, the male protagonist, actually becomes a fundamental part of the story. His connections to his former police office in England provide a great deal of help in making sense of everything and finding important and hidden information. I enjoyed reading their interactions and just “seeing” them together. Their relationship gave a fluffy feeling. Plus, the fact that they’re older, the level of maturity is also different. Loved every paragraph!
I recommend this book to all the fans of a puzzling mystery with historical references, a few twists and unexpected endings!
Thank you NetGalley, the publisher Severn House Publishers and the author for allowing me to read and review a digital copy of this book.
August 14, 2017
Dorothy Martin has gone to France without Alan who broke his foot and is recuperating. She went because a dear friend is having a showing of her sculpture there. A friend is excited about her trip and tells her about some illuminated manuscripts that are being sold. Alan will join up with her as soon as the doctor releases him.
All the talk in town (what Dorothy can understand as her French is quite rusty) is about a German woman who nearly drowned while digging for something in the sands around the island as the tide came in. So very odd. So many questions - why was she there? what was she hoping to find? why didn't she leave as the tide was coming in? Time will tell, and Dorothy, while curious, has other things to do. Left to her own devises, Dorothy decides to make a visit to Mont Saint-Michel, knowing that Alan will not be able to walk all the way up to the abbey when he arrives. While there she encounters a very rude man, falls and scrapes her knees, and meets a charming young docent.
Well, one thing leads to another and before you know it, the plot has more turns than a slinky! (I loved the homey sayings of one of the character Sam Houston). Thankfully, Alan does make it and his connections to his former police office in England provides help in solving the many mysteries that unfold. As they were reviewing the sequence of events, I was surprised at how much was crammed into a single day! It seemed that many days had passed when in fact it was only hours.
Ms. Dams does not disappoint with this book. I only put the book down when I was tasked with mundane things for my family - like prepare a meal..... The story was captivating. I have been to many of the places talked about and remember with great fondness going to the Scriptorial d'Avranches. Like the characters in her book. I admire the work of the medieval monks and their illuminated manuscripts. While there we saw sheet music that was some of the most beautiful I had ever seen! I am certain that she must have had a glorious time researching for this book!
Dorothy is Dorothy and Alan is Alan and being of a certain age, I love reading about their exploits. I know from her comments that Dorothy and I are about the same age which for me adds to the enjoyment.
All the talk in town (what Dorothy can understand as her French is quite rusty) is about a German woman who nearly drowned while digging for something in the sands around the island as the tide came in. So very odd. So many questions - why was she there? what was she hoping to find? why didn't she leave as the tide was coming in? Time will tell, and Dorothy, while curious, has other things to do. Left to her own devises, Dorothy decides to make a visit to Mont Saint-Michel, knowing that Alan will not be able to walk all the way up to the abbey when he arrives. While there she encounters a very rude man, falls and scrapes her knees, and meets a charming young docent.
Well, one thing leads to another and before you know it, the plot has more turns than a slinky! (I loved the homey sayings of one of the character Sam Houston). Thankfully, Alan does make it and his connections to his former police office in England provides help in solving the many mysteries that unfold. As they were reviewing the sequence of events, I was surprised at how much was crammed into a single day! It seemed that many days had passed when in fact it was only hours.
Ms. Dams does not disappoint with this book. I only put the book down when I was tasked with mundane things for my family - like prepare a meal..... The story was captivating. I have been to many of the places talked about and remember with great fondness going to the Scriptorial d'Avranches. Like the characters in her book. I admire the work of the medieval monks and their illuminated manuscripts. While there we saw sheet music that was some of the most beautiful I had ever seen! I am certain that she must have had a glorious time researching for this book!
Dorothy is Dorothy and Alan is Alan and being of a certain age, I love reading about their exploits. I know from her comments that Dorothy and I are about the same age which for me adds to the enjoyment.
May 22, 2017
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley.
Dorothy Martin has agreed to go and see the opening of an exhibition by a young artist friend of hers and to combine it with a holiday for herself and her husband. Unfortunately her husband, Alan, breaks his ankle and Dorothy must travel alone to France so that she can be there to support her friend.
By the time Alan manages to join Dorothy she has managed to get herself involved in some tantalising mysteries at atmospheric Mont St Michel even though she is hampered by her lack of knowledge of French. One person has nearly drowned in the treacherous waters around the island, another has been attacked in the abbey itself and an archaeologist has apparently disappeared. Dorothy has taken a young man who is acting as guide to the abbey under her wing but is his explanation for being there really the truth?
This book kept me pleasantly occupied throughout one lazy afternoon. It really caught my imagination and I found I couldn't stop reading. Dorothy herself is an interesting and likeable character with insatiable curiosity and I love the way she always manages to ferret out what is really going on. Alan, her husband, is equally curious and has his police contacts to use for access to information.
If you enjoy well written mysteries with interesting characters, not too much on the page violence and a fascinating background then this series is worth trying. The books can be read in any order
Dorothy Martin has agreed to go and see the opening of an exhibition by a young artist friend of hers and to combine it with a holiday for herself and her husband. Unfortunately her husband, Alan, breaks his ankle and Dorothy must travel alone to France so that she can be there to support her friend.
By the time Alan manages to join Dorothy she has managed to get herself involved in some tantalising mysteries at atmospheric Mont St Michel even though she is hampered by her lack of knowledge of French. One person has nearly drowned in the treacherous waters around the island, another has been attacked in the abbey itself and an archaeologist has apparently disappeared. Dorothy has taken a young man who is acting as guide to the abbey under her wing but is his explanation for being there really the truth?
This book kept me pleasantly occupied throughout one lazy afternoon. It really caught my imagination and I found I couldn't stop reading. Dorothy herself is an interesting and likeable character with insatiable curiosity and I love the way she always manages to ferret out what is really going on. Alan, her husband, is equally curious and has his police contacts to use for access to information.
If you enjoy well written mysteries with interesting characters, not too much on the page violence and a fascinating background then this series is worth trying. The books can be read in any order
October 11, 2021
I've had the privilege of spending the night at Mont St. Michel and seeing that "galloping" tide. Since my wings have been clipped due to the pandemic, I'm "dying" to travel vicariously. So I couldn't resist the front cover of Ms. Dams' cozy mystery. This is my first introduction to Dorothy Martin and overall, I enjoyed this mystery adventure. It is refreshing to have "mature" sleuths with the various references to aging instead of lead characters who can run 50 miles and never break a sweat, Tom Cruise style. Did I figure out the culprit before the end? Yes, I did, but it was still an enjoyable read and a pleasant escape.
As others have mentioned, there does seem to be almost as much food/alcohol eating as there is mystery. I specifically shouted out to my husband when the first mention of drinking water came up!haha!
While so many things were quite realistic and practical, the issue of the professor from Chicago who risked his life to jump in the water for his wallet didn't ring believable to me. A well-seasoned traveler would never carry so much cash on him and his passport would have been left at the front desk of the hotel. The professor resorting to his Texas Southern drawl when stressed, exhausted, was a nice touch, true but exaggerated (I speak as a Northern who lived in Texas for 30 years:)
Of course, it's easy to be a critic. Mostly I'm just jealous that Ms. Dams has written so many Dorothy Martin series and I haven't finished one of the three I've started!
As others have mentioned, there does seem to be almost as much food/alcohol eating as there is mystery. I specifically shouted out to my husband when the first mention of drinking water came up!haha!
While so many things were quite realistic and practical, the issue of the professor from Chicago who risked his life to jump in the water for his wallet didn't ring believable to me. A well-seasoned traveler would never carry so much cash on him and his passport would have been left at the front desk of the hotel. The professor resorting to his Texas Southern drawl when stressed, exhausted, was a nice touch, true but exaggerated (I speak as a Northern who lived in Texas for 30 years:)
Of course, it's easy to be a critic. Mostly I'm just jealous that Ms. Dams has written so many Dorothy Martin series and I haven't finished one of the three I've started!
November 8, 2023
Dorothy Martin is thrilled to visit Mont St. Michel in France, although she is saddened by the fact that her husband, retired police constable Alan Nesbitt, cannot join her immediately because he has a broken ankle. Still, it takes almost no time for Dorothy to stumble across a mystery in the making: it appears that there might be lost manuscripts from the medieval monk Peter Abelard, and it appears that they might be located somewhere within the monastery on the Mont, Soon, she meet some people pursuing such a find, including a British graduate student (or is he?), a retired American businessman who is thinking of writing a novel (or is he?) and a renowned medievalist from the University of Chicago who hopes to add yet more luster to his career - all very interesting altogether, but then they start to be subjected to “accidents”.... This is the first book in the series not to be set in the UK, but the author clearly knows and loves the French landmark too. The various villains and victims are nicely drawn and the unraveling of the mystery is quite well done, although I knew who the culprit was very early on. If you love cozy mysteries but want them to be devious and difficult to solve on your own, this series is probably not for you; I still enjoy Dorothy and the other characters, however, and liked the setting of this one in particular. Recommended.
November 14, 2017
Where Dorothy Martin goes, intrigue follows even on vacation in France. As Alan is incapacitated by a broken ankle, Dorothy ends up alone on her holiday. By chance, she meets a young volunteer who claims to be in search of music by Abelard. Coincidences happen, but it quickly becomes clear he isn't the only one searching for missing manuscripts. And what does it have to do with an unknown tourist who almost drowned in quicksand and a man who was attacked at the Abbey and left for dead. And does any of this have anything to do with the forged illuminated pages comin forth from unscrupulous dealers? Everyone lies, as Dorothy and her husband (once he arrives) discover, but is someone a murderer?
Once you get past the improbability of Dorothy getting involved, it’s a good story, quite different from than the average mystery. It makes for a nice change of pace. It is a cozy, so it isn't high on the pulse pounding excitement scale. It is well written, and definitely fine for all ages, but I expect it will appeal most to older mystery fans.
4 / 5
I received a copy of The Missing Masterpiece from the publisher and Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
--Crittermom
Once you get past the improbability of Dorothy getting involved, it’s a good story, quite different from than the average mystery. It makes for a nice change of pace. It is a cozy, so it isn't high on the pulse pounding excitement scale. It is well written, and definitely fine for all ages, but I expect it will appeal most to older mystery fans.
4 / 5
I received a copy of The Missing Masterpiece from the publisher and Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
--Crittermom
May 30, 2023
Alan is in hospital with a broken ankle, so Dorothy has to travel on her own this time. She goes first to Paris, then to Bayeux with her friend Gilly who is having a show of her sculptures at a gallery. Alan is supposed to join her in a week, but then his doctor keeps him back a little longer. Before he gets there, Dorothy is mixed up in several mysteries. A woman caught in quicksand who nearly drowns, a man who mearly falls to his death in an abbey crypt, and a missing American. She has met a young man named Peter whose friend was supposed to join him but begged off via email then doesn't answer his phone (he's the missing American.) Everybody is looking for music or other works by an ancient monk named Abelard. (of Abelard and Heloise, but she doesn't come into the story at all, obviously.) She meets several more people, and both she and Alan are sure that everyone is telling them a lot of lies. Of course they get it sorted out eventually, but it got a little confusing for me. Still an interesting read -- just not one I'll reread any time soon.
July 31, 2017
This book was given to me in return for an unbiased review from NetGalley.
I have been long time fan of Jeanne Dams books and so I was excited to receive the latest release. The book, to me, felt a bit jumbled at the beginning... many different characters and events with out seeming to be related. Was I ever wrong! I few days later when Alan arrives to sort it all out and assist Dorothy with her inquiries, things seem clearer, but nothing seems to make sense. Dorothy and Alan continue to pursue the truth and discover a murderer. The amount of info about the location was daunting, but necessary to develop the story, still I found it a bit overwhelming. The characters were all interesting and eventually intertwined, it just seemed to take a long time to figure it out. Not my favorite of the series, but a good test of Alan and Dorothy's sleuthing skills.
I have been long time fan of Jeanne Dams books and so I was excited to receive the latest release. The book, to me, felt a bit jumbled at the beginning... many different characters and events with out seeming to be related. Was I ever wrong! I few days later when Alan arrives to sort it all out and assist Dorothy with her inquiries, things seem clearer, but nothing seems to make sense. Dorothy and Alan continue to pursue the truth and discover a murderer. The amount of info about the location was daunting, but necessary to develop the story, still I found it a bit overwhelming. The characters were all interesting and eventually intertwined, it just seemed to take a long time to figure it out. Not my favorite of the series, but a good test of Alan and Dorothy's sleuthing skills.
June 13, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I've read all of the Dorothy Martin series, in order. I started them a few years ago and have recently come back. I enjoyed the plot, even though I knew who the "villain" was about halfway through. That never ruins a book for me! I've particularly enjoyed the last few where Dorothy and Alan have been traveling - Wales, Orkney, Mont Saint Michel. The author paints very vivid pictures of the places they see. And I love Dorothy and Alan's relationship and all of the regular characters.
My only complaint was the over the top Texas accent. He moved to Chicago when he was 15 and was a professor at The University of Chicago, so please. I'm from, and still live in, the south. I'm not sure why authors and TV always want to make us sound like hillbillies. It's annoying.
My only complaint was the over the top Texas accent. He moved to Chicago when he was 15 and was a professor at The University of Chicago, so please. I'm from, and still live in, the south. I'm not sure why authors and TV always want to make us sound like hillbillies. It's annoying.
June 27, 2017
What's not to like about a mystery full of medieval history, art theft, forgery and great scenery? In this entry of the series, Dorothy starts out traveling solo because her husband has broken his ankle and will join her later. She must face France and Mont-Saint-Michel on her own, but, being Dorothy, she soldiers on, finds a young man (who has his own secrets) to act as her guide and proceeds to find mystery, murder...all the usual additions to her travels. She's a murder magnet and she's nosy. Having been disappointed with the previous book in this series and having read the entire series, I was very happy with this one.
My thanks to Severn House and NetGalley for a review copy in exchange for an honest review.
My thanks to Severn House and NetGalley for a review copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 4, 2017
American Dorothy Martin, who's married to retired English policeman Alan Nesbit, goes to France to see an exhibit by their young friend, alas without Alan, who is still recuperating from a broken ankle. She tours Mont Saint Michel, and consoles a young guide, who is worried about a missing friend. Next thing she knows, she's involved with some odd circumstances, and sends out an SOS to Alan. Soon he, almost recovered, joins her and they try to make sense of the strange activities (and downright lies) of virtually everyone they meet, including two Americans with rapidly changing stories. This is a series I usually find enjoyable, but this one doesn't seem up to par.
August 27, 2023
This one out of the series was very "cluttered" in the way characters got tossed in (some of whom you never see or meet), too many scattered red herrings. Not in a real coherent mystery structure.
But what really drove me distracted was the tenured University of Chicago professor, originally from Texas who Jeanne Dams wrote with a horrendous "Texas accent". Tried to cover for it with a throw away "You can take the boy out of Texas..."
Uh, no.
It wasn't written like any kind of educated Texan, more like an uneducated Appalachian hill dialect run amok and as the story went on It. Got. Worse. It turned into a poor caricature.
Anyway, maybe #20 will hit the sweet spot.
But what really drove me distracted was the tenured University of Chicago professor, originally from Texas who Jeanne Dams wrote with a horrendous "Texas accent". Tried to cover for it with a throw away "You can take the boy out of Texas..."
Uh, no.
It wasn't written like any kind of educated Texan, more like an uneducated Appalachian hill dialect run amok and as the story went on It. Got. Worse. It turned into a poor caricature.
Anyway, maybe #20 will hit the sweet spot.
November 17, 2018
Another enjoyable mystery in this excellent series. This time Dorothy and Alan plan a trip to Mont Saint Michel, but at the last minute Alan breaks his ankle, so Dorothy sets out alone. Once there, she because involved in a series of strange events having to do with illuminated manuscripts and Peter Abelard. Luckily, Alan is able to join her, and together they begin to sort out the various strands in this convoluted plot. Good characterization and wonderful setting combine to make a fascinating story. Recommended.
September 9, 2025
Dorothy Martin is visiting France on her own, her husband Alan is waiting for medical clearance to join her due to a broken ankle. It has been nearly fifty years since she was last there. During her visit to Mont Saint Michel, she slips and falls. There are strange accidents, a German woman drowning in quicksand, a man suffering a near fatal fall in the Abby and two strangers, Dorothy met caught in numerous lies. Central to the story are the hunt for a missing manuscript connected to a Monk named Abelard who has been dead for nearly 900 years. Not a bad story but very confusing in many sections of the book.
November 2, 2017
The description of Mont Saint Michel is reason enough to read this book. I may never get back to France to see it, but I had a tour through this book. Dorothy Martin goes there after her neighbor's successful sculpture showing. She is then embroiled in a mystery involving ancient parchments, terrible accidents near the abbey and a graduate student who perhaps isn't being as honest as he should be with her. It's quite entertaining and a decent mystery.
July 10, 2020
The author talked about food.....a lot. I know this book takes place during a vacation trip so the story had to fit nicely into that time frame but it seemed like all they did was eat and review everything that was happening over and over again. This series is getting a little blah for my tastes. However, if someone hasn't read any of the other books they could still pick up this one and read as a stand-alone because there is just enough background info to get to know the characters a little.
December 13, 2021
What a mixed up twister
Nobody will be able to solve this one; except for Dorothy! This is an excellent and fast moving pile of mysteries. With all of the fraud going on in the art world - the real art world of 2021 - it is a treat to see, hear and be a part of the debate revolving around the horrors in the forgeries and thefts of the art world commodities. It is just so sad that the artists and the wronged owners and the unaware buyers continue to suffer.
Nobody will be able to solve this one; except for Dorothy! This is an excellent and fast moving pile of mysteries. With all of the fraud going on in the art world - the real art world of 2021 - it is a treat to see, hear and be a part of the debate revolving around the horrors in the forgeries and thefts of the art world commodities. It is just so sad that the artists and the wronged owners and the unaware buyers continue to suffer.
May 29, 2022
History in Real Time
Alan and Dorothy are at it again. A simple holiday turns into a group of strangers trying to find the same thing. Each has a different background, some for real and some deceitful. One ends up dead and several others almost ended up the same. I must say, I have learned some wonderful history and Google has not disappointed me in showing me the awesome Mont Saint-Michel and the magnificent tapestry.
Alan and Dorothy are at it again. A simple holiday turns into a group of strangers trying to find the same thing. Each has a different background, some for real and some deceitful. One ends up dead and several others almost ended up the same. I must say, I have learned some wonderful history and Google has not disappointed me in showing me the awesome Mont Saint-Michel and the magnificent tapestry.
November 22, 2017
Another good addition to the Dorothy Martin series. I do enjoy her traveling adventures, she provides a lot of history & information on the areas she is visiting & the mysteries are convoluted enough to keep one guessing until the end.
January 30, 2018
This rating should be 3.5. It was an enjoyable read as the books in the series usually are. The atmosphere of a tourist town in France was present. However some of the events are a stretch of the imagination.
January 31, 2018
Read it because I loved Mount St Michel when I visited it years ago. I was horrified to see that the omelettes at Mere Poullard are now 35 Euros. Loved the place. Bought a copper omelette pan and huge bowl for whisking eggs there. Still have it. Shame this novel won't have that staying power.
September 28, 2018
One can imagine how difficult it is to investigate the cause of a death in a foreign country where one cannot even speak the language ... but Dorothy manages to do that (along with the help of her husband and friends) - entertaining but for me not up to the caliber of previous stories.
July 11, 2019
Nearing the end of catching up with my Dorothy Martin mysteries! This read brings her to France to support a family friend. In this read she is on her own, with husband Alan at home with an ankle injury. Interesting to see her back on her own in the investigation.
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