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Maggie Sullivan Mysteries #10
A Dame Worth Killing
The distraught mother begging1940s private investigator Maggie Sullivan for help is married to a man with plenty of reason to want the detective dead. He’s a crime boss. Their past clashes left both nursing grievances. And Maggie killed one of his men to save the life of a vital witness.
Now Nico Caras swears he’ll let bygones be bygones if she’ll find his daughter Adrianne, who disappeared off a city street after lunch with a friend. The police aren’t likely to help, and would use it as an excuse to nose into his affairs. Besides, there’s been no ransom demand, nothing to suggest foul play. If Maggie won’t help, who will?
Her sisters suggest the girl might have eloped with an old flame, or run off to escape an unwanted engagement. A more likely scenario is that it has something to do with her father’s plans to relinquish some of his criminal enterprises. But Maggie thinks the reason goes deeper still. The more she learns, the more she thinks the girl is on the run because she’s scared.
As she tries to juggle work with helping a young veteran damaged by war, a bullet misses Maggie by inches and two murders occur linked to Caras, a rival of his, and the girl she’s hunting. How can the detective possibly take on the role of wife and stepmother as the man who has loved her for years is urging? She needs all her concentration to rescue an innocent pawn in a deadly game where the other side cheats.
Now Nico Caras swears he’ll let bygones be bygones if she’ll find his daughter Adrianne, who disappeared off a city street after lunch with a friend. The police aren’t likely to help, and would use it as an excuse to nose into his affairs. Besides, there’s been no ransom demand, nothing to suggest foul play. If Maggie won’t help, who will?
Her sisters suggest the girl might have eloped with an old flame, or run off to escape an unwanted engagement. A more likely scenario is that it has something to do with her father’s plans to relinquish some of his criminal enterprises. But Maggie thinks the reason goes deeper still. The more she learns, the more she thinks the girl is on the run because she’s scared.
As she tries to juggle work with helping a young veteran damaged by war, a bullet misses Maggie by inches and two murders occur linked to Caras, a rival of his, and the girl she’s hunting. How can the detective possibly take on the role of wife and stepmother as the man who has loved her for years is urging? She needs all her concentration to rescue an innocent pawn in a deadly game where the other side cheats.
416 pages, Paperback
First published February 25, 2022
20 people are currently reading
31 people want to read
About the author
M. Ruth Myers
30 books189 followersM. Ruth Myers is a Shamus Award winning mystery writer. Her Maggie Sullivan mystery series features a private eye in Dayton, Ohio in the years 1938-1946.
Other novels by the author, who has also written as Mary Ruth Myers, have been translated, optioned for television and condensed in Good Housekeeping. They also have been used in college classes in Japan. She has taught at writers’ conferences across the country including the Antioch, Cape Cod and Mark Twain conferences.
Myers was born in Warrensburg, MO. When she was nine the family moved to Wyoming where she graduated from Cheyenne Central High School. After earning a Bachelor of Journalism degree at the University of Missouri J-School she worked as a reporter and feature writer on daily papers in Michigan and Ohio.
She and her husband are long-time Ohio residents with one grown daughter.
When not writing or reading, Myers cooks and plays Irish traditional music on an Anglo concertina. She confesses to more enthusiasm than skill.
Other novels by the author, who has also written as Mary Ruth Myers, have been translated, optioned for television and condensed in Good Housekeeping. They also have been used in college classes in Japan. She has taught at writers’ conferences across the country including the Antioch, Cape Cod and Mark Twain conferences.
Myers was born in Warrensburg, MO. When she was nine the family moved to Wyoming where she graduated from Cheyenne Central High School. After earning a Bachelor of Journalism degree at the University of Missouri J-School she worked as a reporter and feature writer on daily papers in Michigan and Ohio.
She and her husband are long-time Ohio residents with one grown daughter.
When not writing or reading, Myers cooks and plays Irish traditional music on an Anglo concertina. She confesses to more enthusiasm than skill.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
March 25, 2022
When I find out that a new Maggie Sullivan book is available, I generally drop everything else and read it first. I don't have much to say specifically about this one, but it was a solid follow-up to the previous, and brings a long-running story arc to a good place. (But, to be honest, I still worry about her at odd times, even when she's safely tucked between the e-pages of her books and parked on my virtual shelf.) I really hope there are more Maggie Sullivan mysteries on the horizon; she's certainly one of my favorite plucky PIs.
February 28, 2022
Have you ever found yourself in the middle of an everyday task, muttering to yourself about the future welfare of fictional characters from a book you’ve just finished? That’s what M. Ruth Myers delivers with her 10th full-length installment in the Maggie Sullivan mystery series.
Our woman detective has grown a bit wiser, a bit older as the world around her begins to recover from WWII. With marvelous dexterity, Ms. Myers manages to capture the maturing of her character in speech and action as this series progresses. Several plots interweave along with the difficult balancing act of being a private detective in a man’s world and being a woman finally coming to terms with her life. Against her better judgement, Maggie is drawn into a case that has more layers than a croissant. The underworld of Dayton is changing and Maggie gets caught up in the shuffle. Meanwhile, old friends and ghosts from the past come back to crowd her heart and remind her of what’s important in life. It’s both bittersweet and a helping hand when she needs perspective the most.
There’s no shortage of action here with mobsters, murder, car chases, kidnapping, and time enough for a glass of Guinness or two. The dame delivers!
Our woman detective has grown a bit wiser, a bit older as the world around her begins to recover from WWII. With marvelous dexterity, Ms. Myers manages to capture the maturing of her character in speech and action as this series progresses. Several plots interweave along with the difficult balancing act of being a private detective in a man’s world and being a woman finally coming to terms with her life. Against her better judgement, Maggie is drawn into a case that has more layers than a croissant. The underworld of Dayton is changing and Maggie gets caught up in the shuffle. Meanwhile, old friends and ghosts from the past come back to crowd her heart and remind her of what’s important in life. It’s both bittersweet and a helping hand when she needs perspective the most.
There’s no shortage of action here with mobsters, murder, car chases, kidnapping, and time enough for a glass of Guinness or two. The dame delivers!
February 23, 2022
First, let me say I LOVE Maggie Sullivan and have read all her books. I also LOVE Hercule Poirot and have read all of his. What I like about the Maggie books is that, unlike the Poirot books, you can follow along, Maggie shares her thoughts and clues and you can sort of solve the mystery WITH her, rather than waiting for a grand reveal at the finale.
This time, the war is over and the boys are coming home, but Maggie hasn't heard from Heebs in over a year. She doesn't know if he survived the war or is lying in a grave somewhere in Europe. But life goes on, and a woman comes to her office very upset because her daughter has gone missing, simply vanished off the street. Unfortunately, the woman is the wife of a local gangster with whom Maggie has history, and none of it good. But she is sympathetic to the woman's obvious anguish and agrees to meet with the family.
As she prepares to go to the family home, she gets a call from Heebs so she diverts course and picks him up at the train station and takes him with her. She agrees to take the case, with assurances she will not be interfered with, and takes Heebs home to stay with her until he can find a place.
But the case is not as simple as it might be. She is being followed, as is the only person she thinks may lead her to the girl. And other evidence comes to light that the girl might not be who she seems, and her father may not be as ignorant of her whereabouts as he claims.
A good read, another good case for Maggie and thank goodness Heebs is back. The ending made me very anxious to read the next installment of this series!!
This time, the war is over and the boys are coming home, but Maggie hasn't heard from Heebs in over a year. She doesn't know if he survived the war or is lying in a grave somewhere in Europe. But life goes on, and a woman comes to her office very upset because her daughter has gone missing, simply vanished off the street. Unfortunately, the woman is the wife of a local gangster with whom Maggie has history, and none of it good. But she is sympathetic to the woman's obvious anguish and agrees to meet with the family.
As she prepares to go to the family home, she gets a call from Heebs so she diverts course and picks him up at the train station and takes him with her. She agrees to take the case, with assurances she will not be interfered with, and takes Heebs home to stay with her until he can find a place.
But the case is not as simple as it might be. She is being followed, as is the only person she thinks may lead her to the girl. And other evidence comes to light that the girl might not be who she seems, and her father may not be as ignorant of her whereabouts as he claims.
A good read, another good case for Maggie and thank goodness Heebs is back. The ending made me very anxious to read the next installment of this series!!
August 16, 2022
2022 bk 235. Well-crafted, filled with puzzle after puzzle for Maggie to solve. She does it well with her cast of friends. Heebs is back from war and learning to find his way again. Seamus is fully retired and into raising vegetables and giving advice. Michael Connelly is shining as a father but still wanting Maggie to wife. And Nico Caras, crime lord, has a missing daughter. Ostensibly hired by Mrs. Caras, Maggie sets out to find out what happens, uncovering family secrets, and practicing more patience. She is able to close out one of her own personal family mysteries with the receipt of a letter. In fact, letters and notes play key roles in this mystery. Well worth the read.
June 28, 2024
1946 Maggie is employed by the wife of crime boss, Nico Caras, to find their missing daughter Adrianne, 24. And Heebs has finally come home from the war.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its likeable characters.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its likeable characters.
February 26, 2022
Who is Adrianne and why does it matter?
Maggie Sullivan never disappoints.
The series about this smart, independent, feisty private detective, takes the readers into life in the 1920s-40s in Dayton, Ohio. As one of the characters in A DAME WORTH KILLING said, “You’re smart and tough and don’t give up.” And that character, a high ranking criminal, had been on opposite sides in previous book but she was promised, “If you do what he wants, you got his goodwill now and in the future.”
A DAME WORTH KILLING takes place right after the end of World War II. A woman comes to Maggie’s office looking for help locating her daughter, Adrianne, who disappeared a week previously. There had been no messages or ransom notes. She hadn’t gone to the police because the daughter was an adult and Adrianne’s father was well-known to the police because of his criminal activities.
At first, Maggie did not want to take the case, but then remembered previous situations: “If someone without money or influence came to me for helps because they couldn’t get it anywhere else, I would most likely give it. I had on several occasions. Did the woman before me deserve less consideration because she had money and a husband whose name brought suspicion and mistrust?”
When Maggie met with the family–the parents, two sisters, two sons-in-law, and a prospective fiancé, she realized that everyone had different ideas of who Adrianne was. Much of the information they provided was not helpful.
Maggie was finally able to locate a friend who might have had knowledge of Adrianne’s whereabouts, but soon discovered that both she and the friend were being followed.
Followers of Maggie from previous books in the series will find that Heebs, a street kid who had latched on to Maggie and helped her in previous cases before he enlisted in WWII is back. But he is not the same. “It wasn’t just part of his arm he’d lost in the war. Something bright and eager was also missing.”
There are some sexist comments, mostly from incidental characters, which was common at that time.
A comment by Heebs caused me to take a deep breath and think more fully about life in that period (and today as well): “I’ve never been in a house before.”
Well-written, flowing plot, well-drawn characters, possible situations, and on target descriptions.
The next book in the series already seems to have a lot of promise.
This review is from an Advanced Ready Copy.
Merged review:
Who is Adrianne and why does it matter? Maggie Sullivan never disappoints. The series about this smart, independent, feisty private detective, takes the readers into life in the 1920s-40s in Dayton, Ohio. As one of the characters in A DAME WORTH KILLING said, “You’re smart and tough and don’t give up.” And that character, a high ranking criminal, had been on opposite sides in previous book but she was promised, “If you do what he wants, you got his goodwill now and in the future.” A DAME WORTH KILLING takes place right after the end of World War II. A woman comes to Maggie’s office looking for help locating her daughter, Adrianne, who disappeared a week previously. There had been no messages or ransom notes. She hadn’t gone to the police because the daughter was an adult and Adrianne’s father was well-known to the police because of his criminal activities. At first, Maggie did not want to take the case, but then remembered previous situations: “If someone without money or influence came to me for helps because they couldn’t get it anywhere else, I would most likely give it. I had on several occasions. Did the woman before me deserve less consideration because she had money and a husband whose name brought suspicion and mistrust?” When Maggie met with the family–the parents, two sisters, two sons-in-law, and a prospective fiancé, she realized that everyone had different ideas of who Adrianne was. Much of the information they provided was not helpful. Maggie was finally able to locate a friend who might have had knowledge of Adrianne’s whereabouts, but soon discovered that both she and the friend were being followed. Followers of Maggie from previous books in the series will find that Heebs, a street kid who had latched on to Maggie and helped her in previous cases before he enlisted in WWII is back. But he is not the same. “It wasn’t just part of his arm he’d lost in the war. Something bright and eager was also missing.” There are some sexist comments, mostly from incidental characters, which was common at that time. A comment by Heebs caused me to take a deep breath and think more fully about life in that period (and today as well): “I’ve never been in a house before.” Well-written, flowing plot, well-drawn characters, possible situations, and on target descriptions. The next book in the series already seems to have a lot of promise. This review is from an Advanced Ready Copy
Maggie Sullivan never disappoints.
The series about this smart, independent, feisty private detective, takes the readers into life in the 1920s-40s in Dayton, Ohio. As one of the characters in A DAME WORTH KILLING said, “You’re smart and tough and don’t give up.” And that character, a high ranking criminal, had been on opposite sides in previous book but she was promised, “If you do what he wants, you got his goodwill now and in the future.”
A DAME WORTH KILLING takes place right after the end of World War II. A woman comes to Maggie’s office looking for help locating her daughter, Adrianne, who disappeared a week previously. There had been no messages or ransom notes. She hadn’t gone to the police because the daughter was an adult and Adrianne’s father was well-known to the police because of his criminal activities.
At first, Maggie did not want to take the case, but then remembered previous situations: “If someone without money or influence came to me for helps because they couldn’t get it anywhere else, I would most likely give it. I had on several occasions. Did the woman before me deserve less consideration because she had money and a husband whose name brought suspicion and mistrust?”
When Maggie met with the family–the parents, two sisters, two sons-in-law, and a prospective fiancé, she realized that everyone had different ideas of who Adrianne was. Much of the information they provided was not helpful.
Maggie was finally able to locate a friend who might have had knowledge of Adrianne’s whereabouts, but soon discovered that both she and the friend were being followed.
Followers of Maggie from previous books in the series will find that Heebs, a street kid who had latched on to Maggie and helped her in previous cases before he enlisted in WWII is back. But he is not the same. “It wasn’t just part of his arm he’d lost in the war. Something bright and eager was also missing.”
There are some sexist comments, mostly from incidental characters, which was common at that time.
A comment by Heebs caused me to take a deep breath and think more fully about life in that period (and today as well): “I’ve never been in a house before.”
Well-written, flowing plot, well-drawn characters, possible situations, and on target descriptions.
The next book in the series already seems to have a lot of promise.
This review is from an Advanced Ready Copy.
Merged review:
Who is Adrianne and why does it matter? Maggie Sullivan never disappoints. The series about this smart, independent, feisty private detective, takes the readers into life in the 1920s-40s in Dayton, Ohio. As one of the characters in A DAME WORTH KILLING said, “You’re smart and tough and don’t give up.” And that character, a high ranking criminal, had been on opposite sides in previous book but she was promised, “If you do what he wants, you got his goodwill now and in the future.” A DAME WORTH KILLING takes place right after the end of World War II. A woman comes to Maggie’s office looking for help locating her daughter, Adrianne, who disappeared a week previously. There had been no messages or ransom notes. She hadn’t gone to the police because the daughter was an adult and Adrianne’s father was well-known to the police because of his criminal activities. At first, Maggie did not want to take the case, but then remembered previous situations: “If someone without money or influence came to me for helps because they couldn’t get it anywhere else, I would most likely give it. I had on several occasions. Did the woman before me deserve less consideration because she had money and a husband whose name brought suspicion and mistrust?” When Maggie met with the family–the parents, two sisters, two sons-in-law, and a prospective fiancé, she realized that everyone had different ideas of who Adrianne was. Much of the information they provided was not helpful. Maggie was finally able to locate a friend who might have had knowledge of Adrianne’s whereabouts, but soon discovered that both she and the friend were being followed. Followers of Maggie from previous books in the series will find that Heebs, a street kid who had latched on to Maggie and helped her in previous cases before he enlisted in WWII is back. But he is not the same. “It wasn’t just part of his arm he’d lost in the war. Something bright and eager was also missing.” There are some sexist comments, mostly from incidental characters, which was common at that time. A comment by Heebs caused me to take a deep breath and think more fully about life in that period (and today as well): “I’ve never been in a house before.” Well-written, flowing plot, well-drawn characters, possible situations, and on target descriptions. The next book in the series already seems to have a lot of promise. This review is from an Advanced Ready Copy
April 3, 2022
Thank you to the author for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion.
While I'm not a big mystery fan, the Maggie Sullivan series is one I do enjoy for a few reasons: female detective (you can never have enough of these), historical fiction, and, particularly for me, the setting.
Once again we get Maggie solving a mystery with the return of one of the bad guys from Maximum Moxie. This was probably one of my favorite parts of this book. Nico Caras was scary in his first appearance in Maggie's life and, because I believe M. Ruth Myers' best writing occurs in Maggie's darkest moments, this book was stronger for his return. While it wasn't too hard to figure out who was pulling the strings, the Caras family were all excellent characters.
My second favorite part may pertain more specifically to me (or other Ohio residents), but I absolutely loved that Maggie took a trip outside of Dayton and I got to recognize familiar travels and places. It's one of the reasons why I keep coming back to Maggie's books: they take place in familiar Ohio places.
But probably the best part of this particular book is
While I enjoyed this mystery and thought it was better paced than some of the other books in the series, I greatly struggled with a decision Maggie made at the end of the book.
While I'm not a big mystery fan, the Maggie Sullivan series is one I do enjoy for a few reasons: female detective (you can never have enough of these), historical fiction, and, particularly for me, the setting.
Once again we get Maggie solving a mystery with the return of one of the bad guys from Maximum Moxie. This was probably one of my favorite parts of this book. Nico Caras was scary in his first appearance in Maggie's life and, because I believe M. Ruth Myers' best writing occurs in Maggie's darkest moments, this book was stronger for his return. While it wasn't too hard to figure out who was pulling the strings, the Caras family were all excellent characters.
My second favorite part may pertain more specifically to me (or other Ohio residents), but I absolutely loved that Maggie took a trip outside of Dayton and I got to recognize familiar travels and places. It's one of the reasons why I keep coming back to Maggie's books: they take place in familiar Ohio places.
But probably the best part of this particular book is
While I enjoyed this mystery and thought it was better paced than some of the other books in the series, I greatly struggled with a decision Maggie made at the end of the book.
February 26, 2022
This series featuring hard-boiled female private Detective Maggie Sullivan and a World War II setting continues to shine. This one could easily be read as a standalone but it's worthwhile to start at the beginning of the series and watch the characters develop.
Maggie is tough, competent and smart. When a local mobster's daughter goes missing and the family comes to Maggie for help, she would like to refuse, especially since she's had some run-ins with Nico Caras before. But she's savvy enough to know it's in her best interest to have him be in her debt.
It doesn't take her long to find the missing young woman, but when a dead body turns up, she disappears again. Maggie has to navigate through several sets of mysterious cars following her, shenanigans in the crime family, and the gangster's unpleasant family.
The mystery solution comes as no great surprise as we follow Maggie's investigation, but the real payoff is watching the characters. Maggie has sacrificed her personal life before for her independence -- she loves what she does and can't see how marriage and a family could fit with that. In this book, her old flame Mick Connelly is challenging that belief. He too has matured and recognizes that Maggie won't ever be happy without her job and even the danger involved.
Another interesting story thread, particularly for series fans, is the reappearance of Heebs. During the war he was a saucy impoverished newsboy who helped Maggie on her cases. But he is now a returned veteran, a grown man and a soldier wounded in both body and spirit. His character and challenges help cement the reality of the post World War II setting. This is a very worthwhile historical series and Maggie is a unique character.
Maggie is tough, competent and smart. When a local mobster's daughter goes missing and the family comes to Maggie for help, she would like to refuse, especially since she's had some run-ins with Nico Caras before. But she's savvy enough to know it's in her best interest to have him be in her debt.
It doesn't take her long to find the missing young woman, but when a dead body turns up, she disappears again. Maggie has to navigate through several sets of mysterious cars following her, shenanigans in the crime family, and the gangster's unpleasant family.
The mystery solution comes as no great surprise as we follow Maggie's investigation, but the real payoff is watching the characters. Maggie has sacrificed her personal life before for her independence -- she loves what she does and can't see how marriage and a family could fit with that. In this book, her old flame Mick Connelly is challenging that belief. He too has matured and recognizes that Maggie won't ever be happy without her job and even the danger involved.
Another interesting story thread, particularly for series fans, is the reappearance of Heebs. During the war he was a saucy impoverished newsboy who helped Maggie on her cases. But he is now a returned veteran, a grown man and a soldier wounded in both body and spirit. His character and challenges help cement the reality of the post World War II setting. This is a very worthwhile historical series and Maggie is a unique character.
March 1, 2022
This is the tenth book in the Maggie Sullivan series. Like the others, it is about a female private detective in 1930’s and 40’s Dayton Ohio. Between a hard-boiled mystery and a cozy mystery, it has serious crimes and realistic scenarios, minus foul language, gruesome descriptions and “bodice-ripping” scenes. It can be read without first reading the others, but some interactions between characters will have more meaning if you have. Those who have read the series will be glad that Heebs is back from the war and many familiar characters make an appearance.
Also, the protagonist, Maggie, comes through as a real person. In many mystery books with a female lead (especially cozy mystery series), the character pig-headedly bumbles into dangerous situations and needs a male character to save her. Maggie is smart, avoids danger when possible and is prepared to take care of herself. There are no magical coincidences that so often occur to let the detective solve the crime. Maggie gathers evidence, ponders, gathers more evidence, and eventually figures it out.
I read a lot of series, because I enjoy the familiarity of recurring characters. But sometimes, a series becomes stale, as though the author really can’t think of anything new to say. Happily, this series does not suffer from that. This book was as interesting and fresh as the first one.
I first encountered “No Game for a Dame” in a display of local authors at my library. Being somewhat new to the area, I was intrigued to learn a bit about Dayton area history. The places described are real, or realistic, and some still exist, such as the Arcade, which recently was re-opened as an event venue and future business location. It was fun to see my new hometown, Xenia, come into this story.
Also, the protagonist, Maggie, comes through as a real person. In many mystery books with a female lead (especially cozy mystery series), the character pig-headedly bumbles into dangerous situations and needs a male character to save her. Maggie is smart, avoids danger when possible and is prepared to take care of herself. There are no magical coincidences that so often occur to let the detective solve the crime. Maggie gathers evidence, ponders, gathers more evidence, and eventually figures it out.
I read a lot of series, because I enjoy the familiarity of recurring characters. But sometimes, a series becomes stale, as though the author really can’t think of anything new to say. Happily, this series does not suffer from that. This book was as interesting and fresh as the first one.
I first encountered “No Game for a Dame” in a display of local authors at my library. Being somewhat new to the area, I was intrigued to learn a bit about Dayton area history. The places described are real, or realistic, and some still exist, such as the Arcade, which recently was re-opened as an event venue and future business location. It was fun to see my new hometown, Xenia, come into this story.
March 8, 2022
Should Maggie Take the Case?
It’s post-WWII and Maggie lives in a house she co-owns with her good friend, Seamus, a retired cop. Life is pretty good right now. She can pay her bills and even have a little fun. So should she take this case? It’s a “find the missing person” case but the person hiring her is the wife of Dayton, Ohio’s top crime boss and the person that’s gone missing is his daughter. The money is good but her gut tells her this could be really dangerous.…
If you’re an avid fan of private eye Maggie Sullivan and have read all the previous books as I have, you won’t want to miss this one! All the usual crowd is back but a lot of water has passed under some of their bridges. Heebs has returned from soldiering but is not unscathed, Mick was married but is now a single father, the cop Freeze is still somewhat of a thorn in her side but is also a practical person when he needs to be, and so forth.
Maggie Sullivan is my favourite literary private detective bar none! And I’ve read a LOT of detective fiction! The action in “A Dame Worth Killing” is non-stop – bullets flying, car chases – only occasionally interrupted by times taken for the love she bestows on her best friends, including Mick’s kids, Heebs, and her DeSoto car. If I say anymore I’ll be giving too much away! If you like mysteries, crime and good characters read it! You’ll fall in love with Maggie and you won’t regret it!
February 26, 2022
I was so thrilled to pick up my copy of M. Ruth Myers' latest Maggie Sullivan mystery, 'A Dame Worth Killing.' I love historical mysteries, and Maggie Sullivan is one of my favorite female private investigators.
This is the 10th installment in the series. I highly recommend you read the previous books in the series - you will not be disappointed! In this book, Myers again includes intriguing characters, witty dialogue, and plenty of plots twists. The plot is thoughtful and well-developed. I couldn't put this book down until I reached the final page.
Without giving too much away, the story opens with an upset mother who hopes to hire Maggie to find her missing daughter, Adrianne. Maggie quickly learns the woman is the wife of a local criminal that Maggie has had problems with in the past. Maggie is very hesitant to take the case. Though there is no ransom demand, the woman could very well be missing because of her father's shady business dealings. But as Maggie digs deeper, she finds the young woman might have escaped danger.
I was thrilled to read that Heebs returned from the war in this book, and saddened by how his involvement affected him. This, along with a bit of romance, two murders, and Maggie herself nearly getting killed, adds so much spice to an already exciting storyline. Pick up this book - it is an exceptional addition to a fantastic mystery series.
This is the 10th installment in the series. I highly recommend you read the previous books in the series - you will not be disappointed! In this book, Myers again includes intriguing characters, witty dialogue, and plenty of plots twists. The plot is thoughtful and well-developed. I couldn't put this book down until I reached the final page.
Without giving too much away, the story opens with an upset mother who hopes to hire Maggie to find her missing daughter, Adrianne. Maggie quickly learns the woman is the wife of a local criminal that Maggie has had problems with in the past. Maggie is very hesitant to take the case. Though there is no ransom demand, the woman could very well be missing because of her father's shady business dealings. But as Maggie digs deeper, she finds the young woman might have escaped danger.
I was thrilled to read that Heebs returned from the war in this book, and saddened by how his involvement affected him. This, along with a bit of romance, two murders, and Maggie herself nearly getting killed, adds so much spice to an already exciting storyline. Pick up this book - it is an exceptional addition to a fantastic mystery series.
February 27, 2022
This is the latest installment of the phenomenal Maggie Sullivan mystery series. The story is set in post WWII Dayton, Ohio, which I love because it is my home state and one of the things that original drew me to this series. The story is full of twists and turns and more red herrings than you can shake a fist at and believe me, I did a few times. The story will keep you guessing right up to the very end. I don't like to reveal details of a book's plot but I am beyond thrilled that one of my favorite characters returns in this one and I love the latest developments in Rachel Minsky's life.
Maggie is such an awesome character. She's a no nonsense, tough as nails private eye, who can and does talk her way out of more than a few rough spots. The story has the feel of classic noir. The only thing missing is Boggie and Bacall and I can totally imagine them playing Maggie and Mick. I really enjoy the way the other characters interact with Maggie, whether friend or foe or foe who begrudgingly becomes a friend. While the mystery may revolve around other characters, Maggie is the driving force behind the story. The mystery unfolds at her pace and the reader follows in her lead and you are going to love where her path will take you.
Maggie is such an awesome character. She's a no nonsense, tough as nails private eye, who can and does talk her way out of more than a few rough spots. The story has the feel of classic noir. The only thing missing is Boggie and Bacall and I can totally imagine them playing Maggie and Mick. I really enjoy the way the other characters interact with Maggie, whether friend or foe or foe who begrudgingly becomes a friend. While the mystery may revolve around other characters, Maggie is the driving force behind the story. The mystery unfolds at her pace and the reader follows in her lead and you are going to love where her path will take you.
October 21, 2022
I always enjoy the Maggie Sullivan books, she is a very strong gutsy private investigator.
In this story the distraught wife of a gangland boss seeks her help in locating their daughter, missing from home for a week. She has rubbed shoulders with Nico Carras before and knows he is not someone to mess with with but she feels for the mother.
She has a someone shoot at her, she is followed around and bodies turn up where she’s been. On the plus side Heebs returns from the war though delighted she takes a while to realise he is just what she is looking for in regards to her case. She also has Mick Connelly and his two kids mooning over her and she really cares for them.
The story had the feel of a final outing for Maggie with the author saying she was carrying on with a new series, the main character coming from these books, if I read it right. I’ll miss Maggie if she doesn’t come back.
In this story the distraught wife of a gangland boss seeks her help in locating their daughter, missing from home for a week. She has rubbed shoulders with Nico Carras before and knows he is not someone to mess with with but she feels for the mother.
She has a someone shoot at her, she is followed around and bodies turn up where she’s been. On the plus side Heebs returns from the war though delighted she takes a while to realise he is just what she is looking for in regards to her case. She also has Mick Connelly and his two kids mooning over her and she really cares for them.
The story had the feel of a final outing for Maggie with the author saying she was carrying on with a new series, the main character coming from these books, if I read it right. I’ll miss Maggie if she doesn’t come back.
January 30, 2023
A very solid entry into the series, and according to the author, the final novel in the series, although short stories are planned. Maggie Sullivan is much more mature and careful in this book, less likely to snark off and take chances, and more experienced.
Maggie is hired by a crime boss who is trying to get out of the business, hired to find his daughter who vanished leaving only a shopping bag on a sidewalk and a wad of cash in her dresser.
The story is solid, although it lacks the style and twist of previous books by rarely having Maggie use her femininity to get through her cases (she does a couple times, not seducing anyone but by costume and behavior to get away with what a man would not be able to).
It felt a bit detached from the time period, which is odd to say because there are a lot of timely references and events, but the earlier books some felt more period. Overall its a good mystery and a fun read, and a nice cap to the series.
Maggie is hired by a crime boss who is trying to get out of the business, hired to find his daughter who vanished leaving only a shopping bag on a sidewalk and a wad of cash in her dresser.
The story is solid, although it lacks the style and twist of previous books by rarely having Maggie use her femininity to get through her cases (she does a couple times, not seducing anyone but by costume and behavior to get away with what a man would not be able to).
It felt a bit detached from the time period, which is odd to say because there are a lot of timely references and events, but the earlier books some felt more period. Overall its a good mystery and a fun read, and a nice cap to the series.
March 4, 2022
Couldn't put it down! It's now 1946 in Dayton, Ohio, and PI Maggie Sullivan has a new case. The daughter of one of Dayton's mob bosses is missing and his wife hires Maggie to find her. Biggest problem with that is Maggie & the Big Guy are not on very good terms. Big Guy only wants his daughter found so he's OK with Maggie doing the digging. Turns out Big Guy is divesting himself of the more unsavory parts of his business and had plans for the missing daughter to marry the nephew of another Big Guy (let's call him BG#2). Big Guy's other 2 daughters are married and their hubbies are pretty much his right hand men. Lots of shenanigans (Maggie's Irish in case you hadn't guessed) ensue with plenty of red herrings, a few murders, and the help of an old friend of Maggie's. Every one of the Maggie Sullivan books has been a treat.
May 18, 2023
I've eagerly followed magnificent Maggie through the past nine books of the series. By A Dame Worth Killing, the tenth instalment, she had become older and wiser, honed by life experience and the losses and privations of WW2.
But as a private eye, she remains tough, resourceful and a match for any man. Her investigation, attempting to find the missing daughter of local crime boss, Nico Caras, is pleasingly complex and full of action. Along with Caras, other supporting characters that have appeared throughout the series re-emerge to people Maggie's world.
Dayton is changing and so are the lives of those around her, as well as Maggie herself. These organic progressions make the main character so vividly believable. Although the main story arcs are tied up by the end of this superb story, I hope it's not the end of Maggie's adventures. I would miss her terribly.
But as a private eye, she remains tough, resourceful and a match for any man. Her investigation, attempting to find the missing daughter of local crime boss, Nico Caras, is pleasingly complex and full of action. Along with Caras, other supporting characters that have appeared throughout the series re-emerge to people Maggie's world.
Dayton is changing and so are the lives of those around her, as well as Maggie herself. These organic progressions make the main character so vividly believable. Although the main story arcs are tied up by the end of this superb story, I hope it's not the end of Maggie's adventures. I would miss her terribly.
June 14, 2023
This 10th entry in Myers Maggie Sullivan series brings Maggie’s story to a close.
Asked by a former enemy to find his missing daughter, Maggie wades into the task with her normal bravado. But everything is not as it seems. The gangster is in the process of turning some of the rougher aspects of his business over to another mobster, but some people don’t want that to happen.
Myers has done a great job throughout the series, from the 30s through World War II to post-war Dayton, bringing the world of those days to life. She does it by salting the narrative with details that paint the picture the reader needs to see.
I’m sorry to see Maggie retire and hope Myers brings her back some day.
Asked by a former enemy to find his missing daughter, Maggie wades into the task with her normal bravado. But everything is not as it seems. The gangster is in the process of turning some of the rougher aspects of his business over to another mobster, but some people don’t want that to happen.
Myers has done a great job throughout the series, from the 30s through World War II to post-war Dayton, bringing the world of those days to life. She does it by salting the narrative with details that paint the picture the reader needs to see.
I’m sorry to see Maggie retire and hope Myers brings her back some day.
January 11, 2025
More please!
I've read the entire Maggie Sullivan series, and I'd love to read more. Maggie is the best PI around, male or female. I usually have a couple books going at the same time, switching between them until I get them read. When I'm reading about Maggie Sullivan, there is no switching. I keep reading until I finish. I especially enjoyed the ending of this one. It was also gratifying to find out Maggie's favorite newsboy made it back from the war. I really hope there are more Maggie Sullivan books to come. I will be sure to read them.
I've read the entire Maggie Sullivan series, and I'd love to read more. Maggie is the best PI around, male or female. I usually have a couple books going at the same time, switching between them until I get them read. When I'm reading about Maggie Sullivan, there is no switching. I keep reading until I finish. I especially enjoyed the ending of this one. It was also gratifying to find out Maggie's favorite newsboy made it back from the war. I really hope there are more Maggie Sullivan books to come. I will be sure to read them.
March 16, 2022
Oh, how can you say it ends?!
I have every book in this series and I am not done. I want to read what will happen next, what happens with Herbs, does Maggie still keep her detective office if she married Connelly? Too many questions for me that will not be answered. Just one more book to conclude everything, please. Love Maggie and the era she is living in. I still one more book is due. Thank you for this series. Of course, you know I love it!!!!
I have every book in this series and I am not done. I want to read what will happen next, what happens with Herbs, does Maggie still keep her detective office if she married Connelly? Too many questions for me that will not be answered. Just one more book to conclude everything, please. Love Maggie and the era she is living in. I still one more book is due. Thank you for this series. Of course, you know I love it!!!!
April 30, 2022
Wow. I was so happy to find this book. I’ve read all the earlier books and got hooked on Maggie, Connelly, and Heebs and even Freeze and Boike (the police). The action is terrific and the description of Maggie and her cohorts make the reader want to be in the story. It is a great series. Start with the first book and plan to be hooked. Such a good writer is Ms. Myers. Makes me want to start over with #1. Thank you Ms. Myers for creating such a wonderful female lead character.
September 19, 2024
This is a fun series. I think it's obvious it's not a "major publisher" series, from its formatting, pacing, editing, and such, but I still really enjoyed it over the 10 books, mainly in the form of main character Maggie Sullivan, Dayton detective. She's a tough cookie and very adept at her job, and she takes you through one strange case after another throughout the 1940s. The plotting isn't perfect, but overall I found it fun.
April 16, 2022
An Enjoyable Series
I strongly recommend the Maggie Sullivan series by M. Ruth Myers. Maggie’s a private detective in 1940’s Dayton, Ohio. I enjoyed the mysteries as well as the references to the time period. This is the final book in the series and I appreciated tying up the storyline for a few key characters as well.
I strongly recommend the Maggie Sullivan series by M. Ruth Myers. Maggie’s a private detective in 1940’s Dayton, Ohio. I enjoyed the mysteries as well as the references to the time period. This is the final book in the series and I appreciated tying up the storyline for a few key characters as well.
March 5, 2022
Hanging in suspense!!
The 10th book of Magic Sullivan Mysteries was an even bigger cliff hanger. M. Ruth Myers you and better already be writing. We need a wedding! I loved how Heebs' character has grown and how you wrote it in. Great writing.
The 10th book of Magic Sullivan Mysteries was an even bigger cliff hanger. M. Ruth Myers you and better already be writing. We need a wedding! I loved how Heebs' character has grown and how you wrote it in. Great writing.
March 6, 2022
My first introduction to Maggie the PI was an amazing experience. She has her work cut out for her. Definitely dangerous and you’re able to follow the clues. Had to leave solving the problem to Maggie of course.
March 6, 2022
This series is fantastic! I have enjoyed them all tremendously. Having lived in Southwestern Ohio I know Dayton and much of the history of the area. The historic references make the intergang stories all the more interesting.
March 7, 2022
The Dame is the best
M. Ruth Myers is unquestionably one of my favorite authors. And book number 10 lives up to the previous high bar. But if you are contemplating book number 10, you probably already know that. Go ahead, start reading already
M. Ruth Myers is unquestionably one of my favorite authors. And book number 10 lives up to the previous high bar. But if you are contemplating book number 10, you probably already know that. Go ahead, start reading already
March 16, 2022
Another good Maggie Sullivan Novell
Another episode of Maggie Sullivan which was exciting and leaving me wanting more! What a wonderful ending. Won't tell you. You will need to read the book.
Another episode of Maggie Sullivan which was exciting and leaving me wanting more! What a wonderful ending. Won't tell you. You will need to read the book.
March 23, 2022
Love this series
This series is great to get hooked on. Each book starts quickly, reminds you of Maggie’s life & connections, then jumps right in to the story. The stories are not repetitive or so closely related you lose interest.
This series is great to get hooked on. Each book starts quickly, reminds you of Maggie’s life & connections, then jumps right in to the story. The stories are not repetitive or so closely related you lose interest.
March 25, 2022
Loved it. Maggie Sullivan series is fantastic, steeped in historical detail, but doesn't club you over the head with it. Maggie's latest job has her working indirectly for a tough guy. As usual her mixture of grit, brains and hard work serve her well and dish up a fast moving, interesting plot.
May 21, 2022
Unforgettable
Maggie Sullivan Mysteries is one of my favorite series. Engaging characters and storylines, M. Ruth Myers definitely has a way with words. Add a look into the pre and post war era, and it is unforgettable.
Maggie Sullivan Mysteries is one of my favorite series. Engaging characters and storylines, M. Ruth Myers definitely has a way with words. Add a look into the pre and post war era, and it is unforgettable.
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