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Spokane Clock Tower Mysteries #3
Crazy Maids in a Row
"Her books are a high that no drug can match.” — @purposeofabook, Bookstagram Reviewer
“Page-turning addicting!” — @thegingermorticia, Bookstagram Reviewer
“All the Agatha Christie vibes I could want.…” — @bibliobrunette, Bookstagram Reviewer
The insane belong in the asylum. But what if the insane are the only ones who can help you?
The Baker is in the Medical Lake asylum, which means all should be well with the world. But when a string of murders draws Marian, Archie, and the Carew brothers to her doorstep, they begin to wonder if she's at it again…
Crazy Maids in a Row is Book 3 in the Spokane Clock Tower Mysteries
“Page-turning addicting!” — @thegingermorticia, Bookstagram Reviewer
“All the Agatha Christie vibes I could want.…” — @bibliobrunette, Bookstagram Reviewer
The insane belong in the asylum. But what if the insane are the only ones who can help you?
The Baker is in the Medical Lake asylum, which means all should be well with the world. But when a string of murders draws Marian, Archie, and the Carew brothers to her doorstep, they begin to wonder if she's at it again…
Crazy Maids in a Row is Book 3 in the Spokane Clock Tower Mysteries
317 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 25, 2022
3 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
About the author
Patricia Meredith
13 books94 followerslinktr.ee/pmeredithauthor
Patricia Meredith is an author of historical and cozy mysteries. When she’s not writing, she’s playing board games with her husband, creating imaginary worlds with her two children, or out in the garden reading a good book with a cup of tea. Patricia's first series, the Spokane Clock Tower Mysteries, is the product of uncovering fascinating local history circa 1901, making it the first historical mystery series set in Spokane, Washington. Her second series about Anna Katharine Green is the first and only historical fiction featuring the Mother of Detective Fiction. Her mysteries are clean, cozy reads known for their quirky yet believable characters.
Before taking the dive into mystery, Patricia Meredith was the fiction editor of over 20 novels and miscellaneous publications, working with magazines, businesses, and publishers on a variety of projects from art books (such as The Art of George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire) to fantasy novels (such as Rising Sun, Falling Shadows, winner of the 2013 Scribe Award for Best Original Novel). Her specialty is science-fiction and fantasy novels. She has worked with such names as George R.R. Martin, Tracy Hickman, and Graham McNeill. She launched the novel department for Fantasy Flight Games, so she also has experience in the behind-the-scenes of publication.
Patricia Meredith is an author of historical and cozy mysteries. When she’s not writing, she’s playing board games with her husband, creating imaginary worlds with her two children, or out in the garden reading a good book with a cup of tea. Patricia's first series, the Spokane Clock Tower Mysteries, is the product of uncovering fascinating local history circa 1901, making it the first historical mystery series set in Spokane, Washington. Her second series about Anna Katharine Green is the first and only historical fiction featuring the Mother of Detective Fiction. Her mysteries are clean, cozy reads known for their quirky yet believable characters.
Before taking the dive into mystery, Patricia Meredith was the fiction editor of over 20 novels and miscellaneous publications, working with magazines, businesses, and publishers on a variety of projects from art books (such as The Art of George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire) to fantasy novels (such as Rising Sun, Falling Shadows, winner of the 2013 Scribe Award for Best Original Novel). Her specialty is science-fiction and fantasy novels. She has worked with such names as George R.R. Martin, Tracy Hickman, and Graham McNeill. She launched the novel department for Fantasy Flight Games, so she also has experience in the behind-the-scenes of publication.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
April 4, 2023
Such a fantastic entry in the Spokane Clocktower. A bit
More romance than the first two and oddly enough I loved it! The asylum mystery was creepy and engaging and the character towery everything you want in the third book of a series.
What I found most surprising was the romantic subplot in this entry. I enjoyed it! I feel this is worth mentioning since usually that is a turn-off for me in a book and, yet here it was gripping and I was rooting for these characters to figure it out.
I think Patricia has pulled off something unique by weaving many of these characters throughout 3 books and keeping them fresh and interesting. INCLUDING the Baker.
Pacing 4/5 this one moves a lot faster
Characterization 5/5
Story 3.5/5 some threads felt unresolved. Minor things but I still had questions
Romance 4/5
Mystery 5/5 never saw it coming
Overall I highly Recommend this series
More romance than the first two and oddly enough I loved it! The asylum mystery was creepy and engaging and the character towery everything you want in the third book of a series.
What I found most surprising was the romantic subplot in this entry. I enjoyed it! I feel this is worth mentioning since usually that is a turn-off for me in a book and, yet here it was gripping and I was rooting for these characters to figure it out.
I think Patricia has pulled off something unique by weaving many of these characters throughout 3 books and keeping them fresh and interesting. INCLUDING the Baker.
Pacing 4/5 this one moves a lot faster
Characterization 5/5
Story 3.5/5 some threads felt unresolved. Minor things but I still had questions
Romance 4/5
Mystery 5/5 never saw it coming
Overall I highly Recommend this series
June 7, 2023
5/5 Stars
Crazy Maids in a Row marks yet another stellar entry to The Spokane Clocktower Mysteries by Patricia Meredith. Simply put, I devoured this!
With The Baker admitted to the Medical Lake asylum, her treatment and care should be well underway. Only a string of murders breaks out bringing the Carew brothers, Marian and Archie to the asylum to investigate.
Coming back to The Baker and seeing the familiar cast I’ve come to love was an absolute treat. The characters continue to grow along with a romantic subplot that felt carefully structured within the story. For me, the relationship developments, and internal reflections we see from the characters was thoughtfully done. Further solidifying them as real people you might stop to chat with over a cup of tea. There was also a great balance of wholesome moments mixed within the mystery.
Speaking of; the mystery itself often left me in suspense and had plenty of chilling moments. So far, this one felt to have the highest stakes due to the close quarters of the murders and those who might help in solving it being classified as insane. Patricia Meredith also handles the themes of mental illness and disability with care. Not only matching the situations and perspectives to the time in history but also managing to capture authenticity to the characters experiences.
I will say the pacing felt fast as there were lots of moving parts within this story. The inclusion of historical events, people and data also shows the authors passion for history. At the end of the book there is mention of the research that inspired aspects of the story and demonstrates impressive attention to detail.
I also read this as an immersion read (physical and audiobook). The narrator, Rebecca Cook, delivered another fantastic performance bringing the characters to life from the pages.
As mentioned in my reviews for the first two books in this series, I highly recommend these binge worthy reads. Patricia Meredith delivers meaningful characters within mysteries that will have readers on the edge of their seats.
Crazy Maids in a Row marks yet another stellar entry to The Spokane Clocktower Mysteries by Patricia Meredith. Simply put, I devoured this!
With The Baker admitted to the Medical Lake asylum, her treatment and care should be well underway. Only a string of murders breaks out bringing the Carew brothers, Marian and Archie to the asylum to investigate.
Coming back to The Baker and seeing the familiar cast I’ve come to love was an absolute treat. The characters continue to grow along with a romantic subplot that felt carefully structured within the story. For me, the relationship developments, and internal reflections we see from the characters was thoughtfully done. Further solidifying them as real people you might stop to chat with over a cup of tea. There was also a great balance of wholesome moments mixed within the mystery.
Speaking of; the mystery itself often left me in suspense and had plenty of chilling moments. So far, this one felt to have the highest stakes due to the close quarters of the murders and those who might help in solving it being classified as insane. Patricia Meredith also handles the themes of mental illness and disability with care. Not only matching the situations and perspectives to the time in history but also managing to capture authenticity to the characters experiences.
I will say the pacing felt fast as there were lots of moving parts within this story. The inclusion of historical events, people and data also shows the authors passion for history. At the end of the book there is mention of the research that inspired aspects of the story and demonstrates impressive attention to detail.
I also read this as an immersion read (physical and audiobook). The narrator, Rebecca Cook, delivered another fantastic performance bringing the characters to life from the pages.
As mentioned in my reviews for the first two books in this series, I highly recommend these binge worthy reads. Patricia Meredith delivers meaningful characters within mysteries that will have readers on the edge of their seats.
November 18, 2022
What fun to get caught up with my favorite characters again! I love that we're getting a bit more from Roslyn Carew, and Archie is my favorite. Thomas makes me laugh! We get all the great development of characters and a fascinating story to boot. The asylum isn't too creepy, but I think very realistic as far as what they would have known and done to patients in 1901. Meredith's historical research always impresses! I've attended some of her Zoom presentations through Spokane Libraries and Colorado Springs Libraries, and it is fascinating to hear how each of her stories in the Clocktower series have come about. If you ever get a chance to attend one (or watch a replay on YouTube), you won't be disappointed! Eagerly awaiting book #4, Ms Meredith!
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October 18, 2023Thank you, dear Readers, for reading my book and leaving a review! If you’d like to learn more about the history behind the mystery, check out my website at Patricia-Meredith.com and my YouTube channel @pmeredithauthor.
I’m working on Book 4 so be sure to follow my author page to hear when the next one releases! Thank you for reading!
I’m working on Book 4 so be sure to follow my author page to hear when the next one releases! Thank you for reading!
February 24, 2023
I don’t know how Patricia Meredith does it, but each instalment in The Spokane Clock Tower Mysteries just keeps getting better and better. This series is just turning out to be everything I didn’t know I needed from historical mysteries, it’s absolutely fantastic!
In my reviews of book 1 and 2, I already gushed plenty about the outstanding cast of characters that carry this story, but I think this third book showed the best character work yet. The character and relationship development is absolutely fantastic and I am so emotionally invested in all of their lives at this point. This is an incredibly diverse cast of characters and they all get their moment to shine, which I absolutely love. I particularly appreciate that we get so many strong, complex and intelligent women in this story, they are a delight to read about!
And speaking of delightful… The friendships, (found) family bonds and romances in this series are simply to die for. These are not picture perfect relationships, but they are beautifully human and real, which makes all the interactions all the more touching, amusing and endearing. Dang, I wish I could meet these people, I would love to spend time with them and eat all the delicious foods that are described in this story!!
Also, there is a new perspective added, from a very interesting character who you will be familiar with from book 1, and I absolutely adored that POV. It was a bold choice to add this perspective and a less skilled author could have made a complete mess of this, but Meredith absolutely NAILED this POV. I love the nuanced and tactful exploration of mental illness and identity in this series, those discussions are woven into the narrative so seamlessly and masterfully!
And honestly, I am not surprised that those discussions are handled so well, because Meredith has clearly done her research. This series is filled to the brim with people, events, places and objects from real history, which is just so cool in my opinion. It really makes this story feel more authentic and realistic than I ever thought it could and I love that!
Also, because two of these characters are essentially ‘inventors’, there are so many cool technological inventions introduced in this story and I found it fascinating to see them work on all their projects.
The mystery was also once again incredibly gripping and kept me guessing the entire way through. The revelations were disturbing and disconcerting, especially considering so much of this is inspired by real history, but I absolutely loved all the twists and turns here. Asylum settings don’t usually work for me, but I found this story to be riveting from start to finish.
Long story short, I have fallen head over heels in love with this series and I am kinda kicking myself for binging all the available books back to back, because now I have to wait for more! I can’t wait to read more stories with these characters, I already miss them!
Do yourself a favour and pick up this series if you haven’t already. This is historical mystery at its absolute best!
In my reviews of book 1 and 2, I already gushed plenty about the outstanding cast of characters that carry this story, but I think this third book showed the best character work yet. The character and relationship development is absolutely fantastic and I am so emotionally invested in all of their lives at this point. This is an incredibly diverse cast of characters and they all get their moment to shine, which I absolutely love. I particularly appreciate that we get so many strong, complex and intelligent women in this story, they are a delight to read about!
And speaking of delightful… The friendships, (found) family bonds and romances in this series are simply to die for. These are not picture perfect relationships, but they are beautifully human and real, which makes all the interactions all the more touching, amusing and endearing. Dang, I wish I could meet these people, I would love to spend time with them and eat all the delicious foods that are described in this story!!
Also, there is a new perspective added, from a very interesting character who you will be familiar with from book 1, and I absolutely adored that POV. It was a bold choice to add this perspective and a less skilled author could have made a complete mess of this, but Meredith absolutely NAILED this POV. I love the nuanced and tactful exploration of mental illness and identity in this series, those discussions are woven into the narrative so seamlessly and masterfully!
And honestly, I am not surprised that those discussions are handled so well, because Meredith has clearly done her research. This series is filled to the brim with people, events, places and objects from real history, which is just so cool in my opinion. It really makes this story feel more authentic and realistic than I ever thought it could and I love that!
Also, because two of these characters are essentially ‘inventors’, there are so many cool technological inventions introduced in this story and I found it fascinating to see them work on all their projects.
The mystery was also once again incredibly gripping and kept me guessing the entire way through. The revelations were disturbing and disconcerting, especially considering so much of this is inspired by real history, but I absolutely loved all the twists and turns here. Asylum settings don’t usually work for me, but I found this story to be riveting from start to finish.
Long story short, I have fallen head over heels in love with this series and I am kinda kicking myself for binging all the available books back to back, because now I have to wait for more! I can’t wait to read more stories with these characters, I already miss them!
Do yourself a favour and pick up this series if you haven’t already. This is historical mystery at its absolute best!
December 17, 2022
Cozy.
History.
Mystery.
Period.
From the historical details to the “how is the murderer doing it??!!?”, this book is packed with all the hallmarks wanted from a historical mystery. If you enjoy the historical mystery drama and a timeless feel to characters I highly recommend this third book in the Spokane Clocktower Mystery series. The author writes in such a way that you don’t need to have read the first two. This book just adds more depth to the characters and really fleshes out their interactions. I love that there is disability representation in the main characters and there is also support for adults who choose to be child-free and who choose to be parents. One of my favorite aspects of this book as well as the others is at the end of the book, the author puts in a section of what inventions, people, places were actually historical. It’s like a second little mystery at the end of the book. I definitely recommend writing down the things that you think are either fictional or historical throughout the book as you’re reading it and then find out at the end. Definitely a book worth adding to the historical mystery shelf.
History.
Mystery.
Period.
From the historical details to the “how is the murderer doing it??!!?”, this book is packed with all the hallmarks wanted from a historical mystery. If you enjoy the historical mystery drama and a timeless feel to characters I highly recommend this third book in the Spokane Clocktower Mystery series. The author writes in such a way that you don’t need to have read the first two. This book just adds more depth to the characters and really fleshes out their interactions. I love that there is disability representation in the main characters and there is also support for adults who choose to be child-free and who choose to be parents. One of my favorite aspects of this book as well as the others is at the end of the book, the author puts in a section of what inventions, people, places were actually historical. It’s like a second little mystery at the end of the book. I definitely recommend writing down the things that you think are either fictional or historical throughout the book as you’re reading it and then find out at the end. Definitely a book worth adding to the historical mystery shelf.
July 23, 2025
Another excellent book. The insane asylum storyline is a great way to change up the setting from “just another murder mystery”. The way Meredith weaves in the events of the previous two books, while still keeping this completely independent is incredible. Lots of fun. Lots of great developments. Archie and Mr. Matsumoto are still the best. The one thing I didn’t love was the bit of a love triangle aspect going on. I’m glad that got dealt with though so we don’t have to deal with it for more books. Probably closer to 4.5*
June 1, 2023
An absolute must-read! I loved books one and two, but this book rivals them both! The plot was layers upon layers, and I loved seeing all the characters grow and evolve even more. I was in tears at least twice while reading this because I got so emotionally invested. The ending delivered everything I wanted and more!
January 17, 2025
Part of series, best read together
June 22, 2024
My favorite of the three. It is such a fun way to hear some history of Spokane.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews