Letter From Home

by Carolyn G. Hart

WINNER OF THE AGATHA AWARD FOR BEST NOVEL“Bittersweet...Set in a small-town America that lives only in memory, this artfully narrated whodunit observes the residents of an unnamed Oklahoma hamlet over the hot and dusty summer of 1944 as they ration their food, count their war dead and turn on their neighbors.”—TheNew York Times Book Review World-renowned journalist G.G. Gilman does her best not to think of the past. But one day she gets a letter—sent from the small Oklahoma town where she grew up—that brings it all back. Memories of people she had once known and loved dearly—and of the sultry summer when her life changed forever...

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Historical Mystery, Historical, Book Club, Audiobook

284 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

Also writing as Carolyn Hart.

An accomplished master of mystery with 46 published books, Carolyn Hart is the creator of the highly acclaimed Henrie O,Death on Demand, and Bailey Ruth Raeburn series. Her books have won multiple Agatha, Anthony, and Macavity Awards. Letter from Home (2003), her standalone mystery set in Oklahoma, was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize. Her latest book is Dead by Midnight (William Morrow/HarperCollins, 2007). She is one of the founders of Sisters in Crime, an organization for women who write mysteries. She lives in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma."
New Books: Dead By Midnight Carolyn Hart


DEAD BY MIDNIGHT by Carolyn Hart On Sale March 29

The police say suicide. Annie Darling suspects murder. Max is unconvinced until Annie follows a trail behind the dead woman's house.

Annie unravels the mystery of a towel hidden at midnight in a gazebo, the interesting lack of fingerprints on a crystal mug, blood on a teenager's blue shirt, and the secret of a lovers' tryst. Max plunges deep into the woods to find incriminating evidence.

Annie sets the perfect trap for a merciless killer, but her cell phone rings and Death is on the line.

www.CarolynHart.com

And for cat lovers:

DEAD BY MIDNIGHT by Carolyn Hart

I love to have fun when writing a mystery. If I laugh, I think a reader will laugh. In the Death on Demand series, I especially enjoy writing about Annie Darling's ditzy mother-in-law, Laurel Roethke. Laurel is usually excited about a new interest, something that surprises and often confounds Annie.

In Dead by Midnight, Laurel creates Cat Truth Posters, which she wants Annie to hang in the bookstore. Annie thinks books should be the store's focus, but the posters enchant her.

Each poster features a cat's photograph with a caption. Here are three of the Cat Truth posters;

. . . a silky furred, mitted, and bicolored Ragdoll stretched out on a red silk cushion, looking as comfy as Eva Longoria in a Hanes ad: Go with the Flow.

A rectangular-muzzled, green-eyed, cholocolate colored cat appeared as brooding as a Gothic hero: Always Say Yes to Adventure.

. . . a thick-furred, piebald Siberian forest cat, its white front a brilliant contrast to a charcoal back and head. Its face appeared almost angelic: Always try a Smile First.

And yes, one of the posters points to a killer.

Fun for me and fun, I hope for readers

Reviews

[Connie G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gretchen Gilman, a world-famous journalist, received a letter from her childhood friend, Barb. It brought back memories of the summer of 1944 when Gretchen had her first job working for the newspaper in her small Oklahoma hometown. The letter also reminded her of the violent death of a neighbor and some soldiers who never returned from the war. Gretchen was a good friend to Barb over the summer when Barb's life was falling apart.

The book revolves around a murder that shocked the townspeople, the gossip and speculation about the victim, and Gretchen's roles as a novice reporter and a friend. I enjoyed this novel as a thoughtful coming-of-age story, as well as a realistic mystery that won the Agatha Award.

[Ken Bickley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a complete departure from the usual "cozy" mysteries written by Hart. Mystery it is, but this one is serious. It was nominated for a Pulitzer Price, and would have deserved to win. Set in World War II small-town Oklahoma, it faithfully reproduces the conditions faced on the home front in 1944 as it follows one eventful week in the life of 14-year-old Gretchen Gilman. It's written as a memory, called up by that letter that gives the book its title. I won't divulge any further details, because the climax of the story comes as a total surprise. I'll just say that it is exquisitely written. Highly recommended.

[Heather L · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good mystery, though the unconventional setup of the chapters was a bit annoying and made me grateful that I had a print copy. Each chapter begins with a portion of a letter, but begins and ends mid-sentence so that you are constantly flipping back to the previous chapter in order to read a complete sentence. Then there is a short section in present-day first person POV, before switching to third person POV for events of the past. I give the author points for unconventionally but, as previously stated, it was rather tiresome to have to keep flipping back to a previous chapter before moving in. On the upside, my suspicions as to whodunnit were spot on.

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This mystery provides a colorful look at a small Oklahoma town in the steaming hot summer of 1944. With war raging, young men are dying and women are called on to step into roles they haven't traditionally filled in America. Conflicts arise, and the protagonist, a sharp-eyed 13-year-old on the threshold of adulthood, learns a lot - some of it ugly - as a cub reporter for the local newspaper. It also paints a portrait of the lives of two girls with similar backgrounds whose paths diverge in an intriguing and troubling way.

[Maureen Mullis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best books I have ever read. The mystery is first rate, but the story .... the story is fantastic. Carolyn Hart is a fabulous writer, but this novel is far and above the best things she's written. The writing leaves you breathless. Set in 1944 as well as present day, it is a book that has a strong story, excellent writing and a mystery that will leave you thinking about it long after you close the book.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I originally found the premise of a highschooler spending her summer writing for a local newspaper a tad unbelievable, but given the timeframe (WWII) and the dearth of eligible male employees, the situation is a bit more believable, and I loved the premise of the editor as a mentor for the young girl. He was a believable and likeable character. The murder mystery was a bit contrived, but the characters were true to the historical period, the small-town setting, and the over-arching circumstances of WWII.

[Susie James · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got a copy of "Letter from Home" years ago, partly read it, then set it aside during a transfer of my stuff to a backyard mobile home recently. I could relate to the "old style newspaper journalism" Carolyn Hart writes about as her teenage Oklahoma heroine begins her career! The unraveling of the tragedies within the story she tells as she looks back as an old woman is done in such an appealing manner. -30-

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderfully written, story of secrets of a daughter, guilt, sadness and horrible loss of parents. All the time the everyone thinks it is murder and suicide, when in fact it was a two murders. Written by a friends point of view and the affects to her family, as well. Terrible and tragic.

[Jodi Pomerleau · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the story but thought it a bit long. I was pretty sure I had the murderer picked out very early, and I did, but not the correct reason for the murder. It was also apparent that the note left behind was a signal....I recognized it and was surprised it took to the end of the book for that point to be noted. Lies, secrets and failing to communicate all had a dire effect on the circumstances of Clyde's predicament, Grandmother's health, and Gretchen's jealousy. It's a good read but not compelling.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

This historical mystery was a book club pick and I found it to be an okay read. Seems like a historical fan’s beach read. It was fairly easy to get through, but the pacing of the plot was slow. I feel this book should have been edited down a bit because the story seemed repetitive at times. I enjoyed the setting, time period, dialogue, and the story overall, but it definitely wasn’t what you would call gripping or compelling. Even the mystery itself was a bit boring though it tied in nicely with the “letter”.

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book. The MC is a reporter who tells the story of a crime that happened when she was growing up and always wanted to solve.

[Stacey Blanton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one of our book club selections for December. I had never read any of this author's books, and didn't know what to expect, but other book club members liked the book, so I was optimistic. I was not disappointed.
This story takes place during WWII in rural Oklahoma through the eyes of a teenage girl who has a job at the local newspaper. She is living with her German grandmother while her mom works in the defense plant in Tulsa. She is a very intelligent, responsible, and a talented writer. Her boss has obviously noticed and helps start her career.
Her first big story involves the murder of her friend's mother, who is also a neighbor. The husband is suspected because the town believes her mother is the local tramp. Gretchen is thrust into the middle of the investigation to help her friend deal with the loss of her mother and a manhunt for her father, who is the main suspect.
The story evolves a little slowly, but it is a quick read. There are many surprises, including the ending, which I did not see coming.
What I found most interesting was the victim from the perspective of Gretchen. She is a young, naive girl who doesn't understand the complications of adult hood. She was not yet influenced by society, and kept her belief of the victim true.
It was a very good read and I highly recommend this book. I would like to read other stories by this author.

[kcfan · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I saw this book at the library and read that it takes place in a small town outside of Tulsa, Oklahoma, I was drawn to it. I spent a lot of time growing up visiting family in a small town outside of Tulsa. The description of the town in the book could have been the one that I was familiar with.

Besides the nostalgia of forgotten small towns, the writing was wonderful. The book was an emotional roller coaster. Bits and pieces of typical small town life and joy, mixed in with the oppressive air of sadness from a murder. The townspeople are divided on who is responsible for the murder, while a young teenage girl, with her first job at the local paper, discovers that not everything is black and white.

[Sue D. · Rating 3 out of 5]

A stand-alone mystery from the author of the popular Death on Demand series, set in a small Oklahoma town in the latter years of WWII. I enjoyed this book, which is a mystery, a coming-of-age story, and an excellent portrayal of small-town life on the home front during WWII. Warm-hearted and nostalgic with well-drawn characters and setting.

[Ayelet · Rating 2 out of 5]

I would give this a high 2 but not quite a 3. I liked the way she recreated life in 1944 but wasn't as enthralled by the story. I felt that there wasn't a lot of direction to what was happening. She wrapped it up in the end but that didn't quite make up for the lag in the rest of the book.

[Rachel Lorenz · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very slow moving. Did not hold my interest. The ending was underwhelming. Also had some editing issues. Would not recommend.

[Astraeus · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is sad and horrible because the selfishness displayed by some of the characters. The worst is Gretchen's Mother: How the mother's Gretchen is so selfish? She do prefer a man than barely knows instead of her daughter, and is clear that she didn't care at all the death of her mother, the grandma of Gretchen. Is like, "ah ok, My mother died, so Gretchen, see You on California. Seriously?
Sad that Charlotte, the grandma, spent all day cooking for her daughter and her new boyfriend and this woman didn't even want to spend the rest of the day with her mother and daughter. All for her horniness with her new man.
And later, Gretchen only left her house and all her memories and never returned until fifty years later? How could she forget at her sweet grandma? how could anyone never see a loved one's grave again? And why she didn't want to remember this stage of her life? maybe she just wants to remember her life of luxury and success and erase a life in a little town in Oklahoma, but in that little town and in that life stage was the only person who loved her (grandma Charlotte)

Terrible history, sad and like i said, a book full of selfishness. and let’s not talk about the girl who caused everything...

[Lana · Rating 3 out of 5]

My first thought was that this was a debut novel, in which case I could give a pass to the unpolished and sometimes repetitious writing style. It needed a better editor, probably 50 pages could have been cut and the story would have moved faster. (We get it, it's summer in Oklahoma and it's really hot - we don't need constant descriptions of the heat.) I was a bit surprised to learn that the author is actually quite prolific, having written more than 60 books and this one written later in her career.

The protagonist's character is written very unevenly. She is supposed to be 13 or 14, yet at times she acts much older and at other times she appears much younger. As a result, I didn't always understand her actions and motivations.

Despite these flaws, the story was entertaining and I enjoyed it. Other than a few instances of minor cursing, the book is pretty clean (caveat: the book is about a murder and suicide, so there are some heavy themes although nothing overly salacious).

[Debby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saw this book at the library book sale. I had read Carolyn Hart's cozy mysteries and thought I would try this one. I changed my mind and put it back. On my next visit, the book was still there, and I thought why not? I am so glad I changed my mind! This book reads nothing like a cozy mystery. The story is richly developed and captivates you to the very end. You immediately love some characters and hate others. You get a verbal picture of life in rural Oklahoma during WWII where the home front is so different from the norm. You will be inspired by Gretchen, a teenager, who has to grow up very quickly.
If you think you know Carolyn Hart's writing style based on her mystery series. You just may be surprised by this book.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picked this book up at a book exchange just based on the title. It was a great book, which tells the tale of a young girl who, as a fledgling reporter in a small town in Oklahoma during WWII, writes about the death of a neighbor, who the town believes was murdered by her husband. Each chapter begins with a snippet from a letter she receives much later in life from someone in her hometown. This mystery, in the end, was solved, and the murderer not anyone I suspected or for the reasons I suspected. I really enjoyed this.

[Tim Gassman · Rating 2 out of 5]

Initially I loved the setting of this book: small American town in the 1940s. And I loved where the story was going, however after about chapter 2 or 3 I felt I was on a meandering path where virtually nothing was adding value or depth to the story. The plot is unrealistic too. I powered through to halfway through chapter 6, said phooey, and skipped to chapter 10. Reading the last chapter answered everything I cared to know and I do not regret it at all. My advice: save yourself some time and skip ahead to the end.

[Terri Borkgren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This stand alone novel written by Carolyn Hart was wonderful! A young gifted woman during a hot summer is pulled into a murder and learns the true definition of family and accepting others as who they really are. And defending your own beliefs even against the rest of the community. Placed in historical summer of 1944, when a lot of things were changing for a small town, changes of sorrow and regret.

[Maggie Shanley · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid 3.5 star coming of age mystery. Faye Tatum has been killed, her teenage daughter was home locked in her bedroom. Gretchen is a 14 year old reporter hot on the case, due to the war she was given a job at the newspaper due to the lack of men but she is headed for a major writing career. There is danger, relationship issues, war struggles and family changes ahead for both Gretchen and Barb. They see the case very differently from most of the adults around them who condemn for dancing and her husband for being angry. They see the real people behind the crime and want the story to be told.

[Shandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A mystery revealed when G.G.Gilman gets a letter from her hometown later in life, giving details of the mystery that she reported on in her neighbourhood when she was a young reporter. A woman murdered, and her husband blamed for it, but in the end you find the truth will come out!!!

A short, easy read!!

[Dennis Fischman · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is not only a book with a historical setting but an old-fashioned pace: descriptive, recursive, lingering on details that create atmosphere but move the plot forward by inches, almost as an afterthought. I did not guess the murderer—my money was on the hypocrite of a preacher—but the motive was clear early on.

[Peggy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a interesting story, of two young girls and what happened to them as they grow up, it was a mystery and you don't find out about the who done it until the very end. Good story, but not as good as some of Carolyn Hart's stories. It can go slow and you have to stay with it.

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting, well-written book about a young newspaper writer's experience one summer on a newspaper in her small town in Oklahoma. Flash forwards to the experienced, elderly writer who has traveled the world.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story of a cub reporter and the happenings in a small town, including a suspicious murder and family interactions. I thought I had the ending figured out, but it turned out I was wrong, so there is some suspense and I liked that the story wasn't predictable.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engrossing and written with a lot of heart and emotion. Centered in a small Oklahoma town in 1944. A tragedy that shook this town to its core. A woman is murdered. The gossip and scandalous events forever haunt a young reporters life.

[Jeff Macey · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Wonderfully written book that has a slow but compelling pace that draws you into the world and the mystery. I thought the author did a great job of never straying from the way women were ignored or patronized in every facet of life. Highly recommend!