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A Portrait of Crime Mystery #1
Sketch Me If You Can
She's a police sketch artist. He's a dead lawman. Together, they put a face on murder.
When her uncle dies suddenly, police sketch artist Rory McCain inherits a list of clients from his private detective business and a beautiful, old house with a ghostly inhabitant: Federal Marshal Ezekiel Drummond, aka Zeke.
Having a ghost as a housemate is bad enough, but as Rory's drawn into one of her uncle's unsolved cases and faces a cold-blooded killer, she may need the marshal's supernatural help to stay alive.
When her uncle dies suddenly, police sketch artist Rory McCain inherits a list of clients from his private detective business and a beautiful, old house with a ghostly inhabitant: Federal Marshal Ezekiel Drummond, aka Zeke.
Having a ghost as a housemate is bad enough, but as Rory's drawn into one of her uncle's unsolved cases and faces a cold-blooded killer, she may need the marshal's supernatural help to stay alive.
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 3, 2010
28 people are currently reading
1377 people want to read
About the author
Sharon Pape
16 books275 followersI started writing stories as soon as I learned how to put letters together to form words. From that day forward, writing has been a part of my life whether it was my first attempt at a novel in seventh grade or the little plays I wrote for my friends to perform for neighbors and family. After college, when I was busy teaching French and Spanish to high school students, I was also writing poetry -- often in French.
After several years, I left teaching to be a full time mom, and when my two children started school, I went back to writing. To my delight I found that the muse was still there, still waiting patiently for me to come around. My first novel, Ghostfire, was published at that time. It went on to be condensed in Redbook magazine (the first paperback original the magazine had ever condensed.) Then came The God Children and The Portal. Redbook also published my first short story, which was subsequently sold to several foreign magazines. With two great kids, a golden retriever and a loving, supportive husband (whom I'd met at the beach when I was fourteen -- but that's a story for another day), I felt like I was exactly where I was meant to be in my life. But fate had another plan for me, and it went by the name of "breast cancer."
Looking back, I realize how fortunate I was that the cancer was discovered at such an early stage, but at the time it was all very overwhelming. Once I was back on my feet, I wanted to help other women who were newly diagnosed, worried and afraid. I became a Reach to Recovery volunteer for the American Cancer Society and went on to run the program for Nassau and Suffolk Counties on Long Island. A number of years later, with the help of my surgical oncologist and two other volunteers, I started Lean On Me, a nonprofit organization that provides peer support and information to breast cancer patients. When Lean On Me celebrated its tenth anniversary it no longer required as much of my time, and I once again found myself free to pursue my first love -- writing.
After several years, I left teaching to be a full time mom, and when my two children started school, I went back to writing. To my delight I found that the muse was still there, still waiting patiently for me to come around. My first novel, Ghostfire, was published at that time. It went on to be condensed in Redbook magazine (the first paperback original the magazine had ever condensed.) Then came The God Children and The Portal. Redbook also published my first short story, which was subsequently sold to several foreign magazines. With two great kids, a golden retriever and a loving, supportive husband (whom I'd met at the beach when I was fourteen -- but that's a story for another day), I felt like I was exactly where I was meant to be in my life. But fate had another plan for me, and it went by the name of "breast cancer."
Looking back, I realize how fortunate I was that the cancer was discovered at such an early stage, but at the time it was all very overwhelming. Once I was back on my feet, I wanted to help other women who were newly diagnosed, worried and afraid. I became a Reach to Recovery volunteer for the American Cancer Society and went on to run the program for Nassau and Suffolk Counties on Long Island. A number of years later, with the help of my surgical oncologist and two other volunteers, I started Lean On Me, a nonprofit organization that provides peer support and information to breast cancer patients. When Lean On Me celebrated its tenth anniversary it no longer required as much of my time, and I once again found myself free to pursue my first love -- writing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
April 19, 2020
Sketch Me If You Can by Sharon Pape was a somewhat engaging cozy mystery. I felt Rory was trying too hard to be strong and independent after her Uncle Mac died. From the author's background description, she doesn't wasn't that woman before her inheritance from her uncle. So for me she fell flat as a character. However, the mystery was good with twists, red herrings and only a few suspects. I confess that I didn't catch on to who was behind the murder until the reveal.
I received a copy of this book from my public library.
I received a copy of this book from my public library.
January 16, 2016
A PORTRAIT OF CRIME MYSTERY
RELEASE DATE AUGUST 3, 2010
BERKLEY PRIME CRIME
First in a Brand New Series
Rory McCain loved her Uncle Mac so much and is terribly shocked when he dies of an apparent heart attack. He bequeaths to her everything he has, including a huge Victorian home and his private investigation company.
Rory works as sketch artist and detective for the police department, and is not allowed to moonlight. She starts to review her uncle's open cases and contacting the clients to refer them to another agency, but one of the clients begs her to continue with his case. She agrees but cannot accept any payment so that technically she is not moonlighting.
As she gets settled into her uncle's home and begins going over her uncle's notes for the case she has agreed to investigate, she finds she is not alone in the big, beautiful Victorian. The house is haunted by the ghost of a federal marshal from the 1870's, Ezekiel "Zeke" Drummond. A letter from her uncle explains the apparition and tells her the ghost has been very helpful in some of his investigations. Not quite sure what to believe, she finds the ghost continually sneaking up on her and finds him to be quite stubborn, crotchety, and sexist. She doesn't understand how he can help her, but as she gets further and further into the investigation she finds her own life at stake. She decides she really needs a partner, even if he is ghost, it is better than trying to solve the mystery on her own.
I LIKED IT!!!!!
I am not really into the paranormal genre, but I truly enjoyed this book. I found myself almost forgetting that Zeke was a ghost. The story is well thought out and while the current mystery was solved it leaves another than can continue for the rest of the series. According to the back cover this is the author's first mystery and that is hard to believe. She told the story with just the right element of suspense and intrigue that keeps you turning page after page. There are bits of humor, how can there not be when living with a ghost? I look forward to reading more of this spirited series for more delightful mysteries.
To learn more about this author visit her web page at http://www.sharonpape.com/
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Berkley Prime Crime, a division of Penguin Publishing. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 19s 16 CFR, Part 255 : 1CGuides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. 1D
RELEASE DATE AUGUST 3, 2010
BERKLEY PRIME CRIME
First in a Brand New Series
Rory McCain loved her Uncle Mac so much and is terribly shocked when he dies of an apparent heart attack. He bequeaths to her everything he has, including a huge Victorian home and his private investigation company.
Rory works as sketch artist and detective for the police department, and is not allowed to moonlight. She starts to review her uncle's open cases and contacting the clients to refer them to another agency, but one of the clients begs her to continue with his case. She agrees but cannot accept any payment so that technically she is not moonlighting.
As she gets settled into her uncle's home and begins going over her uncle's notes for the case she has agreed to investigate, she finds she is not alone in the big, beautiful Victorian. The house is haunted by the ghost of a federal marshal from the 1870's, Ezekiel "Zeke" Drummond. A letter from her uncle explains the apparition and tells her the ghost has been very helpful in some of his investigations. Not quite sure what to believe, she finds the ghost continually sneaking up on her and finds him to be quite stubborn, crotchety, and sexist. She doesn't understand how he can help her, but as she gets further and further into the investigation she finds her own life at stake. She decides she really needs a partner, even if he is ghost, it is better than trying to solve the mystery on her own.
I LIKED IT!!!!!
I am not really into the paranormal genre, but I truly enjoyed this book. I found myself almost forgetting that Zeke was a ghost. The story is well thought out and while the current mystery was solved it leaves another than can continue for the rest of the series. According to the back cover this is the author's first mystery and that is hard to believe. She told the story with just the right element of suspense and intrigue that keeps you turning page after page. There are bits of humor, how can there not be when living with a ghost? I look forward to reading more of this spirited series for more delightful mysteries.
To learn more about this author visit her web page at http://www.sharonpape.com/
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Berkley Prime Crime, a division of Penguin Publishing. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 19s 16 CFR, Part 255 : 1CGuides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. 1D
August 13, 2015
Mystery flirts with supernatural. Except that the mystery unravels faster than a ball of wool and the supernatural loses its fizz faster than champagne. Plus an annoying female protagonist who tries to pose as endearing, competent and tough - and isn't.
Police sketch artist is gifted a Victorian house, albeit haunted. Friendly, bitter, nostalgic and hyper-chivalrous Ghost hobnobs across pages, beds and walls to prevent Aurora aka Rory from getting herself killed as she saunters/vaults/dives in whenever & wherever not needed.
One suspects a sequel upcoming, in view of Mr. Ghost's unsolved murder. Hopefully, he will have a better ally next time.
Plus points - Gripping first chapter. Subtle humor.
Police sketch artist is gifted a Victorian house, albeit haunted. Friendly, bitter, nostalgic and hyper-chivalrous Ghost hobnobs across pages, beds and walls to prevent Aurora aka Rory from getting herself killed as she saunters/vaults/dives in whenever & wherever not needed.
One suspects a sequel upcoming, in view of Mr. Ghost's unsolved murder. Hopefully, he will have a better ally next time.
Plus points - Gripping first chapter. Subtle humor.
June 22, 2015
This book was a total surprise! Entertaining with a little paranormal, police procedure, PI work and a murder plot that grabbed from the first page. Rory is a fully trained police officer who functions as a sketch artist. On the death of her PI uncle she inherits his business and house which comes complete with the ghost of a Texas Marshal from the 1870's. The entire premise and story line are totally engrossing without being too far out there. I am going to enjoy reading this entire series.
April 6, 2021
I really like this series especially since I am a fan of ghost stories and this cozy delivers a great one in the character of Marshal Ezekiel Drummond, a lawman from the Old West circa 1878 who teams up with 21st Century Sketch Artist Detective Aurora (Rory) McCain to solve a case that involves a death of a sibling of a client. Well written with a great plot.
August 21, 2010
Rory McCain is a police sketch artist. Her beloved Uncle Mac, a private investigator, recently died and left her the bulk of his estate, including his Victorian house in Huntington, MA and his business. He also leaves her a letter to be opened in the event of his death.
Rory goes to the house, but just can't bring herself to start going through his things, so she decides to start with his office. While contacting clients about his death, she comes across one who asks her if she would continue working on his case. When she explains that her employer does not permit her to moonlight, he persists, explaining that he just can't believe that his sister's death was an accident. She finally agrees to investigate as "a favor for a friend" at no charge.
With her mother's help, she starts clearing Mac's things out of the house, and decides to try spending the night on the couch, but wakes up in the middle of the night. Thinking there is someone in the chair across from her she turns on the light and sees a tall man dressed like an Old West sheriff. He tells her that his name is Ezekiel Drummond, and that her uncle was supposed to have told her about him. She remembers the letter, which she hasn't yet read, and discovers that Ezekiel Drummond died in 1878, and lived in the house since before Mac bought it. Apparently Mac's investigative business had developed greatly once Drummond began to assist him.
Taken aback by this news, but certain that her uncle wasn't delusional, Rory decides to continue the arrangement, though not formally continuing the business.
I read this engrossing book in an afternoon, and look forward to more in the Portrait of Crime series.
Rory goes to the house, but just can't bring herself to start going through his things, so she decides to start with his office. While contacting clients about his death, she comes across one who asks her if she would continue working on his case. When she explains that her employer does not permit her to moonlight, he persists, explaining that he just can't believe that his sister's death was an accident. She finally agrees to investigate as "a favor for a friend" at no charge.
With her mother's help, she starts clearing Mac's things out of the house, and decides to try spending the night on the couch, but wakes up in the middle of the night. Thinking there is someone in the chair across from her she turns on the light and sees a tall man dressed like an Old West sheriff. He tells her that his name is Ezekiel Drummond, and that her uncle was supposed to have told her about him. She remembers the letter, which she hasn't yet read, and discovers that Ezekiel Drummond died in 1878, and lived in the house since before Mac bought it. Apparently Mac's investigative business had developed greatly once Drummond began to assist him.
Taken aback by this news, but certain that her uncle wasn't delusional, Rory decides to continue the arrangement, though not formally continuing the business.
I read this engrossing book in an afternoon, and look forward to more in the Portrait of Crime series.
September 3, 2011
Rory is a police sketch artist who inherits her uncles detective agency, his old house and his old ghost,Zeke Drummond, a Federal Marshall murdered in the 1870s.
There is a murder mystery here and a relationship between Rory and Zeke that could have been interesting and engaging. Unfortunately, it fails on both counts.
The characters of Rory and Zeke are likeable enough, but the prose...oh the prose! It killed the story for me. It was overly descriptive, repetitive and PASSIVE! Holy guacamole, Batman! Even when there was action, it was in such a passive tone that it took me a while to recognize that there was something happening.
This book was 217 pages on my nook, but it read like 617 when it should have been edited to 150. There was so much passive telling that I started to cringe when I flipped to the next page and was assaulted by blocks and blocks of text.
We get inundated with little details about her life that have NOTHING to do with the mystery going on and ends up sounding more like an indulgent stream of consciousness narrative that should have been deleted because it grinds the pace to a screeching halt.
To be honest, I read 150 pages, then skipped to the end, found out who the murderer was and why...eh, not creative. The ghost 'hero' saves, at least in his mind, our intrepid noob investigator and they form a partnership. Again, not much creativity there.
I'm giving this two stars only because I liked the characters and the idea. Frankly, I think I'm being generous.
There is a murder mystery here and a relationship between Rory and Zeke that could have been interesting and engaging. Unfortunately, it fails on both counts.
The characters of Rory and Zeke are likeable enough, but the prose...oh the prose! It killed the story for me. It was overly descriptive, repetitive and PASSIVE! Holy guacamole, Batman! Even when there was action, it was in such a passive tone that it took me a while to recognize that there was something happening.
This book was 217 pages on my nook, but it read like 617 when it should have been edited to 150. There was so much passive telling that I started to cringe when I flipped to the next page and was assaulted by blocks and blocks of text.
We get inundated with little details about her life that have NOTHING to do with the mystery going on and ends up sounding more like an indulgent stream of consciousness narrative that should have been deleted because it grinds the pace to a screeching halt.
To be honest, I read 150 pages, then skipped to the end, found out who the murderer was and why...eh, not creative. The ghost 'hero' saves, at least in his mind, our intrepid noob investigator and they form a partnership. Again, not much creativity there.
I'm giving this two stars only because I liked the characters and the idea. Frankly, I think I'm being generous.
December 16, 2013
Even though this book is good enough to make me curious to read the next installment it isn't enough for me to pay the $7.99 it costs. Meaning? The characters were funny and interesting enough. The story arc is promising and I really would like to find out who killed Drummond more than a century ago. But, and this is a huge but, the story never did develop as I'd hoped. It was pretty underwhelming and flaky. Being a detective, even an artist, she is supposed to have some knowledge and skills. She had none. She constantly undermines her own authority and instincts, she dealt very poorly with threats and even more poorly with her own life, be it romantic or professional. If I had been her captain she wouldn't even carry a gun. She's that unsafe. I also find Rory's relationship with Drummond very lacking and even ridiculous. Same with her other supposed friends like Leah. You would think she would've told Leah her suspicions, yes? Nope. Neither did Leah bothered to try to find out more when Rory acted weird and refuse to tell her. I don't know. Isn't it also weird that she meets a guy in the house a woman was murdered and she never bothered to check him out? Just sayin', I pretty much figured him out to be the killer from his first appearance.
July 2, 2016
This was a total impulse buy. I saw it on the counter at Booktrader of Hamilton and just picked it up. I am so glad that I did! Loved the characters, Rory and Zeke have a great relationship despite their ….umm ..differences. The investigation was very well plotted, I did suspect who the culprit was but still fully enjoyed the book. The tension and pacing was much more reminiscent of a thriller than the average cozy and that really kept me flipping the pages. I don’t think that A Portrait of Crime Mystery is that popular a series, I read lots of book blogs and look on Goodreads and Amazon rec and had neve seen it before and I think that is because it does not fit so neatly into the “cozy genre”.
One death occurs “on screen” in the prologue and there is a decidedly “not lighthearted fun” tone to the book that people have come to expect from cozies. The characters are more realistic (other than one of them being a ghost) than the typical quirkiness that we associate with cozies. Finally, Rory is a professional, currently working as a police sketch artist, she is still a detective complete with carrying a gun. I would highly recommend this book to both cozy mystery and other mystery fans.
One death occurs “on screen” in the prologue and there is a decidedly “not lighthearted fun” tone to the book that people have come to expect from cozies. The characters are more realistic (other than one of them being a ghost) than the typical quirkiness that we associate with cozies. Finally, Rory is a professional, currently working as a police sketch artist, she is still a detective complete with carrying a gun. I would highly recommend this book to both cozy mystery and other mystery fans.
December 5, 2015
In Sharon Pape's Sketch Me If You Can, the first installment in the portrait of a crime paranormal cozy mystery series, we had a twist of a ghost story with a compelling crime. For sketch artist Aurora "Rory" McCain, she took over her uncle's PI agency after he died from a heart attack. Later, one of his former clients asked her to look into the case of his sister's murder. Though she couldn't moonlight, she agreed to look into the case and finished what her uncle started. She also inherited a ghost named Zeke Marshal, a US Marshal from the 1800s, who wants to protect Rory and to find out who killed him. We do get to see a hint of his backstory inside this cozy. As Rory looked into the case, she followed the clues of evidence and did her own investigating, when she met Vince Conti, a charming guy. When the case unraveled before her eyes, she learned who killed Gail Oberlin, her uncle and wanted her next, as her life was on the line and her career, too.
September 24, 2010
I picked up this book. not expecting anything more than a way to wile away a few hours. What a pleasant surprise it turned out to be. I don't know Sharon Pape, but will certainly check out other books of hers. This story was humorous, well written, not especially mysterious, but fun, twisty and well written. I can't wait to see how the partnership between this young woman and a ghost from the previous century works out. The lack of mystery is because EVERYONE knows if he's too good to be true - he isn't what he seems.
What fun to find a new good author, since I pick my books by author not subject (in most cases).
What fun to find a new good author, since I pick my books by author not subject (in most cases).
May 19, 2014
Okay, the ghost thing only works in certain circumstances. This story is one of the perfect circumstances. Rory and Zeke get off to a rough start, but their instincts are working overtime. This is a rocking good first novel. The characters are well-defined and even the ghost is believable. Enjoy.
January 19, 2018
Rarely have I been so turned off by the main character. Rory is immature, defensive, and just plain lacking in brains. And sketch artists don't parade around with guns and sirens pretending to be detectives. But mostly, ohmygawd, what an annoying young spoiled immature easily offended character. Yes I know, lack of commas was on purpose to annoy you as much as she annoyed me
October 21, 2014
I loved this book and look forward to reading more in the series. I am a sucker for books that mix old (and can you get older than a ghost from 1878) and new together. This flowed very well and overall I liked Rory and Zeke.
September 8, 2016
I found Rory to be an argumentative jerk, rather than a feisty maverick. This might have been less of a problem if she'd spotted a single clue! Instead she splits her time between making huge cock-ups and shouting about not needing any help.
February 22, 2016
Another very cool ghost mystery, and I can hardly wait for the next one!
May 28, 2013
Only got through about half of this book and giving up. I couldn't get into it, didn't relate to or particularly like the characters and I could care less whodunit.
October 17, 2017
I've had more than enough of Rory, but her aunt was cool and her parents were pretty entertaining too. I'd read a book about their detective agency. They just need to leave Rory at home.
April 27, 2024
Marshal Ezekiel 'Zeke' Drummond is an old-fashioned gentleman who has been haunting the house he was murdered in for over a century.
He gets on with the current living occupant, P.I. Mac McCain.
Not for much longer though, as Mac is murdered on Page 1.
The death is ruled natural causes at first.
Mac's estate, his business and his house, are inherited by his niece, police sketch artist Aurora 'Rory' McCain.
And, of course, she gets her own ghost!
A letter left by Mac explains that the success of his P.I. work was, at least in part, due to Zeke's help.
Though confined to the house he has all the time in the world to mull over every detail of each case.
He reveals that Mac was murdered and offers his help but wants Rory to help him solve his own killing all those years ago - he's very hazy about the details for an unexplained reason.
Rory work off the books to find out why Mac was killed and soon finds a connection between a case Mac was working on – but her interest proves dangerous.
When the killer is finally unmasked it doesn't really come as a surprise.
There are also several chapters set in the Wild West detailing Zeke's journey towards his eventual demise.
“Sketch Me If You Can” is an ok read – there's very little that stands out. Zeke is the most interesting character, Rory often comes across as juvenile.
3 Stars.
He gets on with the current living occupant, P.I. Mac McCain.
Not for much longer though, as Mac is murdered on Page 1.
The death is ruled natural causes at first.
Mac's estate, his business and his house, are inherited by his niece, police sketch artist Aurora 'Rory' McCain.
And, of course, she gets her own ghost!
A letter left by Mac explains that the success of his P.I. work was, at least in part, due to Zeke's help.
Though confined to the house he has all the time in the world to mull over every detail of each case.
He reveals that Mac was murdered and offers his help but wants Rory to help him solve his own killing all those years ago - he's very hazy about the details for an unexplained reason.
Rory work off the books to find out why Mac was killed and soon finds a connection between a case Mac was working on – but her interest proves dangerous.
When the killer is finally unmasked it doesn't really come as a surprise.
There are also several chapters set in the Wild West detailing Zeke's journey towards his eventual demise.
“Sketch Me If You Can” is an ok read – there's very little that stands out. Zeke is the most interesting character, Rory often comes across as juvenile.
3 Stars.
July 23, 2019
When I'm in a reading slump, I tend to blame myself and not the books in question. But I don't think I would have much liked this one whatever my frame of mind. Police sketch artist Rory inherits her private investigator-uncle's house when he dies suddenly, only to learn that there's a ghost in the house. The ghost, a century-old US Marshall, wants to find out who killed him. He helps Rory solve the case her uncle was working on, despite their bickering. And she promises to help him find his murderer. The sketch artist background could have been a lot more interesting, but slump or not, this isn't my kind of book.
July 23, 2025
Cute enough little mystery, with a somewhat obvious solution.
The problem I had with this book is that the main character (supposedly in her late twenties) behaves like a particularly obnoxious teenage girl. What I imagine the author intended as “banter” between her and the ghost comes across as defensiveness and arrogance on the part of Rory. The interactions between the two grew more tiresome as the book progressed.
The problem I had with this book is that the main character (supposedly in her late twenties) behaves like a particularly obnoxious teenage girl. What I imagine the author intended as “banter” between her and the ghost comes across as defensiveness and arrogance on the part of Rory. The interactions between the two grew more tiresome as the book progressed.
September 14, 2018
I really did enjoy this book. The fact that the setting is in nearby Suffolk County and I could recognize place names was a big plus. I liked the characterization of both main characters as well as the little peeks we get into Zeke's past. Having finished the book, I'm eager to see if there are more in the series and if I will enjoy them as well.
March 8, 2017
An entertaining, but predictable read.
October 9, 2019
Excellent! Good writing, interesting plot & very like-able characters!
December 31, 2019
A good cozy with an interesting twist on the detective. I was a bit disappointed in how easily I predicted the guilty party.
March 19, 2020
A great read that you will love .
May 12, 2022
Fun beginning to a little series. I’ve ordered the other two!
April 1, 2024
I don't really enjoy the ending. It seems very cliche and predictable.
June 20, 2025
Enjoyed Rory and Zeke the ghost’s interactions. The plot was well worked.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews