I know people call me a busybody. Maybe I deserve that, but I don’t go looking for gossip and stories about other people. Somehow they just find me, probably because I know so many people and they all seem to talk to me. I’m lucky that I can put most of my energy into serving on the board at the Pennsylvania Antiquarian Society, and cataloguing the Terwilliger family papers that my father and grandfather donated to them. That’s plenty to keep me busy.
That’s how I met Nell Pratt, who was working at the Society, and kind of nudged her into taking over as president of the place. She does a pretty good job (with my help), except that she keeps finding bodies. I never heard of such a thing before, but every time I turn around she seems to be in the middle of another homicide investigation. Clearly working at a museum isn’t dull, at least not when Nell is around.
This time around it really isn’t her fault: she was asked by a Big Name Developer to check out the history of a piece of land he’d bought way outside of Philadelphia (with the promise of a nice donation to the Society, so how could she say no?), so he wouldn’t have any problems with the local historians. And then the two of them go and find a body, floating face down in a pond on the property.
At least now she has James Morrison, or Cousin Jimmy (he hates it when I call him Jimmy, but he really is a cousin) to work with her. He’s an FBI agent and a good one, and since Big Developer wants only the best, he called in the FBI. So there go Jimmy and Nell, investigating together again. The funny thing is, Nell solves more of their shared cases than he does. But they do work well together, and these days they’re doing a little more than just working, especially after hours, if you know what I mean. I think it’s great. Or maybe I’m just getting mushy, because now I’m seeing someone too, but it’s too early to talk about it. I bet Nell’s glad to have me out of her hair a bit more often.
Gotta love Philadelphia history—you never know what you’re going to find.
Maybe you’ve heard that this June (that’s now!) and July the Killer Characters are giving away books for you to enjoy this summer, at the beach or by the pool (or even sitting next to your air conditioner!). Leave a comment by midnight on 6/25/14 and you’ll have a chance to win a signed copy of the newest book in the Museum Mystery series, Razing the Dead, plus an assortment of completely silly sticky notes for you to play with! (Be sure to leave your email address with the comment so we can notify you if you win!)
Posts
Love the notepads! Looking forward to following Nell!
Reply[email protected]
I'm so glad she has help on this one!
ReplyElaineE246 at msn dot com
I could use a cozy book. Right now!!
Replydebby236 at gmail dot com
I'm always looking for a new book to read and one that involves history is always interesting. The history adds to the plot. And who couldn't use some neat notepads. [email protected]
ReplyI enjoy the series. I used to have family in the Bryn Mawr area.
ReplyThanks for letting me know about as mother great sounding series. My reading list is really growing.
ReplyPlease enter me, and thanks! angelamcrae at charter dot net
ReplyI love Marty - she adds a bit of comedic interlude in the books.
ReplyI enjoy learning a bit of history as I read this series.
Replylynettek51(at) yahoo(dot)com
One person's busybody is another person's information highway. Perspective. ;-) [email protected]
ReplyA new book which sounds captivating and history makes it even better. thanks. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyLooks like a great series!
ReplyI keep meaning to read this series. Actually having one of them would help.... carstairs38 @ gmail
ReplyThis is a new to me series, it sounds really good ! [email protected]
ReplyA delightful series. Love the notes which are unique. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com
ReplyBeing a native Pennsylvanian, I love this series! I can't wait to get my hands on this one!
Reply[email protected]
I LOVE Sheila Connolly books! Would love to win one!!
Reply[email protected]
Another book on the TBR - when I read a review or synopsis I want to start each book right away. And sticky notes -- aaahhhh - can't resist. If it has words or involves paper or pens, I have to have it ;-).
ReplyA long time dear friend and I always "pick up 2" when we see anything fun or unique (or I must admit even a pen that says something exciting like LEGOLAND). And sometime we think the sticky notes are so special we ration ourselves so we don't run out. Goofy but fun.
Thanks. [email protected]
Sounds like a great series.
ReplyKit3247(at)aol(dot)com
Looking forward to reading this series!
Reply[email protected]
The natepads remind me if all the plaques in every museum that tell about everything. I love reading them all, but going with someone that doesn't like reading them makes me want to committ murder . Ronnalord(at)msn(dot)com
ReplyI started this series but I need to do some catching up, I really found it interesting.
Replymomzillasteel at gmail dot com
Sounds like a wonderful book to read.
Reply[email protected]
Sounds like an awesome book, and those are the most adorable sticky notes.
ReplyWell, it certainly isn't her fault if people want to talk and she's willing to listen!
Replylibbydodd at comcast dot net
Love the stickies - and all PA history!
Replykpbarnett1941[at]aol.com
Looks great, hope i get a chance to read it :)
Replyjslbrown2009(at)aol(dot)com
Love the sticky notes!! Story sounds very intriguing!!
Reply[email protected]
Has to be the best name for a book ever!
Reply[email protected]
I'm ready for some silly stickies---they would cheer up my bad day.
Reply[email protected]
I need a new book to read for the summer. I just finished a book.
Reply[email protected]
Silly stickies are the best for sharing joy, and other tidbits. What a great contest.
Reply[email protected]
Would love to win Razing the Dead.
ReplyCould use the sticky notes on the grandsons...they need some payback! :)
patucker54 at aol dot com
Sounds like a great book! And I love the sticky notes! [email protected]
ReplyI love history-who says research is boring! Although, I don't need to find any bodies.
Replycozyupwithkathy at gmail dot com
I love history, and the relationship between everyone that works at the Society.
ReplyI have really enjoyed this series.
ReplyThanks
I love your apple and Ireland series.
ReplyI love your orchard series and can't wait to read this one. [email protected]
ReplyI haven't been to Philadelphia in close to 50 years. I do remember it was a great place, tough. And definitely full of history. The book sounds like a good one. I look forward to reading it. lkish77123 at gmail dot com
ReplyLove this series! Always wanted to work in a museum ( a library was as close a I got). I've enjoyed the Orchard mysteries much more than I initially I would. A salute to your great writing!
ReplyTennisace50(@) yahoo(dot) com
The mystery has me wondering who-dun-it? With a little romancing thrown in! The note pads look cool also, I'm keeping my fingers crossed! And thank-you for the giveaway! They are always fun!
ReplyAs always I would love to win. Looks very interesting.
ReplyThereadmaster(at)me(dot)com
Love those note pads.
ReplyWe have two historical attractions here in Dewey, OK. -- a Tom Mix museum and a historic hotel. I deep getting asked if I'd like to help greet people and tell them about the hotel and about Dewey, but I've only been here a year and not sure I'd do it justice. HOWEVER, I don't think I'd find any bodies - LOL
Looking forward to this series
[email protected]
I love this series! Can't wait to read this one.... :)
ReplyAnother great author with another new offering for my TBR list.
ReplyDelAnne Frazee
[email protected]
A good book and fun note pads...fingers crossed, eyes, too. [email protected]
ReplyI love the concept of this series....I need to read this one! The mystery sounds right up my alley. Thanks for the chance. :D
Replybrookeb811 at gmail dot com
Great series... I've always wanted to work in a museum too. Thanks for the giveaway!
Replythis series sounds like fun! thanks for the review (and contest!)
Replyanne
[email protected]
And the winner is (drumroll, please): Elaine Klingbell! Chosen by a random number generator, because no way was I going to try to pick one from all these great answers! (Elaine, I will email you to get the details of where to send your prize.)
ReplyThank you all for participating--and the contest goes on!
I can't get enough of Nell, James and Marty....love these books!!!
ReplyI love Nell, James and Marty...best series ever!!
ReplyBest series ever....love Nell, James and Marty!!!
Reply