From sixth-century Constantinople to Victorian England to modern day Charleston, being a philanthropist can be hazardous to your health according to these mystery novel writers.
The Alpine Kindred Mary Daheim
The brutal stabbing of local philanthropist Einar Rasmussen Jr. outrages folk in the old logging town of Alpine. But, strangely, editor Emma Lord of The Alpine Advocate can scarcely pry a word out of the victim's reclusive relatives. Sheriff Milo Dodge isn't much help either, now that he and Emma are no longer an item. So intrepid Emma goes solo, hot after a story that sparks through town like wildfire, fueled by rumor, malice, and the deadly antics of a maniac. . .
Four for a boy Mary Reed
In this captivating prequel set in sixth-century Constantinople, the fourth in Reed and Mayer's well-received historical series (One for Sorrow, Two for Joy, Three for a Letter, etc.), the future emperor Justinian asks a young slave named John the Eunuch to investigate the murder of philanthropist Hypatius, struck down while examining the controversial Christ statue he and three others have given to the city's Great Church. Discounting rumors of a political plot, John undertakes a search for the truth that will lead him from opulent palace to squalid hospice, and to meetings with such memorable characters as the naove Lady Anna and the quirky Avis, who lives in a virtual aviary and is convinced he will fly someday. Written with humor and pathos, this superior historical is sure to please existing fans and send new ones in search of the rest of the series.
Green Thumb Ralph McInerny One early morning during spring break, Detectives Phil Knight and Jimmie Stewart are enjoying a golf game at the University of Notre Dame when they find a man apparently suffering a heart attack on the green. They summon help and the man is rushed to the emergency room. But it's too late--the man dies at the hospital and an autopsy suggests that his death was not an accident. The victim--poisoned with deadly nightshade--turns out to be Mortimer Sadler, something of a boor but also an extremely generous donor to the university. He'd returned to campus for an unofficial class reunion, along with several classmates, including his three college roommates. Soon, long-buried animosities surface among the old friends. But are these old wounds strong enough to result in murder? Or was there a more recent disagreement brewing? Phil and his brother Professor Roger Knight team up to uncover the truth behind Sadler's death. Green Thumb is an intriguing addition to this series by the author of the beloved Father Dowling mysteries. Filled with suspense and plot twists galore, not to mention McInerny's trademark clever wit, it's guaranteed to enchant new readers as well as dedicated fans.
The jasmine moon murder Laura Childs
Indigo Tea Shop owner Theodosia Browning is catering a Charleston charity benefit, a "Ghost Crawl" through Jasmine Cemetery, when the organizer drops dead—and it looks like foul play. Theodosia stirs things up with her own investigation, and gets into hot water up to her neck.
Murder melts in your mouth: a Blackbird sisters mystery Nancy Martin
Down-to-earth debutante Nora Blackbird is having a meltdown. A noted Philly philanthropist has taken a swan dive from an office balcony and Nora's friend Lexie stands accused of the murder. Then her scheming parents reappear, sending all three Blackbird sisters into a panic. Now Nora must uncover her parents' scandalous high jinks before she winds up taking the heat.
Murder on Sisters' Row: a gaslight mystery Victoria Thompson
When nurse/midwife Sarah Brandt is called to a delivery, she believes she’s in a boarding house. But it soon becomes apparent she is in a house of prostitution. The “madam” of the house, Mrs. Walker, is present throughout the birthing process, but when the new mother, Amy, gets the midwife alone, she begs Sarah to help rescue her and her baby, giving her the name of a charitable organization that rescues women from prostitution. Sarah agrees to help by contacting the charity’s head, Mrs. Vivian VanOrner. Mrs. VanOrner and her cohorts make plans to rescue Amy. The whole enterprise is a success: Amy and her son Gregory are transported to a safe house.
When Mrs. VanOrner is poisoned, it becomes apparent that murderer must be one of the people in her charitable circle. But which one? Of course, Detective Sergeant Frank Malloy winds up on the case and begins to once again rely on Sarah to help him get the inside scoop on the charity and on the folks in the VanOrner household.
List courtesy of the Book a Librarian Service of the Toronto Reference Library
