Enjoyable Mystery: Murder, She Wrote: Death on the Emerald Isle

Because my own book about Ireland recently came out, I decided to read the latest in the Murder She Wrote paperback mystery series called "Death on the Emerald Isle," by Terrie Farley Moran.  It was another enjoyable read of Jessica Fletcher's sleuthing into a murder, and this time it was in Northern Ireland. Although enjoyable, there are a LOT of characters in this book, and at times, it was a little difficult to remember who is who, especially if you don't read the whole book in one sitting (takes me a week or so). I've enjoyed all of the Murder She Wrote series, especially when the late Donald Bain was writing them. This one was good, but not one of my all-time favorites.

ABOUT THE BOOK: A trip to Northern Ireland becomes unexpectedly grim for Jessica Fletcher in this new entry in the USA Today bestselling Murder, She Wrote series.

Jessica Fletcher is quick to accept an invitation to replace a speaker who couldn’t attend a Book Festival in Belfast, Ireland. When her Cabot Cove neighbor Maeve O'Bannon hears about the trip, she asks Jessica to deliver some paintings to her family in the village of Bushmills. Happy to extend her travels and see more of the Irish countryside, Jessica agrees.
 
The festival goes off without a hitch, and it seems like Jessica is in for a relaxing vacation. But then Maeve’s cousin Michael is discovered dead under suspicious circumstances. Jessica finds herself once again in the midst of a murder investigation, and she’ll have to dig into the O'Bannon family’s secrets to unmask the killer. 

Timely: Another Great mystery: "Murder She Wrote: Deboniar in Death" /Tribute to Angela Lansbury

On the day before the passing of Angela Lansbury three days ago on October 11th, I had just finished reading the latest in the "Murder She Wrote" mystery series. "Denonair in Death" by Jessica Fletcher and Terrie Farley Moran was a good mystery that reintroduced the television show series character of the British MI6 agent, Michael Haggerty.  **Today's blog is about my book review, and my tribute to Angela Lansbury who brought Jessica Fletcher to life and still does. 

   The Murder She Wrote series was started with Donald Bain, and after he passed away, Jon Land wrote several books, and now Terrie Farley Moran is penning them.  This is the 54th in the series (there are 56 so far).  

I think that this was by far the longest of any of the books in the series, and the author took extra care to describe people, settings and interactions, which gave you a good feel for what was happening. She also took time to bring in favorite characters like Loretta Speigel, the owner of the beauty shop, and Sassi, owner of the bakery and cafe. 

It was a good mystery with twists and turns, and solved in Jessica Fletcher style! 

ABOUT THE BOOK: 

When a local art shop owner is murdered, Jessica Fletcher is surprised to once again be working alongside her old friend MI-6 agent Michael Haggerty to solve the case in the newest mystery in this USA Today bestselling series.

When Nelson Penzell, co-owner of a local art and treasure store in Cabot Cove, is murdered, the nail tech from Jessica Fletcher's favorite beauty parlor is the main suspect. After all, she's the one who ran out of the store screaming, covered in blood, and holding the murder weapon. Jessica is positive that despite the circumstances, Coreen can't possibly be guilty, and is determined to prove it.

When Michael Haggerty, handsome MI-6 agent and Jessica's old friend, is caught snooping around the victim’s home, it's quickly apparent to her that she was right. Nelson has always had a bit of a reputation for being a rake, but Haggerty is sure his sins go far beyond what anyone in town imagined. If she wants to clear Coreen's name, Jessica will have to work alongside Michael to find out who killed Nelson—and maybe help bust a crime ring in the process.

MY BIG THANK YOU to Angela Lansbury- who continues to fill my heart  Murder She Wrote will always be my favorite television show AND Mystery book series. - In fact, In addition to reading this novel, over the last year, I've been in the process of watching all the tv shows (and now on Season 7).

Angela Lansbury, beloved star of ‘Murder, She Wrote,’ dead at 96

By Brian Lowry, CNN

Updated 5:09 PM EDT, Tue October 11, 2022

Angela Lansbury, who enjoyed an eclectic, award-winning movie and stage career in addition to becoming America’s favorite TV sleuth in “Murder, She Wrote,” has died, according to a statement from her family provided to NBC, whose parent company produced the long-running series. She was 96.

MORE: https://www.cnn.com/2022/10/11/entertainment/angela-lansbury-dead/index.html

A Great Mystery: Murder She Wrote: Hooray for Homicide by James Anderson (1985)

The Murder She Wrote series of books (novelizations based on the hit CBS TV show from the 1980s and 1990s) that I knew and love (all 50 plus paperbacks) were written primarily by Donald Bain. I have them all. But recently I discovered another author wrote three paperbacks about the show that preceded the Donald Bain series! 

James Anderson wrote three books in the first "Murder She Wrote" series in 1985. I found one called "Hooray for Homicide." It's actually written in British English, too. It's the second book of three in that first series. This particular book had two different storylines- and two different murders. The first was resolved by the middle of the book and that's when the second storyline and second murder came in. It was an enjoyable read , and I read it in just a few days.  It turns out that this is also a rare book - and hard to find, so good luck finding a copy! 

ABOUT THE BOOK: Jessica Fletcher, a successful New England mystery writer, investigates a millionaire's disappearance at sea and the murder of a Hollywood producer who was working on one of Jessica's novels

Another Great Mystery in the Murder She Wrote Series: Manuscript for Murder

When author Donald Bain passed away some years ago, author Jon Land took over writing the Murder She Wrote mystery series (I think there are now 37 books in the series and I've read them all). I wasn't sure if I would love them, but I do. Jon Land carries on the tradition of Donald Bain's writing style and captures Jessica Fletcher and the whole cast of characters perfectly in the latest paperback in the series "Manuscript for Murder." - All of the books in this series are keepers and I've read several over and over- this will be one. The mystery surrounds a manuscript Jessica is given to read by her publisher, and so many people who read it are found murdered... and Jessica is in danger, too.  - The book will keep you guessing all the way to the end.  - Rob
  Here's the book description from Amazon.>>>


ABOUT THE BOOK:
Jessica Fletcher investigates a mysterious manuscript with deadly consequences in the latest entry in this USA Today bestselling series...

Jessica Fletcher has had plenty to worry about over her storied career, both as a bestselling novelist and amateur sleuth. But she never had any reason to worry about her longtime publisher, Lane Barfield, who also happens to be a trusted friend. When mounting evidence of financial malfeasance leads to an FBI investigation of Lane, Jessica can't believe what she's reading.

So when Barfield turns up dead, Jessica takes on the task of proving Barfield's innocence--she can't fathom someone she's known and trusted for so long cheating her. Sure enough, Jessica's lone wolf investigation turns up several oddities and inconsistencies in Barfield's murder. Jessica knows something is being covered up, but what exactly? The trail she takes to answer that question reveals something far more nefarious afoot, involving shadowy characters from the heights of power in Washington. At the heart of Jessica's investigation lies a manuscript Barfield had intended to bring out after all other publishers had turned it down. The problem is that manuscript has disappeared, all traces of its submission and very existence having been wiped off the books.

With her own life now in jeopardy, Jessica refuses to back off and sets her sights on learning the contents of that manuscript and what about it may have led to several murders. Every step she takes brings her closer to the truth of what lies in the pages, as well as the person who penned them.

Great Mystery! Murder She Wrote: Hook, Line and Murder

During our vacation to Spain last week, we got to do a lot of reading because of 3 connecting flights
to get there, and get home. One of the books I thoroughly enjoyed was the latest paperback mystery in the "Murder She Wrote" series (based on the tv show):  "Hook Line and Murder," by Jessica Fletcher, Donald Bain and Renee Paley-Bain.  
  The book was fast moving like the other 30 or so in the series, and a great read. There turned out to be 2 murders in the story, one old and one new. The characters were vivid and easy to picture in your mind, and of course, the main cast from the 1980s-1990s TV show were all in the book, too. The mystery will keep you guessing and there's a mystery in a mystery!  Another 5 star Murder She Wrote mystery!  - Rob

ABOUT THE BOOK:  The USA Today bestselling Murder, She Wrote mystery series continues as Jessica Fletcher takes a relaxing getaway that turns into a reel deadly situation...

Jessica enters a fly-fishing competition at a nearby lake. Joining her is the sheriff’s wife, Maureen Metzger, who surprises Jess with her enthusiasm for the sport. Their guide, however, is a surprise to both...

Brian Kinney is an ex-con. Jailed as an accomplice to Darryl Jepson, a convicted killer, Brian was later exonerated, but not before spending seven years behind bars. He seems like a decent enough fellow. Just a man trying to rebuild his life as a family man and fishing guide. 

Yet when Jepson breaks out of prison vowing revenge, and the lawyer for both men is found murdered, Cabot Cove becomes the focus of the nation as local, state, and federal authorities descend on Jessica’s hometown. And to add to the tension, Maureen has gone missing. Is she lost or is she a hostage? Jess soon finds herself caught in a netful of lies, deceit and ulterior motives. In order to save her friend, she’ll need to find some answers by hook or by crook..

Another Awesome Murder She Wrote Mystery: Killer in the Kitchen

"Killer in the Kitchen" by Jessica Fletcher and Donald Bain is  another great mystery in the series.
This "team" of writers (actually Donald Bain) is amazing and doesn't disappoint with this next in the Murder She Wrote mystery series.  There are great characters that you really get to know, and with multiple potential killers, you'll be guessing until the end. Highly Recommended (as are ALL in this series).

ABOUT THE AUTHORS: Jessica Fletcher is a bestselling mystery writer who has a knack for stumbling upon real-life mysteries in her various travels. Donald Bain, her longtime collaborator, is the writer of more than one hundred books, many of them bestsellers.
ABOUT THE BOOK: 
A BEEF WITH LEBOEUF
Jessica loves the Fin & Claw restaurant, owned by young Cabot Cove couple Brad and Marcie. The eatery is the couple’s dream come true, but it’s quickly turning into a nightmare.
  Famed chef Gérard Leboeuf has decided to open his brand of bistro right next to theirs. Given the competition, the charming chef’s manner soon turns sour. Tensions rise hot and fast until they boil over, leading to a nasty confrontation between Leboeuf and Brad.
   So when one chef is found with a knife planted in his chest, the other becomes the prime suspect. But there’s a long list of those who had a motive to kill in this kitchen war, and it’s up to Jessica to uncover who really added murder to the menu.

Great Xmas Mystery: Murder, She Wrote: a Little Yuletide Murder

With the holiday season here, I (Rob) decided to re-read a classic mystery in a Christmas setting: Murder, She Wrote: a Little Yuletide Murder" by Jessica Fletcher and Donald Bain. 
    I've read most in the series (there are almost 30) and I re-read them. It's my all -time favorite mystery series, and this one is a great read. It's about the town Santa found murdered in his barn and there are some odd characters as suspects. There are a lot of twists and turns to the story and it's solved as only Jessica Fletcher can solve it.  So, if you're looking for a great christmas-time murder mystery, get a copy of this one!

BOOK SUMMARY:
Jessica Fletcher is planning to spend a cozy Christmas in Cabot Cove. But when Rory Brent is found shot to death on his farm, there will be no peace on earth until his killer is found. Snooping into the small town's past for a motive, Jessica is determined to deliver the killer before Christmas. The trouble is, the next sound she hears this silent night may be a scream--her own?

 

Another Great "Murder She Wrote" mystery: Trouble at High Tide

Another great book in the series!

 Sometimes the mysteries I've read are so great that I can the entire book in week, and all of the Murder She Wrote mystery series books are just like that for me:Trouble at High Tide was no exception.  Jessica is invited to come down to Bermuda to stay at a cottage on the property of a judge she met in New Jersey. The judge sends her a plane ticket when he and his family travel to Bermuda and Jessica gets caught up in "Jack the Ripper-style" murders. The judge's family is also directly affected. The Judge has three ex-wives, children that don't care for him, and even neighbors that don't like him, so there's a lot of discord to untangle. As with all Murder She Wrote novels, this one will keep you guessing as you read how mystery novel writer Jessica Fletcher figures it all out.

  Like all of the others in the series I highly recommend book! - Rob

Book Review! Murder She Wrote: Queen's Jewels

I (Rob) am a HUGE Fan of "Murder She Wrote" and the novels that are companion to the TV series never disappoint. I love these books. The latest I read was "The Queen's Jewels" and you feel like
you're on board with Jessica Fletcher as she tries to solve the mystery. She meets some interesting characters and some you may remember from the TV Show that made appearances from time to time.  The story will leave you wanting to finish quickly. HIGHLY Recommended!!


BOOK SUMMARY: Jessica Fletcher has always wanted to take a transatlantic voyage on the legendary Queen Mary 2. Now, she's finally getting her chance. But when the investigation of a stolen diamond follows her up the gangplank, she must try to enjoy the sumptuous seaborne surroundings while searching for a priceless diamond-and the person desperate enough to take a life for it.
To Order on Amazon: Murder She Wrote: The Queen's Jewels

Great Book! - Murder She Wrote: A Fatal Feast

Okay, so if you read this blog, you know that the "Murder she Wrote" series of mysteries are my absolute favorite. It's because they're so GREAT.

One of the latest to arrive in paperback was "A Fatal Feast" set with the Thanksgiving Holiday as a centerpiece of the story. It's authors are Jessica Fletcher and Donald Bain. :)
- As always, the story keeps you involved and wanting to finish quickly. I read this in about 5 days and had a hard time putting it down to go to sleep at night! Jessica's Scotland Yard Inspector friend George from Scotland Yard is visiting and after Jessica and George help out serving dinners at a homeless shelter, their friend Doc's carving knife is missing. When it turns up in the chest of a mysterious new stranger in town, Jessica and her inspector friend investigate to find a lot of secrets that are being kept in town. EXCELLENT READ!