A Misty Mournings

This was a page turner. Couldn't put it down. Never know till the end of her books who done it.....must read.

I have read most of the books in this particular series and continue to be impressed. The author is certainly a very good story teller. With her work we get history, humor, good discriptive details and likable characters. This particular work takes place outside of O'Shea's normal residence, but it still has all the charm of her small town in Missouri. I guess I am rather fascinated with this author's work. These books are most certainly "cozy chick books," not something that can normally hold the interest of a 60 plus year old ex-military man who reads more biographies than anything else. But...there is something about them (MacPherson's books) that is quite relaxing, the writing is good and I am grateful to my wife for insisting that I read the first one. I would have missed a lot had I not listened to her. I would be curious to know why this particular author has not branched out into other genre. Her story telling abilities and command of the language are at least as good as those of Elizabeth Moon and Anne McCaffrey (two of my favorite in the fantasy genre). Anyway, I highly recommend this one for a very enjoyable read and hope we have many more like it coming down the pike.

I have read the previous 3 Torie O'Shea books and really enjoyed them but this one has so far been my favorite. The mystery was really good but what I enjoyed even more than that was the history of the coal miners and their way of life. I am very interested in Appalachian studies and it was a bonus that this book really fed into my interest, and has led me to look into some of the books that Rett MacPherson cites as some of her sources in the back of this book. Very enjoyable read!

Yes, there are plenty of twists in this story. Some I saw coming and some I didn't. "Grandma Gert" is a nice addition to the "Holy Terror" school of formidable elders. The author asks our forgiveness for not setting this story in New Kassel, but I don't think there's anything to forgive. The West Virginia setting was just as interesting as the unfolding of another less-than-ordinary chapter in the lives of Torie's ancestors. The information about a certain use for quilts was new to me and welcome. I hope this isn't the last we'll see of cousin Elliot. RANDOM COMMENTS: Actually, considering what happens to your body when you die, sitting on the toilet might not be the worst place to be if your plane should crash. I, for one, don't think Torie should forgive her stepfather-to-be until he clears her record. Colin should write to her car insurance company and the department of motor vehicles [if they still have the incident on record] and admit that Torie didn't deserve that ticket. He should also pay Torie every penny of the difference that ticket undoubtedly made in her insurance rates during those years. It's not enough to apologize if you've wronged someone. You need to make reparation. All right, I'll admit I'm frequently shocked by what coworkers in their teens and 20s don't know about American history, but Torie is in her 30s. Weren't they still teaching about miners and the horrible conditions under which they worked when she was in school? Didn't she ever ask an adult what the line "I owe my soul to the company store" in Tennessee Ernie Ford's "Sixteen Tons" meant? I would have expected her to nod and let the speaker go on talking. I do hope Torie's car has vinyl seats instead of cloth.

In New Kasel, Missouri, Tori O'Shea is a professional genealogist. She lives with her husband Rudy and their two daughters, nine-year-old Rachel and six-year-old Mary. They live the typical suburban family life except when Tori becomes involved in a homicide (see FAMILY SKELETONS and A VEILED ANTIQUITY). No one expects Tori to deal with a murder investigation since she is seven months pregnant.Tori and her grandmother Gert travel to Panther Run, West Virginia to visit long time friend Clarissa Hart Campbell, a 101-year-old lady. However, just after the two visitors arrive at Clarissa's boarding house, someone kills the centenarian, but not before she makes it clear she has something important to tell Tori. The local sheriff suspects Tori of killing Clarissa, which encourages the pregnant woman to make her own inquiries. Her investigation opens up long buried secrets that are almost as old as Clarissa was as well as a killer who would not mind a double homicide with one murderous blow.Rett MacPherson creates charming cozies starring a beguiling heroine with a sense of humor. The story line, based on the coal mine owners total control of the work force, provides the audience with a realistic glimpse into an unsavory time in this country's heritage. A MISTY MORNING ties the past to the present so that the history of early twentieth century West Virginia coal mining towns are vividly displayed. Ms. MacPherson has written a wonderful amateur sleuth tale whose historical perspective adds tasty seasoning to a strong tale.Harriet Klausner