Death on the Cliff Walk

Another Mary Kruger story that fits like a favorite slipper! Her writing makes one feel "comfortable" and interested and, with great writing ease pulls you into the world of her story as though you lived through it yourself. Her story of suspense glides you through its pages and there's no disappointment with her story-telling or how the story reaches it's finale. This woman is a gifted writer! More, please!

The mystery was well thought out. The few red herrings the author strew in our trail made sense. I look forward to reading other titles by this author.

Another maid has been found laying dead on the cliff walk. Or is she, maid that is. A repeat murderer must be at work. Maids have been dying. However, Detective Matt Devlin realizes that while the battered woman lying along the cliff walk is wearing maid's uniform she has hands much too soft and unblemished to be that of a maid. Before long Devlin is thrown together with one of the well-to-do inhabitants of the 'cottages' to work toward the solving of this puzzling mystery. Brooke Cassidy and Devlin had been childhood friends during the years before the death of her working class parents to a carriage accident and Brooke's subsequent leaving of Newport, Rhode Island for a very different life in New York City. Now Brooke is back and living as the ward of her affluent relatives, the Olmsteads. When all the clues begin pointing to Uncle Henry as the murderer, Matt has no choice but to arrest him. Brooke's `damn the torpedoes full steam ahead' tenacity coupled with Matt's superior, thought plodding, investigative ability do uncover the true killer. Their discovery comes too late to prevent the death of another but not before another woman falls prey to the mad man.What an interesting tale is to be found on the pages of Death on The Cliff Walk . Set in 1895 Death on The Cliff Walk is a suspense filled historical novel. This is a gripping tale filled with intriguing well developed characters, credible dialogue and plenty of uncertainty. Duplicity abounds as the pair works toward solving the conundrum. Brooke as the bemused amateur sleuth is a sensible young woman who knows that she cannot simply live the life of the idle rich as her wealthy relatives want her to do. Rather she is determined to help solve the case. I've known people like this peppy girl! Matt Devlin is the perfect quiet, introspective foil to Brooke's headstrong determination. Kruger's Brooke Cassidy is reminiscent of Brenda Bolden's Bird Series' Alex Masters. Both girls are determined, impatient and intent upon finding answers, right now. It is their willingness to rush forward despite all odds that often brings Cassidy and Masters both face to face with real, personal problems in addition to the one they were trying to solve.Watch those red herrings. Do not fall into their grip or you may find yourself surprised when you reach the last paragraph of this action packed thriller. Good book for a `lazy afternoon on the porch reading day.'I hope this is not the only book in which we will find Matt Devlin and Brooke Cassidy working together to solve a perplexing case.Reviewed by: molly martin

If you're a mystery buff who also happened to love the movie Titanic, you'll find much to appreciate in this book. I read this mystery shortly after seeing Titanic, and many of the same Gilded Age themes of class conflict and proper society are in evidence here. Kruger has done her homework and provided a believable depiction of the era, as well as a well-written and satisfying mystery with enjoyable and well-developed characters. Two thumbs up.