Huckleberry Finished

I got this book when it was free on Kindle, and was pleased to find it better than most of the other free books I've read - or tried to read. The author has a nice, easy writing style which draws you right into the story. Unfortunately, I, like some of the other reviewers, had the feeling that I'd come in in the middle of the story, since this is not the first book in the series. I felt that there needed to be more background on Delilah's past. The reader doesn't know enough about her to really "place" her as a person or a sleuth. As for the mystery, it was interesting enough, although not plotted so that the reader could figure it out. We only knew what Delilah knew, which is the consequence of first person narratives. I did enjoy the ride, though, enough to go back and read the first of the series, and to look forward to Delilah's next adventure.

All the deception and intrigue in multiple levels and interesections really enteretained me in this book. Delilah Dickenson is a lovely character. I did miss her daughter and son-in-law in this book though as the daughter was the only one of te pair in this book and only then by telephone. I feel bad for Delilah because she always seems to find men who aren't what she believes them to be in one way or another. After her messy divorce with her abusive and murderous husband, she deserves happiness, but it doesn't seem to be her lot in life. I also really felt for the mother in this book. I won't say why to allow the reader to discover the character on his or her own, but she really is pityable in the end as are, possibly, a few other characters thought of in the right light. This series has just the right amount of suspense and complexity to make it a fun read while still giving the reader a sense of mystery. I can't wait for the next book.

I got this as a kindle freebie and found it to be an interesting and enjoyable light read. The premise of the story is unique, a Mississippi paddle wheeler that operates as a tour boat. The operator of a literary themed tour agency is on the boat when she is asked to intervene in a dispute between one of "her" passengers and the boat's casino operators. The passenger believes the roulette wheel is rigged and has reacted by trying to strike one of the gaming staff. Justifiably he is ruled off the boat and will be asked to leave at the next stop. At the next stop, the tour operator can't find her recalcitrant passenger. Did he already get off - is he hiding - did something happen to him? While investigating this situation and preparing his refund, her daughter back at the office learns that this passenger is using a fake name and identity. She also learns that it's just been a year since another mysterious death on the same boat, with the anniversary date coming up shortly. The parents of the past victim are on the boat as a memorial to their daughter. Are they involved with this current disappearance? An actor playing Mark Twain is helping in the investigation, as well as emerging as a love interest for the heroine. What are they going to find, and will they survive the adventure?

Delilah Dickinson owns a travel agency in Atlanta that specializes in literary themes. She hopes the Samuel Clemens tour on a riverboat down the Mississippi will prove more relaxing than the Scarlett O'Hara plantation trip, which included a real murder (see FRANKLY NY DEAR, I'M DEAD). The cruise does not get off to a good start when one of the customers Ben Webster throws a punch at a roulette dealer whom he claims was cheating. The captain holds Delilah culpable while the security chief orders Ben from the boat, but he disappears and his cabin is empty. He is found dead. The police refuse to allow anyone to leave the vessel until they find the killer. Delilah teams up on her investigation with an actor on board portraying Samuel Clemens, Mark Lansing. However he is really a private eye undercover trying to learn who killed pregnant Hannah Kramer a year ago on the same boat. The travel agent believes the current homicide and that of Hannah are related, but her inquiry almost makes her victim number three. The second literary tour mystery is a special amateur sleuth tale as the spunky heroine makes for a fun "locked room" cozy. Hannah behaves in a believable manner while obtaining tidbits of information by asking questions of those trapped on board. HUCKLEBERRY FINISHED is a humorous, fresh (baked) dramatic whodunit that fans will enjoy and Mark Twain would have appreciated. Harriet Klausner

This is a murder mystery. Our intrepid amature sleuth, Delilah, is a thirty something divorced mom with a married daughter. She is a travel agent who specializes in tours with literary themes. On this tour she is taking group on a steamship tour down the Mississippi to Hannibal, Mo, Mark Twain's birthplace. Unfortunately, Delilah's tours also tend to supply a little extra entertainment - murder. Throw in a few of Mark Twain's famous quotes, a bit of romance with the actor playing Mark Twain on the riverboat, who is hiding a few secrets, and a few more plot twists to keep us guessing, and we have the elements for a quick, fun read.