The Cranefly Orchid Murders: 5

This interesting series of mysteries features Dorothy, who at 92, is a "feisty woman who refuses to let the aches and pains of old age stop her from enjoying her multifarious activities". Dorothy lives on Martha's Vineyard, where she is well-known thumbing rides from islanders as she walks to her various appointments. She is also a volunteer with the sheriff's department, and when acting in that capacity, she wears her special cap. Because of Dorothy's age, her experience in life enables her to look inside the human heart, often picking up clues missed by others. This is the second book in the series of seven books featuring this character. Each of the books is named after a plant, usually a native wildflower. I found the book enjoyable and the story riveting. Cynthia Riggs, the author, is a thirteenth generation islander, who with her daughter, runs a bed and breakfast, The Cleaveland House, a 1700's home. She said Dorothy is patterned after her own mother.

I thoroughly enjoy Cynthia Rigg's writing. Her main character is totally believable and the plots are creative.

Although this book had less Martha's Vineyard than Cynthia Riggs first novel starring "detective" Victoria Trumbull, I found it more enjoyable. In "Deadly Nightshade", there were too many coincidences that placed Victoria Trumbull in just the right place at the right time to be involved in the solution to the murder mystery. In The Cranefly Orchid Murders, Victoria still happens upon the first dead body, but the rest of plot involves her skills and pluckiness in a more natural way. There is more mystery to this book, and some enjoyable exchanges among the varied groups vying for the 200 acres of prime real estate which lead to the murders. There is also a wonderful description of one characters slip into alcoholism and homelessness, and I like that there are a few minor loose ends which are NOT neatly tied up at the end.I look forward to the next Cynthia Riggs novel!

Victoria Trumbull is a spry ninety-two year old woman who lives on Martha's Vineyard year round. She has more energy than most people half her age, goes hiking, writes poetry and reads to the residents of the retirement home. One of Victoria's neighbors, Phoebe Eldridge, has just sold her home and land to another Martha's Vineland resident, Harry Ness. While hiking Victoria discovers the murdered body of the lawyer who represented both parties in the property sale. Many different interest groups offer to buy the land from Ness but he refuses to sell it to anyone because he intends to build an exclusive $180 million dollar luxury community. When Harry is found murdered every person who wanted to buy the land is considered a suspect and Victoria decides it is her job to bring the killer to Justice. The heroine of THE CRANEFLY ORCHID MURDERS makes this mystery novel very special. It's great reading about an elderly woman who has all her faculties while solving crimes, hiking and being creative. Victoria comes across as very believable and will appeal to readers of all ages. Thanks to Cynthia Riggs colorful descriptions, the real Martha's Vineyard comes alive to readers who will feel as if they vacationed there. Harriet Klausner