Yankee Doodle Dead

In many ways *Yankee Doodle Dead* is rather like the paperback mysteries that Annie Laurance Darling praises in chapter one and it's obvious that's intended. This book kept me up until my eyes refused to stay open any longer and I made sure to finish it during breakfast, even though it meant I had to scramble to get to work. The references to other mystery books and authors were fun when I recognized them and gave me some idea what the other fictional detectives were like when I didn't. The reason for Edith Wentworth's non-stop lifestyle came as no surprise when it was revealed, because it's similar to one of Leslie Ford's classic Grace Latham-Colonel Primrose mysteries. (Given the the emphasis Patricia Wentworth of Miss Silver fame placed on honorable conduct, the choice of surname for Jonathan and Edith was quite appropriate.) General (Retired) Bud Hatch raised my hackles from his first appearance. I didn't care how many men (including Max)thought he could be a great/good guy. As the book progressed, I knew he wasn't. I'm a DAC(Department of the Army Civilian), as was my mother. I received my certificate and pin for 20 years' service last year. My father was Air Force, so I'm a former military brat, too. I can assure the reader who is unfamiliar with our military that Hatch is no caricature. I find the premise of the Dark Deed that led to the General's death chillingly plausible. Even though I cannot condone Hatch's murder, I understand why his killer shot him. Got a good chuckle out of the way that our modern gallant women of South Carolina foiled Hatch's plot to make sure that the Fourth of July festival honored only patriotic men. It was also satisfying that Hatch was the disgrace to his former uniform, not the gay Vietnam veteran that Hatch thought shouldn't be allowed to wear a uniform. Max Darling actually stirred himself quite a bit in this book, which was a pleasant surprise. On the other hand, if his mother, Laurel, hadn't been so kind to Gail Oldham, it would have been prudent for Max and Annie to have locked her in a bedroom with a bath until the murder was solved. Laurel is a woman who scarcely comprehends the meaning of moderation. A welcome departure from old mysteries is the depiction of minorities and "just plain folks" as intelligent, honest, and capable. Loved Annie's "speak your mind" thoughts that she was so wise to leave unspoken. I also loved the depictions of Dorothy L. and Agatha, Annie's cats. Yes, indeedy, Ms. Hart knows cats. (It's a good thing those cats are fictional, or our cover designer and illustrators might find themselves on the business end of Agatha's claws for putting her at the bottom and Dorothy L at the top. By the way, that's a delightful grin on the face of the alligator that forms the "D" in "Dead". At least I think it's meant to be an alligator, although the snout seems more like a crocodile's.) In short, this update o

I have been waiting with bated breath for the newest adventure of my favorite bookstore proprietor and her husband, "Joe Hardy all grown up and sexy as..."! Once again, Ms. Hart has not disappointed!! For true mystery lovers, the references to other authors and their titles are wonderful. I try to choose at least one of the "spotlighted" mysteries to add to my collection. I only wish I could join the citizens of Broward's Rock.

How fun to have the Darlings back, as well as Broward's Rock and all its eccentric inhabitants. I agree with the reader from Ohio, once again this series is so endearing I found myself reading slowly to enjoy every bit, Broward's Rock and Death on Demand are hard places to leave!

Brigadier General (R) Charleton "Bud" Hatch moves to the resort town of Broward's Rock, South Carolina. The brusque general is immediately unpopular among the laidback islanders, who refuse to kowtow to his constant orders and demands. Someone resented the retired officer more stongly than anyone else because Bud is murdered during the Fourth of July celebration. Annie Laurence Darling, owner of the Death on Demand Mystery Bookstore, is looking forward to spending some time with her beloved spouse Max. However, solving the case of who killed the extremely disliked Bud becomes priority number one for the couple. Gently, they ask questions of the seemingly unlimited number of natives, who wanted the general dead, to ascertain who will actually committed the deed. Yankee Doodle Dead, the tenth novel in the "Death on Demand" mystery cozy series, is a splendid regional who-done-it that will be totally adored by fans of Southern atmospheric murder tales. The atmosphere of the Carolina barrier island feels genuine, almost as if readers are on a vacation there. The characters, especially the dynamic lead duo, add depth and charm to an entertaining story. Placing all that in a well structured mystery leaves readers with a great treat, compliments of Carolyn Hart.Harriet Klausner

Brigadier General (R) Charleton "Bud" Hatch moves to the resort town of Broward's Rock, South Carolina. The brusque general is immediately unpopular among the laidback islanders, who refuse to kowtow to his constant orders and demands. Someone resented the retired officer more stongly than anyone else because Bud is murdered during the Fourth of July celebration.Annie Laurence Darling, owner of the Death on Demand Mystery Bookstore, is looking forward to spending some time with her beloved spouse Max. However, solving the case of who killed the extremely disliked Bud becomes priority number one for the couple. Gently, they ask questions of the seemingly unlimited number of natives, who wanted the general dead, to ascertain who will actually committed the deed.Yankee Doodle Dead, the tenth novel in the "Death on Demand" mystery cozy series, is a splendid regional who-done-it that will be totally adored by fans of Southern atmospheric murder tales. The atmosphere of the Carolina barrier island feels genuine, almost as if readers are on a vacation there. The characters, especially the dynamic lead duo, add depth and charm to an entertaining story. Placing all that in a well structured mystery leaves readers with a great treat, compliments of Carolyn Hart.Harriet Klausner