A Crossword to Die for

Rating:
Summary: complex, entertaining and thoroughly thought-provoking
Review: Although her father, renowned anthropologist Theodore A. Graham, didn't show up for his daughter's wedding to P.I. Rosco Polycrates, he is on his way to visit them now. When Belle arrives at the Newcastle, Massachusetts train station her father is nowhere to be found. It is only later that she learns he died aboard the train apparently of a heart attack.

When she goes down to Florida to close down her father's condo, she meets an assistant she never knew he had. That assistant is later killed in a hit and run accident but by that time Belle and Roscoe think the deaths were planned hits. There are discrepancies in Theodore's records, a notebook of his has gone missing, and somebody in Mexico is sending them crossword puzzles that imply the professor and his assistant were murdered.

A Nero Blanc mystery is always fun to read because of the two protagonists who are so much in love that they leave the audience feeling clean and refreshed. The story line itself is complex, entertaining and thoroughly thought-provoking, a mystery lover's delight as well as a crossword puzzle fan's pleasure. This book, in fact this series, is highly recommended.

Harriet Klausner

Rating:
Summary: complex, entertaining and thoroughly thought-provoking
Review: Although her father, renowned anthropologist Theodore A. Graham, didn't show up for his daughter's wedding to P.I. Rosco Polycrates, he is on his way to visit them now. When Belle arrives at the Newcastle, Massachusetts train station her father is nowhere to be found. It is only later that she learns he died aboard the train apparently of a heart attack.

When she goes down to Florida to close down her father's condo, she meets an assistant she never knew he had. That assistant is later killed in a hit and run accident but by that time Belle and Roscoe think the deaths were planned hits. There are discrepancies in Theodore's records, a notebook of his has gone missing, and somebody in Mexico is sending them crossword puzzles that imply the professor and his assistant were murdered.

A Nero Blanc mystery is always fun to read because of the two protagonists who are so much in love that they leave the audience feeling clean and refreshed. The story line itself is complex, entertaining and thoroughly thought-provoking, a mystery lover's delight as well as a crossword puzzle fan's pleasure. This book, in fact this series, is highly recommended.

Harriet Klausner

Rating:
Summary: Interesting read!
Review: Belle waits for her father at the train station. When he doesn't show up, she just feels that he forgot to call to say he wasn't able to make it. They have a rather cold relationship. He didn't even make it to her wedding. She finds out that he has died of an apparent heart attack on the train and she ventures to Florida to collect his belongings, papers, etc. She meets his assistant, a young woman who gushes over how wonderful Belle's dad is. Hmmm...this side of him that she never saw! When she returns home, she and her husband Rosco find out many things from his papers that make them question his demise. The story takes us to Princeton University and a strange French female professor.
There are many twists and turns in this novel...why did her father fly to Belize when he was scared to death of flying...what was his relationship with his assistant...why did he visit Princeton before getting on the train to visit her (and where else did he go)?
While there seemed to be a couple of loose ends that were not explained, I really enjoyed the book and read it in 2 days.

Rating:
Summary: Interesting read!
Review: Belle waits for her father at the train station. When he doesn't show up, she just feels that he forgot to call to say he wasn't able to make it. They have a rather cold relationship. He didn't even make it to her wedding. She finds out that he has died of an apparent heart attack on the train and she ventures to Florida to collect his belongings, papers, etc. She meets his assistant, a young woman who gushes over how wonderful Belle's dad is. Hmmm...this side of him that she never saw! When she returns home, she and her husband Rosco find out many things from his papers that make them question his demise. The story takes us to Princeton University and a strange French female professor.
There are many twists and turns in this novel...why did her father fly to Belize when he was scared to death of flying...what was his relationship with his assistant...why did he visit Princeton before getting on the train to visit her (and where else did he go)?
While there seemed to be a couple of loose ends that were not explained, I really enjoyed the book and read it in 2 days.

Rating:
Summary: Can Belle find out the truth about her father
Review: P.I. Rosco Polycrates and crossword editor Belle Graham are newlyweds. Belle's dad is coming to visit. He didn't attend the wedding but has decided to come meet Rosco and visit with Belle. He is afraid to fly so is coming by train. Unfortunately he dies of an apparent heart attack en route.

Belle flies to his home in Florida and quickly finds out that what she knew about her dad may not have been the truth. She meets his assistant whom she didn't even know existed. She starts asking questions. When she returns home, she and Rosco continue investigating. It appears her father may have been involved in drugs. This is nothing like the scholarly father she knew. They start retracing his steps from Florida to where he was found dead on the train. Miles are missing in the expected path. They follow many dead ends before finding the truth.

Since Rosco used to be a detective he has many ties in the department which can help or hinder him in his investigations. The characters are very believable and well developed. Belle is well described and I felt like I knew her and could feel her strained relationship with her father. With every twist in the story, I felt her frustration and curiosity to find out the truth. The mysterious Woody truly adds to the mystery in this book.

In this series the plot is always very well developed. The story is complex and just when you think you have it all figured out, it takes another turn.

You should read this book. While you're at it, I recommend the whole series.



Rating:
Summary: Can Belle find Rosco in time for the wedding
Review: P.I. Rosco Polycrates is marrying crossword editor Belle Graham. Before their marriage, a homeless man is found dead with a crossword puzzle under him. He was hit in the head with a stone and has dog food in his pocket. The police think he had turned to eating dog food. Rosco knows him and that he had a puppy.

Sara, a matriarch in the community, asks Rosco to begin looking for the puppy. Then a homeless woman is found dead also with a crossword puzzle under her. They try to find the connection between the two.

Rosco goes missing. Belle starts receiving anonymous crossword puzzles with clues. Lieutenant Al Lever, Rosco's former partner, tries to keep Belle safe and find Rosco. But, Belle keeps alluding him as she is trying to follow the clues and find Rosco herself. She is constantly reminded to not include the police. There are many twists before you get to the end.

This is a very enjoyable series. I enjoy trying to complete the crosswords even though I am not very good at them. There are always clues in them. I like when Belle tries to complete the crosswords and gives some of the crossword answers in the book.

The characters are very believable and well developed. Rosco is believable as a P.I. He used to be a detective so he has connections in the police department. I like the character Carlyle who is the medical examiner. He and Rosco do not get along but he likes Belle.

Recently we vacationed in New England so I like books set in New England. I feel the plot is very well developed and the setting is very realistic.

I highly recommend this book and the whole series.