this is the 255th in my series of forgotten or seldom read books
Deadly Nightshade by Cynthia Riggs, Thomas Dunne Books/St. Martin’s Minotaur, 2001, hardcover – mystery, cozy
I don’t read a ton of cozies, but once in a while I’m tempted by a review. I was thus tempted by a review of a newer book by Riggs, but decided to go to the first in the series, which is set in New England.
Victoria Trumbull has lived most of her 92 years on the Island. Like other Islanders, she knows the sound of the sea in calm and stormy weather – and she knows the sounds that do not belong. One evening while Victoria waits on the dock for her granddaughter to return with the harbormaster, she hears a chilling scream followed by a splash and the sound of tires skidding on sand. She investigates and discovers a mutilated body floating on the outgoing tide.
With her granddaughter, and also Domingo, the harbormaster, a swarm of Island characters, and a few mysterious visitors, Victoria manages to get in a good bit of detective work. However, she isn’t able to prevent further homicide. As the tension mounts, Victoria concocts a scheme to reveal the killer and still has time to prepare her traditional Saturday night supper of Boston baked beans.
I won’t say more, it too easy to spoil a cozy, and a story of this type. I skimmed through this one in a couple of days. For the cozy readers out there, this is probably a good to maybe. For the rest, keep working on your To Be Read stack.
Tip the Wink 
Not normally my cup of java but I like the fact that it is from New Zealand, a truly amazing place. Didn’t know these books at all, thanks Richard. And love the cover 🙂
I’m not a big fan of cozies, but I’l share your review with Diane who reads them occasionally.
I found the idea of the 92-year old sleuth interesting, and I liked the setting, as in the Martha’s Vineyard setting of the Philip R. Craig books, but in the end I never did read this.
My mom lived to be a spry, feisty 92. Problem was we never had a suspicious death in my hometown–that I know of. But if we’d had any, she’d have stayed the hell out of the way. Fun review, Richard!