by Cynthia Chow

Details at the end of this post on how to win a copy of this book, along with a link to purchase it where a portion goes to help support KRL and indie bookstore Mysterious Galaxy.

Even though her home is now Lincoln Point, California, Gerry Porter still has fond memories of living in the Big Apple with her late husband. So when Bebe Mellon, manager of the SuperKrafts store, makes a last-minute request for help staffing a miniatures booth at a crafts fair in Manhattan, Gerry is unable to resist. Especially when the offer allows Gerry the opportunity to take her beloved granddaughter Maddie to see the Rockettes!

Once in New York, Gerry contacts her old friend and former neighbor Cynthia Bishop, only to find that Cynthia’s Aunt Elsie has recently died from incorrect medication use. Cynthia is adamant that her elderly aunt would never have misused her drugs, and Gerry agrees to look into the matter.

In the meantime, Bebe wants Gerry to solve the thefts that have started plaguing the crafts fair. Bebe and Cynthia’s demands for Gerry’s attention are unstoppable, and Gerry is fortunate to have her delightful granddaughter as an ally: Maddie emerges as a peacemaking heroine, and her genuine joy at being in New York City is matched only by her computer skills, her appreciation of miniatures, and her faith in her grandmother’s investigative abilities.

If you’ve ever considered visiting New York City for Christmas, this mystery will have you booking your flight! Even as Gerry is jumping into cabs and towncars between hotels and apartments to solve her mysteries, she manages to squeeze in time to see the American Museum of Natural History, buzz by the NY Public Library, and enjoy Manhattan’s cuisine.

The author, who as Camille Minichino made chemistry accessible and as Ada Madison transformed mathematics into fun, once again delights in introducing a new world to mystery lovers: Gerry Porter excels at creating and appreciating the intricate world of miniatures. What’s so refreshing and heart-warming is the supportive and loving relationship between Gerry and Maddie, whose affection for each other always feels realistic. Maddie still has her moments, but she never comes across as too precocious and never treats her elders with condescension. As a detective duo, Gerry and Maddie are unbeatable, but it’s their love for one another that is so enviable.

To enter to win a copy of Manhattan in Miniature, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line “Manhattan,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen May 9, 2015. U.S. residents only. If entering via email please include your mailing address, and if via comment please include your email address.

Check out other mystery articles, reviews, book giveaways & short stories in our mystery section.

Click on this link to purchase this book and a portion goes to help support KRL and Mysterious Galaxy:

Manhattan in Miniature: A Miniature Mystery

Cynthia Chow is the branch manager of Kaneohe Public Library on the island of Oahu. She balances a librarian lifestyle of cardigans and hair buns with a passion for motorcycle riding and regrettable tattoos (sorry, Mom).