by Cynthia Chow
Details at the end of this post on how to enter to win a copy of the The Art of Murder, and a link to purchase it from Amazon.
Coronado Investigations is having a bit of a slow period, which explains why one-half of the married duo is taking a tour of Fort Lauderdale’s Bonnet House Museum. The converted plantation home is renowned for its artwork and gorgeous garden, and that is where Helen Hawthorne and her landlady Margery first spot the frail, but undeniably talented, artist Annabel Lee Griffin. It’s also the last time, as before she leaves Annabel collapses in the Bonnet House parking lot.
Phil and Helen now find themselves juggling two cases: Helen is hired by a devastated Jenny Carter to prove that Annabel was murdered by her lout of an ex-husband, while Phil begins working undercover to stop the cat burgling thief known as the Gold Ghost. Previous cases, official and not, have had Helen exploring the fascinating realms of cat shows, book stores, clothing boutiques, and country clubs, and now she enters the very subjective and ego-driven world that creates and markets art.
What has always been so enjoyable about this very well-written series is Helen’s often cynical and sarcastic viewpoint towards the elite echelons of Florida society. This time she has a far more sympathetic outlook towards the struggling artists, who are a mix of the gifted and pretentious. An interlude that allows Helen herself to don a call-girl disguise in order to assist Phil provides yet another enjoyably vicarious romp through ostentatious lifestyles, and it additionally highlights just how much Helen has grown as an investigator.
Along with her trademark humor and always reliably engaging characters, Viets continues to convey her obvious affection for Fort Lauderdale and all of its eccentricities. The Latin cuisine, local restaurants, FAT Village of Flager, Arts, Technology, and even the unappealing cinderblock condos of Little New York are explored for the delight of readers. Thoughtfully placed clues further allow readers to keep up with Helen’s investigations, and a conclusion that ties up the fates of all involved ensures for a thoroughly pleasurable and witty read.
To enter to win a copy of The Art of Murder, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line “art,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen June 4, 2016. 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 & mystery short stories in our mystery section.
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Thanks for the giveaway — I would love to read this book! bobandcelia@sbcglobal.net
Another great book from Elaine Viets. Can’t wait to read “The Art Murder”. I like that it’s set in the South and involves a plantation home. Looking forward to reading.
diannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com
One of my favorite authors! I would love to win!! Thanks for offering this! lindaherold999@gmail.com
The Art of Murder By Elaine Viets sounds like a great mystery book, and I adore the cover art. Thank you for the chance to win.
myrifraf (at) gmail (dot) com
I’ve not read this author or series, but sounds like I need to.
Every book I have read by Ms Viets has been a delight. I would love to be the fortunate reader who wins this book.
Looking forward to reading this. A new author/book is always exciting. Means I will always have something to read. On my TBR. But hope to read it sooner, rather than later
I love this series, can’t wait to read the new one.
I’m IN. Looking forward to reading Elaine’s latest. Always well written and a great plot.
GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR BOOK AND THANKS FOR THE GIVEAWAY! calicolady60@hotmail.com
Love this series, will have to add to my must read list
An interesting & informative review. Love this series, thanks for the chance to win.
I love this series! One of my favorites.
I love this series. The books are always fun reads.
Love cozy mysteries!
This one looks like a piece of art. Thank you for the chance. Pennymarks(at)frontier (dot)com
I have not read this series but would love too. Just spent the last 2days volunteering at a cat show. 11 adoptiond!!!!
Oneponychick66@hotmail.com
I Love Mysteries & would be thrilled to have a chance to win this book. Thanks for this generous chance.
Oh, thank you for the chance to win this! I adore this series and can’t wait to read it! Comet9443 at yahoo.com
I haven’t read Elaine Viets yet, but she was at our local Middle TN (Nashville) SinC meeting just a few weeks ago and I got to hear her speak. Very impressive. All her books sound great and I loved hearing the story behind them.
Another TBR on my list. Can’t wait to read it. brichardson0056@yahoo.com
I would love to win this book. The characters in the book seem so interesting.
scarletbegonia5858@gmail.com
My granddaughter both enjoy reading books by Elaine Viets. Thank you for this chance.
peggyhyndman(at)att(dot)net
I haven’t read Elaine Vets either but it sounds really good.
Great series–I’m always happy with a new installment.
Great series. I hope i win!
I love these books, so I’m always happy to see another title!
I really love Elaine Views Books, she is one of my favorite Author’s.
We have a winner!