Friday, July 10, 2015

Privy to the Dead by Sheila Connolly

I love a mystery wrapped in history, it really adds another layer that I deeply enjoy. Privy to the Dead, part of the Museum Mystery series by Sheila Connolly, is a fun mystery filled with history and intrigue.  


From the back of the book: 

In the latest Museum Mystery from the New York Times bestselling author of Razing the Dead , a suspicious death has Nell Pratt down in the dumps…

Nell Pratt, president of the Pennsylvania Antiquarian Society, has something to smile about thanks to a generous donation from a major Philadelphia developer who’s willing to help update their museum. But renovations have barely begun when a man is struck by a car in front of the building and killed.

The victim is a construction worker who found a curious metal object while excavating an old privy in the museum’s basement. Nell thinks the death is somehow connected to the Society, and her suspicions are confirmed when an antiques expert reveals a link between the objects from the cellar and a fellow staff member’s family.

Now Nell must unearth a mystery with ties to the past and the present. Because when someone is willing to kill over scrap metal, there’s no telling what they’ll do next…

My thoughts:

I have a real love of history and as such always thought it would be great fun to work at a library or a museum. Nell gets to work with the rich history of her area as the president of the Pennsylvania Antiquarian Society, however that history may be some how linked to strange murder that occurred just outside the building. It was so fascinating to watch as Nell and Marty, with the help of the staff, sort through decades of documents to try and link, or not link, this strange death to the Society and/or it's founding members. 

Equally as rich as the history, were the characters. I especially loved Marty, possibly because she seemed more the focal point in this part, or possibly because she was a bit 'determined' as I tend to be. I will need to go back and read past parts because I really want to get to know some of the others a bit better, like James, Nell's sweet and too reserved live-in. 

I give this all thumbs up and recommend it as a fun well paced mystery that all cozy lovers should enjoy. 

Take some time to browse the other great mysteries available from Berkley Prime Crime. While you are there, you can sign up for the newsletter so you never miss a new release. I must warn you though, after browsing my wish list is longer than I could probably read. You can also connect with them on Twitter where you can happen across a fun giveaway as well. 

Disclosure: I may receive products in exchange for an honest review. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I personally believe will be good for my readers.

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