THE FINAL REVEILLE
The Final Reveille
Cozy Mystery
New Series
Publisher: Midnight Ink (May 8, 2015)
Paperback: 336 pages
ISBN-13: 978-0738744735
The Final Reveille
by Amanda Flower
As the director of Barton Farm, a living history museum in Ohio, Kelsey Cambridge is underpaid and underappreciated, but she loves every minute of it. Determined to keep the struggling farm open, she plans to impress the museum’s wealthy benefactress, Cynthia Cherry, with a Civil War reenactment on the farm’s grounds.
Unfortunately, the first shot in the battle isn’t from a period soldier. It’s from Cynthia’s greedy nephew, Maxwell, who fires a threat at Kelsey to cut the museum’s funding. The next morning, things go from bad to worse when Kelsey discovers Maxwell dead. Now Kelsey is the police’s number one suspect, and she must start her own investigation to save Barton Farm . . . and herself.
Unfortunately, the first shot in the battle isn’t from a period soldier. It’s from Cynthia’s greedy nephew, Maxwell, who fires a threat at Kelsey to cut the museum’s funding. The next morning, things go from bad to worse when Kelsey discovers Maxwell dead. Now Kelsey is the police’s number one suspect, and she must start her own investigation to save Barton Farm . . . and herself.
During the Civil War, well, at least, during reenactments, which battles prove more deadly -- the ones between north and south or between exes?
This cozy mystery covers many motives for murder including money, jealousy, rage, rejection and more. There are secrets in abundance.
The Barton Farm Museum has seen some tough times. When Kelsey Cambridge becomes the director she faces many challenges, including being a divorced mother of a preschooler. She is ambitious and has fresh ideas to revitalize the museum while preserving its heritage. Sadly, her chief benefactress and friend, Cynthia, is advanced in years with deteriorating health. Her only heir, Maxwell, has his own ideas on how to disperse his aunt's money. Several of her favorite recipients will be cut off after Cynthia's death, including Barton Farm.
For this weekend Kelsey's focus must be on a Civil War reenactment camp with its accompanying Blue and Gold Ball that occupy Barton Farms main field. Throw in her ex husband and his surprise fiancee and Kelsey's father practicing Shakespeare and you'll see how difficult Kelsey's weekend may be. To complicate things further, deaths both on and off the battle field become too real. All of Kelsey's talents will be tested.
I was looking forward to this book both as a cozy mystery addict and as a reenactor. I have spent weekends in period attire. Amanda Flower does a nice job of bringing to the reader the feel of the encampment and the challenge of remaining in character.
There are wonderful examples of the friendships grown between the staff, and how difficult others can be even when one does her best to be friendly.
Some questions remain unanswered, so I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
I did receive an advance copy of the novel from Netgalley
This cozy mystery covers many motives for murder including money, jealousy, rage, rejection and more. There are secrets in abundance.
The Barton Farm Museum has seen some tough times. When Kelsey Cambridge becomes the director she faces many challenges, including being a divorced mother of a preschooler. She is ambitious and has fresh ideas to revitalize the museum while preserving its heritage. Sadly, her chief benefactress and friend, Cynthia, is advanced in years with deteriorating health. Her only heir, Maxwell, has his own ideas on how to disperse his aunt's money. Several of her favorite recipients will be cut off after Cynthia's death, including Barton Farm.
For this weekend Kelsey's focus must be on a Civil War reenactment camp with its accompanying Blue and Gold Ball that occupy Barton Farms main field. Throw in her ex husband and his surprise fiancee and Kelsey's father practicing Shakespeare and you'll see how difficult Kelsey's weekend may be. To complicate things further, deaths both on and off the battle field become too real. All of Kelsey's talents will be tested.
I was looking forward to this book both as a cozy mystery addict and as a reenactor. I have spent weekends in period attire. Amanda Flower does a nice job of bringing to the reader the feel of the encampment and the challenge of remaining in character.
There are wonderful examples of the friendships grown between the staff, and how difficult others can be even when one does her best to be friendly.
Some questions remain unanswered, so I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
I did receive an advance copy of the novel from Netgalley
About This Author
Amanda Flower, a two-time Agatha Award-nominated mystery author, started her writing career in elementary school when she read a story she wrote to her sixth grade class and had the class in stitches with her description of being stuck on the top of a Ferris wheel. She knew at that moment she’d found her calling of making people laugh with her words. She also writes mysteries as national bestselling author Isabella Alan. In addition to being an author, Amanda is an academic librarian for a small college near Cleveland.
Author Links:
Website: http://amandaflower.com/
Pen Name Website: http://isabellaalan.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/aflowerwriter
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/aflowerwriter/
Laura, that is a nice review! And I can't wait to read this - have been looking forward to it since I heard about it. Thanks for your review and being part of the tour! jeaniedannheim (at) ymail (dot) com
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