Book Review: Painted Lady

Reviewed By: Woodstock - RAM

Painted Lady     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Peter Abresch
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Amateur Sleuth   Senior Sleuths   Romantic Suspense
Series: James P. Dandy Elder Hostel Mysteries # 4
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Described by others as the author of "male cozies," Abresch writes an "elderhostel" series which features two amateur sleuths in late middle age who meet while attending the popular series of educational trips and seminars for persons over 55.

In this entry in the series, James Dandy and Dodie Swisher have registered for a bus trip to investigate the history of the Santa Fe trail. Before they embark from the starting point of Denver, Colorado, Dandy is witness to the violent death of an Indian woman. As the Elderhostel bus trip through southeast Colorado continues, Dandy is beset by television interviewers, a mysterious green Chevrolet which appears at various stops, a pesky FBI agent, and the curiousity of the other members of the tour group.

Eventually it becomes clear that everyone involved is searching for a missing valuable artifact, and erroneously believe that Dandy has information on its whereabouts.

The story involves seances, ghosts of notorious cowboys, lots of historical tidbits on the Santa Fe trail, a general outline of typical Elderhostel activities, lots of references to Dodie's "big blue" eyes, lots of "Jim Dandy" jokes, and a few bedroom scenes I could easily have done without.

However, readers who prefer a milder mystery combined with a scenic historical background would probably enjoy this series.

Woodstock - RAM

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Woodstock - RAM