Book Review: Beware the Tufted Duck

Reviewed By: Carol Schwaderer Dickinson - RAM

Beware the Tufted Duck     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Lydia Adamson
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Cozy   Woman Main Character
Series: Lucy Wayles # 1
1996, 252 pages

Having read samples of Adamson's other two series I had only mediocre expectations for this new to me series featuring Lucy Wayles, senior citizen and birdwatcher. Perhaps this is part of why this book dazzled me.

It is written in the first person narrative, from the point of view of a retired doctor, Marcus Bloch, who is himself dazzled and totally smitten with Lucy. Lucy is part southern belle, part aging 60's hippie, and part militant bird protector/rescuer.

My favorite writers provide a fair chance for me to unravel the mystery by providing the clues, and managing to hide the solution from me until the end. This was certainly done with finesse in "Beware the Tufted Duck". Lucy knew what she was doing but completely befuddled Dr. Bloch who didn't see the solution even when reporting the clues to the reader.

This was a fun read. The characters are charming, a bit of a cross between Gallagher Gray's Herbert and Lil, and Anne George's southern sisters. While the book could be categorized as a cozy, and was quite humorous, there was enough suspense I'd also call it a page turner.

Carol Schwaderer Dickinson - RAM

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Carol Schwaderer Dickinson - RAM