Book Review: The Alpine Quilt

Reviewed By: Dawn Dowdle

The Alpine Quilt     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Mary Daheim
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Amateur Sleuth   Woman Main Character   Cozy
Series: Emma Lord # 17
Ballantine, Hardcover, 4/05, 314 pages, $22.95

When Genevieve Bayard dies while having dinner with a friend, Emma Lord, owner and publisher of the local newspaper, The Alpine Advocate, arrives on the scene to report the incident. Gen had recently returned to Alpine, Washington, and the members of the Burl Creek Thimble Club had thrown her a welcome back party. Although not everyone adored Gen, her death was still a shock.

Normally Vida Runkel, the Advocate's House and Home editor, would have been all over such an event and helped Emma discover the killer's identity. Instead, Vida seems unwilling to get involved or even discuss it.

At the same time, there has been a rash of burglaries in town. Even Emma's cabin is vandalized. Could these be related to the murder?

As Emma digs into Gen's past, she uncovers a shocking scandal. Can she find the killer? Could it be her dear friend?

I always enjoy books in this series. Emma is such a fun character, and Vida really makes me laugh. Emma and Milo's relationship has grown throughout the books, but I like how there is still uncertainty with it. Having Emma's brother Ben in town really enhanced the story. Gave her a real reason to get involved with solving the murder, plus I thought it made me like her even more.

I am especially partial to the location of the book as I grew up in Washington State and went over the passes frequently. I feel as if I know Alpine, even though it isn't a real town.

If you haven't read this series, I recommend you give it a whirl. I recommend this book and series.

Dawn Dowdle

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Dawn Dowdle

Please visit Dawns website at www.mysteryloverscorner.com