Book Review: The Alpine Scandal

Reviewed By: Dawn Dowdle

The Alpine Scandal     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Mary Daheim
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Amateur Sleuth   Woman Main Character   Cozy
Series: Emma Lord # 19
Random House, Paperback, 1/08, 320 pages, $6.99

An obituary is received at the office of The Alpine Advocate, weekly newspaper in Alpine, Washington, of resident Elmer Nystrom. When Emma Lord, publisher, and Vida Runkel, House and Home editor, go to call on Elmer's wife, she tells them he's alive and well. When they go out to the henhouse to talk to him, they find his dead body lying on the floor half covered with straw. It is soon discovered that he was murdered. Strangest part was that his obituary was mailed before he died. It appears Elmer was well liked, although that can't be said of his wife or his son, the new orthodontist in town.

Sheriff Milo Dodge ends up in the hospital. So Emma and Vida strive to find out who killed Elmer and why. As they start investigating, they uncover a few suspects and motives. Since Elmer was killed, there has to be at least one person out there who didn't like him. Can Emma and Vida uncover the identity of that person without putting themselves in danger?

I really enjoy this series. This was one of my favorite books in this series. I always enjoy when Emma and Vida work together to uncover the killer. I love the setting of these books. I'm originally from Washington State and recognize many of the landmarks listed. I love Emma and her family. I always enjoy her interactions with her staff as well as the sheriff. I highly 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