Saturday, November 24, 2012

BOOK REVIEW: DEATH IN THE MEMORIAL GARDEN by KATHIE DEVINY

Book Details:
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Published by: Camel Press
Publication Date: October 15th, 2012
Number of Pages: 141
Purchase Links:   Amazon     B&N

About the book . . . 

Just as the sexton is about to inter the ashes of one of Grace Church’s last wealthy patronesses in the Memorial Garden, he unearths a wine crate containing the ashes of an unknown. Next to the ashes is a distinctive pair of shoes. Not only are the woman’s relatives furious at the interruption, but they soon have grounds for a lawsuit: yet another piece of the church’s tower comes crashing to the ground.

With their congregation dwindling and their world literally falling in around them, Father Robert Vickers and his colorful staff members and volunteers put their heads together to solve the mystery of the anonymous ashes and find the means to save Grace Church from the developers … all in time for the Bishop’s visit. 


About the author . . .          

After retiring from a career as a “government bureaucrat” serving primarily in the criminal justice system, Kathie Deviny studied creative writing. Essays focusing on her treatment for breast cancer and life as the spouse of an Episcopal priest have been published in the Seattle Times, Episcopal Life, Cure magazine, andFaith, Hope and Healing by Bernie Siegel.

Kathie was Features Editor of her high school newspaper and originally planned a career in journalism. After realizing she was too shy to chase after stories, she followed her mother’s career path and earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in social work, attending UC Berkeley and the University of Washington. She nurtured her journalistic ambitions by developing a program at the Monroe, WA, prison which produced a magazine in cooperation with community volunteers.

Death in the Memorial Garden, her first work of fiction, reflects her love of the cozy-style mystery. Her other loves are gardening, choral singing, and locating bargains at her church’s thrift shop, where she volunteers. Kathie lives with her now-retired husband, Paul; they divide their time between California and Western Washington.
Reader Review . . . 
Anonymous cremains, antique organist's shoes, and a crumbling church tower have the Bishop ready to close the doors of Grace Church.  Father Vickers and his staff and volunteers team together to solve the mystery and save the church.
I love a nice, cozy mystery!  This novel had some wonderfully eccentric characters; Daniel the organist was my personal favorite.  Set in an Episcopalian church, the mystery is reminiscent of Agatha Christie's "Miss Marple" series, except this time, instead of villagers, we have church members.  Very nicely done; I hope this is the first in a series.
5 stars
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”     
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“When I get a little money, I buy books. If any is left, I buy food and clothes.” — Erasmus

3 comments:

Gina @ Hott Books said...

What a nice review! We're hoping it's the first in a series as well!

Kathie Deviny said...

Daniel very much appreciates your Like. And I'm glad you enjoyed the mystery! Thanks, Kathie Deviny

Anonymous said...

Daniel was very pleased that you liked him best. Kathie is pleased that you liked the whole book!

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