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Mercy Allcutt Mystery #5
Thanksgiving Angels
Former Boston Brahmin Mercy Allcutt moved from Boston to Los Angeles specifically to get away from her overbearing mother and father. Therefore, she’s upset when her boss, P.I. Ernie Templeton, gives her the entire Thanksgiving week, 1926, off so that she can spend the holiday with her parents in their new winter home in Pasadena, California.
Her week of durance vile is made even more miserable when a woman is flung to her death over the second-story staircase railing. Her mother, who deplores the fact that her daughter actually got a job, insists Mercy call on Ernie to help the Pasadena Police Department solve the case.
In the end, it is Mercy herself who solves the crime, but not before almost becoming a statistic herself.
Her week of durance vile is made even more miserable when a woman is flung to her death over the second-story staircase railing. Her mother, who deplores the fact that her daughter actually got a job, insists Mercy call on Ernie to help the Pasadena Police Department solve the case.
In the end, it is Mercy herself who solves the crime, but not before almost becoming a statistic herself.
273 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 15, 2015
About the author
Alice Duncan
103 books113 followersAlso writes as Emma Craig, Rachel Wilson, Anne Robins and wrote two books under the name of Jon Sharpe (Pecos Belle Brigade and California Crusader).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
December 27, 2023
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With my interest piqued on the era this fiction novel takes place – the 1920s – and the promise that the plot description gave me, I picked it up and began reading it in earnest.
I wonder about the character, Lulu LaBelle, in this book. Is she fashioned after the Lulu Belle of the 1926 hit play by the same name (also made into a 1948 movie starring Dorothy Lamour)?
I was taken aback at Mercy Allcutt’s (the main character and narrator) grumble about her girdle, claiming that “It wasn’t easy to bend over in the stupid girdle, believe me.” Poor Mercy Allcutt. If she couldn’t bend over wearing a girdle, she needs a better fit. Believe me.
I found it funny – yes, I laughed – when Harold “eyed [Mercy] up and down with appreciation. [He asked her,] “What a gorgeous gown. Is it Dior?” Hmmm…..was Christian Dior already selling his designs in the 1920s? Not quite. In the 1920s, he was busy otherwise, and it wasn’t until around 1937 that he started working in a fashion house. His own fashion house was founded right after The War. Now, maybe the “Dior” in this story is not THE Christian Dior, but there is no other clue to lead me to any other conclusion.
From nearly the beginning of Thanksgiving Angels (A Mercy Allcutt Mystery, Book 5): Historical Cozy Mystery, Mercy Allcutt gripes and gripes and gripes about her mother. I had enough by the time I got to 37 per cent of the novel. That girl is so dislikeable, if she were a living person, there would be no question that I would run, run, run far away from her incessant negativity:
Good Heavens! Indeed, Mercy Allcutt is a dislikeable character non pareil. For my dime, an obnoxious or negative-attitude character can enhance a story, and even make the story. However, in this case, Mercy Allcutt needs a good spanking that she evidently did not get as a child. Yes, I call it; she is a brat. With her professed hatred of her mother, and that having me close the book 37 per cent in, I have no idea if there was a murder, a theft, espionage, a raid, or if the Thanksgiving turkey was burned and dried out beyond recognition by Cook, or if Renée Adorée herself had a walk-on in Thanksgiving Angels (A Mercy Allcutt Mystery, Book 5): Historical Cozy Mystery.
Darn. And I really wanted to enjoy this novel, and I greatly appreciate the clean language Alice Duncan writes. But alas and alack! Sorry; not this one for me.
Though this book is not my favorite, other readers may find this story their cup of tea and right up their alley.
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🏮Kindle Unlimited version.
With my interest piqued on the era this fiction novel takes place – the 1920s – and the promise that the plot description gave me, I picked it up and began reading it in earnest.
I wonder about the character, Lulu LaBelle, in this book. Is she fashioned after the Lulu Belle of the 1926 hit play by the same name (also made into a 1948 movie starring Dorothy Lamour)?
Lulu LaBelle, the receptionist at the Figueroa Building, rented rooms from me, too . . .
I was taken aback at Mercy Allcutt’s (the main character and narrator) grumble about her girdle, claiming that “It wasn’t easy to bend over in the stupid girdle, believe me.” Poor Mercy Allcutt. If she couldn’t bend over wearing a girdle, she needs a better fit. Believe me.
I found it funny – yes, I laughed – when Harold “eyed [Mercy] up and down with appreciation. [He asked her,] “What a gorgeous gown. Is it Dior?” Hmmm…..was Christian Dior already selling his designs in the 1920s? Not quite. In the 1920s, he was busy otherwise, and it wasn’t until around 1937 that he started working in a fashion house. His own fashion house was founded right after The War. Now, maybe the “Dior” in this story is not THE Christian Dior, but there is no other clue to lead me to any other conclusion.
From nearly the beginning of Thanksgiving Angels (A Mercy Allcutt Mystery, Book 5): Historical Cozy Mystery, Mercy Allcutt gripes and gripes and gripes about her mother. I had enough by the time I got to 37 per cent of the novel. That girl is so dislikeable, if she were a living person, there would be no question that I would run, run, run far away from her incessant negativity:
Mother never left the throne room if she didn’t have to. . . . Living with our mother was a trying ordeal. . . . Not only was she an unpleasant and commanding woman to begin with, but we were forever having to change our clothes. . . . . Mother [said] in her frosty voice. . . . “Mercedes Louise,” Mother called to me in her most magisterial tones. . . . Mother carped at me for having been gone all day. . . . [S]he hated me. She really didn’t want me around. Trust me about this. It’s true. . . . “Yes, Mother?” I asked sweetly as I came within her aura. Her aura, by the way, was as black as her dress.”
Good Heavens! Indeed, Mercy Allcutt is a dislikeable character non pareil. For my dime, an obnoxious or negative-attitude character can enhance a story, and even make the story. However, in this case, Mercy Allcutt needs a good spanking that she evidently did not get as a child. Yes, I call it; she is a brat. With her professed hatred of her mother, and that having me close the book 37 per cent in, I have no idea if there was a murder, a theft, espionage, a raid, or if the Thanksgiving turkey was burned and dried out beyond recognition by Cook, or if Renée Adorée herself had a walk-on in Thanksgiving Angels (A Mercy Allcutt Mystery, Book 5): Historical Cozy Mystery.
Darn. And I really wanted to enjoy this novel, and I greatly appreciate the clean language Alice Duncan writes. But alas and alack! Sorry; not this one for me.
Though this book is not my favorite, other readers may find this story their cup of tea and right up their alley.
✿●▬▬▬▬●✿●✿●▬▬▬▬●✿
🏮Kindle Unlimited version.
July 29, 2023
Daisy’s here!!! Mercy is so much better in smaller doses.
In this book Mercy Allcutt is visiting her parents in Pasadena when a murder fortuitously occurs which requires her P.I. boss Ernie to attend. With an expanded crossover cast from the highly recommended Daisy Gumm series, including the marvellous Daisy aka Spiritualist extraordinaire Desdemona Majesty and her beloved Detective Sam Rotondo, its action packed with suspects galore.
Mercy is sidelined to taking notes during the interrogations which doesn’t stop her snooping or sniffing of course. However the majority of tantrums are now performed by “Lola de la Monica, Hollywoodland’s number-one menace”, rather than our intrepid narrator Mercy. On a side note having Mercy unselfconsciously muse that “I don’t believe I’d ever seen an adult human being in a full blown tantrum before” had me snorting.
Without giving anything away, the villain is of course inevitably unmasked and Mercy finally shows some character development and stands up to her mother! The ending is an enfolding of Mercy into the collective Gumm universe bosom and was especially a delight for this devoted fan of the Daisy Gumm Majesty series. I’ll be sticking around for the next instalment after all.
Really enjoyable rollicking read.
One final note:
Dear Ms Duncan, Dior was a 21 year old who was lucky to sell an occasional fashion sketch for 10 cents a pop in 1926. He was not yet the great Dior! You’re 20 years too early. Who is your editor sheesh. End of vintage fashion nerd rant.
In this book Mercy Allcutt is visiting her parents in Pasadena when a murder fortuitously occurs which requires her P.I. boss Ernie to attend. With an expanded crossover cast from the highly recommended Daisy Gumm series, including the marvellous Daisy aka Spiritualist extraordinaire Desdemona Majesty and her beloved Detective Sam Rotondo, its action packed with suspects galore.
Mercy is sidelined to taking notes during the interrogations which doesn’t stop her snooping or sniffing of course. However the majority of tantrums are now performed by “Lola de la Monica, Hollywoodland’s number-one menace”, rather than our intrepid narrator Mercy. On a side note having Mercy unselfconsciously muse that “I don’t believe I’d ever seen an adult human being in a full blown tantrum before” had me snorting.
Without giving anything away, the villain is of course inevitably unmasked and Mercy finally shows some character development and stands up to her mother! The ending is an enfolding of Mercy into the collective Gumm universe bosom and was especially a delight for this devoted fan of the Daisy Gumm Majesty series. I’ll be sticking around for the next instalment after all.
Really enjoyable rollicking read.
One final note:
Dear Ms Duncan, Dior was a 21 year old who was lucky to sell an occasional fashion sketch for 10 cents a pop in 1926. He was not yet the great Dior! You’re 20 years too early. Who is your editor sheesh. End of vintage fashion nerd rant.
November 25, 2023
Thanksgiving, family drama, and a mystery
This was a solid Thanksgiving cozy mystery. There was the 1920’s flair along with Old Hollywood feel that reminded me of watching a movie. There was so much family drama that was really intense. There was the spiritualist that added another layer, though didn’t contribute to the crime it was still a fun aspect of the story. Then there was the mystery that was solid, even if it wasn’t the best mystery I have ever read. I still had a good time with it.
This was a solid Thanksgiving cozy mystery. There was the 1920’s flair along with Old Hollywood feel that reminded me of watching a movie. There was so much family drama that was really intense. There was the spiritualist that added another layer, though didn’t contribute to the crime it was still a fun aspect of the story. Then there was the mystery that was solid, even if it wasn’t the best mystery I have ever read. I still had a good time with it.
December 22, 2020
A crossover between Angels and Spirits
Or when Mercy met Daisy..
Mercy has been summoned to her parents new winter abode in Pasadena for Thanksgiving. She tries to avoid it by asking Ernie Templeton, her boss, no to give her the week off but he's determined not to have the wrath of God in the form of Mercy's mother, fall on him. Mercy's only saving grace is the presence of Chloe and Harvey.
Mercy's shocked to discover that her mother has acquired some very lovely acquaintances, despite their connections to the world of movies, and has set up an evening soirée which includes a séance by Pasadena's premier spiritualist, Desdemona Majesty. What ensues following it is the murder of the vile Lurlene Winkworth, mother of Mrs Hanratty and grandmother to Monty Mountjoy.
Can Mercy do more than just transcribe the witness statements? Or will Ernie finally get his way and sideline her out of harm's way?!
I had rather hoped for move of Daisy in this crossover, we are after all familiar with her dogged determination to solve each and every case she comes across, but Daisy takes a further turn away from her early form and doesn't seem to be interested or particularly involved. Going totally against her character to date.
Or when Mercy met Daisy..
Mercy has been summoned to her parents new winter abode in Pasadena for Thanksgiving. She tries to avoid it by asking Ernie Templeton, her boss, no to give her the week off but he's determined not to have the wrath of God in the form of Mercy's mother, fall on him. Mercy's only saving grace is the presence of Chloe and Harvey.
Mercy's shocked to discover that her mother has acquired some very lovely acquaintances, despite their connections to the world of movies, and has set up an evening soirée which includes a séance by Pasadena's premier spiritualist, Desdemona Majesty. What ensues following it is the murder of the vile Lurlene Winkworth, mother of Mrs Hanratty and grandmother to Monty Mountjoy.
Can Mercy do more than just transcribe the witness statements? Or will Ernie finally get his way and sideline her out of harm's way?!
I had rather hoped for move of Daisy in this crossover, we are after all familiar with her dogged determination to solve each and every case she comes across, but Daisy takes a further turn away from her early form and doesn't seem to be interested or particularly involved. Going totally against her character to date.
April 1, 2020
If you are a fan of either this series or the Daisy Majesty series you will absolutely love this book! A crossover between the two done brilliantly by the author Alice Duncan.
Mercy is “invited” to Thanksgiving at her parent’s winter home in Pasadena. Upon arrival she is surprised to hear that her mother the very proper Boston socialite is going to be hosting a seance led by non other than Daisy Majesty. After a couple of nights where we meet or catch up with some of the frequent characters that appear in Daisy’s series, the night of the seance arrives and the fun begins. A murder occurs and not only does Sam Rotundo get called but Mercy’s mother insists she have Ernie come and investigate as well. Shenanigans ensue.
A wonderfully written mystery that has plenty of twists and turns. All the delightful characters we’ve met in both of these series who work very well together. And in the end a surprisingly happy holiday. I’m a huge fan of both these series and this book was a phenomenal combination of the two.
I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.
Mercy is “invited” to Thanksgiving at her parent’s winter home in Pasadena. Upon arrival she is surprised to hear that her mother the very proper Boston socialite is going to be hosting a seance led by non other than Daisy Majesty. After a couple of nights where we meet or catch up with some of the frequent characters that appear in Daisy’s series, the night of the seance arrives and the fun begins. A murder occurs and not only does Sam Rotundo get called but Mercy’s mother insists she have Ernie come and investigate as well. Shenanigans ensue.
A wonderfully written mystery that has plenty of twists and turns. All the delightful characters we’ve met in both of these series who work very well together. And in the end a surprisingly happy holiday. I’m a huge fan of both these series and this book was a phenomenal combination of the two.
I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.
January 31, 2025
charming
I love me an Alice Duncan novel, the way I love a bonbon. Delicious, and a treat. In Thanksgiving Angel, two of her universes come together. Mercy Allcutt, rich girl detective agency secretary and Daisy Majesty, skeptical psychic from a strong and loving family. They each own a cute little dog. And they each have a detective man partner. This mystery proceeded as expected with interesting suspects and the shockingly revealed final clue. I love that the main characters always have empathy for the other beings around them-when they are deserving. It was great to see Mercy set a boundary with her parents. I was expecting a heart rending change in their behavior, but that ending did not come (minor spoiler).
I reluctantly admit to limiting the frequency of reading because the female-male relationships grate after one novel. I have to have some time between to recover from the “dizzy dame dismissive male” trope. Its reminiscent of the screwball comedies of the 30s, so no shade. Just better in measured doses.
I love me an Alice Duncan novel, the way I love a bonbon. Delicious, and a treat. In Thanksgiving Angel, two of her universes come together. Mercy Allcutt, rich girl detective agency secretary and Daisy Majesty, skeptical psychic from a strong and loving family. They each own a cute little dog. And they each have a detective man partner. This mystery proceeded as expected with interesting suspects and the shockingly revealed final clue. I love that the main characters always have empathy for the other beings around them-when they are deserving. It was great to see Mercy set a boundary with her parents. I was expecting a heart rending change in their behavior, but that ending did not come (minor spoiler).
I reluctantly admit to limiting the frequency of reading because the female-male relationships grate after one novel. I have to have some time between to recover from the “dizzy dame dismissive male” trope. Its reminiscent of the screwball comedies of the 30s, so no shade. Just better in measured doses.
December 11, 2020
Mercy Allcutt continues to delight me. Alice Duncan takes her sleuth to Pasadena for Thanksgiving and introduces her to all the folks from her other series, The Daisy Gumm Majesty mysteries. When movie star Monty Montague's grandmother, Mrs. Winkworth falls to her death during a séance party, there is no shortage of suspects. She was a mean spirited harridan that no one liked. Mercy's parents tell her to send for her boss, Ernie Templeton, to speed the police investigation. Mercy and Ernie team up with Daisy's fiancé, detective Sam Rotondo to solve the crime. As usual we get plenty of asides and digressions concerning Mercy's feelings and relationships. Some people find this annoying, but for me it adds to the charm of the book, enhancing the feeling of listening to Mercy tell the story rather than just reading it. I have enjoyed all the books in this series and have pre-ordered the next one.
March 14, 2020
Definitely the best yet. Thank you Alice for once again surpassing yourself. I have loved this series so much and with this one set in Pasadena the 'guest appearance' of Daisy Majesty, Sam and others from the Daisy Gumm Majesty books just added to the enjoyment...just wish they could have had more interaction. Well maybe a future book.
Watching Mercy grow and stand up for herself, and others to her parents was truly a gift. I would definitely suggest reading the others in this series first to see how far she has come, and a few of the Daisy Gumm Majesty ones will give a bit of background to the Pasadena locals.
I received this book from ebook discovery. This is my honest, freely given review.
Watching Mercy grow and stand up for herself, and others to her parents was truly a gift. I would definitely suggest reading the others in this series first to see how far she has come, and a few of the Daisy Gumm Majesty ones will give a bit of background to the Pasadena locals.
I received this book from ebook discovery. This is my honest, freely given review.
November 29, 2016
This was not particularly good for several reasons. 1. The main character/narrator just complains how awful her parents are for the whole book. How holiday and heart-warming. 2. She keeps babbling and talking about silence ensuing, which I may not have noticed, but she actually points out that she's doing it several times. 3. The murder doesn't happen until almost 100 pages in out of a 260 page book. 4. There are no clues dropped throughout the book.
December 29, 2023
Thanksgiving Angels Book 5 of A Mercy Allcutt Mysteries
Mercy joins her folks for Thanksgiving in their new home in Pasadena an hour or so from her home in Bunker Hill. Trouble is brewing with her folks and those they invited for a seance. The murder of one of the guests brings Ernie Templeton, her boss, to help the police detective in solving the murder. Will Mercy survive her family time or will she go insane? Read and find out. Some laugh and serious events occur and the reader will fall in love with Mercy Allcutt.
Mercy joins her folks for Thanksgiving in their new home in Pasadena an hour or so from her home in Bunker Hill. Trouble is brewing with her folks and those they invited for a seance. The murder of one of the guests brings Ernie Templeton, her boss, to help the police detective in solving the murder. Will Mercy survive her family time or will she go insane? Read and find out. Some laugh and serious events occur and the reader will fall in love with Mercy Allcutt.
June 13, 2020
LA has changed Mercy and it looks like things are different with her mother in their winter home in California. Ernie gave her a week off for thanksgiving to spend with her folks. And her mother is holding a seance. Then the mayhem and murder begin, A delightful series, and one loves the character of Mercy. Given audio for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
June 24, 2023
Mercy meets Daisy!
This is the best Angels of Mercy yet. Ms. Alice's characters are all a story in themselves. I have read all of the Daisy Majesty books and loved every one. Mercy is just as precocious and feisty. I would recommend both these series to anyone who loves a feisty, funny heroine.
This is the best Angels of Mercy yet. Ms. Alice's characters are all a story in themselves. I have read all of the Daisy Majesty books and loved every one. Mercy is just as precocious and feisty. I would recommend both these series to anyone who loves a feisty, funny heroine.
November 12, 2020
Step back in time
A cozy mystery set in the 20s a strong woman for the time, goes to see her parents. No good can come of this visit, their relationships are rough and then there's murder.
A cozy mystery set in the 20s a strong woman for the time, goes to see her parents. No good can come of this visit, their relationships are rough and then there's murder.
November 25, 2022
Narrator C-, Story B, Holiday Mystery
I did not care for this narrator because of the voice she chose for the heroine. Her secondary characters did not bother me as much. Plot reminds me of a 1930's screwball mystery comedy movie, complete with seance. Cute, fun story.
I did not care for this narrator because of the voice she chose for the heroine. Her secondary characters did not bother me as much. Plot reminds me of a 1930's screwball mystery comedy movie, complete with seance. Cute, fun story.
December 16, 2017
Got about halfway through. Nothing's happening.
June 23, 2020
Such Fun!
This is the best of two worlds ,a wonderful connection of Pasadena and Los Angeles, of two willful women, of two law enforcement men and lots of family fun.
This is the best of two worlds ,a wonderful connection of Pasadena and Los Angeles, of two willful women, of two law enforcement men and lots of family fun.
March 4, 2021
Entertainment at it's best!
Mercy Allcutt Mysteries are so very entertaining. I read through all of them & enjoyed each one equally. I can't wait to start another.
Mercy Allcutt Mysteries are so very entertaining. I read through all of them & enjoyed each one equally. I can't wait to start another.
July 9, 2021
Great story and I loved that several characters from Duncan's Daisy Gumm Majesty series appeared in this tale. What fun!
November 24, 2022
3/5 🔎 mystery
I just have to say it, Mercy is not very likable. Her attitude was terrible. She seemed very spoiled and pushy.
I just have to say it, Mercy is not very likable. Her attitude was terrible. She seemed very spoiled and pushy.
May 30, 2023
Set it an earlier time period, this Christmas Mystery was funny and mysterious. It was fun to read, and I look forward to more of this series.
July 13, 2023
okay
I am getting a tad weary of hearing about how horrible Mercy’s parents are. This was an okay historical mystery, better than I could ever write.
I am getting a tad weary of hearing about how horrible Mercy’s parents are. This was an okay historical mystery, better than I could ever write.
Read
January 3, 2024Thanksgiving Angels
April 1, 2025
Someone got a backbone!
January 20, 2026
Another fun mystery in this series as Mercy heads to her parent’s house in Pasadena and meets some of the characters from the author’s other series.
June 1, 2015
I am saying a special thanks that Alice Duncan has continued to write her witty Mercy Allcutt mystery novels. Like its predecessors, this is a charming cozy that will entertain and delight readers. Mercy (Mercedes Louise) works as a secretary for P.I. Ernie Templeton in Los Angeles in 1926. However, she comes from a wealthy, snobbish Boston family with parents who frown on her behavior as rebellious. Mercy has inherited wealth and doesn’t have to work for a living but chooses to do so. The book is told from Mercy’s first person viewpoint and her voice is unique, engaging the reader from page one.
Ernie gives Mercy time off so she can visit her family for Thanksgiving week. However, Mercy doesn’t appreciate it. She drives to Pasadena where her parents have a winter home. Her mother’s cold, disapproving demeanor even extends to Buttercup, Mercy’s dog. Her sister, Chloe, and brother-in-law, Harvey Nash, are there, lending support.
Daisy Majesty of Alice Duncan’s other 1920’s mystery series is a character in this novel as well, adding to the fun. Harold Kincaid, a friend of both young women, arranges for Daisy to hold a séance at the Alcott home. Afterwards, Mrs. Winkworth, an elderly woman who was a guest, falls to her death over a staircase railing. It is soon determined that she was pushed. Mercy’s mother asks her to call in Ernie to investigate while Daisy calls the police, specifically her fiancé, Sam Rotondo. Soon, the people who were upstairs at the time of the death are questioned. They include Mercy’s brother-in-law, sister, a movie actress, Lola de la Monica, a houseboy, maid, the family chauffeur, and Mrs. Winkworth’s secretary, Delbert Mann. It is discovered that Mrs. Winkworth wrote poison pen letters and was a nasty woman disliked by many people. There are plenty of interesting suspects in this absorbing mystery.
Ernie gives Mercy time off so she can visit her family for Thanksgiving week. However, Mercy doesn’t appreciate it. She drives to Pasadena where her parents have a winter home. Her mother’s cold, disapproving demeanor even extends to Buttercup, Mercy’s dog. Her sister, Chloe, and brother-in-law, Harvey Nash, are there, lending support.
Daisy Majesty of Alice Duncan’s other 1920’s mystery series is a character in this novel as well, adding to the fun. Harold Kincaid, a friend of both young women, arranges for Daisy to hold a séance at the Alcott home. Afterwards, Mrs. Winkworth, an elderly woman who was a guest, falls to her death over a staircase railing. It is soon determined that she was pushed. Mercy’s mother asks her to call in Ernie to investigate while Daisy calls the police, specifically her fiancé, Sam Rotondo. Soon, the people who were upstairs at the time of the death are questioned. They include Mercy’s brother-in-law, sister, a movie actress, Lola de la Monica, a houseboy, maid, the family chauffeur, and Mrs. Winkworth’s secretary, Delbert Mann. It is discovered that Mrs. Winkworth wrote poison pen letters and was a nasty woman disliked by many people. There are plenty of interesting suspects in this absorbing mystery.
January 16, 2016
As entertaining as ever, this time we have Mercy forced to attend Thanksgiving at her disapproving and judgmental parents Pasadena home. But its not long before a murder occurs and Mercy's mother insists Ernie come and solve it. This one was particularly fun as we had a crossover with the Daisy Gumm Majesty medium series with Daisy conducting a seance at the Allcott's home when the murder occurs and Sam being the police officer called to deal with it. I would have enjoyed more Daisy/Mercy interaction but as always I love how honest Mercy is and the things she says and how she finally stands up to her horrible mother - not once but repeatedly. I really would like some romance between Ernie & Mercy though.
January 2, 2024
I have enjoyed all the Mercy Allcutt books but when I first read the Daisy Gumm books, it really did not work for me. I found Daisy irritating and after the first one, have not ever been tempted to read any more. However, now that the author has brought them together, I really do not find Daisy offensive at all, which has surprised me. In fact, Daisy Majesty appears rather nice and has her head screwed on right. Hmm, may give those books another chance when I run out of the TBR pile.
As always, another fun visit with Mercy and the family. Mercy is beginning to be more assertive and getting to learn the ways of the world. I find that a good thing, her having the courage to speak up when she believes that it matters. And of course, meeting all the new characters are fun.
As always, another fun visit with Mercy and the family. Mercy is beginning to be more assertive and getting to learn the ways of the world. I find that a good thing, her having the courage to speak up when she believes that it matters. And of course, meeting all the new characters are fun.
February 23, 2015
This is the first book of Mercy Allcutt series I have read; I enjoyed it fully. Mercy is dismayed to find she must spend Thanksgiving week at her dictatorial parents' Pasadena home. While there she is horrified to watch a woman fall from the second floor and lands with a thud on the first floor carpet. Her sister's husband is one the persons who could have thrown her over. Her demanding Mother insists she that she call her PI boss, Ernie Templeton to solve the case. Ernie must work with Sam Rotondo. I laugh out loud as Mercy puts Ernie and Sam in their place. I recommend this series highly
I won this book in a giveaway.
I won this book in a giveaway.
November 23, 2015
This was my first encounter with Mercy Allcutt, but It won't be my last. I enjoyed all of the colorful characters as they gave us a glimpse of life and family dynamics in the 1920s . This mystery was well-paced and kept my interest.
November 26, 2015
A good old-fashioned mystery set in the Twenties. Lots of humorous interchanges between characters and gritty policemen/P.I.s. Clean read, no guts or gore or compromising situations or offensive language.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews