Book Reviews

Book Blurb

Something wicked has come to Grenville Connecticut, a town famous for antiques and the systematic fleecing of its well-heeled elders as they down-size, sicken and die. Clearly, someone is unhappy with the status quo as high-end antique dealers are being murdered in gruesome--yet fitting--ways. When a severed finger shows up at the Friday night auction, unlikely heroines Lil Campbell and Ada Strauss have to wonder--where's the rest of the body? A question that leads to festering small-town secrets, and the unraveling of a mystery that shows all is not well in a town famed for its postcard perfect New England charm. For Lil and Ada, long-time friends and neighbors, the murders take a personal turn as unspeakable accusations are raised against Lil's dead husband and she becomes the focus of the killer's rage. And to make things worse--or better--the two friends are forced to confront powerful feelings for one another that threaten their idyllic lives.

 

Book Review

'Vultures at Twilight' is a rather fine murder/mystery. I’m fond of murder/mysteries. Also, it is set in Connecticut, which isn’t too far from where I live, and I am very fond of that state, too. This is a good start and with leading ladies who are close to my age, this story has three strikes in its favor right off the bat. Good show!

Lil, Lillian Campbell, was born, raised, wedded, widowed, and raised two girls who no longer live in Grenville, Connecticut. We see most of this story through her eyes, her heart, and her sense of place. She has a great deal more feeling for her best friend Ada, which comes from hidden sensitivities and remembered attractions towards women. However, that was not to be considered or pursued and she had loving feelings toward her husband plus very strong feelings towards her town and community, which has comforted her for decades. 

Ada Strauss moved with her husband to Glenville’s Pilgrim’s Progress gated community for the fairly well off. Lil is a next-door neighbor and they have become very close friends. These are our two amateur sleuths who assist the state police investigator Detective Mattie Perez from the homicide division since a rash of murders have recently plagued sleepy, quiet Glenville. 

Ada is Jewish and Lil is Episcopalian but they go to each other’s services because they are such good friends and it has become part of their weekly activities. We share Lil’s growing awareness that she feels a good deal more for Ada than just friendship. Yet, it is Ada who kisses Lil first at a really appropriate moment with a heart-felt ‘I’ve wanted to do that for a long time’ that was just perfectly magnificent. Three cheers for Ada who is one spunky, really smart lady, loving grandmother, and just about the best friend one could hope for. 

From my standpoint, the end of story crisis and conclusion was somewhat obvious, but not a real detraction from the overall book, plot, and wonderfully warm friendship for our sleuthing duo. I really enjoyed this book and I am somewhat of a murder/mystery aficionado so I feel qualified to forgive the author for an end of book shortcut. Oh by the way, the ‘Vultures’ are antique dealers that are everywhere in Grenville, CT taking advantage of older folks and their precious heirlooms…nasty business. However, this deserves a thumbs up from me for both the story and the warning to families!   

 

 

 

 

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Additional Information

Format	ebook and print
Length	Novel, 224 pages
Heat Level
Publication Date	01-October-2012
Price	$8.79 ebook, $32.95 hardback
Buy Link	http://www.amazon.com/Vultures-Twilight-Campbell-Strauss-ebook/dp/B009D4IC04/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0