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hirvimaki's review against another edition
5.0
Perhaps it is nostalgia - I first read DOD in '87. Perhaps I have been reading too many sub-par "mysteries" lately. Whatever the reason, I adored the reread of this book. Funny, engaging, clever. As this was a reread, I already knew whodunit (actually amazing that I did after 35 years), but the complexity and nuance of the plot was superb. It is firmly cemented in time, with no cellphones, antiquated computers, etc. but far from making this outdated, it establishes a very firm place in time that adds to rather than detracts from the story. I'm looking forward to rereading the rest of the DOD series and enjoying some good little mysteries. Hart is one of my mother's favourite mystery authors and I have all the hardbacks.
kathydavie's review against another edition
2.0
First in the Death on Demand amateur sleuth mystery series revolving around a woman who owns a bookstore specializing in mysteries.
In 1988, Death on Demand was nominated for the Anthony Award for Best Paperback Original.
My Take
A few years back, I read Carolyn Hart's Death Walked In, 18, and I finally got a round to reading the start of the series, Death on Demand. I'm not really sure how it is that the publishers wanted a second from her.
For a start, how could anyone possibly make a go of a bookstore specializing in mysteries on a small island? Once Elliot was killed and the nail polish remover-soaked wad was found, why didn't the Chief sniff everyone's fingers. Who would be stupid enough to break into a dead man's house, especially if she's the main suspect AND she's brought the only piece of evidence with her? After she's conked at Elliot's, why doesn't she go back and collect her bike? I mean, hullo, tying her to the crime scene!??
It's a lovely setting. A beautiful island with a bookstore remodeled to invite perusing with a huge collection of mystery writers [all living on one little island] with a very thematic setting with its coffee cups named for mysteries, the monthly watercolor contest, and the Sunday Night Specials. There's the cute waif of a bookstore owner, Annie Laurence, who inherited the shop from her beloved uncle and being pursued by the madly wealthy and madly-in-love-with-Annie Max.
And not three months after Uncle Ambrose's ill-fated slip into the water, death is again in demand at the bookstore — did I mention the name of the bookstore? It's Death on Demand…very clever.
Hart uses the investigation into the death of a rather slimy writer to introduce us to Chief Saulter who's deeply suspicious of Annie; Bud, one of the two policemen who work under the chief; all the writers and their backgrounds; Carmen Morgan, Elliot's ex-wife; and, provides us with Annie's background and the island's layout.
I fully intend to read the next in the series, Design for Murder, if only because I did enjoy Death Walked In. Somehow, Hart grows although I don't know if it's in skill or in appeal.
In 1988, Death on Demand was nominated for the Anthony Award for Best Paperback Original.
My Take
A few years back, I read Carolyn Hart's Death Walked In, 18, and I finally got a round to reading the start of the series, Death on Demand. I'm not really sure how it is that the publishers wanted a second from her.
For a start, how could anyone possibly make a go of a bookstore specializing in mysteries on a small island? Once Elliot was killed and the nail polish remover-soaked wad was found, why didn't the Chief sniff everyone's fingers. Who would be stupid enough to break into a dead man's house, especially if she's the main suspect AND she's brought the only piece of evidence with her? After she's conked at Elliot's, why doesn't she go back and collect her bike? I mean, hullo, tying her to the crime scene!??
It's a lovely setting. A beautiful island with a bookstore remodeled to invite perusing with a huge collection of mystery writers [all living on one little island] with a very thematic setting with its coffee cups named for mysteries, the monthly watercolor contest, and the Sunday Night Specials. There's the cute waif of a bookstore owner, Annie Laurence, who inherited the shop from her beloved uncle and being pursued by the madly wealthy and madly-in-love-with-Annie Max.
And not three months after Uncle Ambrose's ill-fated slip into the water, death is again in demand at the bookstore — did I mention the name of the bookstore? It's Death on Demand…very clever.
Hart uses the investigation into the death of a rather slimy writer to introduce us to Chief Saulter who's deeply suspicious of Annie; Bud, one of the two policemen who work under the chief; all the writers and their backgrounds; Carmen Morgan, Elliot's ex-wife; and, provides us with Annie's background and the island's layout.
I fully intend to read the next in the series, Design for Murder, if only because I did enjoy Death Walked In. Somehow, Hart grows although I don't know if it's in skill or in appeal.
book_concierge's review against another edition
3.0
Audio book performed by Kate Reading.
Annie Laurence inherited her uncle’s estate on Broward’s Rock Island, South Carolina, including the mystery bookshop Death on Demand. She’s made a success of it, partly because the quiet island is home to several successful authors, who regularly meet at her store on Sunday evenings for coffee and an informal presentation about writing mysteries. But tonight one of them – Elliot Morgan – is planning to reveal the other authors’ secrets, and Annie would just as soon not have a scene in the store. When the presentation is interrupted by a power failure she is momentarily relieved, only to find that while the lights were off Elliot was murdered. Before long she is the target of the police chief’s suspicions regarding not only Elliot’s murder, but her uncle’s untimely death, and the deaths of several other island residents. Her dear friend Max Darling lends a hand to help clear her name and find the true culprit.
This is a fun cozy made more enjoyable by the many references to mystery writers, books and famous literary sleuths (Mrs Pollifax, Hercule Poirot, etc). If the murderer is a tad too prolific (and successful at killing) in such a short time frame, well that can be forgiven. Hart keeps the plot moving and the interest level high. The romantic tension is mostly in the background but adds a nice touch of spice to the mix. Kate Reading does a fine job on the audio, with a good pace and enough changes in inflection to differentiate the characters.
Annie Laurence inherited her uncle’s estate on Broward’s Rock Island, South Carolina, including the mystery bookshop Death on Demand. She’s made a success of it, partly because the quiet island is home to several successful authors, who regularly meet at her store on Sunday evenings for coffee and an informal presentation about writing mysteries. But tonight one of them – Elliot Morgan – is planning to reveal the other authors’ secrets, and Annie would just as soon not have a scene in the store. When the presentation is interrupted by a power failure she is momentarily relieved, only to find that while the lights were off Elliot was murdered. Before long she is the target of the police chief’s suspicions regarding not only Elliot’s murder, but her uncle’s untimely death, and the deaths of several other island residents. Her dear friend Max Darling lends a hand to help clear her name and find the true culprit.
This is a fun cozy made more enjoyable by the many references to mystery writers, books and famous literary sleuths (Mrs Pollifax, Hercule Poirot, etc). If the murderer is a tad too prolific (and successful at killing) in such a short time frame, well that can be forgiven. Hart keeps the plot moving and the interest level high. The romantic tension is mostly in the background but adds a nice touch of spice to the mix. Kate Reading does a fine job on the audio, with a good pace and enough changes in inflection to differentiate the characters.
darcerenity's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
sharonsueg's review against another edition
3.0
Easy read. Funny at times. Need to read the series in order to understand the relationships.
mschrock8's review against another edition
3.0
Going back to fill in holes in mystery series. (Part of the fun is the research.)
Roe and I are going to get along well.
Roe and I are going to get along well.
kraley's review against another edition
3.0
A decent cozy mystery. No one was super annoying. I am willing to read another. Nice and clean.