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jebbie74's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
dollycas's review against another edition
5.0
Nell Pratt, the new president of the Pennsylvania Antiquarian Society, is busy trying to hire staff and keep The Society running in these hard economic times, but when The Fireman’s Museum loses most of it’s collections to a fire she realizes things could be much worse. She tries to help by gathering all the information The Society has about local fire history to help them tally their losses and file an insurance claim. It is a picture that makes Nell understand there is much more to the story that meets the eye. When the smoke clears she knows she has to help find the truth. Hopefully she will not go down in a blaze all her own.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Being a daughter of a firefighter this story really touched by heart. The fire department where I grew up has many treasures from the past including an antique engine that travels around to nearby parades and events throughout the summer. My father was the chief for many years before he passed away. The department was an integral part of my life. There is even a Fire Training Facility dedicated to my dad at a nearby college. So growing up you could say fire fighting and all that goes with it was the family business.
Because of that I know Sheila Connolly has created a very accurate picture of the dedication of the men and women in this dangerous profession. Arson is a horrible crime and the reactions of all the characters are realistic and true. She also takes the saying of “a picture is worth a thousand words” to a very practical level, the key to the mystery.
I enjoy this series because Nell takes us into a museum full of paper and books that unless you are doing research could be quite boring but all the interplay with the characters and where their lives take us is anything but boring. It’s exciting, entertaining, and fun. It’s amazing what can happen in rooms full of ledgers, letters and legal documents. Connolly has created a complex and complicated mystery that will keep your feet to the fire as you follow the clues that will slam the door shut on those who ignited the flames. Sit back and enjoy this one, just stay back from the fire, we don’t want any readers to get injured during the reading of this book
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Being a daughter of a firefighter this story really touched by heart. The fire department where I grew up has many treasures from the past including an antique engine that travels around to nearby parades and events throughout the summer. My father was the chief for many years before he passed away. The department was an integral part of my life. There is even a Fire Training Facility dedicated to my dad at a nearby college. So growing up you could say fire fighting and all that goes with it was the family business.
Because of that I know Sheila Connolly has created a very accurate picture of the dedication of the men and women in this dangerous profession. Arson is a horrible crime and the reactions of all the characters are realistic and true. She also takes the saying of “a picture is worth a thousand words” to a very practical level, the key to the mystery.
I enjoy this series because Nell takes us into a museum full of paper and books that unless you are doing research could be quite boring but all the interplay with the characters and where their lives take us is anything but boring. It’s exciting, entertaining, and fun. It’s amazing what can happen in rooms full of ledgers, letters and legal documents. Connolly has created a complex and complicated mystery that will keep your feet to the fire as you follow the clues that will slam the door shut on those who ignited the flames. Sit back and enjoy this one, just stay back from the fire, we don’t want any readers to get injured during the reading of this book
leighannsherwin's review against another edition
4.0
In book three Nell is slowly adjusting to her role as president of the historical society. Shortly after attending a networking event she becomes involved with the local fire fighters museum. Following a fire at a nearby warehouse it comes to light that the museum was storing their exhibits and papers there while they underwent renovations. Among the items was an antique fire engine and a security guard is found dead in the ruins. At first it appears to be part of a string of fires believed to be the work of an arsonist but Nell soon begins to see things aren't as they seem. Added to that, the FBI has returned the items stolen from the historical society and a few hundred more to add to the headache and just as they finally hire and new registrar Marty throws a curve with another new hire who comes with strings. It all adds up to another enjoyable mystery.
murderbydeath's review
3.0
There were a lot of things to like about this story: the character interaction, the plot, the setting. Overall I enjoyed the story, it was a nice, easy, enjoyable read. But it's missing the fourth star I'd like to give it due to an excess (imo) of introspection, or "contemplation" on the part of the main character - I found myself just outright skipping over those parts. And finally, the main character still comes across as a bit wooden and two dimensional - I see attempts at humour being made, but they fall flat - like they were shoe-horned in as an afterthought. I'd wish for a bit more spark in the next book. But I will definitely look for the next book as I think this is a series that shows promise.
erikaheesen's review
This series is too fun ... so much in there for the museum/archives folk, as well as a good mystery!
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