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Friday, August 15, 2014

Clam Wake by Mary Daheim: Review & Giveaway

  
Book Details:

Genre: Mystery

Published by: William Morrow

Publication Date: 8/12/2014

Number of Pages: 240

ISBN: 9780062317728

Purchase Links:


Synopsis:
Innkeeper and irrepressible sleuth Judith McMonigle Flynn and cousin Renie face off against a cold-blooded killer in a beach community in this delightfully charming Bed-and-Breakfast mystery from USA Today and New York Times bestselling author Mary Daheim.

With the holidays gone and Hillside Manor almost empty, Innkeeper Judith McMonigle Flynn has a bad case of the blues. A housesitting stint at her aunt and uncle’s retirement home on Whoopee Island with cousin Renie seems like the ideal pick-me-up. Surrounded by retirees in the off-season sounds peaceful and pleasant--or so the duo thinks. But it isn’t long before a dead body pops up in their vicinity. Not surprising in an area full of older folks—until they learn it wasn’t a bad ticker that did in the victim, but a very sharp knife. With clouds of suspicion hovering over her and Renie, Judith reluctantly begins sleuthing—if only to prove they didn’t commit the crime.

But what she finds is puzzling. The victim reputedly didn’t have an enemy in the world--except for the killer. Digging for clams and answers, the cousins discover that retirement can be deadly—at least among the eclectic, eccentric residents of Obsession Shores.

Tortie Shorties
Book reviews that are short and sweet...just like Truffles!

Prior to Clam Wake I had only read one previous book in Mary Daheim's Bed & Breakfast mystery series, and I remember being so confused by the number of characters and various tangential storylines that by the end I was ready to tear my hair out. I'm happy to say that I didn't have that feeling this time around, but I do think it would be most enjoyable to someone who has more of a familiarity with the characters and their various relationships and histories. This is, after all, a very long-running series.

That being said, I did find much to enjoy in this book. My favorite characters in cozies are usually the elderly folks, and Clam Wake is chock full of them! The Obsession Shores retirement home is rich in eccentric elders and life is certainly never boring there. I also like books set in seaside locales and the descriptions of Whoopee Island are so vivid that I could imagine myself digging for clams while smelling the seaside air. Judith and Renie are entertaining as always, and I have a feeling these two ladies still have many adventures awaiting them!

Giveaway: Leave a comment by noon eastern on Wednesday, August 20th for your chance to win a copy of Clam Wake. (US entries only, please.)



About the author: Seattle native Mary Richardson Daheim lives three miles from the house where she was raised. From her dining nook she can see the maple tree in front of her childhood home. Mary isn’t one for change when it comes to geography. Upon getting her journalism degree from the University of Washington (she can see the campus from the dining nook, too), she went to work for a newspaper in Anacortes WA. Then, after her marriage to David Daheim, his first college teaching post was in Port Angeles where she became a reporter for the local daily. Both tours of small-town duty gave her the background for the Alpine/Emma Lord series.

Mary spent much of her non-fiction career in public relations (some would say PR is fiction, too). But ever since she learned how to read and write, Mary wanted to tell stories that could be put between book covers (e-readers were far into the future and if she hadn’t seen her daughter’s iPad, she might not know they exist). Thus, she began her publishing career with the first of seven historical romances before switching to mysteries in 1991. If Mary could do the math, she’d know how many books she’s published. Since she can’t, she estimates the total is at least 55. Or something. See below—count ‘em if you can.

At the time of her husband and mentor’s death in February 2010, David and Mary had been married for over 43 years. They have three daughters, Barbara, Katherine and Magdalen, and two granddaughters, Maisy and Clara. They all live in Seattle, too. Those apples don’t move far from the tree…literally.


Catch Up With the Author:



20 comments:

  1. i LOVE these books, even if they do make me hungry!

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  2. I love this series, and this book sounds like a fun change of pace from the others, especially since I always especially like the older characters in cozies, too, which I think comes from realizing at an early age that Miss Marple was a total badass.

    michstjame at gmail dot com

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  3. Thanks so much for sharing your review on the latest book in this long-running series. I've read several of the earliest ones, but have missed many of the more recent books, so am looking forward to getting reacquainted with the characters in this one!

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  4. This series was one of the first mystery series I ever read, and really got me hooked ! Well written, makes you think , and always enjoyable. Thanks off the chance to win the newest installment !

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  5. Love this series and the escapades the cousins engage in. Always entertaining. Servedogmom@yahoo.com

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  6. Sounds interesting...haven't read this author, yet.


    patucker54 at aol dot com

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  7. I love this series and actually placed a hold on the book at my local library.. I'd much rather own a copy to add to my collection of the series. LOL

    NoraAdrienne(at)gmail(dot)com

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  8. I love Mary Daheim and this series. Having read several of her other books in this series, this is definitely a to be read.

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  9. A new series and author for me,
    kpbarnett1941[at]aol.com

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  10. I tend to like elderly characters as well. Add a bed and breakfast and I'm in! Thanks!
    JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

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  11. Clam Wake would be a wonderful book which resounds with me.Thanks. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

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  12. Thanks for your review which was captivating. This book would be enjoyed. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  13. Love the sound of the book, can't wait to read it.

    Kit3247(at)aol(dot)com

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  14. WOW, looks like a great read.

    xzjh04@ gmail.com

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  15. Fun, fun series!
    afarage(at)earthlink.net

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  16. this is a new-to-me series/author!!
    thank you for the intro!!!

    cyn209 at juno dot com

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  17. I've read quite a few of this author's books so I'm sure to enjoy this one.
    suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com

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  18. I have just recently discovered cozy mysteries.I just ordered my first cozy mystery. I love the covers for all cozy mysteries.

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  19. I like the title but don't eat seafood. I think I have two of her books.
    catbooks72(at)gmail(dot)com

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  20. Working my way through this series. Sounds like another fun adventure. Would love to win. :)

    Scouts579(at)aol(dot)com

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