There was just too much here to believe. An eccentric 102 year old millionairess disinherits her family, and leaves all her money to her part time assistant, genealogist Torie O'Shea. Shortly thereafter, Torie becomes the object of jealousy and hate. Someone beats Torie up with a baseball bat in broad daylight in a very public place, but no one, including Torie sees the attacker. Even the ending was not like something that would happen in "real life". I read the entire novel, but when I finished it I asked myself "why?"

Torie explores her relationships with the ghosts of the past and the relatives of the present. She comes to grips with her mother-in-law and her feelings for Sylvia. She also makes some unique decisions about the future. This was great for seeing our Torie as a force for the next generation.

I felt this was one of the better books in an already very good series. I have always enjoyed this particular writer and this particular series and she, the author, seems to be getting better and better at her craft. As with the other Torie O'Shea
Mystries, we have a mixture of history, mystery, domestic life in a small town and humor. This novel moves fast and has some nice twists. It can certainly be classified as "easy reading" and I found it quite enjoyable. If you are looking for a good, light read, one to take pleasure in, then I highly recommend this one and do hope the author keep them coming.

I love Tori O'Shea, somehow I can so relate to her. I like the way that this book was pulled together and really enjoyed the fact that we learned so much more about Sylvia. I also liked the fact that Tori became her own person in the end. If you have not read this series, you might want to start with the first so you will be familiar with all the characters. Keep them coming Ms. MacPherson.

Having read the entire series, I find it intresting that I identify with Torie as much as I do, even though my life is nothing at all like hers.
I deducted a point for the heavy-handed way in which Rudi's mom was handled, as well as for limiting Eleanore's "columns" to only a couple early on - I've always looked forward to them during my reading. That leads into a point that struck me as contradictory - perhaps another reviewer could clear it up, aqnd if anyone feels I'm "giving away a plot twist" I apologize (although I really don't think so): Eleanore's column says it is unfair that Jalena wins a contest "no longer living in town to move to Wisteria to be with her new husband" - later Colin mentions he's going to run for Mayor against the incumbent. Ummmm .... he's not a New Kassel resident yet no one in the story seems to question that? Are "mayors" in MO elected county-wide or something?
A kudo to Torie for "doing the right thing" at the end! I knew she would though.