Murder at the Portland Variety by M.J. Zellnik
>> Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Genre: Cozy Mystery / Historical Fiction
Publication Date: 2005
Pages: 329
Challenges: A-Z Reading #47 (Z Author)
This is the first in what appears to be only a two book series by a brother/sister writing team (Miriam and Joe Zellnik as M.J. Zellnik). It’s an interesting mix of cozy mystery and historical fiction.
The story is set in Portland, Oregon in 1894 – so it’s interesting to me to read something set in that time period in my hometown. The authors’ website has some pictures of Portland, fashion, theater and others from that era. Those were fun to see – familiar parts of town from back then.
Libby Seale is a young seamstress working in a vaudeville theater making and maintaining costumes. When one of the performers is found dead, Libby just believe the quick conclusion to the case the police do. Soon she finds herself enlisting the help of a young newspaper reporter in town to investigate what really happened to her friend. Along the way the reader also learns what brought Libby to Portland from New York all on her own.
I enjoyed this book a lot. The mix of genres was a new one for me and since it’s set in Portland, many of the locations are familiar to me. According to the authors’ website, the planned series stopped at two books. I do plan to get the second book from the library. I liked Libby and her reporter friend Peter and want to read more of their adventures, even if it is only one more book.
No stars – I couldn’t even finish it
1 star – I didn’t like it but I managed to finish it.
2 stars – It was OK. Not good, but seriously just OK.
3 stars - I liked it. I didn’t think it was great, but I thought it was good entertainment.
4 stars – I really liked it. I really think you might like it too.
5 stars – It was amazing. I’d recommend this to just about anyone.
13 comments:
You have my interest. A mystery and historical ficiton all in one. What could be better?
Framed: it's not a 'must read' kind of book, but it's entertaining.
Probably not my thing, but it must be fun to read a mystery set in your hometown!
You know, I put mooched this book to read before our trip because I saw it on your Good Reads as a TBR book. I still haven't read it, but it helps to know you enjoyed it.
Bookfool: it is fun.
Booklogged: It's light,but entertaining. It's also a handy title if you need a Z author for an A-X reading challenge.
Mind if I crib off of your Z author? = )
Vickie: hee hee - have at it. They can be hard to find.
I am on a quest....
Vickie: I checked http://www.worldcat.org/ and it looks like it's in a few libraries in CO. Check there to see if any of them are in your area.
I know the author of this one! (The sister half.)
This book sounds interesting. I LOVE mysteries, so I am planning to add this to my "TBR" list. Thanks for the review. (I found you via Sat Review)
Hi! One half of MJ Zellnik here, just popping in to say thanks for the kind words. My brother and I were sad to say farewell to Libby Seale (for the moment, at least). I really enjoyed learning tons about Portland's history as I researched these books. Hope you'll consider reading the sequel, Death at the Rose Paperworks, as well.
Lisa: Cool! thanks for stopping by :-)
Sarah: It's an entertaining read. Hope you like it.
Mim: HI!! I love it when authors check in. I'm definitely going to read the second book. Hope you can continue the series some day. It's one that's just enough different from so many of the other cozy series that I really found it to be a fresh change of pace.
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