Reviewed by Jeanne
Newlywed Lee Barrett is taking on yet another new job at
WICH-TV, Salem’s aptly-lettered local TV station. This time she is “Historical
Documentary Chief Executive,” working on features that deal with the town’s
storied past. Of course, this is in addition to all her other jobs at the
station, but at least she’s getting a chance to be in front of the camera
again. A new museum dedicated to New England history will be opening soon, so
Lee is covering the final renovations and installations for their first
exhibit, “Seafaring New England.” There will be some dazzling exhibits, including
some very rare and near priceless items: Chinese porcelain, jewels from India,
and more.
Lee’s new husband, Detective Pete Mondello, is also taking an
interest in the exhibit but not for the same reasons: a delivery man who was
bringing in items for the exhibition is found murdered in a pile of
leaves. Oddly, nothing seems to have
been taken. But then Lee’s psychic senses begin to show her images and she soon
finds herself reporting on more than ships and cargo.
This is lucky number thirteen in the Witch City Mystery series, though you don’t necessarily have to
read them in order. For me, part of the pleasure in these books is touching
base with all the characters, who feel like old friends by now. I adore O’Ryan, Lee’s cat who may be more
than he seems; her Aunt Ibby, reference librarian and amateur sleuth who helps
Lee with her research; and River North, who is a practicing witch and TV movie
host who reads Tarot for Lee. You may notice that I left Pete out of the list,
not because I dislike him but to be honest, I find him a rather bland character
in the middle of so many interesting ones.
One thing I have always loved about this series is that I learn
from it. There’s always a look behind
the scenes at a TV station, but usually there’s something else connected with
the mystery. This time there’s some
fascinating background about the shipping trade viewed in part through family
history of some of the characters. The
descriptions are always vivid: I could almost see some of the exhibits. The solutions are clever and never come out
of left field.
This is one of my favorite cozy series, and long may it sail!
