The first two mystery novellas all in one book!
E-Books ca be purchased separately or together.
A Mary MacDougall Mystery Duet
Conger Road Press (August 26, 2014)
Historical Cozy Mystery
Setting – Minnesota
Paperback: 290 pages
ISBN-13: 978-0985019648
E-Book ASIN: B010EAQWRK
A Pretty Little Plot
Print Length: 90 pages
Conger Road Press (December 17, 2013)
ASIN: B00G8KI936
For 18-year-old Mary MacDougall, the highlight of her 1901 summer vacation in Minneapolis is the painting class taught by the darkly handsome Edmond Roy. But when Mr. Roy is accused of kidnapping two of his own pupils, it falls to Mary to dig up the truth.
Is Mr. Roy merely an innocent painter of landscapes and still lifes? Or a devilishly clever criminal? Should Mary defend him? Or fear him?
As she feels her way through her very first investigation, Mary not only learns the hidden facts of the case. She discovers the real secrets are those that she finds deep in her own heart. The spirited young heiress is not as immune to feelings of attraction as she thought. Mr. Roy has awakened a longing within her.
Will Mary MacDougall help to exonerate the man? Or condemn him to years in prison?
The Stolen Star
Print Length: 103 pages
Conger Road Press (July 14, 2014)
ASIN: B00LU3W01I
For neophyte sleuth Mary MacDougall, the holiday season is a flurry of activities—including the 1901 Gala Christmas Musicale, starring opera diva Josie Borrell. But when the celebrated sapphire that Josie wears for her performance goes missing, Mary is drawn into the hunt for the purloined gem.
Did a master thief swoop into town to nick the Star of the North? Was it the lovelorn maid? The manager with money troubles? The foul-tempered chef? The pianist with the scandalous past? Or was it the famous singer herself?
In the middle of all this tumult Mary has to cope with the unexpected appearance of the only man who has ever aroused her longing—and the lovely woman who seems to have captivated him.
As she unpeels the layers of deceit and duplicity behind the Star’s disappearance, Mary juggles affairs of the head and of the heart, driving her practically mad. In the end, the matter of the stolen Star comes down to the simplest of clues. While the matter of the man she loves couldn’t possibly be more complex.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
The first thing I have to say is that I am so impressed with Mary MacDougall. A strong, vibrant, young lady who knows what she wants and strives to get it. These books are set in a time when women of Mary’s age and status are mainly looking for a husband. Mary is not afraid to say she has no desire for marriage, at least at the moment. She wants a career, she wants to be a detective. Well, we see in both of these stories she has a keen mind and is on her way to reaching her dreams. Mary MacDougall is a woman before her time.
In A Pretty Little Plot, Mary is taking a painting class with several other ladies taught by Mr. Edmond Roy. They all seem to be enjoying the class until 2 of the students go missing. From the evidence the teacher becomes the prime suspect but Mary doesn’t believe he could have kidnapped these women. She pursues an investigation on her own. While she does this she finds she may just have romantic feeling for her teacher. First she must prove his innocence and then worry about her heart.
The author paints a grand little mystery with his words. He brings history to life with a fresh voice. The journey Mary takes to solve the crime seems very believable for that time and place. She sifts through the clues and puts them together quite quickly.
In The Stolen Star, Mary meets opera diva, Josie Borrell, when she makes an appearance in town. The diva as been asked to wear a valuable sapphire necklace for her performance. The next day we find the jewel is missing. Mary confirms it was placed back into the box after the performance so it had to have gone missing after it was returned to its owner. Again Mary very methodically solves the mystery. But the mystery of her heart is still up in the air as Edmond Roy returns but he has not come alone.
Being short novellas does not take anything away from either of these stories. I was engaged by the characters and the mysteries while not complex were very entertaining. Mary is a character I want to get to know better and one I will remember for a long time.
The third book in this series, A Daughter’s Doubt was released March 15. Richard will be touring it with Great Escapes Book Tours April 4 – 17.
About The Author –
Richard Audry is the pen name of D. R. Martin. As Richard Audry, he is the author of the King Harald Canine Cozy mystery series and the Mary MacDougall historical mystery series. Under his own name he has written the Johnny Graphic middle-grade ghost adventure series, the Marta Hjelm mystery, Smoking Ruin, and two books of literary commentary: Travis McGee & Me; and Four Science Fiction Masters.
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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
I like Richard Audry! I’ve read his 2 King Harald books and enjoyed them!
I’ve seen this author’s work recently & it looks like a great period cozy.
I didn’t think I would be interested in this series but your review and description changed my mind. I will have explore this author’s work, sounds like he is talented in different genres.
Lori, thanks so much for the great review. Glad you enjoyed Mary’s first two adventures. D. R. (Richard Audry)
Thanks for the opportunity to enter the giveaway for Richard Audry’s books. Can’t wait to read the next book. robeader53@yahoo.com
Love me a good mystery.