Interesting investigation into the past

This is a sequel to Skeletons in the Attic. It could be also read as a standalone, but the many references to the first book will this one more pleasurable if we are familiar with the story. Callie, Calamity, has gained some experience investigating the past, and decides to create an agency, along with her friend Chantelle, specialized to investigate past events. Their first client wants to find who killed her grandmother in 1956, when her own mother was still a child.

This was a different and creative cozy mystery, in which the murder has happened several decades ago, and the only means of investigation are old articles and the memory of several people. Callie will discover that the mystery is closer to her than what she thought at first, and that omissions are not lies but their goal might be the same: protecting someone who cannot forgive themself.

I greatly enjoyed the story, with all its twists and turns, and I found the way of investigating the past quite interesting. I think there are many real references to how it can be done in Canada, so I believe Judy Penz Sheluk spent a great amount of time researching this.

There was a small paranormal aspect added to the story. I have to say that this was the part I liked the least. I don’t mind that when paranormal situations are added just for effect, but I believe they should not have any real value in an investigation.

This book is narrated by a different person than book one. Kelli Lindsay’s style is similar to her predecessor, and although there are a couple of noticeable audio edits, the overall audio production has a higher quality. Lindsay did a great job bringing the characters to life by transmitting their emotions, and keeping their voices and styles consistent and different enough to make dialogs easy to follow.

Another beautifully written cozy mystery by Judy Penz Sheluk, I am already looking forward to the next one.

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Great storyline

Wanted more love the story line a bit. Short for me but I wanted more

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Loved the mystery

I'm impressed with the author, enough to make this the second book I've listened to. Once again I've enjoyed following Cally through a story brimming with mystery.
Bravo to the narrator - a perfect choice for the story once again.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Past and Present

After reading the first book in the series I moved straight on to this one, I was not disappointed in what Callie got up to next! Well researched and well written it is a very entertaining story, looking forward to reading the next installment. I was given this book free of charge and have provided this honest review.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Where The Past Becomes The Present

I rather like our central character, especially when treated to her inner voice, which can be quite amusing. A simple mystery begins to develop into an intriguing tale that moves along at a decent pace. The characters along the way are great with lovely dialogue. The final twist is wonderful. The narrator does a great job of bringing extra enjoyment to the listening experience.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Past and Present

I have to admit that I liked the first book more then I did this one. I did find it slow going to begin with but once things started moving it got more interesting.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Past & Present

This was a really good read.This picks up where book one leaves off.Callie has started a new business and her first client leads her to more family drama.Kelli Lindsay was a fine narrator.I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.' 

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Book 2 Past & Present

Another great listen, love how the characters link through the stories, here comes book 3

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Past and Present

Could be listened as a standalone but I recommend to start with book 1. I think it really will make way more sense if you start with book 1 because there are some events that occur and character interactions the author builds upon. Callie delves into another mystery that interestingly ties back to her. It was fascinating to see how the author weaves the past into the present and connects it to Callie. Great somewhat fast paced storyline with characters that are well developed and likeable.

Great performance from the narrator. I'm not a fan of narrator changes for series, especially when it involves the same characters as previous books, but she does just as good a job and plays the characters well.

I received a review copy at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Finally at peace.

When Calamity inherited a house in Marketville, it came with strings attatched: she had to move into it and attempt to solve an old family mystery. Now, just over a year later, she has decided to stay on in the small town, though not in the same house. She and her best friend have gone into business together, not as private eyes but as researchers into past mysteries. She has several other contacts in her 'team' including the fortune teller, Misty, her antique shop owner friend at the Glass Dolphin and the now retired local librarian. A website is designed and soon they have their first client, a woman wanting th know more about her long deceased grandmother who had 'come to a bad end' when her own mother was just three. Their investigation brings some close to home surprises.

Judy Lenz Sheluk's cozy mysteries are pure delight. written in the first person from Calamity's perspective, the characters are well drawn, and it's nice to remeet them, like finding an old friend. The stories feel humerous, light and fluffy, but there are hidden hurts there, too, and the mysteries are intriguing. Like all good who-dun-its? the reader can follow the clues and try to find the solution before the end reveal (not too hard to do, but great fun anyway).
The narrator of Past and Present, Kelli Lindsay, was perfect, her warm voice almost purring at times. Her inflection was good, the reading clear and she individually gave voice to each character. The whole story burst into life under her bubbly narration.

These books, despite crossovers, are completely stand alone, though the more read the better the reader gets to know the protagonists, or course. In an introduction to this book, the author tells the reader that, whilst this is a completely fictional story, it is based on fact. Interesting. And it looks like the next in the series will be curious, too. I'm looking forward to it.
Recommended for those who prefer their mystery thriller with a little less fighting action and more fighting spirit.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful