Chapter 27 - Murder Takes a Vacation

We had the great pleasure of hosting our youngest daughter Claire and grandson Max a few weeks ago here at the beach. It was a typical coastal beach week - some rain, some sun but we did manage to get a lot of sightseeing done. We hit all the favorites here including Wonder Works, Alligator Adventure, Hollywood Wax Museum and even Pirates Voyage. We spent a lot of time in the pool as well as visiting some of our favorite restaurants. Needless to say, I, for one, was exhausted by the time they left.

Being a tourist in our own town made me think of two things - first, vacations and second, getting older. If you've been reading my blog you know how I like reading books about older people, probably because I am one. But in reflection I think it is because older people don't care what people think, have paid their dues to their families, and end up doing and saying marvelously funny things.

My book suggestions this week are around vacations and older protagonists. I think you will enjoy these as much as I have.

Murder Takes a Vacation by Laura Lippman - If you have ever read Laura Lippman's Tess Monaghan series you've already met the protagonist of this latest novel. Mrs. Blossom was very good about blending into the background when assisting Tess in her investigations. When Mrs. Blossom wins the lottery she decides to take a much needed vacation on a trip down the Seine. On her flight over to France she meets Alan who sparks her interest. When Alan ends up dead in Paris, Mrs. Blossom finds herself in the middle of mystery.

All the Lonely People by Mike Gayle - Hubert Bird has weekly calls with his daughter in Australia, regaling her with his very busy life, packed with fun, friendship, and escapades. In reality his days are all the same and he rarely sees anyone. When his daughter says she is coming for a visit, Hubert needs to make his real life resemble his fake life and quickly. Will his new life be just like his fake one or will he have to admit that he has turned his back on life entirely?

Vera Wong's Guide to Snooping (On a Dead Man) by Jesse Q. Sutanto - I really liked the first Vera Wong book about a Chinese American woman who finds a dead body in her tea room and sets out to find out who the murderer was. In this newest in the series, Vera Wong is a little bored so when a young woman comes into her life and tells Vera she is trying to find her friend who has disappeared, Vera is all ears. Of course, Vera is not above a little snooping to get the answers.

The Making of Genevieve by Judy Lannon - As we follow Genevieve Austen from her teenage years in Newport, Rhode Island to her current old age much is divulged. Genevieve has always wanted and projected the perfect life. After all these years, a seventy year old secret might just upset everything that Genevieve has worked to portray.

Three Things About Elsie by Joanna Cannon - Eighty-four year old Florence has taken a spill and can't get up. As she waits for emergency assistance, she recounts the mystery of the newest residence of her assisted living home. Oddly he looks just like someone she was glad to see die many years ago. With the help of friends she tries to find out the answers in a race against time because Florence's dementia is keeping her mind from being as sharp as it once was.

Do you have any books about vacations or older people to share? Let me know.