Grace Interrupted (Manor House Mystery, #2)

by Julie Hyzy

[Amanda]

Actual rating 3.5

Although this is the second book in the series, it can stand on its own. I assume that I missed a lot of character development in the previous book, because there were references to previous events to which I had no knowledge. Often this can make me frustrated, but here it only made me intrigued, and it has me considering reading the first book.

I liked Grace, and found her very sympathetic, if only a little stubborn. I suspect that Bruce and Scott are a treat and a half, but their role in this story seemed minimal (I hope they have a greater role in the first book, because I think they’d be a lot of fun) other than in the introduction of Bootsie, the cat, into the story. Some of Jack’s reactions perplexed me, but, like Grace, I find myself liking him. Normally I like a little more romance in my mystery (I’m a sucker for romance, what can I say?), but I also feel that perhaps their relationship is a little more…realistic, I think is the word, than a lot of romance in other books. And Frances – I hope she will be in more books. There is a great potential for Frances becoming a reliable and humorous sidekick.

The first couple pages were difficult for me to get through. This was the first mystery and the first paperback I have read in a couple weeks, so I think the transition was a little rough. Having read the first book may have also made it easier to jump into the story. That said, once I started reading, the pace really picked up, and it became harder and harder to put the book down – to the point where I was cranky when I had to put it down.

While my guess on one of the murders was a little off, I was still on the right track. There aren’t any serious twists and turns, but there are enough clues to figure it out (looking back, I probably should have, considering the one damning clue is actually given to us) without it being too obvious. I loved that this was set on the grounds of a southern (I assume southern?) mansion, and the setting itself probably contributed to my enjoyment of the book. It made me want to go visit Marshfield Manor.

Full review: http://onabookbender.com/2011/06/06/review-grace-interrupted-by-julie-hyzy/