It’s no mystery why readers love the Puzzle Lady, Miss Cora Felton, the eccentric amateur detective who keeps everyone guessing as she keeps herself in the thick of trouble. Find out why critics agree that “Cora is emerging as a lovable and unique sleuth” (Chicago Sun-Times) in “a fun series for mystery fans and cruciverbalists” (USA Today).
Wealthy widow Emma Hurley died with only her servants at her side — but after she passes away, her greedy heirs crawl out of the woodwork to stake a claim in Emma’s fortune. To their surprise, Emma was not content to leave behind a simple will. Instead, her final testament includes a clever puzzle ... one to be given only to her living heirs.
The first one to solve the puzzle will inherit Emma’s entire estate; everyone else will be left with a pittance. The will also stipulates that Cora Felton — local celebrity and famed author of a popular syndicated crossword puzzle column — must referee the contest.
Unfortunately, it’s Cora’s niece, Sherry Carter, who is the brains behind Cora’s “Puzzle Lady” persona. And it’s up to Sherry to unravel the bizarre riddle Emma Hurley engineered before her death. For soon it’s plain that Emma’s game is one without a clear winner ... and that the players could lose far more than they ever imagined!
Pattie S. (pattiecakes) from LAWTON, OK wrote on 4/15/2007...
Another fun romp - a puzzle within puzzle within a mystery! Cora Felton is at her best in this one, finding out that the obvious puzzle is simply a cover for the real puzzle within Emma Hurley's will. And what a surprise - you'll never guess who the murderer is! Really enjoyable read.
Mary S. from ASHEVILLE, NC wrote on 11/3/2006...
Amusing - updated Miss Marple....
Was the puzzle solving worth a lot of money?
Marlene W. (KansasSunflower) from OVERLAND PARK, KS wrote on 10/20/2006...
This series is fun. It's hard not to like.
Tim C. (mysterywriter) from PUNXSUTAWNEY, PA wrote on 9/21/2006...
I gotta tell you, this one had me stumped right up to the very end. Another fun crossword-oriented mystery.
Jaime C. (socialreader) from BEND, OR wrote on 8/21/2006...
Very good, with good twists.
Barbara S. from CLINTON, CT wrote on 8/6/2006...
Second in the Puzzling Mystery series by Parnell Hall. Great for lovers of mysteries and crosswords since you can work on the crossword while the protagonist does, and help solve the crime. Very interesting series and a fun read. Great for cozy lovers.
Carolyn C. (ccassva) from BURKE, VA wrote on 7/27/2006...
A very pleasant mystery cozy. Cora Felton is a hoot!
Bonnie B. (Inkspo) from RICHLAND, GA wrote on 6/18/2006...
mystery...you will love Cora Felton, she is so funny
Susan F. (Kukana) from COLWICH, KS wrote on 4/16/2006...
2nd in the series. This is quickly becoming one of my favorite series. I just love the quirky characters!
Kathleen C. (Woodchuck) from DENVER, CO wrote on 7/18/2005...
From Publishers Weekly
The second puzzle for Cora Felton (following A Clue for the Puzzle Lady) is even better than her clever debut. Although nationally syndicated columnist Cora is known as the "Puzzle Lady" to her Bakerhaven, Conn., neighbors, it's actually her brainy niece, Sherry Carter, who creates the famous crossword puzzles attributed to Cora. With a grandmotherly appearance that belies the oft married, cigarette-smoking, hard-drinking reality beneath, Cora fancies that her forte is solving mysteries. And Sherry's reticence and desire to shun the spotlight hides a puzzle constructor of the first rank. Their respective skills get a real test when wealthy, eccentric Emma Hurley dies and leaves a will that requires her potential heirs to compete in a puzzle-solving contest. She has furthermore appointed Cora final judge and arbiter. The assembled heirs-in-waiting are a motley lotAfrom obnoxious battling twins, Phyllis and Philip, to hermit-like Chester and disaffected young nephew Daniel. Reporter Aaron Grant returns as a romantic foil for Sherry, though things keep getting in the way of their budding amour. Edgar nominee Hall, a master of wordplay himself, has great fun as bloodletting and other forms of skullduggery complicate the search for clues and answers to a 40-year-old puzzle. The bantering affection between irrepressible Cora and shy Sherry, the antics of Emma's kin and a bit of murder and mayhem allow Hall to mask the puzzle's solution to the very end. (Sept.)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.