Indian Pipes

A Martha's Vineyard Mystery

By: Cynthia Riggs

Narrated by: Davina Porter

Victoria Trumbull, 92-year-old native of Martha's Vineyard, is savoring the sea air over Vineyard Sound with her granddaughter, Elizabeth, when she spots a person who seems in trouble near the top of a cliff. Elizabeth goes for help, but it's too late - the man dies before he can be rescued.

The man had been hired as a consultant to see whether a site's soil could support a sewage system for a possible casino. The police call it an accident, but his death is just the first in what becomes a series of baffling murders, involving a Harley Davidson and an Indian motorcyclists' rally, tribal disputes, squabbling developers, and deeply buried family secrets.

Victoria, who was named a deputy police officer after she proved how valuable she was to fighting crime on the Island, is on the case, assisted by her Wampanoag friend Dojan Minnowfish. Her official position is giving her the confidence to take risks that horrify Police Chief Casey O'Neill. But Victoria compensates for her physical limitations by out-thinking the bad guys.

As in her previous books in the series, Cynthia Riggs captures the rich and varied setting of Martha's Vineyard - from colorful Gay Head cliffs to the motorcyclists' campground where Indian pipes blossom and die - in this stunning sixth Victoria Trumbull adventure.

Viva Victoria: listen to another Martha's Vineyard Mystery.©2006 Cynthia Riggs (P)2009 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Entertaining...Porter is a skilled narrator, and the story is engaging." (AudioFile)
"Lovely descriptions of the Vineyard in the fall, plenty of suspenseful action, and a cast of eccentric supporting characters, including the bikers' tough college professor leader, help make this another winner." (Publishers Weekly)

Such a fun who did what!

Once again ups and downs ins and outs of what went on on Martha's Vineyard holy cow .

Enjoyable listen

I have enjoyed this series from Cynthia Riggs. I especially love the rich history of Matha's Vineyard. I hope to see the rest of the series in Audible's library of selections.

I can't believe she's 92.

Another very good mystery. Victoria has a very sharp mind and a great sense of humor. Cynthia Riggs is one of my favorite authors. Mainly because she writes some of the mysteries I really enjoy. The characters are so well written and the dialogue is so natural it just makes the book that much more interesting.

British Accent for Martha’s Vineyard?

I mostly liked the narrator (character voices,expression, etc.), but found it difficult to get passed the British accent. The characters in the story are either born and raised American (Martha’s Vineyard) or are Native Americans. Listening to these characters “talking” in British accents is disconcerting at best.

f word

Although the f word was not used much, why does it have to be used at all?

I want to be Victoria…now!

I love Victoria! She is inspiring, courageous, and has a deep insight to others (good and bad sides) we all need to have today. Since this is the last novel with Davina Porter as the narrator, I’ll be buying Cynthia’s Martha’s Vineyard novels - ebook or hard copy.

Beautiful Narration!

Loved it!
Cynthia Riggs’ tone & style are superb.
Never disappoints! And Davina Porter illustrates the difference between reading a book and storytelling. I highly recommend this series.

A Tribute to the Wampanoag Nation

I applaud Cynthia Riggs for her brilliant storytelling of beautiful Martha's Vineyard and it's diverse people. She has given a strong voice and a distinct dignity to this diversity.

What an incredible mystery! This is the best one of the 6 I have listened to so far. You know the author has succeeded when you, the reader, settle into the human experience and become attached to the characters. You can visualize the places, people and scenery. You become so famuar with the town that you are comfortable driving down New Lane. I even Googled a map of Martha's Vineyard to see where's the names of places were.

Victoria is that person you would want as a friend. She is kind, compassionate, understanding, principled and fair-minded. She is also wise.

I enjoyed this book immensely and Davina Porter is a superb narrator. She brought the story to life with each voice, each mood and each personality.

A very timely story

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, I would recommend this book to a friend. I have enjoyed all the Cynthia Riggs stories set on Martha's Vineyard and look forward to each new one. I feel like I know the recurring characters. Having visited Martha's Vineyard, I can relate to many of the settings.

What did you like best about this story?

With all the current politics of proposed casino gambling in Massachusetts right now, I felt the story was very timely and really interesting.

Which character – as performed by Davina Porter – was your favorite?

The lead character, spunky elderly sleuth Victoria, was my favorite of course.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No extreme reaction but just enjoyment in hearing the story as it unfolded. I didn't want to stop listening. I took it with me as I walked a few miles daily instead of walking to music.

feisty

what a feisty old lady, wow. This story was so much fun and a excellent mystery that caught me by suprise. Loved it.