Pretty Is as Pretty Dies

A Myrtle Clover Mystery, Book 1

By: Elizabeth Spann Craig

Narrated by: Judy Blue

No one in Bradley, North Carolina, is exactly crying into their sweet tea over the murder of Parke Stockard. Certainly not retired schoolteacher Myrtle Clover.

Upon discovering the corpse, Myrtle is struck - not with grief, but a brilliant idea! Solving the murder would prove to everyone - especially her son Red, the police chief - that this 80-something-year-old is still as sharp as a tack. Heck, going from crosswords to crime investigations isn't such a stretch.

The old biddies of Bradley can waste away in blissful stagnation, but Myrtle's not ready to be put out to pasture just yet. The victim, a pretty but pushy town developer, had deep pockets and few friends. Myrtle can't throw one of her gaudy garden gnomes without hitting a potential suspect. Even when another murder takes place, proud Myrtle forges on - armed only with a heavy cane, a venomous tongue, and a widower sidekick.

©2013 Elizabeth Spann Craig (P)2020 Elizabeth Spann Craig

very good

Loved it !! this story. the narrator is so fantastic it's like your really there!! good overall

Judy Blue …

Sounds so much better than this reader. Funny how the readers voice makes a huge difference

Fun and entertaining

I love this series. Myrtle is brilliant and Miles as a reluctant sidekick adds to the humor. I have read all of the books in this series and I'm enjoying them again for a second time.

A New Adventure

I haven’t read many mysteries lately, but when I read the premise for this series, I dove into this first book eagerly. The main character is in her eighties, and her sidekick, which she chooses halfway through, is seventy. This unusual combination for a new sleuth and her sidekick is brilliant, and I was not disappointed by the story.

Myrtle Clover is an excellent protagonist, and her age actually works for her. She isn’t the most active detective, but she is sharp and fun to read about. Because she is in her eighties, she gets to say things that a younger detective could never get away with. Her bite is great, and so entertaining. And it is her wanting to get revenge on her son, police chief Red, for signing her up for volunteer work without her consent that leads to her desire to solve the unusual murder case and start off on a new path. Myrtle and her sidekick, Miles, proves that you’re never too old to take up a new hobby!

The mystery was fantastic. The characters are vivid and diverse, and the small town vibe is exactly right. Within a tight-knit community, the murder stirs folks to talk about the terrible crime, even if nobody did like the initial victim. There are a lot of secrets bubbling under the surface of the pleasant southern town, and as Myrtle digs deeper into the mystery, she begins to see the ugly side of people’s lives. And as she gets closer to unearthing the truth, things become dangerous for her.

Myrtle is a great character. As an example of her spunk and peculiar nature, she uses her vast collection of lawn gnomes to express her displeasure toward her son. This book is a great, cozy mystery, and I am definitely going to read more of the series when I get the chance. Elizabeth Craig has created a vibrant small town that many will relate to. If you like a good mystery with none of the adult themes that make so many books less enjoyable, this is the book for you. Join in with an old English teacher with a grudge against her son race to beat the police to the answer of the mystery. You won’t regret it.

Boredom is as death does

This book gives inspiration to the bord of all ages especially the seniors as to new hobbies.

Excellent

Myrtle likes crosswords, now thinking no different then solving a crime. Delightful and good narration. Given audio for my voluntary review