Fire Engine Dead

Museum #3

by Sheila Connolly

When the entire collection of the Fireman's Museum ironically goes up in flames, Nell Pratt discovers one of the charred pictures isn't the one that was originally exhibited. But getting to the bottom of the mystery is bound to get Nell burned...

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Cozy, Fiction, Audiobook, Mystery Thriller, Amateur Sleuth

294 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published March 6, 2012

About the author

Sheila Connolly taught art history, structured and marketed municipal bonds for major cities, worked as a staff member on two statewide political campaigns, and served as a fundraiser for several non-profit organizations. She also managed her own consulting company providing genealogical research services.

She was a member of Sisters in Crime-New England (president 2011), the national Sisters in Crime, and the fabulous on-line SinC chapter, the Guppies. She also belonged to Romance Writers of America and Mystery Writers of America.

Sheila was Regent of her local DAR chapter, and a member of the Society of Mayflower Descendants. She was also the grandchild of Irish immigrants. In addition to genealogy, Sheila loved restoring old houses, visiting cemeteries, and traveling.

Reviews

[Bonnie Randall · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reading a cozy is a lot like eating tomato soup and grilled cheese for dinner: it might never hit a menu in a restaurant that serves cuisine, but sometimes you just want it more than something a chef could create, and it fills a hollow spot in a way that something fancier couldn't.

I like this series but don't love it; the history and knowledge of Philadelphia is super, Marty is a secondary that steals every scene (in a good way) and I like the structure of and quirky birds who work for the Society.

Nell is stuffy though-she tries not to be, but she always makes me want to say "Oh. I see you found that stick. Sitting must suck - and she and James have the Most. Tepid. Romance. EVAH.

I mean, can't this guy just ravish her behind the stacks in the Society just once? Toss her bra so it hooks a strap on a ceiling fan and whirls round and round, sours old uptight Latoya even more than she usually is?

Now that would be worth 4 (maybe 5!) Stars. But, as it stands....3 Stars for doing what a cozy is supposed to do.

[Hilary (A Wytch's Book Review) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nell is in the thick of it again! After a fire wipes out a warehouse containing the collection of exhibits from the Fireman's Museum (the museum is undergoing refurbishment) Nell is asked by the President of the museum if they have anything that can help then list all the missing items. When the information is dug out Nell (Marty, Eric, Shelby and FBI agent James) realise that something is very, very wrong, Nell starts digging deeper to find out more but could this be her last shout?

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third book in this series and one I thoroughly enjoyed by now Nell, Marty and others friends. Nell is very sorry to learn Fire Engine Museum has lost a lot of their records and a fire engine donated by Marty's Grandfather. Her friend FBI agent James Morrison asked her help in finding out information from the Museum community. The information on fires problems is very detail.

[Doward Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series continues to entertain as Nell Pratt, President of the Pennsylvania Antiquarian Society works to solve a murder and arson fire involving Philadelphia's Fireman's Museum. With the help of her staff, friends and FBI Special Agent boyfriend James Morrison, Nell shows us what life is like behind the public scenes of running a museum. I love that the main characters are in their 40's and that the supporting characters come from many diverse backgrounds and ages! The museum setting and the Philadelphia background provide entertaining historical information and the twisted mystery plots will keep you turning the pages.

[Patrizia · Rating 5 out of 5]

È il secondo libro che leggo di questa serie (e l'altro era l'ultimo, ehm...), ma devo dire che mi piace molto. La protagonista è a capo di una sorta di biblioteca/archivio e confesso che la invidio tantissimo. In più imparo sempre qualcosa, anche perché della storia americana so poco: stavolta ho scoperto che Benjamin Franklin ha "inventato" il corpo dei vigili del fuoco a Philadelphia e da lì si è diffuso in tutti gli Stati Uniti. Per quanto riguarda il mistero, avevo capito chi fosse uno dei colpevoli e sospettato dell'altro (non avevo preso in considerazione che potesse esserci più di un colpevole all'opera), ma la scena della rivelazione mi lasciato un po' sulle spine insieme alla protagonista. Insomma, mi sento di poter dare il punteggio pieno.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another good book!

3.5 stars. These are good mysteries. The plot kept me guessing and I like how Nell gets involved with other museums in the area. I like Nell and James but they seem so reserved. Overall I liked and look forward to reading more in the series.

[Linda Smatzny · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story is set in Philadelphia where Nell Pratt,the main character, tries to help another museum when a fire happens at their storage warehouse. The book was an easy read.

[❂ Murder by Death · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were a lot of things to like about this story: the character interaction, the plot, the setting. Overall I enjoyed the story, it was a nice, easy, enjoyable read. But it's missing the fourth star I'd like to give it due to an excess (imo) of introspection, or "contemplation" on the part of the main character - I found myself just outright skipping over those parts. And finally, the main character still comes across as a bit wooden and two dimensional - I see attempts at humour being made, but they fall flat - like they were shoe-horned in as an afterthought. I'd wish for a bit more spark in the next book. But I will definitely look for the next book as I think this is a series that shows promise.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another enjoyable entry by Sheila Connolly, about on par with the prior book in this series.

Last time, the mystery involved a children's museum, and this time it involved a firefighting museum. I could imagine such a museum of heroes and their past equipment being of interest to a wide variety of people, and school children taking tours there.

It makes me think of the rescue section, including firefighting, of a museum that we saw in Iceland, called Skogar Museum. It was fascinating because, to me, they face some unique challenges - active volcanoes, lava, glaciers, etc. Afterwards, I asked a local-in-the-US medic how they would extract or treat someone who'd fallen into lava, and she said, "Well, it would be a quick burial."

In this book, I had really begun to care about the Peter character. So many of my loved ones have asthma.

I did guess part of whodunit, but not some of it. I had it down to two people.

As far as the romance goes in this series, it seems to have moved from a romance-with-boss subgenre in book 1 to the romance-with-law enforcement subgenre here in book 3.

It seems though that the timing for the events at the end was poor, almost like James was taking advantage of Nell's emotional state, although he did wait for her to give the go-ahead. That he'd ... SPOILER ... changed her clothing while she was unconscious seemed creepy, not romantic, to me. I think she should have reported him, perhaps, but then, she admitted in the last couple of books that she's not the best judge of character.

I think they should've waited longer to be sure about their relationship, despite their epiphany. I've seen a scientific study mentioned multiple places (including TIME's "The Science of Happiness") that excitement can often be misconstrued as attraction, although they did feel attraction before the adventures of solving a murder. Still ... they have little idea if they can get along companionably without the excitement of solving a mystery together.

Also, Nell seems overwhelmed by his kindness towards her after the crisis. To me, that seemed like something any good friend would do - although, yes, profoundly kind - and not something limited to romance.

The question would be whether he'd do such things for other friends, and not just for the person he's attracted to, which speaks to his character. Doing it only for a potential girlfriend always seems shallow to me, as if it's only to gain romantic attentions rather than because that's the kind sort of person someone is inside. It is always ambiguous when it's only for a romantic interest. Is it because they care about the other individual or because they are hoping for a relationship?

Even if it's because they truly care about the other person's wellbeing, the question still remains why they don't, at least in some degree, help others? Do they not care about them as well, albeit differently? As I said, it speaks to inner character, or the lack thereof.

But in Sheila Connolly's other series, the Orchard Mystery series, the main male protagonist, Seth, does help everyone, not just his romantic interest, and some reviewers complained that he was too good. He almost took it too far into being a compulsion to help others, which I didn't mind, except he needed to take care of himself, too.

My point is that there's probably no pleasing all of us reviewers when we prefer opposite things, so take your pick between the series.

One reviewer noted that the main character became more childlike in the presence of the Latoya character due to fear. That's true. I understand wanting everyone to get along, but Nell seems to be unnecessarily afraid of a subordinate. However, I was glad to see them finally laughing and getting along, and there exist some people whose loud personalities intimidate me also, whether or not they mean to.

Another complaint from a reviewer was too much introspection on Nell's part, coupled with that making her 2-D. That seemed like an odd complaint to me because:

1) In general, it's inner thoughts that round out a character and keep them from being 2D, giving more complex motives and understandings, and it's inner thoughts that give action scenes deeper meaning. I don't like books that are all action and not much else.

2) I thought Nell needed more introspection, not less. There are some things about herself of which she's still not aware yet, and needs to be. But I am content to wait and let her character unfold.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoy Nell Pratt - she might even be one of my favorite cozy heroines. I loved the first two Museum Mysteries and was eager to dive into the third. I usually can read a cozy in two days or less. This book took me nearly a month to power through.

Even as the culprit was revealed, I had to drag myself across the finish to get to the final page. Nothing really seemed to happen in this installment besides Nell sitting in her office, complaining about the work she "should be doing," but instead fretting over whether or not Latoya, her VP of Collections at the Society, respects her. That's all that really transpired...Nell obsessing over Latoya and her reactions. No wonder Latoya doesn't show her much respect! Nell, who's confident and intelligent around everyone else, turns into a little, frightened child everytime she speaks to the woman. I don't know why there's so much emphasis put on this relationship. It was annoying and basically seemed like plot-filler because nothing else was really going on except impromptu lunches every day. James and Nell's slow-burning relationship nearly extinguishes in my opinion. They have no chemistry and whatever connection Nell keeps hemming and hawing over does not transpire to me as a reader. I love Eric (although Nell's constant surprise that he's a capable worker is also questionable) and Shelby. Marty is even growing on me because at least the bossy board lady takes action!

I'll keep reading this series, but I think I'm going to take a break to hopefully make me pine to return to the Society.

[Lali & Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fire Engine Dead is the third book in Sheila Connolly's Museum series. I have also read the first 10 books or so in Connolly's Apple Orchard series and these two series have a number of commonalities that I really enjoy:
--lots of history (in the Museum series, the main character works at a historical society in Philadelphia and the history of the city plays a key role in many of the plots; in the Apple Orchard series, the main character has taken over her family's apple orchard and historical farmhouse and is researching the history of her family)
--realistic, likable characters (in the first book I read of Sheila Connolly, I initially found the characters a little abrasive or even borderline rude at times, but then I realized they are more like real people--with flaws and bad days--than the usual protagonist in cozy mysteries)
--a larger task that is ongoing through each book in the series(bringing order to the historical society, restoring her family's orchard and historical farmhouse)
--mysteries that are unique to each book (without the pattern that make many cozy mystery series very predictable).
Fire Engine Dead was an engaging mystery and I look forward to reading more in the series.

[Gwen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading slightly out of order, but enjoying all the same. (And shout out to paperbackswap.com for making some of this easy!) It's not fun and games when someone ends up dead, but it's fascinating that the answers to some questions can be found in documents, photographs, files and all the things that museums, archives, and libraries can hold.
In this, the third installment (reading ahead, I know the answer to the will they or won't they between museum president Nell and FBI agent James), Nell meets other museum heads as tragedy befalls one of them: a fire in a warehouse destroys both stored records (building overhaul + cheap board) and an old fire engine, the pride and joy of the city's fire museum. Asked by the director if she's got any documentation that might help the museum regain information, Nell notices that the photograph of the original fire truck differs from the destroyed one pictures in the newspaper. Using her tools of communication, investigation, making connections, and a (finally!) team of employees to handle and organize records, Nell starts to put the pieces together. Almost too late, fire becomes Nell's best friend, and worst enemy: it saves her life, causes damage to some reference works, and kills the perpetrator in the process.

[Christine L. Henderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a regular reader of murder mysteries and always looking for new authors to read. This is the first novel that I've read by this author. Even though this is the third book in this series, I didn't feel I was left out of the story for not having read the previous books.

The female protagonist is the president of an antiquarian museum and the plotline deals with what it takes to run a non-profit business and the interplay between staff members, donors, and competitive museum leaders. Although this is a murder mystery, the murder is more in the background as compared to the relationships amongst four people who are affiliated with the museum. There is some interplay between the female lead and the male detective (FBI) but not enough to make me want to root for them to get together. There is some good action at the end and the reactions are true to life.

Overall, I liked the book for the fact it taught me about museum life and a bit about fire department history, but I didn't really get involved with the search for who committed the crime.

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love big cozies and I cannot lie. Settings that are nifty to tour, characters to love or intensely dislike, cool premises, views into other worlds or lifestyles.
This is a museum among other museums in Philadelphia, each fighting for money to keep going in a time of cutbacks. Now there is someone setting fires to warehouses, one of which is storage for a firemen's museum. They reach out to Nell for help and she must assist.
It makes sense that Nell would get involved and investigate. She has a lot on her plate as the new president of the Pennsylvania Antiquarian Society. She has staff to hire, funds to acquire, and the FBI to agree to return the stolen documents they've recovered. She makes it work.
I like this series quite a lot. It could be a bit boring in someone else's hands, but Sheila Connolly has a deft hand with the museum setting. Or any setting really. I love Sheila Connolly's writing.
Definitely recommend.

[Leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

In book three Nell is slowly adjusting to her role as president of the historical society. Shortly after attending a networking event she becomes involved with the local fire fighters museum. Following a fire at a nearby warehouse it comes to light that the museum was storing their exhibits and papers there while they underwent renovations. Among the items was an antique fire engine and a security guard is found dead in the ruins. At first it appears to be part of a string of fires believed to be the work of an arsonist but Nell soon begins to see things aren't as they seem. Added to that, the FBI has returned the items stolen from the historical society and a few hundred more to add to the headache and just as they finally hire and new registrar Marty throws a curve with another new hire who comes with strings. It all adds up to another enjoyable mystery.

[Marty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nell Prat is now President of the Antiquarian society of Philadelphia and as such is head of the society’s museum. She is busy trying to update the museum’s records and is looking for a replacement of a staff member who died. However, the news is that a small Fireman’s Museum had just gone up in flames destroying a historic fire engine..... but when looking at the pictures of the rubble Nell and several of her compatriots note that the rubble doesn’t match the historic engine. ... what’s going on? ......... This is the second book in the series I have read and I have rad several other books by Connolly. I think her writing is a step above the usual cozy mystery authors. Enjoyable, intelligent characters with wit and brains

[Jeanie Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nell gets talked into helping FBI agent James with another investigation pertaining to the Fire Museum.

A fire with the switch out of the fire truck, caps off, the arson and a body in the ashes doesn't help.

Jim and Nell are still dancing around their affections or physical attraction, but, manage to work together. However when the murderer traps Nell and the director of the Fire museum, with the idea that they are going to be set up to murder each other and die in a fire.

Jim rescues Nell after the trauma, and they both realize that it's time they decide what they are going to do about it.

[Sherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Museum #3. The Philadelphia Fireman’s Museum is under renovations when it’s prized antique Fire engine and entire collection goes up in flames while stored in a warehouse, and the watchman dies in the fire. Is this fire another in the string of fires that look like arson to the police and to FBI Agent James Morrison. Frustrated, Jimmy asks Nell Pratt for info and help in understanding the organization, personnel and finances of the uniquely funded museum, which she can do museum director to museum director. Their formal relationship alters as he realizes he’s put her in the line of danger.

[Nancy TenBroeck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Questions?

I enjoyed this story but have a major problem with it. I don't understand why the author would not have insurance investigators involved. It seemed to be a major flaw in the plot. Also that there was no mention of trying to find the stolen engine.
Secondly and a minor thing, I don' t anyone familiar with the area would ever consider West Chester in the same neighbourhood as Philly.
I grew up in that area and was startled to read this. Also I question the ability to get from Philly to W.C. in a half hour or even from Bryn Mawr.

[Lacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

In true form the series continues be interesting and creative. With any series it can become redundant. But Sheila Connolly is able to build on regular characters, give them unique challenges and provides an array of new characters in each story. The ending dragged on a bit this time but there essential plot information for the continuation of the series at the end. Which made the book feel like it petered out. I still believe it deserves a four star rating as a cozy mystery lover this series is worth reading.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel like this took a long time to get into the real meat of the mystery, though I didn't actually mind too much. The museum world of Philadelphia is fascinating, and Nell is a good protagonist. It was interesting to learn more about how all of that operates, and about the characters in this series. The mystery was very convoluted, in a satisfying way, and it wrapped up very well. Looking forward to the next in this series.

[William Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I reall loved this book. I liked the history that was used in this story on the fire museum, especially about the early fire engine. It was an old hand pumper, what we call today a handtub. I've pumped those in handtub competition and it's a lot of work but so much fun. The mystery surrounding this machine and the fire museum was very interesting and insightful into the structure of museums. I love the characters in this series and so look forward to reading more.

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

For a while I was comforted by how dull this book was, but then it never got out of the doldrums and just stayed pretty bland. The mystery just plodded along until it randomly resolved at about 80% through the book. I do somewhat enjoy this series because I used to work at a museum and they very realistically depict how it is to be in that business. While the series is great at that aspect it falls short at creating likeable or interesting characters so it's a little tough to stay engaged.

[Maureen Hetzel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nell is back in the third installment in the series and this time attention is on the Fire Museum which suffered a fire in a warehouse where museum contents were stored during renovation AND the death of a security guard. Much information provided about fighting fires and Nell assesses whether her Museum with all it papers is vulnerable...is it if an arsonist is in business?

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book!

Loved every part of it! Buying more of the series now. So glad to see romantic relationships working out and crimes solved. I am very familiar with halon fire extinguishers. Very deadly but very effective. Also, very expensive. Author certainly did her research! Wonderful plot.

[Charland Garvin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good read which draws you in to the story. Again Connolly has a series which uses characters which repeat from previous books and adds in new ones. I like this aspect as they become old welcome friends. I find it interesting because the location has to do with a museum. Good book to read.

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute little cozy mystery about fires, a swapped fire truck, museums and lots of important papers. As usual, the girl gets the tough and savvy FBI agent, all ends well and there’s room for more mysteries and character development/love interests. Very formulaic but enjoyable. .

[MB · Rating 3 out of 5]

For me, this cozy was too cozy, and the mystery just moved too slowly. The relationship between the main character and the FBI agent felt contrived and convenient, with very little attraction between them. They just served to feed each other information.

That said, it was well written.

[Deborah Almada · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoying this series alot, enjoy the history and character development in this the third book in the series!!!!!!

[Virginia Adi · Rating 5 out of 5]

very addictive series