Brought to Book

Rona Parish #1

by Anthea Fraser

Mystery and intrigue with a decidedly literary bent, from the bestselling crime writer When successful biographer Rona Parish is asked to write the life-story of a bestselling author, recently deceased, she is intrigued - to say the least. After all, Theo Harvey led a very colourful life, and died in mysterious circumstances. But Rona's husband Max is wary and, it soon becomes apparent, with good reason...As Rona begins to delve into Theo Harvey's life and death, and to interview his friends and family - some more willing than others - she realises that she has taken on a poisoned chalice.

Genres: Mystery, Crime, British Literature, Fiction, Audiobook

224 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2003

About the author

aka Vanessa Graham

Reviews

[Marianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brought To Book is the first book in the Rona Parish series by British author, Anthea Fraser. Just as author, Rona Parish is ready to take a break from writing biographies, there’s a request from the widow of a thriller writer who drowned somewhat mysteriously six months earlier. Rona’s semi-detached husband, illustrator Max Allerdyce feels she should approach it with caution.

Her twin sister, Lindsey, a junior partner with Chase Mortimer solicitors, encourages her, telling her it will be interesting, although she herself is rather distracted and disturbed by the unwelcome attentions of the not-long-divested ex-husband. Rona worries her sister’s loneliness might weaken her resolve against Hugh Cavendish’s charms, until another attractive man comes on the scene.

An interview with Meriel Harvey, widow of Theo, has Rona intrigued, especially as there are diaries written in code that might reveal just what led to the writer’s three-year block and subsequent radical alteration in style. But also present, Meriel’s cousin, Justin Grant seems to be trying to discourage her interest.

By the time a third person seems intent on steering her from the path, in the form of an anonymous note attached to her dog’s collar, Rona has decided nothing will put her off, and is pleased when the widow eventually allows her to examine the diaries at home. She interviews Theo’s family and friends, gaining some small insights with each encounter.

She and Max travel to the venue of Theo’s annual writing retreat, Mile End Cottage in the village of Spindlebury, where visits to the pub, The Plough produce several villagers more than happy to chat about the writer if it will help to solve his uncharacteristic change in demeanour and style.

Back home in Marsborough, though, it seems someone seems set on harassing Rona, and Max worries even more when their dog is poisoned. Rona becomes aware of certain vehicles tailing her, and begins to regret ever taking it on. But chats to people with whom Theo was seen, and the decrypted diaries reveal some shocking truths. Another murder brings home to Rona the danger she’s in. Despite some unresolved issues, this is an enjoyable cosy.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Severn House

[Literary Redhead · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fine British cosy mystery, the first in a series of reissues, originally published in 2003 with nine total books following. In BROUGHT TO BOOK, biographer Rona Parish is asked to write the bio of thriller author Theo Harvey. His mysterious death by drowning left many unanswered questions, as did his return to writing three years ago after a long hiatus. The narrative kept me thoroughly engaged as the unguessable mystery was worked out, and there is even a wonderful dog (Rona's retriever, Gus.) Recommended!

[Mia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rona Parish, a writer, is solicited by a woman to write the biography of her deceased husband, an award winning novelist. As the truth to his writer's block, change in writing style, and mysterious death come to light, Rona and those around her come into peril.

I absolutely loved this mystery. It gave us several suspects to assume, as a true mystery should. The main character, Rona, is completely lovable. You become as excited as she is to discover the truth. Her spouse makes a great Watson as well. Looking forward to reading this entire series hoping it doesn't head in a downhill direction like many I've encountered the last few years.

[Beverly · Rating 3 out of 5]

A pleasant little mystery.

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably more like 3.5 stars. Professional biographer Rona Parish accepts a commission to write the life story of recently deceased mystery writer Theo Harvey and quickly finds herself in the role of detective since Harvey's widow really wants to know why he died and who killed him. A decent amount of twists and turns, eccentric characters, clues, and a few surprises made it an entertaining story even if it was a bit of a stretch at the end. Well read too.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

For me this was one of those books that I couldn't put down but didn't want to finish!

It's the first in the series featuring biography writer Rona Parish. The mystery is intriguing and once the setting and main characters have been introduced the story gathers pace with several twists and turns along the way.

[VickiLee · Rating 3 out of 5]

A well-known biographer is asked to write about the life of an author who died six months earlier. Trouble follows her from the very start. Did this author commit suicide? What caused his writers' block? Why were so many people hostile about the proposed biography. An uncomplicated novel that has the feel of a novel written forty years ago.

[Richard Derus · Rating 3 out of 5]

Real Rating: 3.5* of five

The Publisher Says: When Rona Parish is asked to write the biography of an acclaimed thriller writer who drowned in unusual circumstances, is she diving into danger?

Biographer Rona Parish is exhausted after finishing her latest project on Arthur Conan Doyle, but her hope for a break between jobs is dashed when the wife of late bestselling thriller writer, Theo Harvey, asks her to write his biography.

Theo Harvey drowned mysteriously six months ago. No one knows why . . .

Theo’s inexplicable death six months ago left many unanswered questions. Why did he retreat from the limelight six years ago, only to reappear three years later and produce two outstanding, if much darker, novels? And what is the truth behind his mysterious drowning? Rona Parish is determined to uncover the truth behind his death, but at what cost?

Intrigued, and with her golden retriever Gus by her side, Rona starts to piece together the author’s life. But someone doesn’t want her to uncover Theo’s secrets. And they’ll go to any lengths to make sure they stay hidden . . .

A page-turning cosy mystery set in the fictional English market town of Marsborough in the stunning Chiltern Hills.

I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA NETGALLEY. THANK YOU.

My Review: First published twenty years ago, this supremely cozy, very definitely page-turning first-in-series mystery introduces a biographer sleuth...first time I've run into that one!...with a happily unconventional home life, a tidy income from her main career, and a bottomless well of curiosity. It felt to me like a story, and is told in a style, from sixty years ago.

I do not intend an insult with this statement of an observation.

Gender politics will derail any discussion of why I personally find myself squicked out by stalkery behavior. The cultural conversation about this behavior was only just getting started back then, so I can't really point a shaming finger at it; just something I myownself find unpleasant to read. This book, like some of the ones we labeled "romantic" many decades ago, valorizes some things I characterize as really stalkery behavior. That's a very big nope from me. I get it, in the sense that, at a point near the end of the story, the plot really needed something to happen at precisely that juncture. Why the other something that was in already set in motion by a different character and was, in fact, in progress and that occurs with near simultaneity wasn't enough for the author only she knows. A choice she made that I was appalled by, and it really caused me to reassess the prior appearances of the stalkery character in a much less flattering (to the author) light.

A trope that just won't die is the villain infodump. There is one of these at the end. I really rolled my eyes so hard I saw my brain as the guilty party settles in for a cozy chat with people whose murders are essential to the sociopath's happy getaway. The sociopaths I've known wouldn't be that careless. This is, from their point of view, a necessary act not to be lingered over because the risk to them getting away with their awful decision decrease with every delay or diversion from its accomplishment. I've never known a stupid sociopath.

The age of the story shows in multiple ways, eg the fact that Rona goes to her publisher's office and hands him an envelope with a printed version of an article she's submitting. Wow, does that take me back...no one even five years later would conceptualize this as a possibility! It's actually a bit wistfully charming. It dates events, but that's not necessarily bad...just a passing note for informative purposes.

The series character's world is most charmingly set up, and I would absolutely love to live in that village. I would be seriously surprised if a revelation that genuinely shocked me regarding Rona's twin wasn't going to loom large in a future installment. The changing technology of the day wasn't ignored, because Rona does look up the subject of her proposed biography on the Internet (still capitalized back then) and discusses what she's found with the subject's widow. Rona also notes the biography subject's lack of a computer to the widow. So it became even more odd in my eyes that she submitted her article on paper.

There is an instance of an animal being harmed, but it is set up so that the event, while bad, doesn't kill the animal in question. It is used, I felt, gratuitously, though it's later revealed to have been the last straw for the one committing the harmful act. It fell short of my slam-the-book-shut threshold because it's clear there's not going to be fatal outcome very soon after it occurs.

What I most want to convey to you is how high my hopes were set up, and then to be let down by the issues I've detailed above was a deep disappointment. There was every reason to think I'd found a ten-book series that's clearly complete (the most recent was published in 2017) to dive into.

Unfortunately that's not to be. I don't care to risk my own money on books that bid fair to repeat these kinds of unwelcome to me tropes.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

Brought to Book is the first Rona Parish cozy mystery by Anthea Fraser. Originally published in 2003, this reformat and re-release is from Severn House, has 224 pages and is available in ebook format. Other editions available in other formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.

This is a beautifully well written, eminently readable, and entertaining cozy mystery; the first in the series of 10 books. The protagonist is a well regarded and intelligent biographer who is approached to write a biography of a recently deceased famous author and finds that his life and death might be much more complex that anyone was previously aware.

The plot is intricate and the mystery so well constructed. The author has a gift with descriptive prose and there is no "telling" and all "showing". Ms. Fraser manages to convey mood and setting effectively and seamlessly.

As befits the genre, the language is relatively clean (a few "bloodies", "damn" and a single "buggered" (used as a mild idiomatic curse, not literally)), and the violence is off-page. There is a poisoning, of the MC's golden retriever, Gus. No spoilers, but I didn't throw the book out the window. Spelling and vernacular are standard British English, but won't pose problems in context for readers elsewhere.

Wonderfully written and worthwhile. With 10 books in the series, it would be a perfect candidate for a long binge or buddy read, as well as a nice side project for a mystery book club to tackle. There are worthwhile discussion themes and interestingly varied characters.

Four and a half stars. Sincere hopes that Severn House's plans include new editions for the rest of the series.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

[S.J. Higbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not too sure about the cover – it has a distinctly 1940s vibe to me. Whereas this offering feels as if it’s firmly set in the here and now. I enjoy the fact that Rona��s marriage is a bit different – she and her husband live in separate houses as they both are creatives and need very different surroundings in order to create. She is also one of twins and I liked the edge of sibling exasperation that characterises her relationship with her sister. In fact, Rona is quite a cool customer, as she is a self-contained person with a huge curiosity about other people’s lives. Nonetheless, that doesn’t stop her from being thoroughly upset when the inevitable dead body pops up.

The plotting in this one is well done, with a steady building of tension and a sense of wrongness. I was genuinely shocked when the murder occurred – I hadn’t expected this particular person to die and thought it was very well done. As Rona continues to investigate Theo Harvey’s life, I found I was also caught up in discovering what made him tick. Fraser has a knack for pulling the reader into the world she has created – I could easily visualise each setting. The pacing is also well balanced. In common with many whodunits, this one starts relatively slowly and gathers momentum as Rona is increasingly caught up in Theo’s life and learns more about him.

The denouement also came as a bit of a shock. While there was a gratifying number of possible suspects – the ultimate culprit wasn’t someone I’d previously suspected. Yet their motivation is absolutely compelling and a bit heartbreaking. All in all, this is a thoroughly satisfying murder mystery that has stayed in my head since I read it, executed by an author who is clearly experienced and at the top of their game. Highly recommended for fans of whodunits that don’t go in for lots of guts or gore, but nonetheless still pack a bit of an emotional punch. While I obtained an arc of Brought to Book from the publishers via Netgalley, the opinions I have expressed are unbiased and my own.
9/10

[Bee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Biographer Rona Parish has an intriguing new assignment when she’s commissioned to write the biography of bestselling author Theo Harvey. Famous not only for his thrillers but also for his three year writer’s block followed by two bizarrely different novels back to back, his death had an air of mystery as well. Accidental drowning, suicide, or murder? These are questions his widow hopes Rona can answer.

While interviewing those closest to Harvey as well as those who saw him the weekend of his death, Rona seems to stir a hornet’s nest, a move made clear by anonymous threats to both her and Meriel Harvey. While her husband Max — with whom she has an unconventional but happy living arrangement — worries for her safety and questions the wisdom of pursuing the project in light of these threats, he nonetheless proves a solid partner in putting together the mystery surrounding Harvey’s writing career and death. Max is especially key in solving the code Harvey used to write his journals.

With a cozy English village setting, a faithful dog Gus, and other characters such as Roma’s identical twin and her parents, this was an overall enjoyable book and Anthea Fraser has the ability to make the reader feel they’re there in the scene. Despite being written twenty years ago, it doesn’t feel overly dated. A few times Rona acted foolishly, and one part of the story’s resolution could be seen coming (although perhaps not in detail), but it moved at a good pace and had twisty bits at the end.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Clare O'Beara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this tale of an English writer writing a biography of a recently deceased author. The start is rather slow as we get introduced to all the family members and hear what they do and where they live and with whom and why. The writer's family, that is. But they do play a major role in the circumstances of the story, as to who is staying where on which night later and who knows what.

The mysterious late author had a history of writing thrillers, then had a mental block for a few years, then reappeared on the scene with two books which were better, darker and more haunted. And these two he typed himself instead of sending his longhand (the book was written in the early 2000s) to be typed. And I'm thinking, really, not again. This is a boilerplate plot and motive. Even in 2000 it wasn't new. Any writer, like our heroine, would have guessed. So I was just waiting it out, but fortunately there was enough going on in the background to keep my interest.

The heroine has a friendly dog. I am not a fan of plots which use an animal to demonstrate a threat. The dog survives, I hasten to add. But please don't do this.

I would happily read more of this middle-class series. However, we don't get much in the way of social comment or police procedures, it's more of a commentary on marriages, several of them.
I read an e-ARC from Net Galley. This is an unbiased review.

[Jacqie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the premise of this book. A biographer is hired by an author's widow to write a book about him and his work. Biographical research is an interesting way to go about getting clues for a mystery, and the author is dead already, so the mystery is really more about how and why he changed his style of
writing so drastically toward the end of his career. I had a rough idea of why, and I bet you do too already, but the author did a decent job of throwing red herrings everywhere.

I'd call this a cozy mystery. Rona has a comfortable marriage with her artist and art instructor husband and she has a cozy home. She's got a dog that she walks through the lovely British countryside. She can go shopping on her High Street, have her husband cook her a tasty dinner when she gets home, and dig into her historical research.

This books is not that old but it really feels quaint. Rona's husband is parental and masterful with her at times although he is also genuinely protective. The sexual politics of the book feel like they come from a much older time. Cell phones barely make an appearance and often it's hard to feel exactly when the book is set. The pace of life feels slower, but that could just be because I'm American.

I don't know that I'll read more of this series because of the dated sexual dynamics but it wasn't a bad way to spend time.

[Mary Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This first book in the Rona Parish mystery series by Anthea Fraser has it all…engrossing mystery, family drama, and a charming setting.

Rona Parish, a biography writer, is contacted by the widow of a famous thriller author. The author had died under mysterious circumstances, and the widow wants Rona to write his biography. As she begins to investigate not only his life but surprising death, she and the widow are warned off by anonymous notes and and calls.

The mystery kept me guessing, and the interviews with people in the deceased author’s circle were interesting. But, in addition to the mystery, the personal lives of Rona and family helped make this such a great read. Rona and her husband don’t live together, but they have a great marriage and even a decent partnership in sleuthing. Her sister, newly divorced, also provided a side story.

All in all, a very well written cozy mystery.

[Hannelore Cheney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Severn Publishing for the eARC.
What an enjoyable book! I loved this first in the 10-book Rona Parrish series a lot and have already ordered another one. I had read a couple of them ages ago and each one is as good as the others.
Rona is asked by the widow of a famous thriller writer to write his biography. Little does she know , even though her husband Max tells her not to accept the commission, the danger that awaits her.
I love Rona, her husband Max and her sweet dog Gus. But I haven't made up my mind about her twin sister, she seems a bit selfish, I'll wait to make decision once I have read a few more of the books.
Highly recommended for lovers of cozy reads with a bite!

[Doug Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

When journalist Rona Parish is offered the chance to write a biography of Theo Harvey, a writer of thrillers who had died six months before, she jumps at the opportunity to explore the mysteries surrounding Harvey's life. What had led to the writer's block that Harvey had suffered for two years? Why had his writing style changed so markedly afterward? And what was the full story behind his mysterious death? Rona is eager to research these questions. She soon starts receiving threats from someone who wants her to drop the project, which only makes her more determined to proceed.

This absorbing novel introduces us to Rona, her artist husband Max, her identical twin sister Lindsey, and her golden retriever Gus. We are looking forward to reading about more of their adventures.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting book about an author writing a biography of another author and the information found. The story revolves around the main character, Rona, who is researching all the information she can in readiness for writing the biography. There are many chapters of information of other people but that just makes it more interesting.
A good read - I enjoyed it.
Thank you Anthea Fraser

Cheers
Heather

[Roy Burgess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Theo Harvey, a successful thriller writer, is dead. His widow approaches the biographer, Rona Parish, to write his life story. Armed with detailed diaries, Rona soon uncovers secrets.

The first in a long-running series, so more to immerse yourself in if you like this. A well plotted and thoroughly entertaining cosy mystery. It even had a loveable dog! 

The ending felt a little rushed, hence 4 stars.
Thank you NetGalley and Severn House for sending this book for review. All opinions are my own.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rona Parish, biographer, is asked to do a bio of Theo Harvey, an author of thrillers, who has been dead for 6 months. She meets his widow and starts digging into his life. And things start happening--loud noises, poisoning of her dog, being followed, etc. Can she and her husband figure out what's happening before it's too late?

Good cozy mystery. We are also introduced to Rona and her parents, sister, ex-brother-in-law, husband, dog, etc.

[Anna Amato · Rating 1 out of 5]

I got this book out because it was the first in the series and I'd started with the last one and really didn't enjoy it. The writing in this book was better but the plot was formulaic; I'll bet someone breaks into the author's subjects' houses frequently. So no to reading any more of these books. Very disappointing and who reviews these books for newspapers and recommends them?

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read other books in this series but not this one that was on my TBR. A well plotted and entertaining cozy mystery, a solid and twisty story that kept me guessing and surprised often.
Excellent storytelling and character development
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[Kirsten Smith · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh. Even though it was written in the early 2000s, the characters and dialogue felt much older and dated. The story was okay, I half guessed the mystery and thought the ending was wrapped up way too quick and neat.
There are lots of better mysteries to read.
This was my choice for letter F in my year of mystery authors. Wish I’d selected Barbara Fradkin instead.

[Rebecca Foweraker · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought I would enjoy this more than i did. I liked the main character - but found the plot went all over the place. Also found the stalkiness of the sisters ex a bit creepy and not well dealt with by anyone...
Might give the next book in the series a go to see if it improves.

[Linda Munroe · Rating 3 out of 5]

The characters are creative, capable adults and I was drawn into the story to get to know them better.
Rona Parish, author is writing a biography which is a good excuse to snoop and pry. In this case it leads to ‘murder most foul’.

[Cybercrone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent!

[Mrs VTJ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rona Parish and her family interesting characters, ticks along nicely, a couple of fairly predictable but still satisfying twists. Good enough to read the rest of the series.

[Deb · Rating 3 out of 5]

A certain comfort

Rona’s first encounter with murder has some clever attempts at keeping the mystery just beyond reach. An avid detective reader may work out the culprit early.

[Nina Braden · Rating 4 out of 5]

2003. UK. A good read.

[Patty · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good mystery, hated the ending

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great page-turner!