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Torie O'Shea #11
The Blood Ballad
Genealogist and mother of three Torie O’Shea is out birding on the cliffs of the Mississippi River as part of New Kassell, Missouri’s first ever bird-watching Olympics, when someone starts shooting at her and her partner. Disoriented and running for their lives, they stumble over an antique trunk and discover a badly beaten dead body stuffed inside.
Soon after this disturbing event, musicologist Glen Morgan shows up at the Kendall House, Torie’s new textile museum, claiming to be Torie’s cousin and to have proof that Torie’s grandfather secretly may have written a number of popular songs for the Morgan Family Players, who were famous country music singers. Being a genealogist and the head of the local historical society, Torie doesn’t appreciate anyone shaking up a family tree that she has spent years putting together, but Glen’s old recordings are more than she can resist. After a little digging in the library and some serious snooping into the shooting, Torie starts to uncover secrets about her family and the town that even she didn’t know.
Rett MacPherson’s intricate plots and delightful small-town characters with long family histories hit all of the right notes in The Blood Ballad, the newest installment in her terrific Torie O’Shea series.
Soon after this disturbing event, musicologist Glen Morgan shows up at the Kendall House, Torie’s new textile museum, claiming to be Torie’s cousin and to have proof that Torie’s grandfather secretly may have written a number of popular songs for the Morgan Family Players, who were famous country music singers. Being a genealogist and the head of the local historical society, Torie doesn’t appreciate anyone shaking up a family tree that she has spent years putting together, but Glen’s old recordings are more than she can resist. After a little digging in the library and some serious snooping into the shooting, Torie starts to uncover secrets about her family and the town that even she didn’t know.
Rett MacPherson’s intricate plots and delightful small-town characters with long family histories hit all of the right notes in The Blood Ballad, the newest installment in her terrific Torie O’Shea series.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published February 19, 2008
7 people are currently reading
163 people want to read
About the author
Rett MacPherson
18 books115 followersRett MacPherson was born in Saint Louis, Missouri. She is the author of the popular Torie O'Shea mysteries and helped to pioneer the sub-genre of genealogical mysteries. She is also a bead and fabric artist and loves wineries, cemeteries, genealogy, history and of course, books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
June 24, 2015
I had lost touch with local historian and genealogist Torie O'Shea in recent years, as well as her little town of New Kassel, Missouri. I'll certainly have to go back and pick up the volumes I've missed after reading THE BLOOD BALLAD.
In this one, Torie deals with every genealogist's nightmare -- the possibility of what is euphemistically termed "a non-paternity event." In other words, a man shows up claiming to have evidence that her grandfather was actually the son of a well-known local musician. What's more, he has tapes that appear to show that the musician stole songs that Torie's grandfather wrote and copyrighted them as his own.
Meanwhile, Torie is working busily on events for the town, the main business of which is tourism. During a "Birding Olympics" she's been roped into, shots are fired and then she and her partner literally have a dead body thrown at them. While she's investigating all this, another tape surfaces, with a song that appears to be a murder confession. The usual complications of family life and Torie's conflicts with her stepfather, the former sheriff, add to the mix.
Anyone who prefers their cozy mysteries with a bit of meat to them would do well to read THE BLOOD BALLAD.
In this one, Torie deals with every genealogist's nightmare -- the possibility of what is euphemistically termed "a non-paternity event." In other words, a man shows up claiming to have evidence that her grandfather was actually the son of a well-known local musician. What's more, he has tapes that appear to show that the musician stole songs that Torie's grandfather wrote and copyrighted them as his own.
Meanwhile, Torie is working busily on events for the town, the main business of which is tourism. During a "Birding Olympics" she's been roped into, shots are fired and then she and her partner literally have a dead body thrown at them. While she's investigating all this, another tape surfaces, with a song that appears to be a murder confession. The usual complications of family life and Torie's conflicts with her stepfather, the former sheriff, add to the mix.
Anyone who prefers their cozy mysteries with a bit of meat to them would do well to read THE BLOOD BALLAD.
April 9, 2012
This cozy series just keeps getting better and better.
Torie starts out the book by attending a Bird Olympics with Eleanor as her partner! If you've read any of the earlier books you would know that this is not going to turn out well. Once dusk sets in Torie is writing down birds for Eleanor and Eleanor is sitting in a tree when they hear gunfire. Two or three sharp reports. Then bullets start flying toward them and they run to get away. They make it down to the river and then the dead body is introduced to the story.
It was quite an opening and just the start of a rollicking good story.
One of the things I like best about this series is the realistic family life that surrounds Torie. She has two teenage daughters who fight violently (including throwing things at each other) and yet they will help each other occasionally. Matthew, her son, is six now and is into bugs and dead squirrels as well as superhero's and swings. Rudy just tries to keep peace and keep Torie alive.
The mysteries in these books are good, well plotted and mostly very realistic but it is the characters who shine in the stories and it is the characters who will keep bringing me back.
Torie starts out the book by attending a Bird Olympics with Eleanor as her partner! If you've read any of the earlier books you would know that this is not going to turn out well. Once dusk sets in Torie is writing down birds for Eleanor and Eleanor is sitting in a tree when they hear gunfire. Two or three sharp reports. Then bullets start flying toward them and they run to get away. They make it down to the river and then the dead body is introduced to the story.
It was quite an opening and just the start of a rollicking good story.
One of the things I like best about this series is the realistic family life that surrounds Torie. She has two teenage daughters who fight violently (including throwing things at each other) and yet they will help each other occasionally. Matthew, her son, is six now and is into bugs and dead squirrels as well as superhero's and swings. Rudy just tries to keep peace and keep Torie alive.
The mysteries in these books are good, well plotted and mostly very realistic but it is the characters who shine in the stories and it is the characters who will keep bringing me back.
November 15, 2020
Combination of cozy Christmas murder mystery and cold case involving a disappearance decades ago. Solving the cases involves tracing genealogies of all family members, which gets complicated and confusing with so many names and relationships to keep track of. It was impossible to keep track of everyone, which was a big turn off for me.
May 6, 2025
Torie O'Shea has a complicated life — wife, mother, her career as a genealogist, owner of two historical landmarks and head of the historical society of the small tourist town of New Kessel, Missouri — that is is sometimes surprising at what she gets herself into, including mysteries.
And in this tale, the eleventh in the series, life has gotten even more complicated — teen daughters at each other's throats and upcoming holidays with all the special activities involved, including participation in a birding olympics. But shortly after the birding experience, there's a body found and as per usual, O'Shea can't leave it to the police to solve.
Especially as it seems that the death has ties to her family.
The Torie O'Shea are cozy mysteries with a big comic, slapstick twist. She is a memorable character whose heart is always in the righty place, even when she finds herself in a bind. She gets herself into potential trouble because she wants the answers. These stories are sweet, crazy and entirely loveable. They are fun, light reading.
And in this tale, the eleventh in the series, life has gotten even more complicated — teen daughters at each other's throats and upcoming holidays with all the special activities involved, including participation in a birding olympics. But shortly after the birding experience, there's a body found and as per usual, O'Shea can't leave it to the police to solve.
Especially as it seems that the death has ties to her family.
The Torie O'Shea are cozy mysteries with a big comic, slapstick twist. She is a memorable character whose heart is always in the righty place, even when she finds herself in a bind. She gets herself into potential trouble because she wants the answers. These stories are sweet, crazy and entirely loveable. They are fun, light reading.
March 18, 2021
Things just seem to happen to Torie, or around her... in this case, she nearly gets shot. Then a man contacts her regarding a family secret -- her grandfather may be owed money for a musical group's success, which the man explores and wants to expose while writing a book. She then receives a mailing from a man she finds dead -- when she was nearly shot -- which includes a CD of songs that involves possibly her grandfather's music and even a murder that's been covered up. All these coincidences are too much for Torie, who is compelled to investigate. Not to mention, someone happens to drop off a horse at their house. Fortunately, the new sheriff and the former sheriff (her former nemesis and current stepfather) help her and she finds out who knows what and when... and solves the case.
April 8, 2023
Genealogist Torie O'Shea and her team mate in the bird-watching Olympics hear gun shots and then are shot at. Running for cover they hunker in a gully when a trunk is thrown from the cliff above and bursts open revealing a badly beaten body. Besides being involved in this murder case Torie is also approached by a man with information that could potentially throw all of her genealogical work into question. Interesting mystery mixed with Torie's family dynamics.
January 8, 2018
A slightly far-fetched but enjoyable Torie O'Shea mystery. This time the genealogist is told that one of her ancestors may have been the out-of-wedlock son of a famous musician. Torie is skeptical, but then a distant cousin is found murdered in her town, and he is connected with the music story. Torie helps the authorities solve two murders, when all is said and done.
November 28, 2018
I very much enjoyed "The Blood Ballad". It was a nicely complex mystery with lots of red herrings. I really like Torie and her family and friends so visiting them in New Kassel is like a trip home. Thoroughly enjoyable! Hoping for many more adventures with Torie!
December 6, 2019
As an occasional genealogy buff, I found this interesting as Torie discovers more about her family--or was it really her family. The author did not delve deeply into the emotional ramifications of discovering that a "known" ancestor really was not.
January 30, 2023
It was a very interesting book, and I really liked the genealogy aspect of the story (though I wish it had a bigger part in the storyline). The ending was unexpected which is a must in mystery books! I did find the characters a bit shallow, but overall, I liked it.
February 27, 2023
Although Rett MacPherson must have her fans I found this book to be borderline dull with unsympathetic characters and a rather confusing story line. I hoped the ending would redeem the book but - no!
March 5, 2019
This was one of my favorite book series. There were some stretches and inconsistencies along the way but the characters are wonderful.
July 26, 2019
Consistently excellent plotting and writing. All this and humor too.
October 1, 2019
Was beyond sad realizing this was the last Torie O'Shea :(
March 20, 2020
good read, once the story started to unfold I couldn't put it down!
March 22, 2020
Absolutely. Loved this book and Author!!!!! I'd give her a 10 star if I could
August 9, 2020
The ending really touched my heart.
January 6, 2022
Another good one. This one revolves around an old recording of someone singing aballad that describes a murder. Very clever.
June 27, 2025
A cozy murder mystery. This is based around Christmas time so I wish I read it during then. I loved the aspect of the music background and history in it. The end was a little underwhelming
March 31, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. I love the use of genealogical research and techniques in the story. It is also a great story line. I look forward to reading more of Rett MacPherson's titles.
March 14, 2021
Not one of Rett’s better Torie novel. All very anticlimactic at the end.
August 24, 2024
(2.8 stars)
June 6, 2009
Blood Ballad is the last book (so far) in the Torie O'Shea Mystery series. I've read them all, though not in order. With each book the series has improved. Each mystery topping the last one.
Torie gets mixed up in the mystery involving her own family. The discovery could change her entire family tree. While trying to piece together these new stories, she gets involved in another murder case. But the current mystery isn't as fascinating as the case of a famous singer who missing in the 1930s. Somehow the two mysteries are linked and Torie needs to figure out how.
As always there is the background story of the mayhem that surrounds Torie's home life. Not only are her teenage daughters at war, but a strange horse has shown up in their corral.
This is a wonderful blending of investigative work and genealogy. As a genealogist I loved being able to follow the research path. Would I have chosen the same records? What would I have felt reading the same things? I enjoyed working out the research clues and mapping out the Morgan family as the story unfolded.
By far, this is the best book in the series. I can't wait until Rett MacPherson writes the next one!
Torie gets mixed up in the mystery involving her own family. The discovery could change her entire family tree. While trying to piece together these new stories, she gets involved in another murder case. But the current mystery isn't as fascinating as the case of a famous singer who missing in the 1930s. Somehow the two mysteries are linked and Torie needs to figure out how.
As always there is the background story of the mayhem that surrounds Torie's home life. Not only are her teenage daughters at war, but a strange horse has shown up in their corral.
This is a wonderful blending of investigative work and genealogy. As a genealogist I loved being able to follow the research path. Would I have chosen the same records? What would I have felt reading the same things? I enjoyed working out the research clues and mapping out the Morgan family as the story unfolded.
By far, this is the best book in the series. I can't wait until Rett MacPherson writes the next one!
March 12, 2008
The Blood Ballad
Rett MacPherson
St. Martin’s Minotaur, 2008, 228 pps.
ISBN No. 978-0-312-36222-5
Bird watching can be dangerous. Just ask Torie O’Shea. Torie reluctantly agreed to compete in the First Annual Bird Olympics of New Kassel, Missouri. Torie and her partner Eleanore Murdoch end up ducking bullets and running for their lives.
This is the beginning of a mystery surrounding Torie’s family and the famous Morgan Family singers. Glen Morgan shows up at the Kendall House, Torie’s new textile museum with information that Torie’s family history contains a few errors. This is unthinkable as far as Torie is concerned and her investigation takes her down a dangerous path that uncovers the true story of the disappearance of Isabelle Mercer year ago.
MacPherson’s books get better and better. The characters are unusual and funny and New Kassel sounds like a wonderful place to live.
Rett MacPherson
St. Martin’s Minotaur, 2008, 228 pps.
ISBN No. 978-0-312-36222-5
Bird watching can be dangerous. Just ask Torie O’Shea. Torie reluctantly agreed to compete in the First Annual Bird Olympics of New Kassel, Missouri. Torie and her partner Eleanore Murdoch end up ducking bullets and running for their lives.
This is the beginning of a mystery surrounding Torie’s family and the famous Morgan Family singers. Glen Morgan shows up at the Kendall House, Torie’s new textile museum with information that Torie’s family history contains a few errors. This is unthinkable as far as Torie is concerned and her investigation takes her down a dangerous path that uncovers the true story of the disappearance of Isabelle Mercer year ago.
MacPherson’s books get better and better. The characters are unusual and funny and New Kassel sounds like a wonderful place to live.
October 19, 2009
Yes, I went back to New Kassel, Missouri and my grown up Nancy Drew books. I have one more from the library then I am starting Glenn Iles I have 2 of his from the library.
Genealogist Torie O'Shea is out birding as part of New Kassel Missouri's first ever bird-watching Olympics, when someone starts shooting at her and her partner. Running for her life, she stmbles over an antique trunk and discovers a badly beaten dead body stuffed inside. So starts another Mystery that leads Torie to investigate her grandfather and find out how killed a woman in the early 1920s.
I enjoyed this one more so than the others and look forward to the next one and then on to something else.
These books are a fast read and let you figure out the mystery just before they tell it.
Most are worth the time to read.
Genealogist Torie O'Shea is out birding as part of New Kassel Missouri's first ever bird-watching Olympics, when someone starts shooting at her and her partner. Running for her life, she stmbles over an antique trunk and discovers a badly beaten dead body stuffed inside. So starts another Mystery that leads Torie to investigate her grandfather and find out how killed a woman in the early 1920s.
I enjoyed this one more so than the others and look forward to the next one and then on to something else.
These books are a fast read and let you figure out the mystery just before they tell it.
Most are worth the time to read.
June 8, 2013
I enjoyed this book. Tori O'Shea is an average woman. She is married, a mother, genealogist, and snoop. This is the first one of this series I have read and I will definitely read more. In this book, Tori takes part in a birding competition. She is in the woods with her partner when someone starts shooting at them and then a body in a trunk gets dumped right next to them. She is then contacted by a stranger who informs her that her family tree is incorrect and that her grandfather is not the man she thinks. This puts Tori in a tailspin to try and find out the truth. What she uncovers is a murder mystery that is over 70 years old. This books moves along quickly and the characters are believable.
December 1, 2014
In the 11th installment of the Torie O'Shea Genealogical Cozy Mystery series by Rett MacPherson, the Blood Ballad, Torie O'Shea returned back to another puzzle. When she was on cliffs to take part for their first ever bird-watching Olympics, someone fired shots at her and her partner, when they stumbled over an antique trunk with a dead body stuffed inside. After that incident, musicologist Glen Morgan claimed to be cousin and her grandfather was a famous country singer in a band, she didn't want anyone to shake up her family tree. But she couldn't resist those old recordings. After some digging, she uncovered some shocking truths about her family and the town she came to love.
March 4, 2008
A friend of mind put me on to the Torie O'Shea Mysteries last fall, and I quickly read through every single book in the series. The Blood Ballad is the newest in the series, just out a few weeks ago. I enjoy the main character, who is a genealogist who solves mysteries. I like the author's points that knowing about the past is important to us in the present, and the interaction of characters in a small town. The teenage daughters who fought all the time was a good subplot--particularly the younger sister who did things just to mess with the older one!
August 22, 2008
Another new mystery writer for me. This is a pretty well-written book. The "detective" is an everyday wife and mother in a suburb of St. Louis - much like the author - who is responsible for her local historical society and museum. From that comes a book based around the old time bluegrass music of the early 1900s in Missouri and the folks involved in making it. The story itself is set in modern times, but the roots go back to the 1930s. It was a well-written puzzle. I'll be looking for more of this author's books.
April 29, 2008
Another great entry in this series about genealogist Torie O'Shea. I like all of these books tremendously & have only one criticism of the characters & setting in general. It bothers me tremendously how Torie's mother treats her. I don't care how saintly she is in her wheelchair, there is no reason for her to be so consistently harsh, judgmental & unloving to her daughter as she is. This is bad enough that it's hard for me to get beyond & appreciate the rest of each story, & they're excellent.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews