Shadows on the Coast of Maine

Antique Print #2

by Lea Wait

Maine. Antiques. August. That's all Maggie Summer requires for a guaranteed fun getaway. But there is an unexplained urgency behind the invitation from her former college roommate, Amy Douglas. The eighteenth-century house Amy and her husband Drew are restoring in tiny Madoc, Maine, is perfect -- or it will be, once Maggie supplies just the right antique prints. But Amy's type A personality is bordering on could her desperation to get pregnant explain the sound of the crying infant that haunts her nights? Perhaps the hostile neighbors -- resentful of transplanted New Yorkers Amy and Drew -- have Amy on edge. But when the body of a missing teenaged girl turns up on their land, Maggie knows the threat is authentic. Now everyone, even Maggie's antiques-hunter friend Will Brewer, is cast in a suspicious light -- as she scratches beneath the surface of small-town New England life, and blows the dust off secrets hidden inside a grand Maine home for generations.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Cozy, Mystery Thriller, Murder Mystery

352 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

Maine author Lea Wait writes the NYT-praised 8-book Shadows Antique Print Mystery series, the latest of which is SHADWS ON A MORNING IN MAINE, and the USA Today best-selling Mainely Needlepoint series which debuted with TWISTED THREADS in January, 2015, and was followed by THREADS OF EVIDENCE in August, 2015, THREAD AND GONE, in January, 2016, DANGLING BY A THREAD in late October, 2016, and TIGHTENING THE THREADS in March, 2017. Wait also writes acclaimed historical novels for ages 8 and up set in 19th century Maine, the latest of which, UNCERTAIN GLORY, takes place in a small northern town during the first two weeks of the Civil War. Lea's LIVING AND WRITING ON THE COAST OF MAINE, about being an author and living year 'round in Maine with a husband who's an artist also includes writing tips. Lea did her undergraduate work at Chatham College (now University) in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and her graduate work at New York University. While she was raising the four daughters she adopted as a single parent she worked as a manager for AT&T. Now she writes full time and speaks at schools and libraries. She loves rowing, visiting historical sites, and, of course, reading and writing. See her website,
www.leawait.com, and the blog she writes with other Maine Mystery writers, http://www.mainecrimewriters.com, friend her on FB and Goodreads, and, if you'd like to be on her email list to find out when her next book will be published, send her your email address write to her at leawait@roadrunner.com

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read in this series. Not a full review but I highly recommend this series. Somehow, I read #3 before this one but it was ok. I suggest starting at book one to get a sense of Maggie and how Will may fit into her life.
The mystery kept me guessing until the very end!

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not my usual kind of reading and I enjoyed it for what it was. It was an easy read and that what I was looking for. Maggie does some silly things at times and I feel the entire mystery could have been solved earlier if she has just said what she knew. It was fun though!

[Missi Martin (Stockwell) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadows on the Coast of Maine by Lea Wait is the second book in her Antique Print Mystery series and I was on the edge of my seat !! I totally LOVED this installment in this series.

Main character Maggie Summer goes to Maine to visit her college roommate, Amy, and her husband, Drew. They recently purchased a house there and Amy is uncomfortable because she is hearing things and "seeing" ghosts. Maggie is a little intrigued by the long history of the house and when she finds out her friend Will from the antique show circuit is a distant member of the family that owned the house years ago, he is also quite interested. Things go downhill real fast when a local teenager who was helping Amy around the house doesn't make it home one night and when her body is found behind a barn on the property, Maggie steps in to get to the bottom of things......little does she know what she is getting involved in !!!

It seems that everyone in this coastal town know each other and a lot of them are related in some way or another....which makes things very interesting and uncomfortable at the same time !!!

Like I said I was on the edge of my seat reading this book !! Wait has such a knack of drawing the reader deep into the story. I was so engrossed in the story that when Maggie approaches the murderer I was completely in shock !!! Never, never, never, ever would I have guessed that that was the direction the story was heading !!! I cannot wait to dig into the third book, Shadows on the Ivy.

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐

[Toby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shadows on the Coast of Maine was enjoyable. However, I did get bogged down in the antique prints talk, and there seemed to be a lot of details that weren't terribly necessary for the actual story.

That being said, the culprit of the murder caught me totally by surprise (I was guessing one particular person and had even partially figured out the "rationale" behind the murder being committed... but the person I'd guessed was completely wrong).

I also enjoyed reading about a town like Madoc, Maine, since I've been in Maine before and I also grew up in a small town similar to Madoc. We moved to the area in 1992 - my family is still considered "the newcomers," despite having been in the area for 24 years. None of us (neither my parents or me/my sister) were born in this part of the country, and we don't have roots in this area either. Therefore - as Amy and Drew were viewed in Madoc - we were viewed as "the outsiders" for a very long time. Now we're just "the newcomers" but I guess 24 years of having lived here got rid of the outsider label. :)

I have the next in the series somewhere around the apartment, so I'll probably read it at some point. I'd recommend the series, but it's not one of my top recommendations - at this point - for a cozy mystery series. That being said, it's not one I'd tell people to stay away from, either.

[Nancy G · Rating 3 out of 5]

I hadn't read a mystery in a long time. The story takes place in an old house in Maine with descriptions of antiques. The mystery was solvable, without many surprises.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second in a series is a very enjoyable read. Maggie Summer goes to visit her college roommate, someone she's kept in touch with over the years. She's felt that her time as Amy's roommate are some of her best memories. Maggie is a college professor of history who also sells antique prints.
She's invited to visit Amy and her husband in their newly purchased colonial mansion on the coast of Maine. She soon learns that their marriage and the house are not as picturesque as it might appear.

Amy is portrayed by Maggie in the most affectionate terms, with her quirkiness and need for control as endearing and manageable traits. Amy and her husband both moved from high-powered well paying jobs to living in rural Maine in a house that needs a lot of work and is expensive to boot. In addition, they live in a small area where everyone seems to know or be related to everyone else. Including Maggie's romantic interest, who has summered there most of his life.

It seems that there have been strange sounds like a baby crying, random phone calls/hang ups, and an unexplained fire. Soon after Maggie arrives she sees what appears to be adultery. Then a body is discovered and it seems that events escalate and behavior deteriorates.

Maggie and Will sort through the relationships, questions, mysteries and appearance vs. reality to the disconcerting end.

An intelligent, well-written book that is a thoroughly enjoyable reading experience. The character of Maggie continues to grow as we learn more about her and the budding romance between her and Will develops slowly and nicely. I really enjoyed the historical facts relating to the house, the area and the antique prints. I found myself looking up the prints on the internet, so I can see what is being subscribed. As long as Lea Wait keeps writing these, I'll keep reading them. I've got awhile before I'm all caught up so I will enjoy the journey.

[SCH · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my second time reading this book. (I'm re-reading the entire series.) My memory for books isn't so great so most of the book and definitely the ending were a complete surprise to me, which made it more fun to re-read. In this book we briefly see a return of Maggie's friend Gussie. But, Will appears significantly as Maggie is visiting her college friend Amy in the town where Will's family history began and continues. It was nice to get to know Will's family and its history. I found it a little confusing at times, especially since relatives seem to get very cozy with each other, so remembering who was actually related by blood and who wasn't, got jumbled up for me at times.

My interest in these books is because of the antique business aspect of it. I continued to enjoy how Maggie's antique prints are weaved into the story as well as her hunt for more prints at antique stores and at auction. Unlike the first book, I didn't stop to look up the prints that are described at the beginning of each chapter, even though the first book taught me they generally relate to what is happening in the chapter. I think it's because I didn't have the desire to linger over this book.

Although I enjoyed it, I didn't find some parts very compelling such as the mysterious happenings at night or what happens to her friend Amy's husband Drew. These were surely intended to be very important parts of the story and yet I felt like I could have done without them. Still, I would highly recommend this to those who enjoyed the first book and I look forward to (re)reading the next one.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series. Maggie has been invited up to Maine by an old friend who has recently moved there with her husband, leaving their busy lives and jobs behind. Maggie is surprised to find out that her friend Amy is planning on starting a family. But all is not well in the new house, with strange noises and phone calls. Is the house haunted or is there some lingering resentment towards the “incomers”? When a young woman ends up missing and then dead, Maggie feels like she has no choice but to help find out what happened, particularly after witnessing a disturbing episode in the house that makes her question Amy’s marriage. Maggie has help from her friend and romantic interest, Will, who has a local connection to the area. Maggie must work to figure out several mysteries in order to help solve the case.

[Ainee Beland · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lea Wait is from a long line of antique dealers from her great grandfather to grandmother, to her mother as they have all been dealers in antiques. Lea has owned her antique-print business for more than twenty-five years. She lives in Edgecombe, Maine, where she runs her antique print business and writes historical novels for young readers as well as the Maggie Summer series. Learn more about the business of antiques with Ms. Wait at www.leawait.com

Maggie is owner of an antique shop and is dating a college professor, who at times dabbles in antiques, is name Will. They meet Drew and Amy who are newly married and wanting to have children; not able to and finds another who could have child instead but is found murdered; and we must figure out who killed Crystal and why. Is she pregnant and if so who is the father?

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The coast of Maine is the setting for this cozy mystery. Maggie, an antique print dealer, travels to Maine to do some antiquing and to visit her former college roommate, Amy. Amy and her husband Drew have recently moved to a small town were many of the residents are related to each other. As outsiders, they are questioned. There are some great passages about antiques as Maggie and her friend Will visit several antique shops and auctions. The death, just one day after Maggie's arrival, of a young girl who has been helping in Amy's home sets the investigation in motion. There is not as much "sleuthing" as in some other cozy mysteries with that space in the book being taken up with antiques information. Still Maggie does contribute to the solution of the mystery.

[Sherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Antique print mystery #2 is much better and than the first. Maggie, leaves Gussie on the Cape and answers Amy, her college roommate’s desperate plea to come right away to Maine so she won’t have to stay alone in the old house she and her husband are renovating. Little does Maggie know that the house had belonged in her friend, Will Brewer’s family since it was built in 1774, until a lonely spinster who’d inherited it had, sold it to folks “from away” without consulting any of the family creating anger and resentment. The house seems haunted by a crying baby, a ghost, late night phone hang-ups, and a fire seem planned to drive away Amy and Doug. Until the murder and an accident ratchet up the crime level. Maggie and Will join forces to try to find the murderer.

[Crystal Toller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second in the Antique Print Mystery Series by Lea Wait. Maggie Summer is urgently invited to Maine by her old college roommate, Amy Douglas. Amy and her husband, Drew have bought a house in Maine near Weymoth and are renovating it. When Maggie arrives, Amy fills her in on the strange happenings in the house. While Maggie is there a young girl who is helping Amy is murdered and Maggie sets out to find out what happened. The mystery of the young girl's (Crystal Porter) death makes for a fascinating and interesting read. Another great edition to the series by a really talented and entertaining author. Highly recommend this book and the series.

[Ann Boytim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maggie Summer goes to visit her old college friend in Maine. Amy has called Maggie to come and help her find out what is wrong with the house her and her husband purchased . This eighteenth century house may have a ghost or other issues. Amy and Drew are transplanted New Yorkers and trying to find their way in this community in New England. Maggie also has a friend who lives in that part of the country and they are know each other from being in the antique business and met at an antique fair. Secrets in this small town in New England from the past history.

[Ginny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great cozy murder mystery. Small town Maine, old friends from college, old old house, history. For some reason, I kept picturing the main characters to be in their 50s, at least, but they’re probably in their 30s.
The story was beautifully crafted, each chapter beginning with a description of some antique print that often is related to the events in that chapter. I love learning some American history along with obscure (to me) corners of the antique world.
The ending surprised me; It was curious how well Maggie handled it.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this mystery!! Not much humor included, but I was so engrossed that I kinda forgot. Loved the backdrop of Maine. Loved the special friend Will, and now he knew the whole town. I didn’t expect the ending. Although I am still wondering who was Crystal’s father?? Rachel played them all!! Anyway, good read and I would read this author again.

[Miriam Kahn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This intriguing cozy includes a murder, arson, tampered brakes, and ghosts in a 250 year old house in Maine. Leave it two antiques dealers to suss out the answers while untangling multiple lies. The end is surprising. Read the series in order although it isn’t necessary.

[Doris · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ok summer read.

[Mai · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting story, but a bit sad and depressing. Good mystery and characters, though!

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great mystery book in the "Maggie" series. Worth searching for

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better than the previous. Culprit was a surprising choice, given how rarely someone who appears to be close to the main character is the actual murderer.

[Donna Herrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the sense of place and the antiques artifice to explore history.

[Miriam H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed Lea Wait’s mystery, first I have read , I will certainly read more!

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just a bit of fun

[Sandra Hamilton · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good introduction to various types of antiques and description of old houses with murder and it's solution an interesting sideline.

[Alexis(Andra) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.7 Loved the setting and discussions of auctions and antique shows. Murder mystery was predictable, but was still interesting . Enjoyable and fun, especially since I was on a trip to Maine .

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had potential, and I can live with the cliches, but I was turned off by the abortion and infidelity

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mystery with a twist but not hard to figure out. Pretty good story, though, and contains information on collecting antique prints and Civil War rifles.

[Nancy Nixon Ensign · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun read! As a librarian, antique collector, and fine artist this was a great read. Great twists and characters! It was my first Lea Wait and I'll definitely read her others.

[Barbara Meyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This second book in the "Antique Print Mystery" series is a delightful read. There's an evocative Maine setting, the restoration of an old house that reveals secrets that might possibly a crying baby heard in the night, a contemporary murder, and an ending that I, for one, didn't see coming. Add to that the author's considerable expertise in antiques, book stores, and antique fairs, and especially in old prints - and I was hooked.

Especially appealing is the way she precedes each chapter with a catalog description of an antique print, so that a careful reading gives hints to the chapter contents. I also appreciated that the chapters were fairly short - a technique that almost invariably lead this bedtime reader to read "just one more chapter" before turning off the light. I certainly look forward to reading more of this author's works.