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Lock the Cellar Door
Detective Gen Delacourt’s life is perfect … until a ceiling collapses on her fiancé during an earthquake. The resulting head injury leaves him tormented and remote, with little recollection of their relationship. All he remembers is the image of a woman in a window and the desperate sound of her sobbing. Frantic and alone, Gen turns to fellow private investigator Devlin Boyle for help. Together they unearth the mystery of Mack’s presence in the mansion, why he is now terrified of the dark, and who was weeping. Will Mack recover?
261 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 30, 2015
100 people are currently reading
352 people want to read
About the author
Molly Greene
15 books180 followersHello readers! I am the author of the Gen Delacourt Mystery Series, which includes Mark of the Loon, The Last Fairytale, Paint Me Gone, A Thousand Tombs, Swindle Town, Lock the Cellar Door, Midnight at Half Moon Bay, and The India Archives.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
June 3, 2015
Finished this in one day, not because it was short but because it held me gripped to the book until the end. I love Gen Delacourt. She is the woman I want to be - independent yet in love, strong yet vulnerable, intelligent yet still learning. All of these dichotomies play out in Lock the Cellar Door.
The setting takes me back to the Bay area. Having spent some time in Oakland last fall, I love that setting as well as north of that area. I also love when the characters head to Carmel or anywhere to the south of the Bay area.
I felt like I was catching up with old friends as I read this. I can't wait for the next book.
The setting takes me back to the Bay area. Having spent some time in Oakland last fall, I love that setting as well as north of that area. I also love when the characters head to Carmel or anywhere to the south of the Bay area.
I felt like I was catching up with old friends as I read this. I can't wait for the next book.
June 3, 2015
Gen revels in her new "engaged" status until an earthquake literally makes her world crumble. After frantically searching for Mack who's gone missing, she finds him buried under debris in a mansion he had no obvious reason visiting. Her relief is short-lived as his cranial injury robs him of a good part of his memories including those he's made with her. Mack is not Mack anymore. Needing an outlet for the acute sense of loss that cripples her, Gen teams up with detective Devlin Boyle, trying to shed light to the reason Mack was in the uninhabited mansion---a plausible explanation for the apparition of a sobbing woman he claims to have seen and heard there.
With Mack retreating, Devlin making advances and a mystery starring a "ghost", Gen has her hands full, but her heart is empty.
This is the most gripping story in the captivating Gen Delacourt mystery series. Gen's emotional involvement tamper both with her judgement and her responses, forcing her to assign the case to the cool and smooth Devlin, yet he wants her to be more than his sidekick. For Gen, a committed relationship was shaky ground; losing it means she's lost part of herself, and she has to fight for resolve on many fronts. The emotional aspect in this novel is what makes it stand out.
But that doesn't mean that the mystery part is played down. If anything, the addition of a potentially paranormal element makes it even more appealing. Secondary characters pop out strongly, and I was pleased to see Shiloh and Luca returning to help Mack out as did Livvie and Bree to Gen. However, the character that truly shines is Stella, Mack's loyal four-legged friend. She offers solutions, comfort and becomes the bridge that connects the estranged couple, playing a pivotal role throughout.
If you've enjoyed Gen Delacourt's mysteries so far, Lock the Cellar Door is not one to miss.
With Mack retreating, Devlin making advances and a mystery starring a "ghost", Gen has her hands full, but her heart is empty.
This is the most gripping story in the captivating Gen Delacourt mystery series. Gen's emotional involvement tamper both with her judgement and her responses, forcing her to assign the case to the cool and smooth Devlin, yet he wants her to be more than his sidekick. For Gen, a committed relationship was shaky ground; losing it means she's lost part of herself, and she has to fight for resolve on many fronts. The emotional aspect in this novel is what makes it stand out.
But that doesn't mean that the mystery part is played down. If anything, the addition of a potentially paranormal element makes it even more appealing. Secondary characters pop out strongly, and I was pleased to see Shiloh and Luca returning to help Mack out as did Livvie and Bree to Gen. However, the character that truly shines is Stella, Mack's loyal four-legged friend. She offers solutions, comfort and becomes the bridge that connects the estranged couple, playing a pivotal role throughout.
If you've enjoyed Gen Delacourt's mysteries so far, Lock the Cellar Door is not one to miss.
June 3, 2015
This book really tugged at my heartstrings. After the previous books, I feel like I've come to know and care about the characters in this series. That's part of Molly Greene's skill, her ability to make Gen and Mack and the others come to life in each book. They become a little more real with every story.
The book starts out with an "oh my God" moment and I admit to being afraid from the very beginning that something terrible was going to happen . The suspense is palpable, the plot kept me reading and wondering, and we really feel Gen's pain all through the book. In fact, I think that for me the real mystery was what would happen with Gen and Mack. I read this book in one afternoon to answer that question. Once again, Molly Greene doesn't disappoint. I recommend this book highly.
The book starts out with an "oh my God" moment and I admit to being afraid from the very beginning that something terrible was going to happen . The suspense is palpable, the plot kept me reading and wondering, and we really feel Gen's pain all through the book. In fact, I think that for me the real mystery was what would happen with Gen and Mack. I read this book in one afternoon to answer that question. Once again, Molly Greene doesn't disappoint. I recommend this book highly.
June 8, 2015
Love this series.
Listening At Last by Etta James on my Echo for Gen Delacourt. She is like a old friend, can't wait what she is going to do next. Lost love, remembering those days long ago and finding the truth. Warning, before you start reading the last chapter make sure tissue box by you.
Listening At Last by Etta James on my Echo for Gen Delacourt. She is like a old friend, can't wait what she is going to do next. Lost love, remembering those days long ago and finding the truth. Warning, before you start reading the last chapter make sure tissue box by you.
July 7, 2015
Number 6 is another great entry in the continuing Gen Delacourt Mystery series. Molly Greene doesn't disappoint her readers. This entry has an immediately engaging plot which focuses on a romantic love story that is stressed as a result of a unique accident impacting a central character of the series. This event provides the reader with a glimpse into the affect a Traumatic Brain Injury would have on this character and those who support and care for him.
I had a noteworthy reaction to manner in which Molly Greene described Gen Delacourt emotional state dealing her fiancée's TBI. The plot provides Molly a good opportunity to describe the range of feelings that each character would likely experience. She has also succeeded in creating an intriguing relationship between Devlin Boyle and Gen Delacourt. I particularly enjoyed the dialog and interplay these two characters experienced. I am hoping that Ms. Greene will develop more stories that allow these two characters to build on this relationship.
In summary, I enjoyed this book, found the premise interesting, enjoyed my expanding relationship with the cast of characters, and I am eager to read the next publication in the Gen Delcourt mystery series.
I had a noteworthy reaction to manner in which Molly Greene described Gen Delacourt emotional state dealing her fiancée's TBI. The plot provides Molly a good opportunity to describe the range of feelings that each character would likely experience. She has also succeeded in creating an intriguing relationship between Devlin Boyle and Gen Delacourt. I particularly enjoyed the dialog and interplay these two characters experienced. I am hoping that Ms. Greene will develop more stories that allow these two characters to build on this relationship.
In summary, I enjoyed this book, found the premise interesting, enjoyed my expanding relationship with the cast of characters, and I am eager to read the next publication in the Gen Delcourt mystery series.
March 17, 2016
This book (and this entire series) really rocks! I so enjoy the characters and the depth and dimension they each have. I love the love story between Gen and Mack, and the side stories about Bree and Madison and Livvie and their own love interests. The mysteries are hard core and challenging to solve, and the way they are woven into the context of the varying relationships is so fluid and smooth that it really feels like real life. I cannot wait for the next book!
February 14, 2016
THE SCARY CREEPY COVER MADE ME CHECK IT OUT TO SEE IF I WANTED TO READ (really eye catching). IT HAD A FEW HEART STOPPING MOMENTS, I WAS WORRIED ABOUT THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE H/h FROM THE START IT WAS SORTA CONFUSING ABOUT WHO WAS GOING TO BE THE (H). NOT A BAD BOOK BUT IT WAS KINDA SLOW, IT FAILED TO REALLY HOLD MY INTEREST VERY LONG. I THINK IT COULD HAVE BEEN VERY GOOD BUT SOMETHING JUST SEEMED TO BE MISSING IT WAS JUST BLAND TO ME. ;\
August 19, 2015
Riveting read.
I read book 3 first and then bought the other 5. All are well structured with a great story line. Descriptions of the San Francisco bay area are spot on and took me down memory lane. Msg Greene is a superb mystery writer and I can hardly wait for the next story
I read book 3 first and then bought the other 5. All are well structured with a great story line. Descriptions of the San Francisco bay area are spot on and took me down memory lane. Msg Greene is a superb mystery writer and I can hardly wait for the next story
February 10, 2016
Good book with characters that you care about and feel the pain and hurt. Gen is a woman in love who sets out to discover the mystery around the accident that her fiance lost his memory in. Very good.
October 29, 2015
Great
A very well written story. Enjoyed the characters and the story very much. Would recommend this book to anyone for an enjoyable experience.
A very well written story. Enjoyed the characters and the story very much. Would recommend this book to anyone for an enjoyable experience.
February 8, 2016
This is the only book of the series that I've read. I enjoyed the fast pace, and didn't feel I lost anything important in not having read the previous ones.
March 13, 2016
I really connect with Molly Greene's characters. Several of the reviews of this book had similar comments. Great storyline. Hard to put down.
March 11, 2016
Great Read
One of the better storylines that I have read lately. The only thing against it reminded me of two other stories put together.
One of the better storylines that I have read lately. The only thing against it reminded me of two other stories put together.
October 13, 2018
This one absolutely goes on my Favorites shelf, in fact it was so good that I must start the next book in the series...today, instead of reading a different book I had planned!
Excellent, interesting and gripping, hard-to-put-down mystery. I was so invested in the characters and the story.
Must say, this author has not disappointed me yet!
Highly recommended!
Excellent, interesting and gripping, hard-to-put-down mystery. I was so invested in the characters and the story.
Must say, this author has not disappointed me yet!
Highly recommended!
April 6, 2019
Plot twists
The direction of the story changed enough to keep me guessing and I always Love a good Love story with suspense.
The direction of the story changed enough to keep me guessing and I always Love a good Love story with suspense.
March 2, 2023
3 1/2 stars light reading
February 1, 2017
I am an absolute fan of the series, even though it took me a while to "get" and like female sleuth Gen Delacourt. Now I am eagerly awaiting the next installment. Molly Greene – Write faster, please! This author really knows how to raise the stakes for her protagonist. This time, it gets very personal for Gen, when her fiancé Mack is injured during an earthquake. The novel starts off with an extremely suspenseful inciting incident: Gen and dog Stella find Mack in the cellar of a mysterious and possibly haunted mansion. Why did he go there in the first place?
Mack doesn't remember – he even doesn't remember Gen. This is unbelievably sad and the novel could have taken a melodramatic turn, if Gen wouldn't be Gen. In the hope that solving this mystery will also bring back Macks memory (and thus bring Mack back to her) she is determined to find out what happened. She enlists the help of private detective Devlin Boyle. He is an interesting character, his heart is in the right place and he is a hunk, but I sooo didn't like him. Of course I resented him for flirting with Genny and her for encouraging him, even though she puts a stop to it fairly soon. Sorry, but I just didn't even want to entertain the idea that it could be over for Gen and Mack and that Devlin could be a replacement.
Obviously I loved (spoiler alert) the sweet, sweet ending.
I also love how Molly Greene develops Gens character throughout the series and especially in CELLAR DOOR. I liked and could relate to this passage, which encapsulates this development, so much, that I felt the need to write it down:
"Finding peace in the waiting ... That was what she'd been attempting with her gardening: learning how to wrap patience and expectation and hope and perseverance together, and come up with a better Gen."
Wow!
Mack doesn't remember – he even doesn't remember Gen. This is unbelievably sad and the novel could have taken a melodramatic turn, if Gen wouldn't be Gen. In the hope that solving this mystery will also bring back Macks memory (and thus bring Mack back to her) she is determined to find out what happened. She enlists the help of private detective Devlin Boyle. He is an interesting character, his heart is in the right place and he is a hunk, but I sooo didn't like him. Of course I resented him for flirting with Genny and her for encouraging him, even though she puts a stop to it fairly soon. Sorry, but I just didn't even want to entertain the idea that it could be over for Gen and Mack and that Devlin could be a replacement.
Obviously I loved (spoiler alert) the sweet, sweet ending.
I also love how Molly Greene develops Gens character throughout the series and especially in CELLAR DOOR. I liked and could relate to this passage, which encapsulates this development, so much, that I felt the need to write it down:
"Finding peace in the waiting ... That was what she'd been attempting with her gardening: learning how to wrap patience and expectation and hope and perseverance together, and come up with a better Gen."
Wow!
August 2, 2016
Loved this book and the eclectic mix of characters!
This is a wonderful series with Gen Delacourt at the forefront. Gen is a tough, resilient character with a soft side hidden under her strong resolve. With this type of character in play there are a multitude of stories that can revolve around her. The author has created an exceptional series with fascinating characters, intriguing mysteries and comfortable and realistic dialogue.
I have read the first book and this sixth book of the series so far but eagerly anticipate reading more. This author is a refreshing and creative writer from whom I can learn a lot about writing. I am an author of eleven books and feel the learning curve is always on the upwards swing. Congrats to Molly Greene for a commendable job of gripping this reader and holding tight.
This is a wonderful series with Gen Delacourt at the forefront. Gen is a tough, resilient character with a soft side hidden under her strong resolve. With this type of character in play there are a multitude of stories that can revolve around her. The author has created an exceptional series with fascinating characters, intriguing mysteries and comfortable and realistic dialogue.
I have read the first book and this sixth book of the series so far but eagerly anticipate reading more. This author is a refreshing and creative writer from whom I can learn a lot about writing. I am an author of eleven books and feel the learning curve is always on the upwards swing. Congrats to Molly Greene for a commendable job of gripping this reader and holding tight.
June 1, 2016
Although the overall plot was mildly engaging, it's been far too much time on the main character's fiancé and the details of his recovery and lack thereof. Yes, those were important aspects of the story, but again, there was far too much time spent on them! The book would've been much cleaner had that been trimmed down! Also, the distraction of the time taken between the main character and (was it Devlin, the other private eye?) was more of a distraction than an addition. Somewhat disappointing overall.
February 6, 2016
Liked Lock the Cellar Door
This was a good read. Gen Delacourt and her friends are interesting characters. There is plenty of intrigue, especially when Gen's fiancé wakes up from a coma and not only doesn't seem to remember her, he appears to consider her almost like an enemy. Boyle steps in to help her solve the mysterious situation.
You won't be disappointed when you read this and you probably won't be able to put it down.
This was a good read. Gen Delacourt and her friends are interesting characters. There is plenty of intrigue, especially when Gen's fiancé wakes up from a coma and not only doesn't seem to remember her, he appears to consider her almost like an enemy. Boyle steps in to help her solve the mysterious situation.
You won't be disappointed when you read this and you probably won't be able to put it down.
February 20, 2016
I Give it a Three
Lo k the Cellar Door is a good novel. It didn't involve a lot of mystery or intrigue in my opinion but it was a good story. I would ha e liked it to go on a little longer at the end. I guess that's the sign of a good book when the reader doesn't want it to end. I recommend it as a light read.
Lo k the Cellar Door is a good novel. It didn't involve a lot of mystery or intrigue in my opinion but it was a good story. I would ha e liked it to go on a little longer at the end. I guess that's the sign of a good book when the reader doesn't want it to end. I recommend it as a light read.
June 28, 2016
You Got Me!
This one, I could NOT put it down! I found myself completely lost in Gen and Mack's story. I was riveted, hoping for that fairytale ending. And Molly did not disappoint! Great story.
This one, I could NOT put it down! I found myself completely lost in Gen and Mack's story. I was riveted, hoping for that fairytale ending. And Molly did not disappoint! Great story.
July 15, 2015
This is the best one so far.
May 5, 2016
This is my first book to read by Molly Greene and I found it to be a good mystery with characters that are easy to like. I rated it 4.5 stars.
February 4, 2016
Good twists and turns
I liked the characters. They feel pretty real. The story grabbed my attention. I'd love to have a prequel of Phipps family history now!
I liked the characters. They feel pretty real. The story grabbed my attention. I'd love to have a prequel of Phipps family history now!
February 5, 2016
Completely captivating
The characters were believable and easy to get to know. The suspense and romance kept me guessing to the last chapter.
The characters were believable and easy to get to know. The suspense and romance kept me guessing to the last chapter.
February 8, 2016
The plot moved along steadily, the characters were interesting. Although there wasn't quite the spark there for me to give the book four stars, I might read another in the series.
February 8, 2016
Nice
Liked the book and the story description given inside the book. Appreciate the author of this book to give us a beautiful book like this
Liked the book and the story description given inside the book. Appreciate the author of this book to give us a beautiful book like this
February 14, 2016
Horrible.
Horrible waste of time. Couldn't finish it, not even skip reading. Boring plot and characters, read something else this is bad.
Horrible waste of time. Couldn't finish it, not even skip reading. Boring plot and characters, read something else this is bad.
February 15, 2016
I skimmed a lot of it. Bad writing. Interesting plot, uninteresting story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews