Thicker Than Water

Torie O'Shea #8

by Rett MacPherson

When genealogist Torie O'Shea returns home to New Kassell, Missouri, from a vacation in Minnesota, she finds two first, her mother-in-law is coming to town, and second, her mentor and boss, Sylvia, has finally passed away at the age of 102. Grief-stricken and further distressed by her mother-in-law's unannounced visit, Torie is dumbstruck when she learns that Sylvia has left all of her worldly possessions to Torie including the Gaheimer House, which houses the local historical society. With gigantic boxes of artifacts and paperwork dating back to the 1920's to sort through, Torie is quite overwhelmed.

But cleaning out Sylvia's things, she finds something an old postcard from the late twenties, addressed to Sylvia, with a photograph of a little girl on the front and an ominous message on the back. Torie quickly becomes determined to uncover the truth behind the mysterious photograph. Who is the little girl? And where was the photograph taken? Unable to make sense of her discovery, Torie's suspicions deepen when she learns that Sylvia hired a private detective and installed a security system just prior to her death. Was Sylvia's death natural or intentional? As Torie resolves to find out the truth, she learns that some of the people in her town are not necessarily what they seem to be, and it becomes clear that somebody wants her silenced.

Filled with the intricate stories and engaging characters that have come to characterize her mysteries, once again, Rett MacPherson delivers a fascinating story that promises to delight fans and newcomers alike.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Cozy

240 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2005

About the author

Rett 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.

Reviews

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoy this series and I like that it’s different from a lot of other cozies since Torie is a genealogist. The mystery was interesting and I was definitely surprised at the culprit.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 Stars

[Maryanne Henderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I struggled between giving this book of two or three as a rating and decided that since I finished it and I did enjoy it that I would give it a three.

I really struggled to like the protagonist. I found her to have a quick temper, she did not treat her husband very well, and, I haven't read the other books in the series so there may be things I've missed, but I didn't find her hatred for her mother-in-law to be well-founded. Honestly, how terrible is a woman who comes over, cleans your house, takes care of your kids and cooks you meals?

The mystery was not particularly frightening, which was fine. I enjoyed the author's writing style. she paints characters that are well-rounded and I enjoyed the history that she wove in about the town.

[Elysabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very quick read. I started Monday afternoon and finished it last night. I never suspected the troublemakers as revealed at the end. I need to get the first seven books and read from the beginning but again, as previously stated, the characters were easy to follow and I wasn't confused as to who was who. The covers are really cute - remind me more of the Amish area drawings; so I'm guessing the area in Missouri is probably a bit on the same level as the area in Pennsylvania.

I think anyone picking up any of the series will probably enjoy the books. Starting Died in the Wool tonight - will let you know how that goes.

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mildly entertaining, but nothing memorable. Weak characters

[Rhonda Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

I forgot to write a review of this book before I finished 9, so it's interesting how rumors and the community are connected... and how people start to show their true feelings for Sylvia and, through her inheritance, Torie (who becomes a target of their anger because she has become wealthy as a result of Sylvia's death). I'm kind of surprised that Torie didn't figure out the tunnel at the house wasn't for the Underground Railroad right away, because it seems like something she would know. How much Torie cares about the community of New Kassel, however, kind of comes to a head when she's challenged for the position of president of the historical society. And after that, when someone comes after her for being Sylvia's heir...

[Crystal Toller · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Torie O'Shea returns from a vacation in Minnesota she discovers that her employer who was 102 has died and left her all her belongings including a historic house and other houses in the town. She also discovers her mother-in-law is coming to visit and staying at her house, even though she doesn't get along with her mother-in-law. When the local historical society votes on the officer slate Torie becomes aware of the hatred of some of the townspeople. Soon after she and her family are attacked at their home and she realizes that someone wants to kill her. How she discovers the killer makes for an interesting read.

[Ann L. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would say this would be more like a 3.5. I did enjoy this story because I love historical mysteries with old photos of who is this and how does this person relate to this person, and who is trying to kill so and so. A nice quaint mystery story with a hint of danger.

[Katie Hilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Torie O'Shea battles her visiting mother-in-law while trying to unravel a mystery involving her late benefactress, the irascible Sylvia.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good story!

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yet another excellent cozy mystery, linking up with its predecessors.
The titles of this series are especially well integrated with the plots.

[Lara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the small town simplicity and mystery. I also enjoyed following the main character as she used her genelogy knowledge to solve her own case.

[Patricia Stoltey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun mystery featuring a genealogist sleuth with a family of interesting characters. This is the first book I've read in the Torie O'Shea series, but it won't be the last.

[Barbara Cryer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actually not too bad. Decent writing, decent plot. Torie was kinda grumpy through most of the book, but with semi justifiable reasons.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Torie is back and dealing with a whole new batch of problems. Since Sylvia died Torie has inherited the Gaheimer House and most of the real estate in her hometown of New Kassel, MO. Torie had no idea that Sylvia planned on leaving her anything more than some personal items, so she is understandably overwhelmed by her new responsibilities.

As she is preparing for the annual Strawberry Festival and spending time going through Sylvia's personal belongings, she is alarmed to hear footsteps in a supposedly empty house and she's not the only one. Local police haven't had any luck finding anything. To top off Torie's problems her mother-in-law is coming to stay with the family, for an entire month. Saying that they don't get along is an understatement and poor Rudy is caught in the middle.

Torie is under a lot of stress and undergoing some drastic changes in her life, including finding herself a wealthy woman. The growth of her character while facing all these challenges make this an outstanding addition to the Torie O'Shea mysteries.

[Grey853 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book, probably my favorite in the series so far. After Sylvia dies, Torie inherits the entire historical society along with lots of money and property. People she thought were her friends turn against her out of petty jealousy. To top that off, her mother-in-law, who is one of the most obnoxious characters on the planet, is coming to stay with them in the middle of all the hubbub. The kicker is that someone is also trying to scare her enough to leave town. She's attacked and stalked. It's not a good time in her life. Still, it makes for a wonderful read.

[Beth · Rating 2 out of 5]

A Mystery. Torrie O"Shea, genealogist & head of local historical society is willed various houses and money thereby becoming the brunt of hate by someone in the community who wishes they had gotten it. The tale centers on finding out who it is trhough various trials & tribulations. The resolution also includes Torrie's growth as a person as she realizes what she has been like. I had trouble keeping at this story. Sometimes one reads and can go back after interruptions and the story embraces one to continue. Not this story- more of a chore to continue.

[Arlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Torie is shocked to learn that her employer and friend, 102 year old Sylvia, has left her everything. She is further shocked to find that that includes about half the town. To complicate matters her mother-in-law is coming to stay and her husband didn' tell her. She and Mrs. O'Shea don't get along. Then at the town's Strawberry Festival someone attacks her.
I want to read more of the series that follow the adventures of historian and geneologist, Torie O'Shea.

[Lisa Tawney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went out of order on this series and read book number 8 due to lack of reading material! Totally against my grain. However, this was the best in her series thus far. This revolved around the death of Sylvia Pershing and Torie’s inheritance. This book talked about the underground railroad, antique photos, etc. Very interesting. Loved it.

[Robyns1 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story--kept me wondering until the end! But, once again, I am left wondering where are the editors/proofreaders? I was so frustrated by the plethora of incomplete sentences. A simple change in punctuation would have fixed the problems and made this book much more enjoyable for editor-types (okay, grammar nazis) like me!

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of the better books in the Torie O'Shea series that deals with jealousy and genealogy, money and power, and how close you really know each other in your own neighborhood. What a powerful read for this cozy series.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Immensely enjoyable Torie O'Shea story. Convoluted family histories are at the heart of this tale. Factor in small town politics and Torie's own family dynamics and you have an engrossing novel. The story ended well with all loose ends nicely tied up. Highly recommended.

[Karla · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was my first o'Shea book. She spent 1st half of the book angry with everyone. It wasnt a particularly relaxing read. Wasn't sure I would finish the book. I did. But to no particular fanfare.

[Oleta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good mystery. I didn't know whodunit. will need to find the rest of this series.

[Sydney · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good book. Nothing grand or steller but I enjoyed it and found it to be entertaining. I would pick up another book by this author, just for the "don't have to think" factor.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

a great book to read when your life is stressful and you don't want to read something *heavy*

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

OK for a quick mystery read, but ... not entirely convincing. I'd read more books by this author when looking for a fast read, but I won't seek them out.

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

actually started this book a couple days ago, forgot to list it...it was what I call a cute story with a mystery..

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Torie has inherited the Gaheimer House after Sylvia's death--but someone seems determined that she won't enjoy it. And, on top of that, her mother-in-law is coming to visit--for a month!

[Gretchen Field · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick, easy reading. I will look for other books from the author.