Civility Rules

by Jacqueline Vick

Everybody loves Aunt Civility's etiquette books, but no one has ever met the author. That's because Aunt Civility is really the short-tempered Edward Harlow, a secret shared only by his publisher and his younger brother, Nicholas. As far as the public knows, Aunt Civility is a recluse, and so Edward makes select appearances as her official representative, with Nicholas along as his secretary.

Edward's latest appearance is at the Victorian Preservation Society's annual convention, held at the isolated Inglenook Resort. The guests are snowed in before the society members arrive, and when dead body turns up in the room next door, Edward is in danger of losing his manners. Will an association with murder—the ultimate unpleasantness—sully Aunt Civility's reputation? Like a good secretary, Nicholas will do whatever it takes to keep the boss happy, but as the body count rises, so does this secretary's chances of becoming the next victim.

262 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 10, 2016

About the author

Jacqueline Vick writes mysteries that include farcical situations and satirical humor. She writes about characters who are reluctant to accept their greatest (and often embarrassing) gifts.

She is the author of THE FRANKIE CHANDLER PET PSYCHIC MYSTERIES about a woman who, after faking her psychic abilities for years, discovers animals can communicate with her. The series evolved out of her desperate attempts to train a rescued mutt with fear-based aggression. Two visits with animal communicators inspired the article Calling All Canine Clairvoyants for Fido Friendly Magazine.

Her second series is THE HARLOW BROTHER MYSTERIES, featuring brothers Edward and Nicholas Harlow. Edward, a former college linebacker, now ghost writes the Aunt Civility etiquette books. Nicholas is his secretary and general dogsbody.

Her first mystery, Family Matters, was a semifinalist in the 2009 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Competition. Her short stories have appeared in numerous publications, including Future Mystery Anthology Magazine and The Best of Everyday Fiction Two Anthology. Her novella, Lovely As, was a finalist for the Black Orchid Novella Contest.

When she isn’t writing, Jacqueline enjoys acting as the neighborhood dog sitter and testing new recipes on her long-suffering husband.

Reviews

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

How do I describe this book? It was set in modern times, but Edward was so obsessed with etiquette, it felt like it was set in historian times. Nick was the narrator and portrayed as if he was much younger than he is and quite reliant on his older brother.

Snowed in at their hotel, Nick sets out to solve a murder when one of the guests is found dead in his room. With a number of suspects including his fiance and her cousin, the daughter, the owners of the hotel, the staff, and a few of the other guests, Nick has his work cut out for him. When the detective in charge enlists Edward's help, Nick tags along to gather clues. When another body is found, then another, the suspect list shrinks. As the weather begins to clear, Nick realizes that if they don't solve the case, he and Edward will not be able to leave at the end of the weekend.

Nick is sweet, and not stupid, but definitely made to seem inferior to his older brother. I felt sorry for him at times, but then at others, realized that he can be a bit frivolous.

[R. Fulleman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jacqueline Vick's "Civility Rules" murder mystery was on my 'must read' list after I read her "Frankie Chandler Pet Psychic Detective" 6-book series. While I thoroughly enjoyed that series, I had a more difficult time getting back to Civility Rules each time I returned to continue the book. I think the reason is that I'm used to reading and writing MG and YA books and this book kind of overwhelmed me with characters and conversations between those many characters. All that being said, the story was indeed far from being predictable and because of that, it was good. If I had to compare it to a well known book, I'd say it's in the realm of "The Thin Man" series with its quips and character descriptions. Also, I do enjoy Ms. Vick's use of dialogue in her stories and I intend to read the next book in the series. I'd suggest you give it a try.

[alice Tileston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recieved free for review;
Fun to read and quick.
One brother a secret columnist on paper etiquette the other brother always up to mischief. Together they solve a murder and get on each others nerves, as brothers do!

[Evonne Hutton · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a comedy of manners the manner less always wins!
A lovely story line with a touch of romance
I received an Advance Reader copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review

[Valerie Biel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Harlow Brothers! This is a fabulous (and often hilarious) sleuth-y murder mystery. The author is masterful at creating a cast of characters that is full of quirks and interesting backstories. The excellent mystery development and twisting possibilities will keep the reader guessing! A very satisfying read, indeed!

[Bonnie Schroeder · Rating 4 out of 5]

An intriguing mystery set in a snowbound inn that features an unusual pair of main characters: Edward Harlow, masquerading as the official representative of etiquette expert “Aunt Civility” and his brother Nicholas—the story’s narrator—whom Edward employs as his personal assistant. In much of this novel, things are not exactly as they seem—including the fact that Edward himself is Aunt Civility. Soon after the Harlow brothers check into the inn, bodies start piling up, and they’re drawn only semi-reluctantly into the ensuing murder investigation. Complicating the story are several characters’ back-stories, involving a runaway heiress and a missing emerald necklace. The mystery itself will keep a reader turning pages, as will the plethora of suspects and some nice character descriptions that set each one apart from the others. Snappy prose laced with wry humor, and equally witty dialog make this an utterly enjoyable read.