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Gethsemane Brown Mysteries #2
Death in D Minor
Gethsemane Brown, African-American classical musician and expatriate to an Irish village, solved a string of murders, led a school orchestra to victory in a major competition, and got used to living with a snarky ghost. She can rest easy over the Christmas holiday. Right? Wrong. The ghost has disappeared, her landlord's about to sell her cottage to a hotel developer, and her brother-in-law is coming for a visit—with one day’s notice.
She scrambles to call her spectral roomie back from beyond and find a way to save the cottage from certain destruction. But real estate takes a backseat when her brother-in-law is accused of stealing a valuable antique. Gethsemane strikes a deal with a garda investigator to go undercover as a musician at a charity ball and snoop for evidence linking antiques to a forgery/theft ring in exchange for the investigator’s help clearing her brother-in-law. At the party, she accidentally conjures the ghost of an eighteenth-century sea captain, then ends up the prime suspect in the party host’s murder. With the captain’s help, she races to untangle a web of phony art and stolen antiques to exonerate herself and her brother-in-law. Then the killer targets her. Will she save herself and bring a thief and murderer to justice, or will her encore investigation become her swan song?
Books in the Gethsemane Brown Mystery Series:
MURDER IN G MAJOR (#1)
DEATH IN D MINOR (#2)
Part of the Henery Press Mystery Series Collection, if you like one, you'll probably like them all…
She scrambles to call her spectral roomie back from beyond and find a way to save the cottage from certain destruction. But real estate takes a backseat when her brother-in-law is accused of stealing a valuable antique. Gethsemane strikes a deal with a garda investigator to go undercover as a musician at a charity ball and snoop for evidence linking antiques to a forgery/theft ring in exchange for the investigator’s help clearing her brother-in-law. At the party, she accidentally conjures the ghost of an eighteenth-century sea captain, then ends up the prime suspect in the party host’s murder. With the captain’s help, she races to untangle a web of phony art and stolen antiques to exonerate herself and her brother-in-law. Then the killer targets her. Will she save herself and bring a thief and murderer to justice, or will her encore investigation become her swan song?
Books in the Gethsemane Brown Mystery Series:
MURDER IN G MAJOR (#1)
DEATH IN D MINOR (#2)
Part of the Henery Press Mystery Series Collection, if you like one, you'll probably like them all…
220 pages, Hardcover
First published March 10, 2017
About the author
Alexia Gordon
12 books657 followersA writer since childhood, I continued writing through college but put literary endeavors on hold to finish medical school and Family Medicine residency training. My medical career established, I returned to writing fiction.
I won a Lefty Award, was nominated for an Agatha Award and a Silver Falchion Award, and was chosen one of Suspense Magazine's best debuts of 2016.
Raised in the southeast and schooled in the northeast, I migrated to the southwest after a three-year stint in Alaska reminded me how much I needed sunlight and warm weather. After a time in the desert, I missed deciduous trees so I headed northeast to the Chicago area. I completed Southern Methodist University's Writer's Path program in Dallas, Texas. If pushed, I will admit Texas brisket is as good as Carolina pulled pork. I enjoy classical music, fine whiskey, art, travel, embroidery, and a good ghost story.
I am a member of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, International Thriller Writers, and Crime Writers of Color. I am represented by Paula Munier of Talcott Notch Literary Services, LLC and published by Henery Press.
You can find me on:
Facebook: @AlexiaGordon.Writer
Twitter: @AlexiaGordon
Instagram: @drlex1995
Goodreads: Alexia_Gordon
Pinterest: alexia_gordon
Blogs:
www.missdemeanors.com, one of Writers' Digest's Best 101 Websites for Writers.
https://femmesfatales.typepad.com/my_...
Podcast: The Cozy Corner with Alexia Gordon, part of the Authors on the Air Global Radio Network
https://anchor.fm/alexia-gordon
I won a Lefty Award, was nominated for an Agatha Award and a Silver Falchion Award, and was chosen one of Suspense Magazine's best debuts of 2016.
Raised in the southeast and schooled in the northeast, I migrated to the southwest after a three-year stint in Alaska reminded me how much I needed sunlight and warm weather. After a time in the desert, I missed deciduous trees so I headed northeast to the Chicago area. I completed Southern Methodist University's Writer's Path program in Dallas, Texas. If pushed, I will admit Texas brisket is as good as Carolina pulled pork. I enjoy classical music, fine whiskey, art, travel, embroidery, and a good ghost story.
I am a member of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, International Thriller Writers, and Crime Writers of Color. I am represented by Paula Munier of Talcott Notch Literary Services, LLC and published by Henery Press.
You can find me on:
Facebook: @AlexiaGordon.Writer
Twitter: @AlexiaGordon
Instagram: @drlex1995
Goodreads: Alexia_Gordon
Pinterest: alexia_gordon
Blogs:
www.missdemeanors.com, one of Writers' Digest's Best 101 Websites for Writers.
https://femmesfatales.typepad.com/my_...
Podcast: The Cozy Corner with Alexia Gordon, part of the Authors on the Air Global Radio Network
https://anchor.fm/alexia-gordon
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 193 reviews
April 15, 2021
I always enjoy finding cozy mystery series that are a bit unusual, and this one, with Gethsemane Brown, talented musician, conductor and teacher who also has a knack for seeing ghosts in her newfound Ireland home, is quirky and different! This time, her brother-in-law art dealer, Jackson, who works at a museum has come for a visit, her cottage is about to be sold to developers, and when Jackson is framed for stealing an antique embroidered sampler at an art auction, things get complicated.
Gethsemane goes to the house of a wealthy widow in town undercover as a musician at a charity ball, trying to get more information, and gets accused of murder. And of course, there are ghosts! This was another fun addition to the series with lots of musical and historical references. No scenes at the school or teaching, which I missed, but I liked the story that was told. Will definitely read on to the next book.
Please excuse typos/name misspellings. Entered on screen reader.
Gethsemane goes to the house of a wealthy widow in town undercover as a musician at a charity ball, trying to get more information, and gets accused of murder. And of course, there are ghosts! This was another fun addition to the series with lots of musical and historical references. No scenes at the school or teaching, which I missed, but I liked the story that was told. Will definitely read on to the next book.
Please excuse typos/name misspellings. Entered on screen reader.
January 25, 2019
Really good continuation and I'll be moving on to book 3
September 26, 2017
Just when you think all the angles a cozy mystery can possibly come from have been covered, some lovely writer like Alexia Gordon comes along with unique characters, a unique setting, and really solid writing. Just when you start rolling your eyes at the idea of another cozy mystery featuring ghosts, Gethsemane Brown comes along in a corner of Ireland I for one have never visited on the page before, with one of the more unusual sidekicks I've seen.
This is one of those books I blame for keeping me coming back to the genre. It's worth it – just about – to wade through all the bad 'uns just to find the occasional gem like this.
One of the happy aspects of Alexia Gordon's writing is graceful exposition. Bear with me, because I'm probably going to compliment every author I read who knows how to introduce a character without making her look in the mirror and ponder her past, or who can show Character A catching Character B up on something the latter missed without indulging in Reality-Show-Recap-itis. It seems like it's becoming more and more rare for writers to avoid the pitfalls, so – praise where it's due, by all means.
This book can serve as proof that the heroine of a book, or a series, doesn't have to be warm and cuddly to be absolutely enjoyable. Gethsemane is prickly, not socially comfortable – and very unhappy to find that getting what you asked for doesn't always mean getting what you want. Hers is the sort of story that makes me hope she doesn't go through this level of trouble in every book – not because it's unrealistic or repetitious or anything of the sort, but because of a deep sympathy for her – it's stressful.
The ghostly secondary character(s) reminded me a bit of The Ghost and Mrs. Muir; I'm not sure if it's headed in the same direction as that movie (or tv series), but I'm fine with it if it does. And I wouldn't say that about a lesser series. But this – this was lovely, and I look forward to more.
This book came out in July 2017; the newness of the book may have something to do with the reference to "Ronald Crump".
And if you don’t like my review, "may the cat eat you, and may the devil eat the cat." So there. (Not really – I just wanted an excuse to quote that.)
The usual disclaimer: I received this book via Netgalley for review.
This is one of those books I blame for keeping me coming back to the genre. It's worth it – just about – to wade through all the bad 'uns just to find the occasional gem like this.
One of the happy aspects of Alexia Gordon's writing is graceful exposition. Bear with me, because I'm probably going to compliment every author I read who knows how to introduce a character without making her look in the mirror and ponder her past, or who can show Character A catching Character B up on something the latter missed without indulging in Reality-Show-Recap-itis. It seems like it's becoming more and more rare for writers to avoid the pitfalls, so – praise where it's due, by all means.
This book can serve as proof that the heroine of a book, or a series, doesn't have to be warm and cuddly to be absolutely enjoyable. Gethsemane is prickly, not socially comfortable – and very unhappy to find that getting what you asked for doesn't always mean getting what you want. Hers is the sort of story that makes me hope she doesn't go through this level of trouble in every book – not because it's unrealistic or repetitious or anything of the sort, but because of a deep sympathy for her – it's stressful.
The ghostly secondary character(s) reminded me a bit of The Ghost and Mrs. Muir; I'm not sure if it's headed in the same direction as that movie (or tv series), but I'm fine with it if it does. And I wouldn't say that about a lesser series. But this – this was lovely, and I look forward to more.
This book came out in July 2017; the newness of the book may have something to do with the reference to "Ronald Crump".
And if you don’t like my review, "may the cat eat you, and may the devil eat the cat." So there. (Not really – I just wanted an excuse to quote that.)
The usual disclaimer: I received this book via Netgalley for review.
March 6, 2021
3.5 stars, rounding up this time
In this second book featuring violinist and maestra Gesthemane Brown, the cottage where she is staying is still in danger of being sold to a ruthless hotel developer who has big plans for changing the layout of the former home of one of the worlds best composers of the 21st century who was murdered 25 years ago. One the one hand, he's afraid of ghosts, but on the other hand, the resident ghost has vanished and she can't seem to find him to help them save the cottage.
Her brother-in-law, curator of a museum in the States, comes to visit. He's in the area to bid on a piece of antique embroidery worth a fortune that is going to be auctioned. However, when he arrives, the area is in the midst of a number of shocking thefts of art and antiques. It doesn't take long before he has been accused of stealing the piece he planned to auction on for the museum.
I am not interested in paranormal stories of any kind; what attracted me to this series first were the titles and the covers--I had no idea there was a cozy mystery series featuring a bright, musically gifted classical musician as the amateur sleuth. For me, it would take poor writing or some other bad writing, but Gordon can write. But you don't have to be a fan of classical music in order to enjoy this series.
In this second book featuring violinist and maestra Gesthemane Brown, the cottage where she is staying is still in danger of being sold to a ruthless hotel developer who has big plans for changing the layout of the former home of one of the worlds best composers of the 21st century who was murdered 25 years ago. One the one hand, he's afraid of ghosts, but on the other hand, the resident ghost has vanished and she can't seem to find him to help them save the cottage.
Her brother-in-law, curator of a museum in the States, comes to visit. He's in the area to bid on a piece of antique embroidery worth a fortune that is going to be auctioned. However, when he arrives, the area is in the midst of a number of shocking thefts of art and antiques. It doesn't take long before he has been accused of stealing the piece he planned to auction on for the museum.
I am not interested in paranormal stories of any kind; what attracted me to this series first were the titles and the covers--I had no idea there was a cozy mystery series featuring a bright, musically gifted classical musician as the amateur sleuth. For me, it would take poor writing or some other bad writing, but Gordon can write. But you don't have to be a fan of classical music in order to enjoy this series.
July 14, 2017
First Sentence: He showed up two days after Christmas.
Conductor and violinist Gethsemane Brown loves the cottage in which she lives, and is determined to save it from the hotel developer working hard to buy it. Were that not enough, her museum curator brother-in-law is coming for a visit hoping to buy a unique American cross-stitch sampler and dealing with the world of fake and stolen antiques. Instead, he ends up accused of theft, and possibly of murder. Hoping for help from her favorite ghost, she accidentally, or not, calls up the spirit of an 18th-century sea captain who once knew the girl who stitched the famous sampler.
Gordon’s style and voice are such a pleasure to read. She doesn’t take one’s time up with an unnecessary prologue, but starts the story at the start. She doesn’t fill space with pages of background exposition, but provides the information as part much of the information as part of an early conversation, and as the story progresses. Her introduction of characters makes them come to life—“Gethsemane recognized the baritone and greeted An Garda Síochána Inspector Iollan O’Reilly. His trademark stingy-brimmed fedora pulled low against the wind, obscured his salt-and-pepper hair.” Her introduction of Gethsemane’s brother-in-law also leads to a conversation about a letter providing background of the crime.
The dialogue is sharp, natural—“Being out here’s not so bad. Fresh air, beautiful view. And it could be worse. I could be playing flunky to a megalomaniacal narcissist with the aesthetic sensibility of a toddler beauty pageant coordinator.”--and immediately informs one that this is not, in fact, a cozy, but a traditional mystery.
For those who do needlework, the story will bring joy to the heart—“Textiles belong in the fine art realm as much as paintings do, even if they don’t get nearly the same respect….People don’t appreciate the quality because the stitching was often done on utilitarian items.” There is also an interesting comparison of Irish history to black history. These are only small pieces of things one learns through Gordon. One might wish Gordon to be more specific as to which movement of Beethoven’s “Pathétique” Gethsemane hears in her head as a warning of trouble, but that’s being very picky.
“Death in D Minor” is a delightful read. But how can one go wrong with music, murder, art, and a ghost.
DEATH IN D MINOR (Trad/Para Mys-Gethsemane Brown-Ireland-Contemp) – G+
Gordon, Alexia – 2nd in series
Henery Press – July 2017
Conductor and violinist Gethsemane Brown loves the cottage in which she lives, and is determined to save it from the hotel developer working hard to buy it. Were that not enough, her museum curator brother-in-law is coming for a visit hoping to buy a unique American cross-stitch sampler and dealing with the world of fake and stolen antiques. Instead, he ends up accused of theft, and possibly of murder. Hoping for help from her favorite ghost, she accidentally, or not, calls up the spirit of an 18th-century sea captain who once knew the girl who stitched the famous sampler.
Gordon’s style and voice are such a pleasure to read. She doesn’t take one’s time up with an unnecessary prologue, but starts the story at the start. She doesn’t fill space with pages of background exposition, but provides the information as part much of the information as part of an early conversation, and as the story progresses. Her introduction of characters makes them come to life—“Gethsemane recognized the baritone and greeted An Garda Síochána Inspector Iollan O’Reilly. His trademark stingy-brimmed fedora pulled low against the wind, obscured his salt-and-pepper hair.” Her introduction of Gethsemane’s brother-in-law also leads to a conversation about a letter providing background of the crime.
The dialogue is sharp, natural—“Being out here’s not so bad. Fresh air, beautiful view. And it could be worse. I could be playing flunky to a megalomaniacal narcissist with the aesthetic sensibility of a toddler beauty pageant coordinator.”--and immediately informs one that this is not, in fact, a cozy, but a traditional mystery.
For those who do needlework, the story will bring joy to the heart—“Textiles belong in the fine art realm as much as paintings do, even if they don’t get nearly the same respect….People don’t appreciate the quality because the stitching was often done on utilitarian items.” There is also an interesting comparison of Irish history to black history. These are only small pieces of things one learns through Gordon. One might wish Gordon to be more specific as to which movement of Beethoven’s “Pathétique” Gethsemane hears in her head as a warning of trouble, but that’s being very picky.
“Death in D Minor” is a delightful read. But how can one go wrong with music, murder, art, and a ghost.
DEATH IN D MINOR (Trad/Para Mys-Gethsemane Brown-Ireland-Contemp) – G+
Gordon, Alexia – 2nd in series
Henery Press – July 2017
May 3, 2021
It was good, but not as gripping as the first. May I repeat I still love the main character, Gethsemane? Her spirit is strong and she's loyally protective. There isn't nearly as much humor in this one. No time is spent at all at the school, and very little with music - this is all about the art world. I wasn't surprised at a culprit or two, but I was absolutely thrown by the reveal of another culprit. Eamon is mainly missing, and the subplot that led to that in the first book isn't brought up or resolved in this one.
July 11, 2017
4.5 Stars
She's back ... Gethsemane Brown ... virtuoso violinist and part-time amateur sleuth at your service!
When we meet again ... Geth has been given a deadline to remove herself from the premises of Carraigfaire Cottage by the Twelfth Night. Apparently, Eamon's nephew Billy has decided that money is more important than preserving his aunt and uncle's Cultural Arts Legacy!
At her wit's end and quickly running out of options, Geth decides to take the supernatural route of getting rid of Billionaire Hotel Developer, Hank Wayne -- also a scared-y cat of ghosts. She enlists the help of Father Keating and with great reluctance he lends her an occult book commonly used to cast demons back to hell, not summon ghosts!
Before she can get started on her conjuring spell, her brother-in-law, Jackson Applethwaite arrives on her doorstep, less than 24 hours after discovering he's coming to town on business. Jackson is a Museum Curator in town to bid on (and acquire) the Hester Creech miniature sampler on behalf of his Museum and he's been given the opportunity of an exclusive early preview.
Meanwhile, Geth finds time to cast the spell -- which kinda, sorta works -- just not the way she envisioned. No Eamon to be found, instead Geth has unwittingly summoned the 18th Century ghost of Daniel Lochlan, Captain of The Hesperus. Good thing, because Captain Lochlan proves to be an extremely knowledgeable life-saver.
Now you already know this wouldn't be a mystery if the sampler wasn't stolen and Geth's brother-in-law falsely accused. The accusation pits Geth against multiple law enforcement agencies that are intent on finding a plausible scapegoat. Refusing to risk the freedom of Jackson and herself, Geth investigates on her own and discovers the suspects list is quite long and deadly.
This series overall is a mix of It Happened One Night (Gable/Colbert) meets The Thin Man Series (Powell/Loy) with shades of Carole Lombard -- take your pick of her movies -- sprinkled with The Ghost and Mrs. Muir. It has that screwball comedy feel with a deadly dose of murder for good measure.
Though there's not a hint of romance to be found, I still thoroughly enjoyed narrowing down the list of suspects. I hope Geth, Inspector Riley, and Eamon return soon. I'm intrigued by these indelible characters and I hope to meet them again and again and again.
Find out how it all starts with my review of Murder in G Major (Book One): https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
She's back ... Gethsemane Brown ... virtuoso violinist and part-time amateur sleuth at your service!
When we meet again ... Geth has been given a deadline to remove herself from the premises of Carraigfaire Cottage by the Twelfth Night. Apparently, Eamon's nephew Billy has decided that money is more important than preserving his aunt and uncle's Cultural Arts Legacy!
At her wit's end and quickly running out of options, Geth decides to take the supernatural route of getting rid of Billionaire Hotel Developer, Hank Wayne -- also a scared-y cat of ghosts. She enlists the help of Father Keating and with great reluctance he lends her an occult book commonly used to cast demons back to hell, not summon ghosts!
Before she can get started on her conjuring spell, her brother-in-law, Jackson Applethwaite arrives on her doorstep, less than 24 hours after discovering he's coming to town on business. Jackson is a Museum Curator in town to bid on (and acquire) the Hester Creech miniature sampler on behalf of his Museum and he's been given the opportunity of an exclusive early preview.
Meanwhile, Geth finds time to cast the spell -- which kinda, sorta works -- just not the way she envisioned. No Eamon to be found, instead Geth has unwittingly summoned the 18th Century ghost of Daniel Lochlan, Captain of The Hesperus. Good thing, because Captain Lochlan proves to be an extremely knowledgeable life-saver.
Now you already know this wouldn't be a mystery if the sampler wasn't stolen and Geth's brother-in-law falsely accused. The accusation pits Geth against multiple law enforcement agencies that are intent on finding a plausible scapegoat. Refusing to risk the freedom of Jackson and herself, Geth investigates on her own and discovers the suspects list is quite long and deadly.
This series overall is a mix of It Happened One Night (Gable/Colbert) meets The Thin Man Series (Powell/Loy) with shades of Carole Lombard -- take your pick of her movies -- sprinkled with The Ghost and Mrs. Muir. It has that screwball comedy feel with a deadly dose of murder for good measure.
Though there's not a hint of romance to be found, I still thoroughly enjoyed narrowing down the list of suspects. I hope Geth, Inspector Riley, and Eamon return soon. I'm intrigued by these indelible characters and I hope to meet them again and again and again.
Find out how it all starts with my review of Murder in G Major (Book One): https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
December 13, 2017
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
A small charming Irish village is a great setting, but it's hard to make it a setting for repeated mysteries- just how many people can really be murdered in a small town?
In this book, Gethsemane ends up in the world of art forgery. Some characters come in from out of town to make this somewhat plausible. However, this book felt more disjointed to me than the first in the series did, and I'm not sure how well the plot hung together.
The other issue- at the end of the previous book, Murder in G Major, the idea of Gethsemane and Eamon's house being taken over by a developer was set up. This plot sort of fell by the wayside with everything else that was going on, and was part of the reason that the book felt fragmented. The issue was resolved at the last minute and didn't feel earned.
I wrote in my review of Murder in G Major that a strength in that book was the relationships the author built between characters. Unfortunately, Eamon is MIA for most of this book and Frankie, her fellow teacher, ends up sidelined in one of the plots. Too mad, because I'd been interested to see where his and Gethsemane's relationship would go.
I think that in general this book felt more rushed than its predecessor, which I suppose is a common problem with second books. If an author gets some things really right, like relationships and dialogue, I think that chucking out some of those relationships that have been built isn't the way to go to keep the series moving. Hopefully we get back to what I liked in the next book.
A small charming Irish village is a great setting, but it's hard to make it a setting for repeated mysteries- just how many people can really be murdered in a small town?
In this book, Gethsemane ends up in the world of art forgery. Some characters come in from out of town to make this somewhat plausible. However, this book felt more disjointed to me than the first in the series did, and I'm not sure how well the plot hung together.
The other issue- at the end of the previous book, Murder in G Major, the idea of Gethsemane and Eamon's house being taken over by a developer was set up. This plot sort of fell by the wayside with everything else that was going on, and was part of the reason that the book felt fragmented. The issue was resolved at the last minute and didn't feel earned.
I wrote in my review of Murder in G Major that a strength in that book was the relationships the author built between characters. Unfortunately, Eamon is MIA for most of this book and Frankie, her fellow teacher, ends up sidelined in one of the plots. Too mad, because I'd been interested to see where his and Gethsemane's relationship would go.
I think that in general this book felt more rushed than its predecessor, which I suppose is a common problem with second books. If an author gets some things really right, like relationships and dialogue, I think that chucking out some of those relationships that have been built isn't the way to go to keep the series moving. Hopefully we get back to what I liked in the next book.
October 9, 2017
In Death in D Minor by Alexia Gordon, Dr. Gethsemane Brown is enjoying her well-deserved break over Christmas when she gets involved in a major art fraud case. Getting news that Jackson, her brother-in-law, is coming to visit her in the small Irish town where she teaches music, Gethsemane hurries to get ready to host him. As a museum curator who serves as a significant expert on textiles, Jackson has arrived for an upcoming auction where a priceless embroidered sampler from the 18th century is up for bid. At the auction, the sampler goes missing and gets found in Jackson’s jacket pocket. Trying to help Jackson against charges of theft, Gethsemane, a great musician, goes undercover as a pianist at a party held by Olivia, the owner of the sampler, and searches Olivia’s office. But then she looks out the window and spots the body of Olivia as having been thrown out the window. And now Gethsemane is a suspect. Plus, Olivia’s will has gone missing as well.
Read the rest of this review and other fun, geeky articles at Fangirl Nation
Read the rest of this review and other fun, geeky articles at Fangirl Nation
December 27, 2017
3.5. This book was good, but definitely not on par with the first, and it felt largely like a filler story. That being said, now that that one loose end was FINALLY tied up, I'm looking forward to the third book. (And honestly really hope the narrator from the first audiobook comes back.)
October 18, 2018
This is the second book in the Gethsemane Brown mystery series and is just as good as the first, although the plot is very different. There a a few things going on in this story, but Gethsemane is such a smart, intriguing and savvy character who stands up for herself and takes no guff from anyone, she is able to pull this story off without a hitch. Gethsemane is a conductor and violinist who is presently living in the Irish Countryside. She loves the cottage in where she lives, especially as it was the home of one of her musical heroes, and is determined to save it from the hotel developer working hard to buy it. She is also trying to conjure up the ghost who lived there, after he disappeared into the netherland at the end of the last book. Were that not enough, her museum curator brother-in-law is coming for a visit hoping to buy a unique and antique American cross-stitch sampler. On the sly, he is also assisting in the investigation of a ring dealing in fake and stolen antiques. Instead, he ends up accused of theft, and Gethsemane is accused of murder. Hoping for help from her favorite ghost, she accidentally calls up the spirit of an 18th-century sea captain who once knew the girl who stitched the famous sampler.
Even though I have only read two books by Alexia Gordon, I am impressed with her writing style and voice. I love that she introduces you to the story right from the start. There is no unnecessary information or dialogue to bog down the story. As I said above, the MC is a strong, prickly character who is not warm and fuzzy but independent and can make others uncomfortable. My big disappointment in this book was that the ghost of Eamon was not present for most of the story. I enjoyed the banter these characters had in the first book and I hope it returns in the next. Overall, this book had many things I love. A wonderful setting ie. Irish countryside, a ghostly sidekick even though it was not the same one as the debut in the series, Forgeries; this time it is textiles which I loved that it is explained that they are art, murders, yes there is more than one and a wonderful amateur sleuth. The story was exciting, humorous, and clever using the idea that Gethsemane can ‘summon’ up ghosts, even the wrong ghost, giving a paranormal twist. The plot is fast-paced and kept me interested and guessing throughout the book, I did not guess the culprit until the clues were unraveled and the answer is shared with the reader. I am looking forward to the next book in this series, Killing in C Sharp. I listened to the audiobook and was quite pleased with the narration. Helen Duff did a great job with the various character voices and I loved the Irish Accent. I definitely recommend this book to cozy mystery lovers who are looking for something a bit different.
Even though I have only read two books by Alexia Gordon, I am impressed with her writing style and voice. I love that she introduces you to the story right from the start. There is no unnecessary information or dialogue to bog down the story. As I said above, the MC is a strong, prickly character who is not warm and fuzzy but independent and can make others uncomfortable. My big disappointment in this book was that the ghost of Eamon was not present for most of the story. I enjoyed the banter these characters had in the first book and I hope it returns in the next. Overall, this book had many things I love. A wonderful setting ie. Irish countryside, a ghostly sidekick even though it was not the same one as the debut in the series, Forgeries; this time it is textiles which I loved that it is explained that they are art, murders, yes there is more than one and a wonderful amateur sleuth. The story was exciting, humorous, and clever using the idea that Gethsemane can ‘summon’ up ghosts, even the wrong ghost, giving a paranormal twist. The plot is fast-paced and kept me interested and guessing throughout the book, I did not guess the culprit until the clues were unraveled and the answer is shared with the reader. I am looking forward to the next book in this series, Killing in C Sharp. I listened to the audiobook and was quite pleased with the narration. Helen Duff did a great job with the various character voices and I loved the Irish Accent. I definitely recommend this book to cozy mystery lovers who are looking for something a bit different.
April 19, 2021
Long story short: 2nd book delivered.
I was a bit worried, but it held - so now I have a new favourite series. Yay!
The mystery is really "out there" and almost on the same intricate and wild level of a Hollywood heist movie - without all the daredevil action. It is far-fetched, but hey... If you can buy the concept of ghosts helping to solve crimes, you can totally buy all the crazy things happening within this book.
I found it all very amusing. Especially the ending.
I'm quickly growing very fond of Gethsemane and Eamon, but the side characters are delightful as well. I'm especially amused by the priest, Tim. What a guy.
At first I was very disappointed with the switch of narrator from the first book. I thought the first book was absolutely perfect and the new (seemingly very British) narrator felt a bit jarring and out of character for Gethsemane. However, she grew on me. Slowly.
Her juggling of three English accents won me over and I'm pleased to see she's the narrator for the rest of the books as well. All good then.
I'm totally going to binge this series. And mourn when I run out of books. 🙈
I was a bit worried, but it held - so now I have a new favourite series. Yay!
The mystery is really "out there" and almost on the same intricate and wild level of a Hollywood heist movie - without all the daredevil action. It is far-fetched, but hey... If you can buy the concept of ghosts helping to solve crimes, you can totally buy all the crazy things happening within this book.
I found it all very amusing. Especially the ending.
I'm quickly growing very fond of Gethsemane and Eamon, but the side characters are delightful as well. I'm especially amused by the priest, Tim. What a guy.
At first I was very disappointed with the switch of narrator from the first book. I thought the first book was absolutely perfect and the new (seemingly very British) narrator felt a bit jarring and out of character for Gethsemane. However, she grew on me. Slowly.
Her juggling of three English accents won me over and I'm pleased to see she's the narrator for the rest of the books as well. All good then.
I'm totally going to binge this series. And mourn when I run out of books. 🙈
May 28, 2018
Death in D Minor is the second book in the Gethsemane Brown series and its even better and entertaining that the debut book. I really enjoyed Gethsemane as a lead character because she has layers, there is action, and the mystery is the driver of the story. I had become weary of the new style of cozies wherein the style of cozy wherein the plotline is the same formula with a single female lead, she runs some kind of novelty business like a antiques shop, a bakery or bed and breakfast, and her love interest is in some type of law enforcement officer. I love reading cozy because of the absence of gore and gratuitous sex but I like for the main character to do some actual sleuthing. I am so pleased that Ms. Gordon gives her female lead the opportunity to step outside the usual comfort zone and delve into mystery solving.
April 6, 2021
3.5 stars - This one took me a bit to get into. I found it distracting that the narrator was different than book one (WHYYYYY do they do this to us?!). Because of that I had a hard time following the plot at first but once I got over it (and took time off to forget the original narrator), I was plunged into the world of art thievery and murder. The ending is a bit unexpected, which I always enjoy.
October 29, 2017
Gethsemane Brown is an amateur sleuth / musician / ghost whisperer. She’s out solving crimes, sometimes getting into hot water, and doing her best to rescue herself. She is a heroine without any romantic entanglements, which I seriously appreciated. I’m ok with some romance as a secondary plot in my mystery books, but I am more interested in the mystery. I’m happy to report that Ms. Gordon’s characters focus on solving the crimes.
One aspect of Gethsemane that I find very interesting is the fact that music is tied to so many aspects of her life. She hears Tchaikovsky when she’s in danger and conjures a ghost by playing a sea shanty. I’m now regretting all the time I spent in school not practicing my clarinet. Death in D Major is full of fun and well-developed secondary characters as well. I especially enjoyed the local pastor with the occult book collection and Gethsemane’s co-worker, math teacher Frankie.
I am impressed with Ms. Gordon’s writing style and world building. I learned that ghosts, at least in Ms. Gordon’s universe, are associated with certain smells. (I find this a very nifty character trait; it’s clearly my allergies preventing me from smelling any paranormal beings in my world!) The quaint small Irish setting is excellent, though, initially I was confused about the time period in which the book is set — classical music, modern setting, but seemed historical? But then, the mention of cars and a lost cell phone set me straight.
I must admit to struggling with this book at the beginning. D Major is the second in the series and I haven’t read the first (shame on me!). I read the first paragraph a number of times, as it’s full of Irish town names that meant absolutely nothing to me. The central mystery also wasn’t apparent at first. Is this an art forgery/theft mystery? Murder mystery? What do ghosts have to do with anything? But after the first third of the book, all the aspects began to fit together, and I really began to enjoy reading D Major. As such, ideally, I recommend reading the first book before starting this one, but it does stand alone.
The plot is fast-paced and kept me interested and guessing throughout the book; it’s a solid mystery with a side of paranormal. Overall, I enjoyed Death in D Major and main character Gethsemane in particular. I’m excited to read more of this series!
One aspect of Gethsemane that I find very interesting is the fact that music is tied to so many aspects of her life. She hears Tchaikovsky when she’s in danger and conjures a ghost by playing a sea shanty. I’m now regretting all the time I spent in school not practicing my clarinet. Death in D Major is full of fun and well-developed secondary characters as well. I especially enjoyed the local pastor with the occult book collection and Gethsemane’s co-worker, math teacher Frankie.
I am impressed with Ms. Gordon’s writing style and world building. I learned that ghosts, at least in Ms. Gordon’s universe, are associated with certain smells. (I find this a very nifty character trait; it’s clearly my allergies preventing me from smelling any paranormal beings in my world!) The quaint small Irish setting is excellent, though, initially I was confused about the time period in which the book is set — classical music, modern setting, but seemed historical? But then, the mention of cars and a lost cell phone set me straight.
I must admit to struggling with this book at the beginning. D Major is the second in the series and I haven’t read the first (shame on me!). I read the first paragraph a number of times, as it’s full of Irish town names that meant absolutely nothing to me. The central mystery also wasn’t apparent at first. Is this an art forgery/theft mystery? Murder mystery? What do ghosts have to do with anything? But after the first third of the book, all the aspects began to fit together, and I really began to enjoy reading D Major. As such, ideally, I recommend reading the first book before starting this one, but it does stand alone.
The plot is fast-paced and kept me interested and guessing throughout the book; it’s a solid mystery with a side of paranormal. Overall, I enjoyed Death in D Major and main character Gethsemane in particular. I’m excited to read more of this series!
February 22, 2018
“Death in D Minor” earns 5/5 Ghostly Sidekicks…accident or not!
Gethsemane Brown, ex-pat living in Ireland, is quite the virtuoso in more than music; she has proven to be pretty good at sleuthing, too. Her skill gets challenged when the surprising appearance of her brother-in-law and curator Jackson Applethwaite, set to bid on an early American miniature sampler by a young slave Hester Creech on behalf of his museum, turns into his being accused of theft when the sampler goes missing…but could it be murder when the owner of the sampler is found dead? Inspector Iollan O’Reilly of An Garda Síochána (The Guardian of the Peace—Irish police) has approached Brown for her assistance in their investigation of a ring of art forgers and thieves, so things get very serious. She tries to conjure up her helpful ghost Eamon McCarthy to help exonerate her brother-in-law, but something goes delightfully wrong.
I am new to Alexia Gordon’s Gethsemane Brown Mystery series, so when offered the opportunity to read her second book, I grabbed at the chance and now…I am a big fan! Although I am a newbie starting with book 2 “Death in D Minor,” the story provided enough details and descriptions into the back story and character connections to keep me very engaged: Irish countryside? Ghostly sidekick? Forgeries? Murders? Who knew being a classical musician could be so…precarious! The story was exciting, nail-biting at times, humorous, and clever using the idea that Gethsemane can ‘summon’ up ghosts, even the wrong ghost, giving so many opportunities for a paranormal twist. Gordon’s characters are well developed this early in the series with Gethsemane becoming one of my favorite amateur detectives. But, Captain Lochlan, an eighteenth century ship’s captain, adds such a delightful dynamic! Playing out in the background we have intriguing references to needlework, comparisons with Irish and Black history, hints of romance, and issues with Gethsemane being an ex-pat. I really enjoyed this second book and am eager to go back and read book 1 “Death in G Major” to see how it all began.
"Disclosure: A review copy of this book was provided to me by the publisher Henery Press through NetGalley. However, all of the above opinions are my own.”
Gethsemane Brown, ex-pat living in Ireland, is quite the virtuoso in more than music; she has proven to be pretty good at sleuthing, too. Her skill gets challenged when the surprising appearance of her brother-in-law and curator Jackson Applethwaite, set to bid on an early American miniature sampler by a young slave Hester Creech on behalf of his museum, turns into his being accused of theft when the sampler goes missing…but could it be murder when the owner of the sampler is found dead? Inspector Iollan O’Reilly of An Garda Síochána (The Guardian of the Peace—Irish police) has approached Brown for her assistance in their investigation of a ring of art forgers and thieves, so things get very serious. She tries to conjure up her helpful ghost Eamon McCarthy to help exonerate her brother-in-law, but something goes delightfully wrong.
I am new to Alexia Gordon’s Gethsemane Brown Mystery series, so when offered the opportunity to read her second book, I grabbed at the chance and now…I am a big fan! Although I am a newbie starting with book 2 “Death in D Minor,” the story provided enough details and descriptions into the back story and character connections to keep me very engaged: Irish countryside? Ghostly sidekick? Forgeries? Murders? Who knew being a classical musician could be so…precarious! The story was exciting, nail-biting at times, humorous, and clever using the idea that Gethsemane can ‘summon’ up ghosts, even the wrong ghost, giving so many opportunities for a paranormal twist. Gordon’s characters are well developed this early in the series with Gethsemane becoming one of my favorite amateur detectives. But, Captain Lochlan, an eighteenth century ship’s captain, adds such a delightful dynamic! Playing out in the background we have intriguing references to needlework, comparisons with Irish and Black history, hints of romance, and issues with Gethsemane being an ex-pat. I really enjoyed this second book and am eager to go back and read book 1 “Death in G Major” to see how it all began.
"Disclosure: A review copy of this book was provided to me by the publisher Henery Press through NetGalley. However, all of the above opinions are my own.”
July 12, 2017
Death In D Minor is the second book in the Gethsemane Brown Mystery series.
I’m a somewhat recent fan to classical music and was immediately drawn to this series and am really enjoying it.
Gethsemane Brown is a concert violinist and is teaching classical music and orchestra at boy’s school. She is presently living at Carraigfaire Cottage, the home of the deceased Eamon McCarthy a noted composer of classical music and whose ghostly spirit was an integral part of Murder In G Major. But Eamon’s nephew is more interested in selling the cottage to Hank Wayne, a hotel developer.
Brown is awakened one morning by someone knocking on the door. Upon answering she is greeted by Wayne who barges in and proceeds to survey the cottage and informs Brown that the cottage will soon be his and she will need to find a new residence. To make matters worse she soon learns that her brother-in-law will soon be arriving to attend an auction where he hopes to purchase a wonderful example of an 18th-century sampler by a young American slave. When the sampler comes up for auction, it is discovered that it has been stolen. Jackson is arrested for theft as he was the last person who had seen it. It is then learned that the police have been watching some of the people as they are investigating a ring of thieves and art forgers. They convince Brown to work undercover in the hopes of learning more about the thieves
The part I enjoyed the most was when Brown becomes frustrated by not being able to contact Eamon and seeks out Father Tim for some “spell” books to see if she can contact Eamon that way. She can’t, but what she does get is the salty Captain Lochlan, Captain of The Hesperus. His character is almost as entertaining as Eamon’s was in the first book and he will prove to be a life-saver.
The book is an exciting story with many twists and turns to it and an enjoyable cast of believable and interesting characters.
I will definitely be watching for the next book is exciting series.
I’m a somewhat recent fan to classical music and was immediately drawn to this series and am really enjoying it.
Gethsemane Brown is a concert violinist and is teaching classical music and orchestra at boy’s school. She is presently living at Carraigfaire Cottage, the home of the deceased Eamon McCarthy a noted composer of classical music and whose ghostly spirit was an integral part of Murder In G Major. But Eamon’s nephew is more interested in selling the cottage to Hank Wayne, a hotel developer.
Brown is awakened one morning by someone knocking on the door. Upon answering she is greeted by Wayne who barges in and proceeds to survey the cottage and informs Brown that the cottage will soon be his and she will need to find a new residence. To make matters worse she soon learns that her brother-in-law will soon be arriving to attend an auction where he hopes to purchase a wonderful example of an 18th-century sampler by a young American slave. When the sampler comes up for auction, it is discovered that it has been stolen. Jackson is arrested for theft as he was the last person who had seen it. It is then learned that the police have been watching some of the people as they are investigating a ring of thieves and art forgers. They convince Brown to work undercover in the hopes of learning more about the thieves
The part I enjoyed the most was when Brown becomes frustrated by not being able to contact Eamon and seeks out Father Tim for some “spell” books to see if she can contact Eamon that way. She can’t, but what she does get is the salty Captain Lochlan, Captain of The Hesperus. His character is almost as entertaining as Eamon’s was in the first book and he will prove to be a life-saver.
The book is an exciting story with many twists and turns to it and an enjoyable cast of believable and interesting characters.
I will definitely be watching for the next book is exciting series.
November 8, 2021
The second installment of Gethsemane Brown, an African-American classical musician teaching in Ireland, who helps solves murders, did not come across to me as strong as the first offering. I missed that she was not with the students and the ghost was in limbo. I prefer the snarky humor and bantering between the ghost and Gethsemane. However, this is a sophomore entry, so I am willing to pick up the third in the series. The author is still learning, and I can only imagine the panic, pressure and uncertainty of doing the second book for a new author. So here's to the next one, I am routing for it!
June 26, 2019
As a musician, I was happy that this cozy had a musical theme. I really enjoyed that aspect of the book. I was happy to see a strong, intelligent, African American woman, as the amateur sleuth. I thought the art and forgery bits were interesting. I learned some things about Irish culture. The ghosts were enjoyable characters. Great book for cozy lovers, especially if you are interested in Ireland, art, or music.
July 19, 2017
Gethsemane Brown is happy when her brother-in-law comes for a visit in Ireland. He's here to try and buy a priceless early American embroidery. When he's suspected of stealing it, she's recruited by the Garda to help exonerate him. While trying to clear her brother-in-law she finds the body of Olivia McCarthy-Boyle, the owner of the sampler. Can she do it? I liked Gethsemane. She's a feisty, intelligent woman. The fact that she's detail oriented means she doesn't miss any clues. Her brother-in law, Jackson Applethwaite, is protective and caring. I liked him, but he can't stop her from putting herself in danger. Gethsemane has a mind of her own. She'll do what she thinks is right. I loved how she called forth a ghost to help haunt a house. What happened next made me laugh. This mystery is well written and filled with unexpected twists. The setting added to the atmosphere. The plot is filled with unexpected twists and the ending was a shock. I never saw it coming. Alexia Gordon created interesting characters and wrote a well written mystery.
I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. My comments are my honest opinion.
I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. My comments are my honest opinion.
January 23, 2018
This is more of a 3.5 stars, but I rounded it down because of how much I missed Eamon McCarthy's ghost. I listened to the audiobooks both times, and after the first one I spent a considerable amount of time going around saying Darlin the way Eamon did. That was irritating to people around me I guess, but I missed it this time around, damn it.
The mystery was interesting enough. It's about embroidery this time, and involves art theft and forgeries, and I liked it. I kind of guessed who the thieves were, but there were a couple of aspects to it that I didn't think of. Props to that too. I really like Gethsemane, and the rest of the mortal cast, so the book never became boring even without Eamon around. No kids, not much music except when Gethsemane hilariously tries to bring Eamon back with several pieces of music that she thinks he might be attuned to. (I'm wondering if the vengeful ghost in the next book is one Gethsemane summoned with wheels of the bus?)
This might be a series I will grow to love, considering that even with a serious qualm I didn't hate it at all.
The mystery was interesting enough. It's about embroidery this time, and involves art theft and forgeries, and I liked it. I kind of guessed who the thieves were, but there were a couple of aspects to it that I didn't think of. Props to that too. I really like Gethsemane, and the rest of the mortal cast, so the book never became boring even without Eamon around. No kids, not much music except when Gethsemane hilariously tries to bring Eamon back with several pieces of music that she thinks he might be attuned to. (I'm wondering if the vengeful ghost in the next book is one Gethsemane summoned with wheels of the bus?)
This might be a series I will grow to love, considering that even with a serious qualm I didn't hate it at all.
September 23, 2018
I love this series! Weensy bit paranormal/supernatural but it is primarily about the main character, Gethsemane, making her life anew in Ireland. Yes she can sort of summon ghosts but she's a music teacher and helps the local gardai with investigations. Help they didn't ask for but she has an affinity for finding information.
I like the touches of the spirits, the friendship with the local parish priest and gardai investigator and pub owner. She likes her liquid spirits, she hears music in her mind that ostensibly should warn her, but she doesn't always heed.
I found out her family's nickname for Gethsemane, a brother-in-law is introduced, museum quality textiles are discussed. I learned a lot as I read the mystery.
Gethsemane is strong and smart. I would love to be friends with her. I really look forward to the rest of the series.
I can definitely recommend this book, this series and this author.
I like the touches of the spirits, the friendship with the local parish priest and gardai investigator and pub owner. She likes her liquid spirits, she hears music in her mind that ostensibly should warn her, but she doesn't always heed.
I found out her family's nickname for Gethsemane, a brother-in-law is introduced, museum quality textiles are discussed. I learned a lot as I read the mystery.
Gethsemane is strong and smart. I would love to be friends with her. I really look forward to the rest of the series.
I can definitely recommend this book, this series and this author.
August 1, 2020
Another case where book 2 just didn't have the same sparkle that book 1 had for me. I didn't end up finishing this.
First off, at the halfway point, which is as far as I went, we had no Eamon this time around, and the snarky interplay between him and Gethsemane was one of the best things about the first book for me. I loved their back-and-forth, and there was none of that, although Gethsemane was trying to summon Eamon back. But I really missed Eamon.
Secondly, I really wasn't interested in the murder this time around. The first book felt like something fresh and unique, including Gethsemane being an African American woman displaced in Ireland. This book there was very little of the fish-out-of-water situations that I also enjoyed in the first book.
Overall, I just wasn't into this second book. The things that drew me in with the first book just weren't there in book 2.
First off, at the halfway point, which is as far as I went, we had no Eamon this time around, and the snarky interplay between him and Gethsemane was one of the best things about the first book for me. I loved their back-and-forth, and there was none of that, although Gethsemane was trying to summon Eamon back. But I really missed Eamon.
Secondly, I really wasn't interested in the murder this time around. The first book felt like something fresh and unique, including Gethsemane being an African American woman displaced in Ireland. This book there was very little of the fish-out-of-water situations that I also enjoyed in the first book.
Overall, I just wasn't into this second book. The things that drew me in with the first book just weren't there in book 2.
July 13, 2017
Musician Gethsemane Brown is back! The action again takes place in a small Irish village where Brown is teaching. She is an odd heroine , and she has a lot of problems to look into in this book.
The old cottage where she lives is about to be sold to an obnoxious American real estate tycoon. The only way Brown can save it is to summon the ghost of the previous owner. He helped her solve a mystery in the last book, but he has disappeared and Brown is unable to find him. She even resorts to an old book of spells but somehow manages to conjure up a different troubled spirit.
At the same time, her brother-in-law is in town to purchase some priceless needlework for his art museum. Several murders take place, and an old art forgery case comes to light.
I really like the her, but the other character as well as the plot is a bit far-fetched even for me.
Netgalley/Henry Press.
The old cottage where she lives is about to be sold to an obnoxious American real estate tycoon. The only way Brown can save it is to summon the ghost of the previous owner. He helped her solve a mystery in the last book, but he has disappeared and Brown is unable to find him. She even resorts to an old book of spells but somehow manages to conjure up a different troubled spirit.
At the same time, her brother-in-law is in town to purchase some priceless needlework for his art museum. Several murders take place, and an old art forgery case comes to light.
I really like the her, but the other character as well as the plot is a bit far-fetched even for me.
Netgalley/Henry Press.
June 3, 2017
Author Alexia Gordon proves that her wonderful debut novel was no fluke.
Internationally recognized concert violinist-turned-music teacher Gethsemane Brown returns in this lively, humorous sequel. So does Hank Wayne, an unscrupulous American hotelier who has long wanted to buy Brown’s cottage in the out-of-the-way Irish village of Dunmullach. Wayne’s goal is to tear down the former home of the late internationally renowned composer Eamon McCarthy to make way for a pink atrocity of a hotel, destroying history and blighting the village at the same time. Brown is determined to stop him. If only she could call on the spirit of the late Eamon McCarthy! But he crossed over in Murder in G Major. How can Brown stop Wayne? And can she somehow conjure the sarcastic, profane McCarthy back up so as to help her?
Meantime, Brown and her museum curator brother-in-law become ensnared in an investigation into an art forgery ring. This secondary plot didn’t detract a bit from the first, instead adding some additional suspense. I couldn’t put Death in D Minor down — clichéd though that sounds. I read far too late into the night! The sequel’s as magical as the debut.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and Henery Press in exchange for an honest review.
Internationally recognized concert violinist-turned-music teacher Gethsemane Brown returns in this lively, humorous sequel. So does Hank Wayne, an unscrupulous American hotelier who has long wanted to buy Brown’s cottage in the out-of-the-way Irish village of Dunmullach. Wayne’s goal is to tear down the former home of the late internationally renowned composer Eamon McCarthy to make way for a pink atrocity of a hotel, destroying history and blighting the village at the same time. Brown is determined to stop him. If only she could call on the spirit of the late Eamon McCarthy! But he crossed over in Murder in G Major. How can Brown stop Wayne? And can she somehow conjure the sarcastic, profane McCarthy back up so as to help her?
Meantime, Brown and her museum curator brother-in-law become ensnared in an investigation into an art forgery ring. This secondary plot didn’t detract a bit from the first, instead adding some additional suspense. I couldn’t put Death in D Minor down — clichéd though that sounds. I read far too late into the night! The sequel’s as magical as the debut.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and Henery Press in exchange for an honest review.
December 12, 2017
Just as Gethsemane should be able to relax she realises that Eamon (the ghost of the previous occupier of her cottage) has gone missing, a hotel developer (who does rather tacky developments) wants to buy the cottage - oh and her brother in law is coming to stay! These should be the only problems, but life isn't that straight forward and before long Jackson (her brother in law) is accused of art theft and Gethsemane is accused of murder! Oh and it appears she managed to contact a ghost .... only it is the wrong ghost!
July 20, 2017
I ain't afraid of no ghost!
And neither is Gethsemane Brown (an American musician living in Ireland), who summons a ghost in the hopes of saving her cottage from developers. Except, whoopsie, the wrong ghost appears. At the wrong time. But that’s a side plot—in a delightful way, not a distracting way—from the actual mystery: Gethsemane’s brother-in-law is in town for an art auction and quickly finds himself entangled in a fraud case as the suspect. Gethsemane makes a deal to help gather evidence against suspected art frauders to prove his innocence, but soon there’s a death and Gethsemane is in danger. This was a great read with a couple of ghosts, music, and art history that complimented well with the mystery at heart and some laughs. Now I have to go read the first in the series!
--from Book Riot's Unusual Suspects newsletter: Ghost Stories, Kindle Deals, and More!
http://link.bookriot.com/view/56a8200...
And neither is Gethsemane Brown (an American musician living in Ireland), who summons a ghost in the hopes of saving her cottage from developers. Except, whoopsie, the wrong ghost appears. At the wrong time. But that’s a side plot—in a delightful way, not a distracting way—from the actual mystery: Gethsemane’s brother-in-law is in town for an art auction and quickly finds himself entangled in a fraud case as the suspect. Gethsemane makes a deal to help gather evidence against suspected art frauders to prove his innocence, but soon there’s a death and Gethsemane is in danger. This was a great read with a couple of ghosts, music, and art history that complimented well with the mystery at heart and some laughs. Now I have to go read the first in the series!
--from Book Riot's Unusual Suspects newsletter: Ghost Stories, Kindle Deals, and More!
http://link.bookriot.com/view/56a8200...
January 23, 2019
Liked this one a bit more than the first one. It was more interesting and had a bit more going on. Other than that the overall feeling of this book is the same as the first book. And it's just as fun light read as book one.
January 16, 2020
still loving this series. there was A Lot of dialogue in this one tho and that knocked it down to a 3.5 star rating but i knocked it back up to 4 for all the direct ghost and mrs muir references in this one.
March 28, 2021
Death in D Minor, the 2nd of Alexia Gordon's Gethsemane Brown cozies was almost as enriching as the first book in the series. This is a cozy crime series for grownups because it's boldly cerebral, absorbing, and multilayered. I was hooked from the first installment. Catching up to the latest book won't be a problem at all. Dr. Gordon, you are a fantastic writer!
4 stars
4 stars
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