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Anna Blanc Mysteries #3
The Body in Griffith Park
Los Angeles, 1908. Anna Blanc is a former so-so socialite, a flailing police matron, and a killer detective.
Ex-heiress, Anna Blanc, is precariously employed by the Los Angeles Police Department, reforming delinquent children and minding lady jailbirds. What she really wants is to hunt criminals and be alone with Detective Joe Singer--both no-nos that could get her fired. On a lover's tryst in Griffith Park, Anna and Joe discover the body of a young gambler. Anna can't resist. She's on the case.
With a murder to solve and her police matron duties piling up, Anna begins getting strange floral arrangements from an unknown admirer. Following the petals leads her to another crime--one close to home. Suddenly pitted against Joe, Anna must examine her loyalties and solve the crimes, even if it means losing the man she loves.
Ex-heiress, Anna Blanc, is precariously employed by the Los Angeles Police Department, reforming delinquent children and minding lady jailbirds. What she really wants is to hunt criminals and be alone with Detective Joe Singer--both no-nos that could get her fired. On a lover's tryst in Griffith Park, Anna and Joe discover the body of a young gambler. Anna can't resist. She's on the case.
With a murder to solve and her police matron duties piling up, Anna begins getting strange floral arrangements from an unknown admirer. Following the petals leads her to another crime--one close to home. Suddenly pitted against Joe, Anna must examine her loyalties and solve the crimes, even if it means losing the man she loves.
304 pages, Paperback
First published July 16, 2019
14 people are currently reading
272 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Kincheloe
4 books176 followersJennifer Kincheloe is a research scientist turned writer of historical mysteries. Her first novel, THE SECRET LIFE OF ANNA BLANC, was a finalist in the Lefty Award for Best Historical Mystery, the Colorado Author's League Award for Genre Fiction, the Macavity Sue Feder Award for Historical Mystery, and the winner of The Mystery and Mayhem Award for Historical Fiction and the Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers' Colorado Gold Award for Mystery. Her subsequent novels, THE WOMAN IN THE CAMPHOR TRUNK and THE BODY IN GRIFFITH PARK were both finalists for the Lefty Award for Best Historical Mystery. Jennifer is a Southern California native who currently lives in Denver, Colorado.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
September 10, 2019
Reading a book in the Anna Blanc series by Jennifer Kincheloe is jumping into an exciting adventure with a lively, enthusiastic main character. It is rather like having a conversation with the author, because she, too, is a person full of enthusiasm, and it spills over to her creation of Anna. The phrase "never a dull moment" was invented for this series, and with the third installment of The Body in Griffith Park, Jennifer Kincheloe has established that the Anna Blanc series is one of the best new mystery/crime series readers will enjoy. I'm especially fond of the historical connections in the series, with the setting in the first years of the 20th Century, and Anna being a police matron in the Los Angles Police Department, where women are extremely limited to their involvement in actual crimes and investigations. Well, that is unless you're Anna Blanc whose fiance Joe Singer is a detective in the department, a source for Anna intruding in places she doesn't belong, according to the LAPD and society. Her passion for crime solving is one not easily deterred. And, with the character modeled after a real female pioneer in the LAPD and the author meticulously researching the time period and activity of crime then, the authenticity of the series is a given. Of course, it is Kincheloe's outstanding storytelling skills that makes the stories irresistible.
1908 in Los Angles sees our disowned heiress and now hard-working police matron Anna Blanc madly in love with Detective Joe Singer but resisting his proposals that they should marry as soon as possible. Anna likes her freedom, and she doesn't quite trust any man to not want to limit it. She's also wondering who keeps sending her flowers that, having familiarized herself with the "language of flowers", she interprets as friendly but not too friendly. She knows it's not Joe because he would never do anything to bring attention to their relationship at the police station, where fraternizing with one another could get one or both of them fired. Another reason he's pushing for marriage.
The action of the story has three events that will expand and come together happening very quickly into the story line. Anna and Joe try go to a romantic, hidden spot in Griffith Park to finally express their passion for one another, but instead they find a dead body. As thrilled as Anna is to be on the scene of a crime in its initial stages, she does feel cheated that she and Joe once again must settle for a lingering kiss before she has to leave. So, the murder of a young man has occurred and will be pivotal to the plot. Next, Anna meets the man who has been sending her flowers, with Joe bopping the man in the nose after following her to the meeting. It's then that Ann learns the man's identity as her half-brother Georges Devereaux, and she discovers that her father had kept a French lover for years while married to Anna's mother. The third bit of action that comes into play is the arrival of a young girl named Matilda Nilsson, who reports that she has been dishonored by a man while living at the Jonquil Apartments run by a Mrs. Rosenberg.
Coming to terms with having a brother, a brother who is rich from Anna's father, unofficially investigating a murder, and trying to save young girls from being "spoiled" at the mercy of needing a place to live will be a full plate for Anna Blanc. There are no simple explanations or answers to any of it, and when Anna and Joe have different theories on the person resposible for the tangled web of lies, deceit, and murder, that difference will threaten to end their love affair before the affair part can even get going. There are so many dramatic and often comical situations in which Anna and Joe find themselves, usually at the instigation of Anna, that readers will fly through the pages in pursuit with them. The historical details of the story are fascinating, and the crimes themselves are taken from actual cases. I'm betting that readers will be surprised by certain details, such as someone having their own rail car to attach to a train when they travel.
The characters are absolutely ones that the reader will want to know more about, and the author obliges the reader in this. Anna's family tree is certainly filled out in this story, and her father shows up in the story, too. He's still an unforgiving twit, but Anna no longer kowtows to his wishes or his shaming of her. Anna's brother, Georges, and her true love, Joe, will butt heads, but Kincheloe shows us the different kinds of love that a person needs in life through this. The police station crew and the girls and women coming through the station are all of great interest, too, and Kincheloe is a master at showing the glimpses that tell the most about these characters. Of course, it all comes back to Anna and the breath of fresh air this character is in crime fiction. Her love of hats and crime and Joe and protecting those who need it make her a formidable force, and her feisty, fearless nature makes every adventure with her thrilling.
The Body in Griffith Park is the continuation of a story of which I just can't get enough. I think readers will love it for so many reasons, and I am looking forward to #4 in the series with great anticipation of reading pleasure.
1908 in Los Angles sees our disowned heiress and now hard-working police matron Anna Blanc madly in love with Detective Joe Singer but resisting his proposals that they should marry as soon as possible. Anna likes her freedom, and she doesn't quite trust any man to not want to limit it. She's also wondering who keeps sending her flowers that, having familiarized herself with the "language of flowers", she interprets as friendly but not too friendly. She knows it's not Joe because he would never do anything to bring attention to their relationship at the police station, where fraternizing with one another could get one or both of them fired. Another reason he's pushing for marriage.
The action of the story has three events that will expand and come together happening very quickly into the story line. Anna and Joe try go to a romantic, hidden spot in Griffith Park to finally express their passion for one another, but instead they find a dead body. As thrilled as Anna is to be on the scene of a crime in its initial stages, she does feel cheated that she and Joe once again must settle for a lingering kiss before she has to leave. So, the murder of a young man has occurred and will be pivotal to the plot. Next, Anna meets the man who has been sending her flowers, with Joe bopping the man in the nose after following her to the meeting. It's then that Ann learns the man's identity as her half-brother Georges Devereaux, and she discovers that her father had kept a French lover for years while married to Anna's mother. The third bit of action that comes into play is the arrival of a young girl named Matilda Nilsson, who reports that she has been dishonored by a man while living at the Jonquil Apartments run by a Mrs. Rosenberg.
Coming to terms with having a brother, a brother who is rich from Anna's father, unofficially investigating a murder, and trying to save young girls from being "spoiled" at the mercy of needing a place to live will be a full plate for Anna Blanc. There are no simple explanations or answers to any of it, and when Anna and Joe have different theories on the person resposible for the tangled web of lies, deceit, and murder, that difference will threaten to end their love affair before the affair part can even get going. There are so many dramatic and often comical situations in which Anna and Joe find themselves, usually at the instigation of Anna, that readers will fly through the pages in pursuit with them. The historical details of the story are fascinating, and the crimes themselves are taken from actual cases. I'm betting that readers will be surprised by certain details, such as someone having their own rail car to attach to a train when they travel.
The characters are absolutely ones that the reader will want to know more about, and the author obliges the reader in this. Anna's family tree is certainly filled out in this story, and her father shows up in the story, too. He's still an unforgiving twit, but Anna no longer kowtows to his wishes or his shaming of her. Anna's brother, Georges, and her true love, Joe, will butt heads, but Kincheloe shows us the different kinds of love that a person needs in life through this. The police station crew and the girls and women coming through the station are all of great interest, too, and Kincheloe is a master at showing the glimpses that tell the most about these characters. Of course, it all comes back to Anna and the breath of fresh air this character is in crime fiction. Her love of hats and crime and Joe and protecting those who need it make her a formidable force, and her feisty, fearless nature makes every adventure with her thrilling.
The Body in Griffith Park is the continuation of a story of which I just can't get enough. I think readers will love it for so many reasons, and I am looking forward to #4 in the series with great anticipation of reading pleasure.
July 26, 2019
Biscuits! More people need to read this series!
It's so hard to get historical fiction right, and it's amazing what Kincheloe has done with the Anna Blanc series. In this latest installment, Kincheloe builds on the fascinating character of Anna Blanc in a mystery that shows us more of her life, her family and the tensions therein, and how unsafe Los Angeles was, even a century ago. Her writing is gorgeous, and she totally captures the playful and deeply insightful voice of Anna Blanc while keeping a meticulous eye for detail about the period, how the police works, and what it would be like to be the first female detective in the United States. This is a completely engrossing series, and one that delivers a satisfying mystery while also providing a peek into history and the social challenges of the day, which remain just as relevant today.
It's so hard to get historical fiction right, and it's amazing what Kincheloe has done with the Anna Blanc series. In this latest installment, Kincheloe builds on the fascinating character of Anna Blanc in a mystery that shows us more of her life, her family and the tensions therein, and how unsafe Los Angeles was, even a century ago. Her writing is gorgeous, and she totally captures the playful and deeply insightful voice of Anna Blanc while keeping a meticulous eye for detail about the period, how the police works, and what it would be like to be the first female detective in the United States. This is a completely engrossing series, and one that delivers a satisfying mystery while also providing a peek into history and the social challenges of the day, which remain just as relevant today.
April 2, 2020
Note: While this is Book 3 in the series, it works pretty well as a stand alone novel.
Anna Blanc makes me laugh so much! I just love these books and Book 3 doesn’t fall short of the high bar set by the first 2 novels. It’s a great mix of humor, historical fiction, murder mystery, and flirtatious romance. Anna can be such an innocent twit at times and other times she is as sharp as lightning. She’s just a joy to follow around.
In this tale, Anna gets something she’s always wanted but didn’t know she had – a brother. Well, a half-brother. George is charming, protective, and supportive. All the things any woman would want in a brother, especially as one as independent as Anna. Yet Joe Springer (Anna’s pseudo-secret fiance and detective) is suspicious of the man. Indeed, we spend nearly the entire book trying to figure out just how much trouble George really is, or isn’t.
Then there’s Joe’s and Anna’s romance. Now I’m not a big on romance in general but these two make me laugh and I really want things to work out for them. Anna’s inner thoughts about romance and a woman’s role in marriage, or any romantic relationship, show just how much she chaffes at the double standard between men and women in the early 1900s. While Anna isn’t above lying or being misleading in order to appease societal norms, she certainly will break such norms in the pursuit of justice… or good whiskey.
Meanwhile, Anna is helping out some ladies from a boarding house that’s under investigation. More than one young lady has claimed that the proprietress led them into ruin. Anna certainly doesn’t turn a blind eye to this even as her male counterparts at the LAPD do. Once again, it’s through Anna’s bullheadedness that another ring of criminals is brought to justice or at least run out of town.
Some of my favorite scenes happened on the railway to Yuma. There’s that bearskin rug incident (that left poor Joe kicked off the train). Then that Gila monster event – ha! Anna gets to learn first hand exactly what advantages her beauty gets her on a day to day basis. Then Anna hatches yet another plan to track down a suspect and that leaves Joe swearing about his lack of clothes. Ha! These two really make quite the team. Even when they are angry with each other, they still care about one another.
The tension keeps ramping up and gives us a courtroom drama. It’s quite the scandalous event with most crimes accounted for. Yet there’s just a few unanswered questions. Anna gets them in the end but she’s not too happy about it. Don’t worry, Joe knows just the right things to say and the best things to do in order to cheer her up. 5/5 stars.
The Narration: Moira Quirk is still the perfect Anna Blanc. This is one of those narrations where the artist’s enjoyment of the story clearly rings through in their performance. All the characters have unique voices and the men sound masculine. I love the regional accents as well as George’s French accent. The pacing was perfect and there were no technical issues with the recording. 5/5 stars.
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Jennifer Kincheloe. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
Anna Blanc makes me laugh so much! I just love these books and Book 3 doesn’t fall short of the high bar set by the first 2 novels. It’s a great mix of humor, historical fiction, murder mystery, and flirtatious romance. Anna can be such an innocent twit at times and other times she is as sharp as lightning. She’s just a joy to follow around.
In this tale, Anna gets something she’s always wanted but didn’t know she had – a brother. Well, a half-brother. George is charming, protective, and supportive. All the things any woman would want in a brother, especially as one as independent as Anna. Yet Joe Springer (Anna’s pseudo-secret fiance and detective) is suspicious of the man. Indeed, we spend nearly the entire book trying to figure out just how much trouble George really is, or isn’t.
Then there’s Joe’s and Anna’s romance. Now I’m not a big on romance in general but these two make me laugh and I really want things to work out for them. Anna’s inner thoughts about romance and a woman’s role in marriage, or any romantic relationship, show just how much she chaffes at the double standard between men and women in the early 1900s. While Anna isn’t above lying or being misleading in order to appease societal norms, she certainly will break such norms in the pursuit of justice… or good whiskey.
Meanwhile, Anna is helping out some ladies from a boarding house that’s under investigation. More than one young lady has claimed that the proprietress led them into ruin. Anna certainly doesn’t turn a blind eye to this even as her male counterparts at the LAPD do. Once again, it’s through Anna’s bullheadedness that another ring of criminals is brought to justice or at least run out of town.
Some of my favorite scenes happened on the railway to Yuma. There’s that bearskin rug incident (that left poor Joe kicked off the train). Then that Gila monster event – ha! Anna gets to learn first hand exactly what advantages her beauty gets her on a day to day basis. Then Anna hatches yet another plan to track down a suspect and that leaves Joe swearing about his lack of clothes. Ha! These two really make quite the team. Even when they are angry with each other, they still care about one another.
The tension keeps ramping up and gives us a courtroom drama. It’s quite the scandalous event with most crimes accounted for. Yet there’s just a few unanswered questions. Anna gets them in the end but she’s not too happy about it. Don’t worry, Joe knows just the right things to say and the best things to do in order to cheer her up. 5/5 stars.
The Narration: Moira Quirk is still the perfect Anna Blanc. This is one of those narrations where the artist’s enjoyment of the story clearly rings through in their performance. All the characters have unique voices and the men sound masculine. I love the regional accents as well as George’s French accent. The pacing was perfect and there were no technical issues with the recording. 5/5 stars.
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Jennifer Kincheloe. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
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August 21, 2019The Body In Griffith Park was the third book in the Anna Blanc series where a young female detective solved mysteries at the turn of the century. I loved that these novels have all been set in Los Angeles because I enjoyed learning about the city's history. Here, a body was found in the famous Griffith Park, the location of the Greek Theater, Observatory, and Hollywood sign.
The biggest draw for me to this series has been Anna. It is so refreshing to read about a protagonist who is determined and driven. Anna was a detective with the LA force, but was constantly underestimated by her peers and given stricter rules than anyone else. There were several subplots here that allowed Anna to shine as a detective, especially when she went undercover. At times, it felt like the story was going in too many directions, but ultimately everything converged into a satisfying ending.
One thing that was unique to Anna was that she was being pursued by her romantic interest, and she was the one hesitant to marry him. Her independent nature made her resist giving up her autonomy and that further helped to make her a strong character. At a time where female characters are constantly portrayed as weak or emotional, it was refreshing to have a strong and determined female protagonist. Women now could certainly relate to her workplace struggles.
This is such a charming series, and I am so grateful that I was able to receive a copy of this work from the author.
The biggest draw for me to this series has been Anna. It is so refreshing to read about a protagonist who is determined and driven. Anna was a detective with the LA force, but was constantly underestimated by her peers and given stricter rules than anyone else. There were several subplots here that allowed Anna to shine as a detective, especially when she went undercover. At times, it felt like the story was going in too many directions, but ultimately everything converged into a satisfying ending.
One thing that was unique to Anna was that she was being pursued by her romantic interest, and she was the one hesitant to marry him. Her independent nature made her resist giving up her autonomy and that further helped to make her a strong character. At a time where female characters are constantly portrayed as weak or emotional, it was refreshing to have a strong and determined female protagonist. Women now could certainly relate to her workplace struggles.
This is such a charming series, and I am so grateful that I was able to receive a copy of this work from the author.
August 18, 2019
I've read all three Anna Blanc Mysteries now, and all I can say is, "Jupiter, they're good!" By the third book featuring the same characters, you'd forgive Jennifer Kincheloe for getting burned out of new ideas. But without giving anything away in this rip-roaring ride, she still finds ways to expand Anna's world and surprise her readers. I envy all of you who get to read these books for the first time. Don't deny yourself the pleasure of starting with Book One, "The Secret Life of Anna Blanc," but be sure you have "The Woman in the Camphor Trunk" and this latest book handy, because you're never going to get your fill of this Gilded Age heroine or her Los Angeles.
February 23, 2020
Disclaimer: I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Jennifer Kincheloe. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
I’m actually really sad about this because so far this is the last Anna Blanc book and I know the ending was pretty much perfect to have it end like that but I NEED MORE! Seriously, I feel like out of the three novels in this series, this may have been the best one. I feel like it tied up a lot of loose ends from the first novel for sure, and while it also did give us some new questions about Anna and her life, I think that it was absolutely great.
I also like that this one had an actual court case involved, because from what I remember, Anna never got to go to the trials of the criminals that she caught in the first two novels. This book still had our favorite prostitutes – well new ones but still had them in the novels – and our favorite Joe Singer and Detective Wolf sprinkled in here and there. The prose just screamed Anna for me, and I’m so glad that Kincheloe was able to keep that voice consistent throughout the entire series. And I’m definitely glad that Quirk was able to narrate the entire series as well. I’m pretty sure I said this in one of my earlier reviews but she just exudes Anna Blanc energy for me. I cannot imagine anyone else narrating this series, nor being able to capture Anna’s mind like Quirk did. I just can’t, and that’s how you know that the narrator was perfect for the series.
We have another murder to solve, we have another rape fiend to find, and we have the comedic antics of Anna and Joe as they try to figure out their feelings for one another while making sure that nobody in the LAPD finds out about their love. Or infatuations. Okay seriously I think we all know that you guys wanna bone, so just do it already! Too bad this is in the early 1900s because it’s seen as a scandal for Anna to do anything remotely sexually gratifying as an unmarried woman. The shame, apparently.
I also need to know whether or not Anna and Joe end up finally making things official after all of this, or if they are still going to continue to go back and forth like they have from the very beginning. I think they work well together as partners – most of the time – but seriously give me more romance! Oh wow, I actually want to see more romance?! What happened?
I just need more Anna Blanc, okay?
I’m actually really sad about this because so far this is the last Anna Blanc book and I know the ending was pretty much perfect to have it end like that but I NEED MORE! Seriously, I feel like out of the three novels in this series, this may have been the best one. I feel like it tied up a lot of loose ends from the first novel for sure, and while it also did give us some new questions about Anna and her life, I think that it was absolutely great.
I also like that this one had an actual court case involved, because from what I remember, Anna never got to go to the trials of the criminals that she caught in the first two novels. This book still had our favorite prostitutes – well new ones but still had them in the novels – and our favorite Joe Singer and Detective Wolf sprinkled in here and there. The prose just screamed Anna for me, and I’m so glad that Kincheloe was able to keep that voice consistent throughout the entire series. And I’m definitely glad that Quirk was able to narrate the entire series as well. I’m pretty sure I said this in one of my earlier reviews but she just exudes Anna Blanc energy for me. I cannot imagine anyone else narrating this series, nor being able to capture Anna’s mind like Quirk did. I just can’t, and that’s how you know that the narrator was perfect for the series.
We have another murder to solve, we have another rape fiend to find, and we have the comedic antics of Anna and Joe as they try to figure out their feelings for one another while making sure that nobody in the LAPD finds out about their love. Or infatuations. Okay seriously I think we all know that you guys wanna bone, so just do it already! Too bad this is in the early 1900s because it’s seen as a scandal for Anna to do anything remotely sexually gratifying as an unmarried woman. The shame, apparently.
I also need to know whether or not Anna and Joe end up finally making things official after all of this, or if they are still going to continue to go back and forth like they have from the very beginning. I think they work well together as partners – most of the time – but seriously give me more romance! Oh wow, I actually want to see more romance?! What happened?
I just need more Anna Blanc, okay?
September 11, 2019
With sentences like this, it's impossible not to love this book:
Anna arranged her face matrimonially---that is, she
tried to look grown-up, haggard, and a bit sour.
Doesn't that bring a visual right to mind?
Anna Blanc is a young woman determined to find a place for herself in a time and society that doesn't encourage women's independence and she's chosen to do so in the LAPD, decidedly a bastion of male privilege and dominance. Anna's boss and only female colleague, Matron Clemens, is a hard taskmaster (taskmistress?) but Anna has proven her detecting skills several times now.
Meanwhile, Anna is carrying on a clandestine romance with Detective Joe Singer and, if they're caught, Anna could be fired. Knowing that, the lovers go to extraordinary lengths to keep their liaison a secret and they may or may not be entirely successful; in fact, we know they're not but the powers that be are still in the dark. Regardless, their efforts are inventive and frequently amusing.
On one of their trysts, while Anna and Joe are ostensibly looking for a truant, they discover a corpse. Joe immediately thinks it's a suicide but Anna is not so sure and her detective talents kick in and, once she points out several observations to Joe, he can't help but agree. Before all is said and done, a variety of cases will have Anna going in all directions, albeit surreptitiously, and we're also treated to more of her family drama while Joe continues to support her as best he can in his 1908 manly way.
And who keeps sending Anna bouquets of beautiful flowers?
This is the second book I've read in this series---not sure how or why I've missed the first one---and I'm an ardent admirer of Ms. Kincheloe's obvious research into the early part of the 20th century. More than that, she brings Anna and her surroundings to life, making me want more. I guess I'll have to go pick up The Secret Life of Anna Blanc while I'm waiting for book #4 ;-)
Anna arranged her face matrimonially---that is, she
tried to look grown-up, haggard, and a bit sour.
Doesn't that bring a visual right to mind?
Anna Blanc is a young woman determined to find a place for herself in a time and society that doesn't encourage women's independence and she's chosen to do so in the LAPD, decidedly a bastion of male privilege and dominance. Anna's boss and only female colleague, Matron Clemens, is a hard taskmaster (taskmistress?) but Anna has proven her detecting skills several times now.
Meanwhile, Anna is carrying on a clandestine romance with Detective Joe Singer and, if they're caught, Anna could be fired. Knowing that, the lovers go to extraordinary lengths to keep their liaison a secret and they may or may not be entirely successful; in fact, we know they're not but the powers that be are still in the dark. Regardless, their efforts are inventive and frequently amusing.
On one of their trysts, while Anna and Joe are ostensibly looking for a truant, they discover a corpse. Joe immediately thinks it's a suicide but Anna is not so sure and her detective talents kick in and, once she points out several observations to Joe, he can't help but agree. Before all is said and done, a variety of cases will have Anna going in all directions, albeit surreptitiously, and we're also treated to more of her family drama while Joe continues to support her as best he can in his 1908 manly way.
And who keeps sending Anna bouquets of beautiful flowers?
This is the second book I've read in this series---not sure how or why I've missed the first one---and I'm an ardent admirer of Ms. Kincheloe's obvious research into the early part of the 20th century. More than that, she brings Anna and her surroundings to life, making me want more. I guess I'll have to go pick up The Secret Life of Anna Blanc while I'm waiting for book #4 ;-)
January 11, 2020
I listened to the audio book, and Moira Quirk is the perfect narrator for the story. The Body... is nearly amazing and I wish they'd let me give 4.5, not just 4 or 5 here.
This is the third book in the Anna Blanc mystery series. You could start here, and it would be a good experience, but I recommend starting with The Secret Life of Anna Blanc.
Anna is the disinherited daughter of a conservative banker in the early 1900s. She had been raised sheltered and isolated to her own class.
Her energy and intelligence, although untrained and trained wrong in so many ways, won't let her take the expected path. She became an L. A. police matron.
The eponymous body in Griffith Park draws her in, turning up, as it does, almost at her feet. In this outing Anna, again, has to fight against societal strictures as well as her own inexperience. She has learned from past experiences, so she has grown. Still, her focus on solving the murder leads to both humorous and dangerous events.
I don't want to do spoilers, but I'm not showing how good The Body in Griffith Park is. Anna will charm and sometimes frustrate you just as she does with the people around her. Yet you will find the experience exhilarating, as Detective Joe does.
Read this book. If you start here first, it will make you want to go back. If you've read Anna's adventures before, it will light off in you all those series satisfactions that attend a really good series!
This is the third book in the Anna Blanc mystery series. You could start here, and it would be a good experience, but I recommend starting with The Secret Life of Anna Blanc.
Anna is the disinherited daughter of a conservative banker in the early 1900s. She had been raised sheltered and isolated to her own class.
Her energy and intelligence, although untrained and trained wrong in so many ways, won't let her take the expected path. She became an L. A. police matron.
The eponymous body in Griffith Park draws her in, turning up, as it does, almost at her feet. In this outing Anna, again, has to fight against societal strictures as well as her own inexperience. She has learned from past experiences, so she has grown. Still, her focus on solving the murder leads to both humorous and dangerous events.
I don't want to do spoilers, but I'm not showing how good The Body in Griffith Park is. Anna will charm and sometimes frustrate you just as she does with the people around her. Yet you will find the experience exhilarating, as Detective Joe does.
Read this book. If you start here first, it will make you want to go back. If you've read Anna's adventures before, it will light off in you all those series satisfactions that attend a really good series!
November 23, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed this mystery, which was set in 1904 Los Angeles. The author creates a highly likable heroine, Anna Blanc, a beautiful heiress who is disowned by her father after she investigates a crime involving brothels (this takes place in the first book in the series). Anna believes that women should be independent and have rights equal to men.
The book is well written, historically accurate (read the notes at the end), and often funny. I can’t wait for the next in the series.
The book is well written, historically accurate (read the notes at the end), and often funny. I can’t wait for the next in the series.
January 15, 2020
Funny in almost a screwball comedy OTT way, in this one it is the discovery of a man's dead body in Griffith Park , where Anna and Joe have escaped for a tryst, that sets the wheels in motion. Yet like all 3 books in the series, the mysteries mainly concern crimes against women, and therefore the subject matter allows for pathos as well and humor. The moral and ethical dilemma which the disinherited Anna faces when she tries to connect with a family member is particularly well done. I love that the setting is early 20th century Los Angeles.
April 1, 2020
Thank you thank you Jennifer for yet another fun adventure with Anna Blanc and Joe Singer. I could not put the book down, and it was exactly what I needed during this time. Thank you for making me transport back in time, fall in love and solve yet another mystery.
I think this might be my favorite one yet!
I think this might be my favorite one yet!
August 11, 2019
Another enjoyable book in the Anna Blanc series. I love the characters and how they are developing. Cannot wait for the next adventure!
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September 13, 2019Jupiter, this book was a delightful read! The plot had many twists & turns that kept me guessing until the end, and Anna's infectious personality & romance with Officer Singer make for an entertaining tale. Looking forward to reading book #4!
September 27, 2019
This is a good historical mystery series! I love smart but naive Anna, and the delightful humor that comes from her unique way of thinking.
January 15, 2020
Love this series 😊
January 19, 2020
Love this series, she needs to write faster!
July 21, 2020
Best Yet
Thrills and chills! This is the best Anna Blanc novel yet! I can't wait for the next. Very exciting all the way to the end.
Thrills and chills! This is the best Anna Blanc novel yet! I can't wait for the next. Very exciting all the way to the end.
January 10, 2020
An easy 5 stars to another brilliant, clever installment in the Anna Blanc series. Highly recommend.
January 4, 2020
I love an Anna Blanc mystery! There is just the perfect mix of smart detective work and hilarious internal monologue. I can't wait for the next installment!
P.S. Joe Singer belongs in the pantheon of great literary boyfriends along with Darcy and Gatsby. He is so steadfast and appreciates Anna for more than her looks. I love that he is always willing to listen to her ideas and gives her credit for her skills and intelligence. PLUS, he looks like the Arrow Collar Man...
P.S. Joe Singer belongs in the pantheon of great literary boyfriends along with Darcy and Gatsby. He is so steadfast and appreciates Anna for more than her looks. I love that he is always willing to listen to her ideas and gives her credit for her skills and intelligence. PLUS, he looks like the Arrow Collar Man...
March 27, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. Delightful and likable characters woven into history of LA with a surprise ending. I plan to read more of Anna Blanc.
January 15, 2020
Always love the narration and the character in this book. Light hearted and fun. Can't wait for the next book!
February 17, 2020
Anna has finally decided to marry Joe. She wants to marry him on her own terms. That's about the only thing going right for her at the moment. Her father still wants nothing to do with her. The chief of police is starting to crack down on her job performance. To add a cherry to the top of the storm that's festering around her, some unknown person is sending her flowers and gifts to her desk every day. She makes a discovery that turns her world upside down.
I really enjoyed the story. Despite my frustrations with the main character. The story itself was amazing. It was full of intrigue and moments that threw me. It's amazing how many things everybody was juggling while still maintaining a healthy social life. It intrigued me. It does show that it's possible. If people could figure out how to do it in the early 1900s, I can figure out how to do it now. There were a few things that I wish were drawn out a bit more.
I haven't ever liked Anna. I mean I respect the fact that she's brilliant. It's amazing how she deduces things so easily that others couldn't see at all. In today's time, she'd be a valuable asset to any of the law enforcement units. She would be respected and revered. I get that. I do. It doesn't change the fact that she's so spoiled and selfish. She doesn't bother to see things from anybody else's point of view but her own. She's a royal brat! I really enjoyed Joe, but he had flaws too. His lack of willingness to stand up for himself. He did the right thing, but he still let Anna make him feel bad! I still adore his character so much.
This book was narrated by Moira Quirk. The first two books in the series were narrated by her. She does a fantastic job. She gave Anna even more dramatic flair than the story originally did. Which is amazing. It takes a real talent for the narrator to fully become the characters they are narrating. She's one of the few that has that talent. I will be listening to other audiobooks by her.
I really enjoyed this book. I may not have really cared for Anna, but that's a personal thing. It has no reflection on the book itself. The whole series was amazing. I was thinking this was a trilogy at first, but it seems like there may be more books that will be a part of this story. If there is, I'm completely down with that idea. I will read every book that has to do with this series. I enjoyed the three very much.
I really enjoyed the story. Despite my frustrations with the main character. The story itself was amazing. It was full of intrigue and moments that threw me. It's amazing how many things everybody was juggling while still maintaining a healthy social life. It intrigued me. It does show that it's possible. If people could figure out how to do it in the early 1900s, I can figure out how to do it now. There were a few things that I wish were drawn out a bit more.
I haven't ever liked Anna. I mean I respect the fact that she's brilliant. It's amazing how she deduces things so easily that others couldn't see at all. In today's time, she'd be a valuable asset to any of the law enforcement units. She would be respected and revered. I get that. I do. It doesn't change the fact that she's so spoiled and selfish. She doesn't bother to see things from anybody else's point of view but her own. She's a royal brat! I really enjoyed Joe, but he had flaws too. His lack of willingness to stand up for himself. He did the right thing, but he still let Anna make him feel bad! I still adore his character so much.
This book was narrated by Moira Quirk. The first two books in the series were narrated by her. She does a fantastic job. She gave Anna even more dramatic flair than the story originally did. Which is amazing. It takes a real talent for the narrator to fully become the characters they are narrating. She's one of the few that has that talent. I will be listening to other audiobooks by her.
I really enjoyed this book. I may not have really cared for Anna, but that's a personal thing. It has no reflection on the book itself. The whole series was amazing. I was thinking this was a trilogy at first, but it seems like there may be more books that will be a part of this story. If there is, I'm completely down with that idea. I will read every book that has to do with this series. I enjoyed the three very much.
February 12, 2021
Assistant Police matron, Anna Blanc, is out in Griffith Park with her fiancée, Officer Joe Singer and about to finally get shagged when they find the body of a man who has been shot in the forehead.
Next, Anna is put in-charge of a young girl who was sent away from home by her step-mother and met at the train station by a much older woman. The woman takes the young girl in and to her establishments; the Jonquil Café & Jonquil Residence Apartments for Professional Women, where she is given food & shelter in exchange for bodily services.
Later while Anna & Joe are lunching (investigating) at the Jonquil Café, they notice two older men with two underage girls, and thus begins an investigation.... they later find that the dead man in Griffith Park once worked at the Jonquil Café.
Meanwhile someone is anonymously sending Anna huge bouquets of exotic flowers
I'm so very torn by this series: while I do like the plot & story line, I sincerely hate that somewhere after the middle of every book the main character, Anna Blanc, Always Turns Into an Obnoxious Emotional Idiot: What the hell is with that.... It is most annoying and makes me want to put the book down as the trait really discredits Anna's ability as a competent detective. It also proves the point of the Victorians that women naturally are hysterical and given to bouts of insanity.
Also turning me against Anna, is her continual harassing of her fiancée, police office Joe Singer.. whom she desperately want to shag, but is always harassing him, doing things to hurt him, and continually breaking up with him.
I'm tired of all of immaturity & emotional b.s.: it is insipid and does nothing to make for a likeable/believable character.
I'm knocking off 2 stars because of the unmitigated & unending arrogance and idiocy of the main character, it really is pathetic and leaves one without sympathy for her when she gets a comeuppance.
Next, Anna is put in-charge of a young girl who was sent away from home by her step-mother and met at the train station by a much older woman. The woman takes the young girl in and to her establishments; the Jonquil Café & Jonquil Residence Apartments for Professional Women, where she is given food & shelter in exchange for bodily services.
Later while Anna & Joe are lunching (investigating) at the Jonquil Café, they notice two older men with two underage girls, and thus begins an investigation.... they later find that the dead man in Griffith Park once worked at the Jonquil Café.
Meanwhile someone is anonymously sending Anna huge bouquets of exotic flowers
I'm so very torn by this series: while I do like the plot & story line, I sincerely hate that somewhere after the middle of every book the main character, Anna Blanc, Always Turns Into an Obnoxious Emotional Idiot: What the hell is with that.... It is most annoying and makes me want to put the book down as the trait really discredits Anna's ability as a competent detective. It also proves the point of the Victorians that women naturally are hysterical and given to bouts of insanity.
Also turning me against Anna, is her continual harassing of her fiancée, police office Joe Singer.. whom she desperately want to shag, but is always harassing him, doing things to hurt him, and continually breaking up with him.
I'm tired of all of immaturity & emotional b.s.: it is insipid and does nothing to make for a likeable/believable character.
I'm knocking off 2 stars because of the unmitigated & unending arrogance and idiocy of the main character, it really is pathetic and leaves one without sympathy for her when she gets a comeuppance.
February 19, 2020
Audiobook Review
I absolutely adore what Jennifer Kincheloe has created with the Anna Blanc mystery series. It's the most entertaining historical fiction in my opinion! Just when you think you're up for a little romance with detective Joe Singer...a body is suddenly found in Griffith park. I know, shocker right? I loved how this mystery plays out when Anna's family gets involved in the case. She's forced into an impossible dilemma between Joe, defending a family member, and solving the case. Great plotting. Laughed out loud several times!
Narrator Moira Quirk is the perfect voice of Anna Blanc. I couldn't imagine picking another person. Her characterization of Anna Blanc is spot on. When I'm listening to it I feel like I'm transported back in time. Moira Quirk is the best!
I absolutely adore what Jennifer Kincheloe has created with the Anna Blanc mystery series. It's the most entertaining historical fiction in my opinion! Just when you think you're up for a little romance with detective Joe Singer...a body is suddenly found in Griffith park. I know, shocker right? I loved how this mystery plays out when Anna's family gets involved in the case. She's forced into an impossible dilemma between Joe, defending a family member, and solving the case. Great plotting. Laughed out loud several times!
Narrator Moira Quirk is the perfect voice of Anna Blanc. I couldn't imagine picking another person. Her characterization of Anna Blanc is spot on. When I'm listening to it I feel like I'm transported back in time. Moira Quirk is the best!
September 5, 2019
Originally posted lampshadereader.com
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
The Body in Griffith Park by Jennifer Kincheloe was a hoot. I can never get tired of Anna Blanc and this installment did not disappoint. Below is the Top 5 Reasons why I loved The Body in Griffith Park.
1. Anna Blanc
I'm pretty sure that the lead character is a given. But I seriously cannot stress enough about how unique of a character she is. I don't think I've read one quite like her. As Anna says: Jupiter!
She's frustratingly annoying, but yet endearing at the same time. I just can't get over her. Maybe I understand how Joe feels.
Given that Anna lives in The Progressive Era in America, the series focuses on the lack of women's rights. I think this quote put it perfectly.
I love how she "steals" books in order to learn how to read a crime scene.
2. Family Dynamics
Anna's dad is still a douche bag, but I have a feeling that someday they might repair their relationship. I really liked the added family drama in this one.
3. The Overall Theme
The secret admirer in the beginning was fun.
Anna and Joe's continued romantic faux pas.
Anna's continued support for the prostitutes that she got to know from the previous book.
The hunt for a killer that turns into breaking up a bigger crime ring.
4. Joe Singer
I consider Joe a beta hero. He doesn't act macho and he kind of lets Anna walk all over him. The instance on the train ( which was hilarious ) would have made me a little miffed, but it's Joe, so all we get is concern for Anna's safety first and foremost. What a sweetie.
Joe can be my Arrow Collar Man any day.
Oh and his singing gets me all the time.
5. Bittersweet Ending
Oh my, but this one made me really sorry for Anna. It really showed the nuances to Anna's personality. Even though she comes off as spoiled and bratty, deep down she really just needs someone. She displays kindness and vulnerability. At least she has Joe.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
The Body in Griffith Park by Jennifer Kincheloe was a hoot. I can never get tired of Anna Blanc and this installment did not disappoint. Below is the Top 5 Reasons why I loved The Body in Griffith Park.
1. Anna Blanc
I'm pretty sure that the lead character is a given. But I seriously cannot stress enough about how unique of a character she is. I don't think I've read one quite like her. As Anna says: Jupiter!
She's frustratingly annoying, but yet endearing at the same time. I just can't get over her. Maybe I understand how Joe feels.
"After several misstarts. Anna finally had the love of her life, just like a Valentine's card. Well, perhaps not just like a Valentine's card. There was nothing quaint or charming about the way she felt a about Joe Singer. She wanted to eat him."
Given that Anna lives in The Progressive Era in America, the series focuses on the lack of women's rights. I think this quote put it perfectly.
"He said "no" was the story of Anna's life."
I love how she "steals" books in order to learn how to read a crime scene.
2. Family Dynamics
Anna's dad is still a douche bag, but I have a feeling that someday they might repair their relationship. I really liked the added family drama in this one.
3. The Overall Theme
The secret admirer in the beginning was fun.
Anna and Joe's continued romantic faux pas.
Anna's continued support for the prostitutes that she got to know from the previous book.
The hunt for a killer that turns into breaking up a bigger crime ring.
4. Joe Singer
I consider Joe a beta hero. He doesn't act macho and he kind of lets Anna walk all over him. The instance on the train ( which was hilarious ) would have made me a little miffed, but it's Joe, so all we get is concern for Anna's safety first and foremost. What a sweetie.
Joe can be my Arrow Collar Man any day.
Oh and his singing gets me all the time.
5. Bittersweet Ending
Oh my, but this one made me really sorry for Anna. It really showed the nuances to Anna's personality. Even though she comes off as spoiled and bratty, deep down she really just needs someone. She displays kindness and vulnerability. At least she has Joe.
September 8, 2019
I became smitten with Anna Blanc when I read The Secret Life of Anna Blanc, the first book in this historical mystery series, four years ago. Anna was, and continues to be, a refreshing protagonist and a woman ahead of her time who was equally smart, determined and sassy.
This third installment of the mystery series, set in 1920's Los Angeles, provides wonderful descriptions of the era and setting. I love that Anna continues to be fearless, fiercely independent and quite impetuous. While her naivete and reactions to Joe were sometimes frustrating, I continue to enjoy their banter but hope that the finally decide their relationship status soon.
This is a solid whodunnit kind of mystery with several plot threads that, occasionally felt a bit muddled, but overall, I feel this is a good addition to the Anna Blanc series. If you're looking for a new series with that blends a historical setting, a bit of sass, a good mystery and an intriguing heroine, you'll want to meet Anna Blanc.
Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to the author and Seventh Street Books for providing me with a complimentary copy of this title in exchange for my honest review.
This third installment of the mystery series, set in 1920's Los Angeles, provides wonderful descriptions of the era and setting. I love that Anna continues to be fearless, fiercely independent and quite impetuous. While her naivete and reactions to Joe were sometimes frustrating, I continue to enjoy their banter but hope that the finally decide their relationship status soon.
This is a solid whodunnit kind of mystery with several plot threads that, occasionally felt a bit muddled, but overall, I feel this is a good addition to the Anna Blanc series. If you're looking for a new series with that blends a historical setting, a bit of sass, a good mystery and an intriguing heroine, you'll want to meet Anna Blanc.
Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to the author and Seventh Street Books for providing me with a complimentary copy of this title in exchange for my honest review.
October 22, 2019
3 1/2 stars
Anna Blanc is back. First introduced In The Secret Life of Anna Blanc I loved her quirky personality, spontaneous nature, and illogical reasoning. Now she is back in book 3 for another romp around as Matron, though she’d rather be a police detective.
Set in the 1908s the author created a setting that made Los Angeles real and its ways authentic. An interesting plot that kept me guessing, filled with wacky adventures that only Anna can worm her way into (and out of). Some might have felt a little over the top but still an enjoyable read.
I don't think we've seen the end of Anna, with some issues left hanging one can only wonder what mischief there is left for her to get caught up in.
My thanks to the author and Seventh Street Books for a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
Anna Blanc is back. First introduced In The Secret Life of Anna Blanc I loved her quirky personality, spontaneous nature, and illogical reasoning. Now she is back in book 3 for another romp around as Matron, though she’d rather be a police detective.
Set in the 1908s the author created a setting that made Los Angeles real and its ways authentic. An interesting plot that kept me guessing, filled with wacky adventures that only Anna can worm her way into (and out of). Some might have felt a little over the top but still an enjoyable read.
I don't think we've seen the end of Anna, with some issues left hanging one can only wonder what mischief there is left for her to get caught up in.
My thanks to the author and Seventh Street Books for a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 5, 2019
Yay -- Anna Blanc is back! Fans who loved the first two Anna Blanc books will be enthralled as Anna works to solve a new crime (which she's not authorized to investigate, of course). On the personal side, the layers of Anna's life deepen when Anna's new life as Los Angeles Assistant Police Matron collides with her family history in unexpected ways. As always, Anna is feisty, smart -- and hopelessly in love with Joe Singer. Will she solve the crime AND get her man? I was turning the pages to find out!
July 31, 2019
Relationships get a great deal more involved in this book, and there are quite a few cases to solve. As a detective novel I'd rate this a bit lower than the previous books, but this is more of a "Where have we been and where are we going?" book. There are a lot of new characters, some I'm pretty certain we;ll be seeing again
May 4, 2022
Better than the last book in this series, but mainly for the laughs. Anna’s Perils of Pauline escapades, rescued by her very own Dudley Doright (okay, too much mixing there) at the last minute can be a bit much. Mostly fun. Definitely in the screwball comedy genre, if it were a film.
More of a three and a half stars read for me.
More of a three and a half stars read for me.
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