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Thistlewood Star Mysteries #2
Palatino for the Painter
Out of print. Republished as C. Rysa Walker.
A total eclipse of the art?
When the rusted-out remains of a vehicle with a unique vanity plate are hauled out of the Freedom River, journalist Ruth Townsend and her best friend, Wren Lawson, think they’ve finally learned the truth about the disappearance of their high school friend, Tanya Blackburn. The rest of Thistlewood may have believed that Tanya simply packed up and headed for the bright lights of Nashville, but the story never made sense to Ruth and Wren, and the mystery has haunted both of them for more than three decades.
Things aren’t always what they appear on the surface, however. A set of paintings left for Ruth at the estate sale of a former teacher seem to contain clues about what really happened to Tanya in the summer of 1987. But when Ruth unboxes the collection, she discovers that Wren may be keeping a few secrets of her own.
Will Ruth uncover the identity of the painter and track down the clues? Or will the answers end up like Tanya, buried at the bottom of the river?
A total eclipse of the art?
When the rusted-out remains of a vehicle with a unique vanity plate are hauled out of the Freedom River, journalist Ruth Townsend and her best friend, Wren Lawson, think they’ve finally learned the truth about the disappearance of their high school friend, Tanya Blackburn. The rest of Thistlewood may have believed that Tanya simply packed up and headed for the bright lights of Nashville, but the story never made sense to Ruth and Wren, and the mystery has haunted both of them for more than three decades.
Things aren’t always what they appear on the surface, however. A set of paintings left for Ruth at the estate sale of a former teacher seem to contain clues about what really happened to Tanya in the summer of 1987. But when Ruth unboxes the collection, she discovers that Wren may be keeping a few secrets of her own.
Will Ruth uncover the identity of the painter and track down the clues? Or will the answers end up like Tanya, buried at the bottom of the river?
234 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2019
155 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
About the author
Jessa Archer
25 books172 followersJessa Archer writes sweet, funny, warm-hearted cozy mysteries because she loves a good puzzle and can't stand the sight of blood. Her characters are witty, adventurous, and crafty in the nicest way. You'll find her sleuths hand lettering inspirational quotes, trying to lower golf handicaps, enjoying a scone at a favorite teashop, knitting a sweater, or showing off a dramatic side in local theater.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
November 14, 2021
I'm a fan
Ruth, Wren, Ed, Cassie - an excellent main cast in an excellent mystery. The story moves at a good pace to solve a decades old cold case and give closure to Ruth and Wren. I can hardly wait to dive into the next book!
Ruth, Wren, Ed, Cassie - an excellent main cast in an excellent mystery. The story moves at a good pace to solve a decades old cold case and give closure to Ruth and Wren. I can hardly wait to dive into the next book!
June 22, 2019
In this second installment of the series, a ghost from Wren and Ruth’s past comes back to haunt them. Their dearest friend from high school in the 1980s disappeared back then. The girl's parents just said she went to Nashville to seek fame and fortune as a singer, but the best friends knew that something wasn't right, but no one would listen to the teenage girls. Flash forward to today, and the friend's car is pulled out of the local lake on the same day that their deceased high school English teacher has left behind a set of eerie paintings of the lake for Ruth. What happened to their friend?
I enjoyed this second book in this series. The author does a good job setting up the small town of Thistlewood with a cast of fascinating characters and deep history that continues to be mined. As one who graduated in the 1980s myself, I thoroughly enjoyed all the ‘80s references in this story. The friendship aspect of this story was delightful as well, both the current friendship between Wren and Ruth and the friendship at the heart of the tragic flashback and the disappearance-turned-murder of their high school friend. I enjoyed watching the evolving relationships between various characters continue to evolve. The author provides a large amount of detail that makes the book feel real, like you're really there and seeing the events, places, and things as everything unfolds, yet the narrative doesn't feel overburdened by too much detail. An excellent mystery that is well grounded in believable characters and an intriguing plot.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
Read my other reviews at https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com.
I enjoyed this second book in this series. The author does a good job setting up the small town of Thistlewood with a cast of fascinating characters and deep history that continues to be mined. As one who graduated in the 1980s myself, I thoroughly enjoyed all the ‘80s references in this story. The friendship aspect of this story was delightful as well, both the current friendship between Wren and Ruth and the friendship at the heart of the tragic flashback and the disappearance-turned-murder of their high school friend. I enjoyed watching the evolving relationships between various characters continue to evolve. The author provides a large amount of detail that makes the book feel real, like you're really there and seeing the events, places, and things as everything unfolds, yet the narrative doesn't feel overburdened by too much detail. An excellent mystery that is well grounded in believable characters and an intriguing plot.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
Read my other reviews at https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com.
June 28, 2019
Thistlewood had been relatively quiet over the winter but now that spring was upon them tourists were starting to come in. Ruth Townsend, her daughter Cassie and best friend Wren, stop by a estate sale where they find a mysterious box with Ruth’s name on. They were in the process of purchasing it when Ruth gets a call that a car has been found in the river. As a reporter she drives there but is shocked when the car they pull out was their friend Tanya’s who had gone missing in high school. Ruth is determined to find out what really happened.
This is a great cozy mystery filled with interesting characters and small town charm. The charming and personable characters are the heart of this story as they continue to progress with lives including jobs, romances, friendships and coping with events of the last book. The narrative and dialogue enhance the interesting qualities of the characters and give in-site into small town life. The writer weaves the daily living with the mystery solving and does so with twists and surprises that keep you on the edge of your seat until the end. I loved how Ruth went about reestablishing her independence and the romantic aspects of the story were delightful. It’s a great mystery and definitely well thought out by the writer who demonstrated a great deal of creativity. This cozy mystery is worth the read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a great cozy mystery filled with interesting characters and small town charm. The charming and personable characters are the heart of this story as they continue to progress with lives including jobs, romances, friendships and coping with events of the last book. The narrative and dialogue enhance the interesting qualities of the characters and give in-site into small town life. The writer weaves the daily living with the mystery solving and does so with twists and surprises that keep you on the edge of your seat until the end. I loved how Ruth went about reestablishing her independence and the romantic aspects of the story were delightful. It’s a great mystery and definitely well thought out by the writer who demonstrated a great deal of creativity. This cozy mystery is worth the read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 21, 2019
Opening up a whole can of worms
What a terrific read. Fast paced, action packed and underlying it all a lot of emotion. Guilt, love, remorse and anger. With the characters just gaining more colour and life to make the read really live.
After the death of one of the favourite old teachers in town, the son holds an estate sale. She finds a box of four paintings with her name on them. Then comes a call that a car has been found in the nearby river. A car that she and her BFF know well. It was the pride and joy of a dear friend that vanished 30 years ago. Her parents maintained that she had run away from home but neither she nor her BFF really believed that. Not only that but the paintings seem to alluding to the fact that someone knew the car was there and that it had something to do with a violent crime. A suicide, a beating of one of the only minority kids in school, a car with a skeleton driver and a skeleton in the boot and falsehoods that are eating away at someone. Will she be able to find out what happened? Was it murder? How will it affect her BFF, her daughter and her beau? Why does she think of the bear as a guardian?
What a terrific read. Fast paced, action packed and underlying it all a lot of emotion. Guilt, love, remorse and anger. With the characters just gaining more colour and life to make the read really live.
After the death of one of the favourite old teachers in town, the son holds an estate sale. She finds a box of four paintings with her name on them. Then comes a call that a car has been found in the nearby river. A car that she and her BFF know well. It was the pride and joy of a dear friend that vanished 30 years ago. Her parents maintained that she had run away from home but neither she nor her BFF really believed that. Not only that but the paintings seem to alluding to the fact that someone knew the car was there and that it had something to do with a violent crime. A suicide, a beating of one of the only minority kids in school, a car with a skeleton driver and a skeleton in the boot and falsehoods that are eating away at someone. Will she be able to find out what happened? Was it murder? How will it affect her BFF, her daughter and her beau? Why does she think of the bear as a guardian?
June 24, 2019
Journalist Ruth Townsend and her friend Wren are at an estate sale of a former teacher and discover she has left Ruth some paintings. Before Ruth can take a closer look the ladies find themselves on their way to the Freedom River after Ruth receives a potential lead for a story. A vehicle has been found in the river with a body inside and they soon learn that it might be their dear friend Tanya that disappeared 30 years ago.
Soon Ruth discovers that the inherited paintings and the mystery behind Tanya’s disappearance may have a link to what happened in the summer of 1987. As Ruth tracks down leads to what happened long ago, she soon learns Wren has been keeping a family secret that may tie further into the mystery.
This is the second book in the new Thistlewood Star Mysteries series, but can easily be read as a stand-alone. It is filled with a lot of mystery, suspense, hidden secrets, and twist & turns to keep readers like myself unable to put the book down until the very end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Soon Ruth discovers that the inherited paintings and the mystery behind Tanya’s disappearance may have a link to what happened in the summer of 1987. As Ruth tracks down leads to what happened long ago, she soon learns Wren has been keeping a family secret that may tie further into the mystery.
This is the second book in the new Thistlewood Star Mysteries series, but can easily be read as a stand-alone. It is filled with a lot of mystery, suspense, hidden secrets, and twist & turns to keep readers like myself unable to put the book down until the very end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 23, 2019
Ruth & Wren has been close to a third gal from their High School. Ruth has expected Tanya to share lodging with her and find a job and work on selling her music while Ruth studied journalism.
But Tanya just disappeared on Fourth of July. No word. All her belongings gone from her room, except her songbook- the one thing she would have taken if she had somehow suddenly decided to leave abruptly.
30 years later, and the mystery lingers - until some out of town boys at a family reunion decide to scuba dive and find her car. The discovery leads to bringing several hidden stories to light.
Maybe uncovering that darkness can finally bring some healing to some of those affected- but others seem to throw up permanent blocks to everything.
Intense action and self reflection in a KU format.
I received an advance copy from Booksprout. Most of the books in this series I have either bought or borrowed from Kindle or KU.
But Tanya just disappeared on Fourth of July. No word. All her belongings gone from her room, except her songbook- the one thing she would have taken if she had somehow suddenly decided to leave abruptly.
30 years later, and the mystery lingers - until some out of town boys at a family reunion decide to scuba dive and find her car. The discovery leads to bringing several hidden stories to light.
Maybe uncovering that darkness can finally bring some healing to some of those affected- but others seem to throw up permanent blocks to everything.
Intense action and self reflection in a KU format.
I received an advance copy from Booksprout. Most of the books in this series I have either bought or borrowed from Kindle or KU.
June 24, 2019
We're back in Thistlewood for another cozy mystery along with the regular folks in town. Ruth is left a box of paintings by her English teacher and the mystery begins.
A car is being pulled from the river and it's one that Ruth and her friend Wren remember very well. Will the discovery of this car finally lead to the truth of what happened to Ruth and Wren's friend Tanya who disappeared 30 years ago? Everyone in town believes Tanya just left town and headed for Nashville. Add the car being found with the paintings left to Ruth and they may get the answers as to what really happened to Tanya.
Jessa Archer did not disappoint with this book and I highly recommend it!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A car is being pulled from the river and it's one that Ruth and her friend Wren remember very well. Will the discovery of this car finally lead to the truth of what happened to Ruth and Wren's friend Tanya who disappeared 30 years ago? Everyone in town believes Tanya just left town and headed for Nashville. Add the car being found with the paintings left to Ruth and they may get the answers as to what really happened to Tanya.
Jessa Archer did not disappoint with this book and I highly recommend it!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 27, 2019
A retired school teacher dies and her son has an estate sale. At the sale Cassie discovers paintings in a box labeled with her mom’s name and the news paper she owns. Before Ruth can see the paintings, she is called by Ed about a car being pulled out of the river. She and Wren rush out and while Ruth is getting a few pictures, she sees the front vanity plate...the car belongs to Tonya, her and Wren’s friend that disappeared over 30 years before.
Jessa Archer has written another great story. Wonderful characters and page-turning scenes that have you wanting more. Can’t wait to read more!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Jessa Archer has written another great story. Wonderful characters and page-turning scenes that have you wanting more. Can’t wait to read more!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 23, 2019
If you have read the previous books about Thistlewood and the adventures of Ruth Townsend you may remember her childhood friend Tanya, who went missing just after graduating from high school..This book uncovers what happened then.
Uncovering the secrets of long ago and putting the blame on the right person is Ruth's mission, and we can observe her and her friends in action again.
A wonderfully written book, highly entertaining and a great example for a cozy mystery with lovable characters all around.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Uncovering the secrets of long ago and putting the blame on the right person is Ruth's mission, and we can observe her and her friends in action again.
A wonderfully written book, highly entertaining and a great example for a cozy mystery with lovable characters all around.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 21, 2019
Ruth receives a box of paintings with her name on it at an estate sale, which plunges her into a mystery from the past. She will need the help of her good friends to search for clues. Palatino for the Painter has all the twists, humor, and suspense of The Thistlewood Star Mysteries, which I recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 23, 2019
Thistlewood is one of my favorite places now that I know so many characters. This is such an awesome series and I am thrilled to read each book! This is the 3rd that I have read, counting the prequel that was oh so awesome! If you have not started this yet, do not wait! This is truly an awesome series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 26, 2019
Even though this is the second book in a series (Thistlewood Star Mysteries), I don't see a problem with reading it as a standalone. However, it always gives an added depth to the story with the extra information you'll get from the previous book. I really enjoyed reading about Ruth who steadily reach a conclusion to a mystery and crime, without blood and gore.
Recommended.
Recommended.
July 5, 2019
A good mystery
Suspense, humor, and action along with great characters in a quaint little town ... what more could you ask? Perhaps a murder or two. Summer tourists visiting Thistlewood snorkel down to find an old car in the river ... with a skeleton at the wheel. Could it have anything to do with Ruth and Wren’s high school friend?
Suspense, humor, and action along with great characters in a quaint little town ... what more could you ask? Perhaps a murder or two. Summer tourists visiting Thistlewood snorkel down to find an old car in the river ... with a skeleton at the wheel. Could it have anything to do with Ruth and Wren’s high school friend?
June 1, 2019
Another great read! This one dug up memories, old feelings that needed dealt with, and a missing friend. The characters are so lovable and the story moves at good pace. I'm really enjoying this series.
June 21, 2019
This was an excellent addition to the series. This story about a cold case is well written and I love the characters. This is feeling like coming home!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 26, 2019
This is the second in the series and one of the best because Ruth finally finds out what happened to her friend Tanya. This series just heating up and I can't wait for more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2019
Good read
Enjoyed the book very much and I'm not really big on romance in a story line but the relationship between these two seems to be just another natural occurrence that belongs in the book to make it better. Read the book and you will know what I mean.
Enjoyed the book very much and I'm not really big on romance in a story line but the relationship between these two seems to be just another natural occurrence that belongs in the book to make it better. Read the book and you will know what I mean.
July 18, 2025
I just discovered this series and now I'm binge listening to it. Love narrator Kate Rudd's performance - it really adds to my overall enjoyment of the series. Solid mysteries, great friendship between Ruth and Wren and I love the light romance.
November 3, 2025
A fun cozy mystery. I like that the main character is a reporter who can, reasonably, go around asking questions.
(Catching up on recording my October reading. Identical review for first 3 books in the series.)
(Catching up on recording my October reading. Identical review for first 3 books in the series.)
January 1, 2026
Great storytelling!
Another intriguing book in a high quality mystery series! The characters are well written, the dialogue sounds natural, and the suspense is edge off your seat...
Another intriguing book in a high quality mystery series! The characters are well written, the dialogue sounds natural, and the suspense is edge off your seat...
April 6, 2024
One of those great stories where you have a big sigh of contentment with the final resolution.
July 29, 2020
Book #2 in the Thistlewood Series
I am an avid reader of Rysa Walker's work. I enjoy her craft as a storyteller.
One aspect of C. Rysa Walkers` writing that I enjoy is her ability to tell a good story. I often find myself engrossed in her books and not putting them down! Her attention to minor details helps make the story more meaningful because she gives time to each part of her narrative in order to make the end story the best that it can be.
I am intrigued by the different elements that were brought into the main characters story regarding journalism and running a newspaper. I rather enjoyed the old school feel of staying with the former technology of the printing press rather than modernizing it. I'm sentimental and I appreciated their tribute in the obituaries.
I connect with the older characters and enjoy that aspect of this series.
I can not wait to continue this series!
I am an avid reader of Rysa Walker's work. I enjoy her craft as a storyteller.
One aspect of C. Rysa Walkers` writing that I enjoy is her ability to tell a good story. I often find myself engrossed in her books and not putting them down! Her attention to minor details helps make the story more meaningful because she gives time to each part of her narrative in order to make the end story the best that it can be.
I am intrigued by the different elements that were brought into the main characters story regarding journalism and running a newspaper. I rather enjoyed the old school feel of staying with the former technology of the printing press rather than modernizing it. I'm sentimental and I appreciated their tribute in the obituaries.
I connect with the older characters and enjoy that aspect of this series.
I can not wait to continue this series!
August 23, 2019
Another great cozy little murder mystery. This time, Ruth - with the help of her friends of course - solves a 30+ year old mystery of what happened to one of her best friends. Ruth and Wren never believed Tracey just up and left like her family claimed. When her car is pulled up from the bottom of the river, several decades old mysteries ultimately get solved.
Jessa Archer ties up thses past mysteries quite well. Side storylines continue nicely from the first book (this is the second in the series). Character development continues strong. Some side minor plots are developing in a strong manner. The only two questions Archer leaves me with are who is the man watching Ruth and Cassie at their wood's edge? I can guess. It would make sense that it is the person who is arrested at the end of the book but it would have been nice to close that question. My second unanswered question concerns the title. Ruth assumes the painter is her former teacher since she receives them at her estate sale but in the end we learn the true identity of the painter. That person is alive at the end of the story.
All in all, I loved it and have already "purchased" the next in the series from Kindle.
Jessa Archer ties up thses past mysteries quite well. Side storylines continue nicely from the first book (this is the second in the series). Character development continues strong. Some side minor plots are developing in a strong manner. The only two questions Archer leaves me with are who is the man watching Ruth and Cassie at their wood's edge? I can guess. It would make sense that it is the person who is arrested at the end of the book but it would have been nice to close that question. My second unanswered question concerns the title. Ruth assumes the painter is her former teacher since she receives them at her estate sale but in the end we learn the true identity of the painter. That person is alive at the end of the story.
All in all, I loved it and have already "purchased" the next in the series from Kindle.
April 27, 2020
I received this book for free to provide an honest review when Rysa Walker was going by Jessa Archer.
Book 2 brings us back to Thistlewood, where Ruth Townsend resides as a Journalist. Ruth and her best friend, Wren, used to be a trio in high school, but one day their friend, Tanya, just disappeared. Everyone assumed she finally did what she always said she would do - escaped to Nashville. Everyone that is except Ruth and Wren. They always believed there was more to the disappearance. They knew Tanya wouldn't have left without talking to them about it. Now many years later, Tanya's car is removed from the Freedom River with Tanya inside. Ruth and Wren must work together to solve the mystery of how their best friend ended up dead at the bottom of the river.
Rysa Walker delivers yet another fun short book. If you like cozy mysteries this is the series for you.
Book 2 brings us back to Thistlewood, where Ruth Townsend resides as a Journalist. Ruth and her best friend, Wren, used to be a trio in high school, but one day their friend, Tanya, just disappeared. Everyone assumed she finally did what she always said she would do - escaped to Nashville. Everyone that is except Ruth and Wren. They always believed there was more to the disappearance. They knew Tanya wouldn't have left without talking to them about it. Now many years later, Tanya's car is removed from the Freedom River with Tanya inside. Ruth and Wren must work together to solve the mystery of how their best friend ended up dead at the bottom of the river.
Rysa Walker delivers yet another fun short book. If you like cozy mysteries this is the series for you.
January 18, 2020
In the excellent 1st book in this series, the disappearance of Ruth's & Wren's friend was alluded to. I loved having her story resolved!
June 26, 2019
The past comes back to haunt Thistlewood when a car is pulled out of the river, a car belonging to Ruth's old friend who disappeared 30 years earlier. Ruth needs to find out what really happened to Tanya that night.
This book is fast-paced with humour, guilt, suspense, and secrets, all of which combine to make a fantastic page-turner.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book is fast-paced with humour, guilt, suspense, and secrets, all of which combine to make a fantastic page-turner.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 9, 2019
The nostalgia that is felt for the Thistlewood Star continues to pour out in this book. The characters have continued to bond in this book as a new relationship begins. It is amazing how holding onto a secret will affect a person. This book is a good continuation of the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 19, 2022
I loved this book!! Book #2 in the Thistlewood series is my new favorite! I am obsessed with the town of Thistlewood and all of the main characters. I love a good mystery and this book checks all the boxes! A great and easy read! The pages and hours fly by as you take on the latest mystery with Ruth Townsend!! Great job, C. Rysa Walker!!
June 22, 2019
This is my favorite book in the series. Ruth Townsend, her daughter and friends set out to unravel the mystery of a high school friend who have been missing for more than 20 years. The book is well written and keeps you guessing.
September 27, 2019
Another great one - please see review under author Jessa Archer
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews