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Jane Jeffry #6
From Here to Paternity
Jane Jeffry, suburban sleuth extraordinare, and her friend, Detective Mel VanDyne, have braved a blizzard to join her friend Shelley at a Colorado ski resort. In spite of having all their kids along, Jane and Shelley imagine a few mindless days of relaxation. But their hopes are dashed on their first attempt to ski when Jane careens into a snowman that hides a very real -- and every dead -- body.
The slopes are littered with suspects -- a convention of genealogists led by a political fruitcake who thinks she's going to put her hand-picked Tsar on the Russian throne, a mysterious crimson-clad skier who's always on the horizon, and ex-stockbroker who's hiding from his investors, and an irate tribe of Native Americans. Jane has to take a census of the suspects and make some grave assumptions about who was vacationing with malicious intent.
The slopes are littered with suspects -- a convention of genealogists led by a political fruitcake who thinks she's going to put her hand-picked Tsar on the Russian throne, a mysterious crimson-clad skier who's always on the horizon, and ex-stockbroker who's hiding from his investors, and an irate tribe of Native Americans. Jane has to take a census of the suspects and make some grave assumptions about who was vacationing with malicious intent.
246 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 1995
About the author
Jill Churchill
42 books200 followersA pseudonym used by Janice Young Brooks.
Jill Churchill, winner of the Agatha and Macavity Mystery Readers Awards, and nominated for an Anthony for her best-selling Jane Jeffry series, lives as Jane does, in a midwestern suburb. On purpose! She says writing this series and the Grace and Favor series is the best treat she can have without a knife and fork.
Under her real name, Janice Young Brooks, and various pseudonyms, she's written historical novels, a gothic novel, and a history textbook as well as many articles for newspapers and magazines. When she's not writing, she's avidly doing genealogy which she says is a lot like mysteries with all the red herrings, clues, speculations, and surprises.
She gardens enthusiastically, needlepoints superbly, and plays a mean game of gin against the computer. She has a son and daughter and two granddaughters, Rose Louise and Emma. Janice is currently in a battle of supremacy with her cat Max.
Jill Churchill, winner of the Agatha and Macavity Mystery Readers Awards, and nominated for an Anthony for her best-selling Jane Jeffry series, lives as Jane does, in a midwestern suburb. On purpose! She says writing this series and the Grace and Favor series is the best treat she can have without a knife and fork.
Under her real name, Janice Young Brooks, and various pseudonyms, she's written historical novels, a gothic novel, and a history textbook as well as many articles for newspapers and magazines. When she's not writing, she's avidly doing genealogy which she says is a lot like mysteries with all the red herrings, clues, speculations, and surprises.
She gardens enthusiastically, needlepoints superbly, and plays a mean game of gin against the computer. She has a son and daughter and two granddaughters, Rose Louise and Emma. Janice is currently in a battle of supremacy with her cat Max.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
January 6, 2023
I am just zipping through these books. I'm going to take a break, not because I am tired of them, but because I am soon going to run out of them and I will be sad. I waited years to read the last Valerie Malmont because I knew it was the last.
This one has some discussions that might be challenged as not being quite PC by today's standards; for the time the book was written, I think it would have been viewed as most fair. Even now I don't think there's anything really objectionable -- certainly nothing like what I've seen in other, newer books. This is the mildest of comments.
As usual, the relationship between Shelley and Jane carries the day, but the romance between Jane and Mel is done so beautifully. It's mature, it's honest in a way most cozies aren't. Jane keeps her relationship quiet because of her children, and Mel respects that. And she isn't comping at the bit to get married again. She has realistic views.
I love this series.
This one has some discussions that might be challenged as not being quite PC by today's standards; for the time the book was written, I think it would have been viewed as most fair. Even now I don't think there's anything really objectionable -- certainly nothing like what I've seen in other, newer books. This is the mildest of comments.
As usual, the relationship between Shelley and Jane carries the day, but the romance between Jane and Mel is done so beautifully. It's mature, it's honest in a way most cozies aren't. Jane keeps her relationship quiet because of her children, and Mel respects that. And she isn't comping at the bit to get married again. She has realistic views.
I love this series.
July 29, 2018
Well written.
January 4, 2009
Book 6 in the Jane Jeffry mystery series.
This book picked up the pace for the series after the last one. Jane and Shelley and their families go away for a fun weekend in the snow at a ski resort. Of course the fun and games are cut short when a dead boddy is discovered inside a snowman! (The image is fabulous - Can you imagine! EEEEK!)
The resort is riddled with suspects - and Jane herself is in some hot water over this one. It's always more interesting when the lead character has something personal on the line when drawn into a case in my opinion.
This was much more satisfying than the last book in the series. It made me want more!
This book picked up the pace for the series after the last one. Jane and Shelley and their families go away for a fun weekend in the snow at a ski resort. Of course the fun and games are cut short when a dead boddy is discovered inside a snowman! (The image is fabulous - Can you imagine! EEEEK!)
The resort is riddled with suspects - and Jane herself is in some hot water over this one. It's always more interesting when the lead character has something personal on the line when drawn into a case in my opinion.
This was much more satisfying than the last book in the series. It made me want more!
July 13, 2018
Though I usually enjoy this author's writing, this book just couldn't hold my attention. Jane, Shelley, and Mel take theirs how on the road and spend time with Jane and Shelley's kids at a ski resort without a ski slope. There were a number of logistical flaws in the story, characters behaving in ways that were out of character for them, and long rambling passages where Jane and Shelley tried to determine means, motive, and opportunity for a pretty broad cast of characters. The rambling passages became so tedious, I found myself skimming them just to get on with the rest of the story. All things considered, this book was a bit of a disappointment.
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September 25, 2022It could be the vacation of a lifetime for Jane Jeffry, her friend Shelley, their kids, and Mel VanDyne, the Chicago detective Jane has dated for some time as the book opens. They’re headed to a Colorado resort that is almost entirely devoid of ski slopes. But it has much to offer in other areas, and Shelley’s husband is a potential investor. That’s how the group got free air fare and comp rooms for days of relaxation in the tops of the Rockies.
Also in attendance is a group of quirky genealogists and a native-American tribe protesting the sale of the land. When someone murders one of the genealogists, Jane and Shelley have no shortage of suspects to look at. Not long after the first killing, Jane accidentally skis into a snowman that concealed the murdered body of the resort owner. The killer concealed the body inside the snowman, assuming no one would find it until spring when the snow melted.
There’s much to keep you smiling as you cruise through this short book. The characters are vivid in their development and description, and if you’re like me, you won’t see the killer until the author reveals it.
It looks like I have 10 more books in this series to read; this series will entertain me for months to come. I hope, if you read it, you’ll find the same enjoyment from it I’ve found.
Also in attendance is a group of quirky genealogists and a native-American tribe protesting the sale of the land. When someone murders one of the genealogists, Jane and Shelley have no shortage of suspects to look at. Not long after the first killing, Jane accidentally skis into a snowman that concealed the murdered body of the resort owner. The killer concealed the body inside the snowman, assuming no one would find it until spring when the snow melted.
There’s much to keep you smiling as you cruise through this short book. The characters are vivid in their development and description, and if you’re like me, you won’t see the killer until the author reveals it.
It looks like I have 10 more books in this series to read; this series will entertain me for months to come. I hope, if you read it, you’ll find the same enjoyment from it I’ve found.
February 25, 2020
Plowing through to Colorado during a blizzard, Jane Jeffry and beau, Mel VanDyne, bicker about the conditions and Jane’s decision to bring her dog along, sedated in the back seat. It’s to be a meetup with Jane’ bestie, Shelley, at a ski resort....that has no mountain to ski down on. Plus, they are to sleep apart with Shelley’s offspring, gender appropriately. Saving grace? It’s free, as part of an investment lure. But maybe free will not be such a great bargain in the end.
Two suspected murders transpire, both of which our lady Jane happens upon. A bumbling sheriff, a cast of native Americans, genealogists, and a mysterious skier in red round out the characters and give enough suspects to keep you guessing.
But Jane and Shelley figure it out , with a little help from our first dearly departed and something called a tiny tafel (a genealogical term worth knowing) ..
Easy characters, normal dialogue, no stupid risks, and a couple good laughs added with some interesting ancestral searching tips made this a fun read and probably the first of more from this author for me.
Two suspected murders transpire, both of which our lady Jane happens upon. A bumbling sheriff, a cast of native Americans, genealogists, and a mysterious skier in red round out the characters and give enough suspects to keep you guessing.
But Jane and Shelley figure it out , with a little help from our first dearly departed and something called a tiny tafel (a genealogical term worth knowing) ..
Easy characters, normal dialogue, no stupid risks, and a couple good laughs added with some interesting ancestral searching tips made this a fun read and probably the first of more from this author for me.
May 19, 2019
Shelley Novak's husband is involved in a business deal that takes him to a ski resort in Colorado. Free tickets and lodging for his party are thrown in, so Jane Jeffry and her three children, plus her heartthrob Mel, accompany Shelley and her two kids. They meet some of the other guests, including an ancestry group whose vice president thinks that the resort's owner is really the rightful heir to the Russian throne. When Jane stops by the genealogist's room to give her some papers she's dropped, she finds the woman dead. Unfortunately, the local sheriff is a good ol' boy with no idea how to investigate. Also unfortunately, Jane finds the next body, too, making her a suspect in the sheriff's eyes.
December 24, 2019
This is not a cozy Christmas mystery as listed on some cozy Christmas book lists on the web. Events take place in early winter at a ski resort in Colorado, but there are no references to Christmas whatsoever. The list compiler did not read the book, and apparently assumed that since it took place in winter it must be about Christmas. At least I read the book. Many characters come and go. Nothing special.
October 22, 2021
From Here To Paternity: A Jane Jeffry Mystery by Jill Churchill is a fun cozy mystery perfect for fans of complex whodunits. History and identity play a crucial role in solving the mystery of who murdered two people at a resort in the Colorado mountains. Readers must consider several scenarios along with Jane to figure out this whodunit.
May 19, 2022
A lot of useless talking, problematic approach to Native American issues, not too clever mysteries, not great. I did finish it but probably would not have if I’d had something else available to read. Sorry.
August 10, 2017
I really love reading about Jane , Mel and Shelley . You gotta handed to Jane that she doesn't like Shelley's driving . well i wouldn't be want to to be in the car with her driving . lol .
April 26, 2018
Another stumper.
June 22, 2018
I usually really like this series, but I had trouble trying to get into this book. It took me to the first murder to start enjoying it.
August 30, 2018
Not bad; a lot of talking and supposition. A genealogist dies, then a resort owner is murdered while Jane is on a vacation. It involves Indians, and a possible heir to the Russian throne.
October 31, 2020
Found a new series worth exploring. A whodunnit with humour. :-)
January 12, 2021
Really like this series.
September 9, 2022
Another good mystery. Lots about genealogy research included. Good story line kept you guessing throughout the book. It's fun to "visit" the 1990s in these books. I'm really enjoying them.
April 14, 2023
This whole series is great, following jane Jeffry as she and her neighbor Shelly go though life with kids and the occasional murder.
April 23, 2023
This series does not disappoint. The writing is light, fun, and very enjoyable.
September 6, 2024
Enjoyed this one very much. One of my favorites.
May 17, 2025
Fun read! Very intetesting plot.
February 20, 2026
perfect winter read
April 9, 2015
Jane Jeffry is up in the Rocky Mountains and even here murder seems to rear its ugly head.
If you are not familiar with Jill Churchill's work, you have missed something. Ms Churchill writes mysteries which are filled with humor and fun and witty conversations.
Jane Jeffry and her best friend Shelley are at a ski resort because Shelley's husband may be making an investment. The trip includes children and even Mel, Jane's love interest. It is planned to be a fun trip for everyone.
Then there are Native Americans picketing in front of the resort. A genealogy group is meeting at the resort and are pretty sure they know who might be the next Tsar of Russia. And some of the characters are strong personalities who would not be very peaceful to know.
As always the characters are interesting and funny and very human. Jane's children act like real children. Relationships are discussed and dissected and lived out within families and friendships. This is a very human book.
Except for dead bodies, over the top celebrities and generally interesting secondary characters.
If you like cozy mysteries written with humor, this is a good book for you. The mystery is a good one. The possible villains are very viable as villains. I believe cozy mystery fans are gonna love this book.
If you are not familiar with Jill Churchill's work, you have missed something. Ms Churchill writes mysteries which are filled with humor and fun and witty conversations.
Jane Jeffry and her best friend Shelley are at a ski resort because Shelley's husband may be making an investment. The trip includes children and even Mel, Jane's love interest. It is planned to be a fun trip for everyone.
Then there are Native Americans picketing in front of the resort. A genealogy group is meeting at the resort and are pretty sure they know who might be the next Tsar of Russia. And some of the characters are strong personalities who would not be very peaceful to know.
As always the characters are interesting and funny and very human. Jane's children act like real children. Relationships are discussed and dissected and lived out within families and friendships. This is a very human book.
Except for dead bodies, over the top celebrities and generally interesting secondary characters.
If you like cozy mysteries written with humor, this is a good book for you. The mystery is a good one. The possible villains are very viable as villains. I believe cozy mystery fans are gonna love this book.
August 14, 2008
FROM HERE TO PATERNITY - Okay
Churchill, Jill - 6th in Jane Jeffry series
Jane Jeffry, suburban sleuth extraordinare, and her friend, Detective Mel VanDyne, have braved a blizzard to join her friend Shelley at a Colorado ski resort. In spite of having all their kids along, Jane and Shelley imagine a few mindless days of relaxation. But their hopes are dashed on their first attempt to ski when Jane careens into a snowman that hides a very real -- and every dead -- body.
The slopes are littered with suspects -- a convention of genealogists led by a political fruitcake who thinks she's going to put her hand-picked Tsar on the Russian throne, a mysterious crimson-clad skier who's always on the horizon, and ex-stockbroker who's hiding from his investors, and an irate tribe of Native Americans. Jane has to take a census of the suspects and make some grave assumptions about who was vacationing with malicious intent.
It was okay, but these are just too light for me.
Churchill, Jill - 6th in Jane Jeffry series
Jane Jeffry, suburban sleuth extraordinare, and her friend, Detective Mel VanDyne, have braved a blizzard to join her friend Shelley at a Colorado ski resort. In spite of having all their kids along, Jane and Shelley imagine a few mindless days of relaxation. But their hopes are dashed on their first attempt to ski when Jane careens into a snowman that hides a very real -- and every dead -- body.
The slopes are littered with suspects -- a convention of genealogists led by a political fruitcake who thinks she's going to put her hand-picked Tsar on the Russian throne, a mysterious crimson-clad skier who's always on the horizon, and ex-stockbroker who's hiding from his investors, and an irate tribe of Native Americans. Jane has to take a census of the suspects and make some grave assumptions about who was vacationing with malicious intent.
It was okay, but these are just too light for me.
March 27, 2011
I have read most of this series and always find them light and entertaining.
It's a long ways from real life and real problems, and I wish I had children who were only around when the plot needs them and busy elsewhere at all other times.
The neighbour Shelly's husband is another non-character, simply there to establish the setting, which is a Colorado ski lodge, complete with Native Americans and lacking only one thing - a ski hill!
Although no one could ever call these books deep, I find that I enjoy them each time I read them and am thrilled when I find a new one.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book and this series to anyone who isn't looking for serious and deep meaning and simply wants to be entertained and have fun.
It's a long ways from real life and real problems, and I wish I had children who were only around when the plot needs them and busy elsewhere at all other times.
The neighbour Shelly's husband is another non-character, simply there to establish the setting, which is a Colorado ski lodge, complete with Native Americans and lacking only one thing - a ski hill!
Although no one could ever call these books deep, I find that I enjoy them each time I read them and am thrilled when I find a new one.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book and this series to anyone who isn't looking for serious and deep meaning and simply wants to be entertained and have fun.
November 9, 2016
Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It has earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
January 22, 2011
As all the Jane Jeffry mysteries are, From Here to Paternity is a light and fluffy mystery with lots of character interaction. Jane's neighbor invited her to visit a ski resort and share her opinion of whether it would be a good investment for the neighbor's husband. While there, Jane, as per usual, discovers a couple of bodies and sets off to discover the murderer with or without the help of detective boyfriend Mel. I liked the resort setting and appreciated the chance to see most of the characters outside of their normal, everyday situations. I was a little confused as to why Jane's opinion about investment property was important, but I guess you had to get her near the bodies somehow.
January 8, 2011
Jane, Shelley and Mel all go on a skiing vacation. (If you're going to be a single mom, it's nice to have a trust fund and wealthy, well-connected friends.) They find a body in a snowman and of course, have to try to solve the mystery, which involves some interesting facts about Native American's teeth and a lot of really flaky people on ski slopes.
July 20, 2011
These cozies are harmless and entertaining, especially if you are a homemaker and mother who can relate to the protagonist's stresses (although she sure finds time to eat with her friend at nice restaurants A LOT). The plots are ok, but not overly complex. Fun light reading.
August 17, 2012
Not her best; it bogs down in the middle while they speculate on all the possible suspects and motives. Churchill's sense of humor is still there, though, and the characters are as appealing as always.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews