What do you think?
Rate this book
A Homefront News Mystery #2
Death on a Deadline
Editor-in-chief Irene Ingram pencils in her newest mystery in Joyce St. Anthony’s second captivating Homefront News mystery, perfect for fans of Anne Perry and Rhys Bowen.
As World War II rages in Europe and the Pacific, the small town of Progress is doing its part for the soldiers in the field with a war bond drive at the annual county fair. Town gossip Ava Dempsey rumors that Clark Gable will be among the participating stars. Instead of Gable, the headliner is Freddie Harrison, a B-movie star. When Freddie turns up dead in the dunk tank, Irene Ingram, editor-in-chief of The Progress Herald, starts chasing the real headline.
There are plenty of suspects and little evidence. Ava’s sister Angel, who was married to the dead actor, is the most obvious. The couple had argued about his affair with the young starlet Belinda Fox, and Angel was the last person to see Freddie alive.
Irene discovers there’s more than one person who might have wanted Freddie dead. As Irene draws on her well-honed reporter’s instincts to find the killer—nothing is what it seems in Progress, and now her own deadline could be right around the corner.
As World War II rages in Europe and the Pacific, the small town of Progress is doing its part for the soldiers in the field with a war bond drive at the annual county fair. Town gossip Ava Dempsey rumors that Clark Gable will be among the participating stars. Instead of Gable, the headliner is Freddie Harrison, a B-movie star. When Freddie turns up dead in the dunk tank, Irene Ingram, editor-in-chief of The Progress Herald, starts chasing the real headline.
There are plenty of suspects and little evidence. Ava’s sister Angel, who was married to the dead actor, is the most obvious. The couple had argued about his affair with the young starlet Belinda Fox, and Angel was the last person to see Freddie alive.
Irene discovers there’s more than one person who might have wanted Freddie dead. As Irene draws on her well-honed reporter’s instincts to find the killer—nothing is what it seems in Progress, and now her own deadline could be right around the corner.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published November 8, 2022
26 people are currently reading
154 people want to read
About the author
Joyce St. Anthony
9 books105 followersThis author also writes under the name Joyce Tremel
Joyce was a police secretary for ten years and more than once envisioned the demise of certain co-workers, but settled on writing as a way to keep herself out of jail.
Joyce St. Anthony is the author of the Homefront News Mysteries. The first in the series, FRONT PAGE MURDER, was released on March 8, 2022. DEATH ON A DEADLINE is coming November 8, 2022.
As Joyce Tremel, she is the author of the award winning Brewing Trouble mystery series. The first, TO BREW OR NOT TO BREW was nominated for a 2015 Reviewers’ Choice Award for best amateur sleuth by RT Book Reviews.
The second book in the series TANGLED UP IN BREW, was released 10.4.2016. It was chosen as a "Best Book of 2016" by Kings River Life magazine. It was the winner of the 2016 Reviewers' Choice Award for best amateur sleuth.
A ROOM WITH A BREW, the third book in the series was released in October 2017, and was the winner of the 2017 Reviewers' Choice Award for best amateur sleuth.
Joyce was a police secretary for ten years and more than once envisioned the demise of certain co-workers, but settled on writing as a way to keep herself out of jail.
Joyce St. Anthony is the author of the Homefront News Mysteries. The first in the series, FRONT PAGE MURDER, was released on March 8, 2022. DEATH ON A DEADLINE is coming November 8, 2022.
As Joyce Tremel, she is the author of the award winning Brewing Trouble mystery series. The first, TO BREW OR NOT TO BREW was nominated for a 2015 Reviewers’ Choice Award for best amateur sleuth by RT Book Reviews.
The second book in the series TANGLED UP IN BREW, was released 10.4.2016. It was chosen as a "Best Book of 2016" by Kings River Life magazine. It was the winner of the 2016 Reviewers' Choice Award for best amateur sleuth.
A ROOM WITH A BREW, the third book in the series was released in October 2017, and was the winner of the 2017 Reviewers' Choice Award for best amateur sleuth.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
November 3, 2022
This is the second book in the Homefront news series, featuring Irene Ingram who has taken over the role of Editor in Chief of the local newspaper while her father is reporting war news from the Pacific. The year is 1942 and many details of WW2 are fed into the story and set the scene beautifully.
In Death on a Deadline the residents of Progress, Pennsylvania, are holding their annual Fair and this year they are raising funds for their soldiers overseas. When a visiting minor movie star is murdered, Irene helps her father-in-law, who is Chief of Police, to find the killer. There are many suspects and I guessed who it was completely wrongly.
This is a well written and informative historical cosy mystery, and I hope there will be more in the series.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
In Death on a Deadline the residents of Progress, Pennsylvania, are holding their annual Fair and this year they are raising funds for their soldiers overseas. When a visiting minor movie star is murdered, Irene helps her father-in-law, who is Chief of Police, to find the killer. There are many suspects and I guessed who it was completely wrongly.
This is a well written and informative historical cosy mystery, and I hope there will be more in the series.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
December 22, 2022
I have yet again begun a new series by not reading the first book but in this case I only have one book to cover the backlog so no worries on that front.
I enjoyed this book which is set in the WWII era. The murder mystery revolves around an annual country fair in a small American town where a visit by a few up and coming actors to promote the sale of war bonds results in the death of one of them. The protagonist is Irene Ingram who is running the local paper as editor in chief in absence of her father and I liked her attitude towards her job and her sleuthing skills. I also liked how the author began each chapter with a corresponding news headline of the time period covered in the book.
I look forward to reading more in the series after I have finished reading the first book.
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Crooked Lane Books and the author Joyce St. Anthony for the e-Arc of the book.
Love the cover picture as well 😍!
I enjoyed this book which is set in the WWII era. The murder mystery revolves around an annual country fair in a small American town where a visit by a few up and coming actors to promote the sale of war bonds results in the death of one of them. The protagonist is Irene Ingram who is running the local paper as editor in chief in absence of her father and I liked her attitude towards her job and her sleuthing skills. I also liked how the author began each chapter with a corresponding news headline of the time period covered in the book.
I look forward to reading more in the series after I have finished reading the first book.
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Crooked Lane Books and the author Joyce St. Anthony for the e-Arc of the book.
Love the cover picture as well 😍!
November 30, 2022
Utterly delightful blast into the past...wartime small town Pennsylvania with a plucky reporter/editor who's smart with a curiosity streak a mile wide. A Hollywood bond tour comes to town, but one of the B-list celebs winds up dead. I found it true to the period without any noticeable anachronisms. Perhaps other folks might find some, but I totally bought into the story. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Rounding up from 4 and a half stars, slightly dinged for guessing the true villain.
Rounding up from 4 and a half stars, slightly dinged for guessing the true villain.
January 20, 2023
What a refreshing twist to the cozy mystery genre. Love the wartime Homefront setting, with Irene working as editor-in-chief of her small town newspaper while her father serves overseas as a war correspondent. So many wonderful historical details are woven throughout the story which added to my reading enjoyment.
And, of course, Irene is in the perfect position to be on hand for any murder investigations that cross her desk. :-) Love her relationship with the police chief who also happens to be her future father-in-law and the way they share information. Irene is not that guileless amateur sleuth who hides information from the authorities. She's smart and proactive and aware of her responsibility.
The mystery was intriguing with lots of twists. I definitely had the wrong person pegged as the murderer early on and thought I was some hotshot super sleuth...until St. Anthony proved me wrong by the end! Really enjoying this series and hope there will be many more books to come!
Of note: a few instances of mild swearing.
And, of course, Irene is in the perfect position to be on hand for any murder investigations that cross her desk. :-) Love her relationship with the police chief who also happens to be her future father-in-law and the way they share information. Irene is not that guileless amateur sleuth who hides information from the authorities. She's smart and proactive and aware of her responsibility.
The mystery was intriguing with lots of twists. I definitely had the wrong person pegged as the murderer early on and thought I was some hotshot super sleuth...until St. Anthony proved me wrong by the end! Really enjoying this series and hope there will be many more books to come!
Of note: a few instances of mild swearing.
November 19, 2022
Dollycas’s Thoughts
June 1942 – Many folks including Irene Ingram’s fiance, Bill, and father are doing their part in the war effort, her father as a news correspondent, and Bill is still in training and waiting to be deployed. On the homefront in Progress, Pennsylvania that means Irene has stepped into her father’s shoes as editor-in-chief of The Progress Herald and Rally Johnson 4F and ineligible to serve has been hired to take Bill’s place at the police station. Irene’s future father-in-law is the chief of police and is missing Bill as well but both are kept very busy by the happenings in Progress.
In tandem with the county fair this year, there is a war bond drive complete with a visit from some movie stars from the Hollywood Victory Committee. Ava Dempsey hears all the scuttlebutt and is only too happy to share that Clark Gable is going to be one of those stars. Apparently, her “source” was wrong because Freddie Harrison, a B-list actor is the headliner for the Progress event and his appearances are cut short when he is found dead in the dunk tank.
Turns out there are plenty of suspects. His wife Angel who just happens to be Ava Dempsey’s sister and an actress traveling with the war bonds group tops the list. Freddie was absolutely clueless when she left him after finding out he was having an affair with Belinda Fox, a young starlet also traveling with the group from Hollywood. Truthfully anyone in the group could have killed the man. Irene wants to get the scoop on the murder so using her reporter skills she digs in to find the truth. She just needs to meet the paper’s deadline before she reaches the killer’s . . .
Irene Ingram is an excellent protagonist. She is smart, thoughtful, and well-liked by almost everyone she meets. She takes her obligations seriously and excels at running the newspaper showing critics that she is a strong woman capable of doing the same job as a man.
The author has surrounded Irene with a great cast of secondary characters. She works with her best friend and sleuthing partner Peggy, who is dating one of the other reporters. Her cousin also works for the paper. He was upset that the top job went to Irene instead of him but is coming around to see she was the right choice. She lives with her mother and sister and they rent one bedroom out to a boarder. But the relationship I love is the one between Irene and Police Chief Walt Turner (Dad), her future father-in-law. They work together and exchange information and ideas to solve the case. They are so comfortable with each other. They try to have lunch together often but most times his work or hers pulls them away.
The Hollywood crowd was interesting in their own right. All were cleverly written and all of them had secrets to be revealed. Irene had trouble getting a true read on them because, let’s face it, they are actors. One person slipped into a different character every time they talked. One was very entitled and another tried to be helpful but Irene really didn’t know who to trust.
The mystery was a fun one to follow. Freddie Harrison was a conniving man who made a lot of enemies. A key piece of evidence firmed up the real suspects and their motives. Then it took more sleuthing to make the clues fall into place. I did enjoy the reveal! The part Irene played had me nervous but then I was cheering.
The author includes a newspaper headline at the start of each chapter. Those and the talk in the newsroom and the assignments of articles to each reporter keep readers grounded in the fact that while there may be excitement in Progress there is a war happening in the world. In this story, the war comes home to Progress when Western Union arrives with the dreaded news no one wants to hear. It is easy to see the author did her research because she captures the happenings and lifestyles of the time so well.
Strong, realistic characters, a very intriguing mystery, and a true picture of small-town life all make Death on Deadline is a fantastic addition to this series. It kept me fully entertained from the beginning to the end. While this book can be read as a stand-alone I do recommend reading Front Page Murder first to get to know these characters from the start.
June 1942 – Many folks including Irene Ingram’s fiance, Bill, and father are doing their part in the war effort, her father as a news correspondent, and Bill is still in training and waiting to be deployed. On the homefront in Progress, Pennsylvania that means Irene has stepped into her father’s shoes as editor-in-chief of The Progress Herald and Rally Johnson 4F and ineligible to serve has been hired to take Bill’s place at the police station. Irene’s future father-in-law is the chief of police and is missing Bill as well but both are kept very busy by the happenings in Progress.
In tandem with the county fair this year, there is a war bond drive complete with a visit from some movie stars from the Hollywood Victory Committee. Ava Dempsey hears all the scuttlebutt and is only too happy to share that Clark Gable is going to be one of those stars. Apparently, her “source” was wrong because Freddie Harrison, a B-list actor is the headliner for the Progress event and his appearances are cut short when he is found dead in the dunk tank.
Turns out there are plenty of suspects. His wife Angel who just happens to be Ava Dempsey’s sister and an actress traveling with the war bonds group tops the list. Freddie was absolutely clueless when she left him after finding out he was having an affair with Belinda Fox, a young starlet also traveling with the group from Hollywood. Truthfully anyone in the group could have killed the man. Irene wants to get the scoop on the murder so using her reporter skills she digs in to find the truth. She just needs to meet the paper’s deadline before she reaches the killer’s . . .
Irene Ingram is an excellent protagonist. She is smart, thoughtful, and well-liked by almost everyone she meets. She takes her obligations seriously and excels at running the newspaper showing critics that she is a strong woman capable of doing the same job as a man.
The author has surrounded Irene with a great cast of secondary characters. She works with her best friend and sleuthing partner Peggy, who is dating one of the other reporters. Her cousin also works for the paper. He was upset that the top job went to Irene instead of him but is coming around to see she was the right choice. She lives with her mother and sister and they rent one bedroom out to a boarder. But the relationship I love is the one between Irene and Police Chief Walt Turner (Dad), her future father-in-law. They work together and exchange information and ideas to solve the case. They are so comfortable with each other. They try to have lunch together often but most times his work or hers pulls them away.
The Hollywood crowd was interesting in their own right. All were cleverly written and all of them had secrets to be revealed. Irene had trouble getting a true read on them because, let’s face it, they are actors. One person slipped into a different character every time they talked. One was very entitled and another tried to be helpful but Irene really didn’t know who to trust.
The mystery was a fun one to follow. Freddie Harrison was a conniving man who made a lot of enemies. A key piece of evidence firmed up the real suspects and their motives. Then it took more sleuthing to make the clues fall into place. I did enjoy the reveal! The part Irene played had me nervous but then I was cheering.
The author includes a newspaper headline at the start of each chapter. Those and the talk in the newsroom and the assignments of articles to each reporter keep readers grounded in the fact that while there may be excitement in Progress there is a war happening in the world. In this story, the war comes home to Progress when Western Union arrives with the dreaded news no one wants to hear. It is easy to see the author did her research because she captures the happenings and lifestyles of the time so well.
Strong, realistic characters, a very intriguing mystery, and a true picture of small-town life all make Death on Deadline is a fantastic addition to this series. It kept me fully entertained from the beginning to the end. While this book can be read as a stand-alone I do recommend reading Front Page Murder first to get to know these characters from the start.
November 14, 2022
Death on a Deadline Earns 5/5 Headlines…Entertaining & Clever!
It’s June, 1942, with war rages on in Europe, and the small town of Progress is preparing to do their little part: a war bond drive. However, the bigger news, or rumor, is film star Clark Gable will be attending the event. Ava Dempsey assures Irene —, the editor in chief of the local paper, the information is not rumor, but she’s the town’s biggest busybody. Can she be trusted! Ava’s sister Angela, one few recall and who prefers to be called Angel, is an actress in Hollywood, married to Freddie Harrison who Ava paints as a popular up and coming star, and know all about Clark Gable who chairs the Hollywood Victory Committee. Well, don’t “hold the presses” yet…Irene is skeptical that Angel’s “might” is not a “definite.” Angel is pure Hollywood from her looks to her uppity demands, but Irene was right to be reticent. Clark Gable is a no show, but Angel’s own animosity is on full display when B-listed actor and her cheating husband shows up…and that, unfortunately, is the final credits for him!
Joyce St. Anthony has brought her second book set in WWII era into the world of cozy mystery: Victory Gardens, war bonds, fifty-cent lunches, front lines, home front, and families praying Western Union passes them by. She’s included a strong female lead in Irene, a fascinating career in journalism, small town dynamics, and lots of tension to make this a “couldn’t put down” experience. The mystery is well-developed, clever, and easy to read with all the usual suspects with their particular grudges against the victim who himself is a less than admirable character in thought and deed. Too many suspects would rather see the curtain literally come down on him: scorned wife, protective father, competing actor, a mistress. But, don’t overlook anyone waiting in the wings or secret grudges waiting to be exposed!
Joyce’s write style is very entertaining, descriptive with engaging dialogue, and adding to the chapter leads, a current headline was a unique walk down “history” lane sending me to Google to learn more. I love my mysteries to be of another era, and with many references to World War II, 1940’s society, and various historical figures, it was obvious Joyce did her research. Fun. Compelling. Satisfying surprise. This is definitely a book cozy fans should put on their TBR list.
Disclosure: I received an ARC from Crooked Lane Books thru NetGalley. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
It’s June, 1942, with war rages on in Europe, and the small town of Progress is preparing to do their little part: a war bond drive. However, the bigger news, or rumor, is film star Clark Gable will be attending the event. Ava Dempsey assures Irene —, the editor in chief of the local paper, the information is not rumor, but she’s the town’s biggest busybody. Can she be trusted! Ava’s sister Angela, one few recall and who prefers to be called Angel, is an actress in Hollywood, married to Freddie Harrison who Ava paints as a popular up and coming star, and know all about Clark Gable who chairs the Hollywood Victory Committee. Well, don’t “hold the presses” yet…Irene is skeptical that Angel’s “might” is not a “definite.” Angel is pure Hollywood from her looks to her uppity demands, but Irene was right to be reticent. Clark Gable is a no show, but Angel’s own animosity is on full display when B-listed actor and her cheating husband shows up…and that, unfortunately, is the final credits for him!
Joyce St. Anthony has brought her second book set in WWII era into the world of cozy mystery: Victory Gardens, war bonds, fifty-cent lunches, front lines, home front, and families praying Western Union passes them by. She’s included a strong female lead in Irene, a fascinating career in journalism, small town dynamics, and lots of tension to make this a “couldn’t put down” experience. The mystery is well-developed, clever, and easy to read with all the usual suspects with their particular grudges against the victim who himself is a less than admirable character in thought and deed. Too many suspects would rather see the curtain literally come down on him: scorned wife, protective father, competing actor, a mistress. But, don’t overlook anyone waiting in the wings or secret grudges waiting to be exposed!
Joyce’s write style is very entertaining, descriptive with engaging dialogue, and adding to the chapter leads, a current headline was a unique walk down “history” lane sending me to Google to learn more. I love my mysteries to be of another era, and with many references to World War II, 1940’s society, and various historical figures, it was obvious Joyce did her research. Fun. Compelling. Satisfying surprise. This is definitely a book cozy fans should put on their TBR list.
Disclosure: I received an ARC from Crooked Lane Books thru NetGalley. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
August 10, 2022
Progress is a small Pennsylvanian town trying to do its best as World War II rages half a world away. Irene Ingram has taken over the running of her father’s paper, The Herald, while he reports from the Pacific, and takes her position as Editor-in-Chief very seriously. With the 1942 county fair almost upon them Irene, her mom, and sister Lily are all ready to help in any way they can. There will be a war bond drive held during the fair and, according to Ava Dempsey who owns the beauty parlour, an A lister will be coming to Progress, maybe even Clark Gable himself!
When the stars arrive as part of the Hollywood Victory Committee who are travelling across the country to encourage the purchase of war bonds, Irene and her friends discover Ava has a sister who is an up and coming movie star. Angel isn't the only surprise arrival and when one of the visitors is found dead the whole drive is put in jeopardy. With the town already reeling from the death of one of its own everyone is anxious for the murderer to be caught and life to return to some sort of normality.
Clues are hard to come by however, and Irene soon finds herself in the thick of things as she tries to help the police chief and future father-in-law discover who killed a visiting movie star. With the help of friends and family she might finally be getting somewhere but desperate people do desperate things and Irene is in far more danger than she ever thought possible in her small peaceful home town.
This is the second in the Homefront Mystery Series and is even more enjoyable than the first. Irene is a believable, likeable main protagonist who, alongside best friend Peggy, and almost father-in-law, Police Chief Walter Turner, uses her journalistic instincts once again to work through the clues and suspects. The historical elements add another level to the story and has obviously been extensively researched. The whole storyline was engaging and the end was satisfyingly right.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the opinions expressed are my own. I thoroughly enjoyed this and hope there will be many more books to come. Recommended highly.
When the stars arrive as part of the Hollywood Victory Committee who are travelling across the country to encourage the purchase of war bonds, Irene and her friends discover Ava has a sister who is an up and coming movie star. Angel isn't the only surprise arrival and when one of the visitors is found dead the whole drive is put in jeopardy. With the town already reeling from the death of one of its own everyone is anxious for the murderer to be caught and life to return to some sort of normality.
Clues are hard to come by however, and Irene soon finds herself in the thick of things as she tries to help the police chief and future father-in-law discover who killed a visiting movie star. With the help of friends and family she might finally be getting somewhere but desperate people do desperate things and Irene is in far more danger than she ever thought possible in her small peaceful home town.
This is the second in the Homefront Mystery Series and is even more enjoyable than the first. Irene is a believable, likeable main protagonist who, alongside best friend Peggy, and almost father-in-law, Police Chief Walter Turner, uses her journalistic instincts once again to work through the clues and suspects. The historical elements add another level to the story and has obviously been extensively researched. The whole storyline was engaging and the end was satisfyingly right.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the opinions expressed are my own. I thoroughly enjoyed this and hope there will be many more books to come. Recommended highly.
May 6, 2022
"Death on a Deadline" is a mystery set in 1942 in America. This is the second book in a series, but it can be understood without reading the previous novel and didn't spoil the previous mystery.
Irene's been left in charge of her father's newspaper business, and she's good at the job. Historical details about the war, war bonds, and such were woven into the story and created a distinct feel of the times. The mystery was clue-based. Irene decided to investigate the murder, and she kept asking questions until she found the truth. Whodunit was guessable from the clues, though it wasn't really clear until one character led Irene into a trap where the bad guys explained it all. Happily, Irene and friend rescued themselves. Go, girls!
However, Irene was rather rude to her soon-to-be-father-in-law, the police chief. For example, he came to ask her mother about the process of transferring the war bond money to the bank, and before he could fully explain why he's there, Irene was yelling at him saying he was accusing her mother of stealing money. Which he wasn't. She also demanded to be taken to a crime scene even though she had no need to be there. She also had to admit that she'd broken into someone's room and stolen a piece of evidence (which she didn't even give to him). He just shrugged it off. To me, it seemed unrealistic that the police chief was still on such good terms with her by the end.
There was no sex. There were a few uses of bad language (including b--ch). Overall, I'd recommend this historical mystery.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
Irene's been left in charge of her father's newspaper business, and she's good at the job. Historical details about the war, war bonds, and such were woven into the story and created a distinct feel of the times. The mystery was clue-based. Irene decided to investigate the murder, and she kept asking questions until she found the truth. Whodunit was guessable from the clues, though it wasn't really clear until one character led Irene into a trap where the bad guys explained it all. Happily, Irene and friend rescued themselves. Go, girls!
However, Irene was rather rude to her soon-to-be-father-in-law, the police chief. For example, he came to ask her mother about the process of transferring the war bond money to the bank, and before he could fully explain why he's there, Irene was yelling at him saying he was accusing her mother of stealing money. Which he wasn't. She also demanded to be taken to a crime scene even though she had no need to be there. She also had to admit that she'd broken into someone's room and stolen a piece of evidence (which she didn't even give to him). He just shrugged it off. To me, it seemed unrealistic that the police chief was still on such good terms with her by the end.
There was no sex. There were a few uses of bad language (including b--ch). Overall, I'd recommend this historical mystery.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
December 11, 2022
Con:
1. The book could use a character list at the beginning.
2. I’m never a fan of the sleuth committing theft or breaking & entering in the course of the investigation.
3. I don’t buy the fact that the chief of police is going to share all of the information about an open case to the press, despite individual relationships.
Pro:
1. The locale is a big draw for readers from the Pittsburgh area.
2. History is well-researched and feels fresh, not the same old overdone “here’s another WW2 in Europe novel.”
3. Engaging character development.
4. The series is absolutely hitting its stride, and I look forward to book 3.
Thank you to Joyce St. Anthony, Crooked Lane Books, and NetGalley for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
1. The book could use a character list at the beginning.
2. I’m never a fan of the sleuth committing theft or breaking & entering in the course of the investigation.
3. I don’t buy the fact that the chief of police is going to share all of the information about an open case to the press, despite individual relationships.
Pro:
1. The locale is a big draw for readers from the Pittsburgh area.
2. History is well-researched and feels fresh, not the same old overdone “here’s another WW2 in Europe novel.”
3. Engaging character development.
4. The series is absolutely hitting its stride, and I look forward to book 3.
Thank you to Joyce St. Anthony, Crooked Lane Books, and NetGalley for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Read
April 16, 2023I quit this one about 70 pages in. It was a random library gamble that wasn’t paying off. Not bad, but not good enough to delay other mysteries on my shelf. Just a lot of telling and not much showing.
November 8, 2022
June 1942. It is time for the County Fair at Progress which is hosting a War Bond Drive. Unfortunately for Irene Ingram, Reporter and Editor-in-chief of the Herald, she discovers a body of one of the actors from the Drive. She assists Police Chief Walter Turner with her own inquiries. Can either discover the motive, and so the killer before any one else is killed.
A well-written and entertaining historical mystery with its likeable and varied characters. It is a good addition to this series which can easily be read as a standalone story.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
A well-written and entertaining historical mystery with its likeable and varied characters. It is a good addition to this series which can easily be read as a standalone story.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 27, 2022
DEATH ON A DEADLINE, the second book in author Joyce St. Anthony's Homefront News mystery series finds Irene Ingram on the trail of another killer.
Set a month after the first book in the series, FRONT PAGE MURDER, Ingram continues on as the editor-in-chief of the Progress (Pa.) Herald. Her father is covering World War II overseas and on the homefront, Irene and her staff are providing local coverage alongside wartime news reports.
But big things are brewing in Progress. The Victory Committee is sending a host of Hollywood actors to town to help spur the sales of war bonds. The week-long appearance at the local fairgrounds will include actors, singers and more entertainers.
But no one is quite sure who will be showing up. Local gossip Ava swears the big name will be none other than Clark Gable. When the caravan does show up, Gable is nowhere to be found. Instead the troupe consists minor actors. But there is no shortage of drama regardless. One of the actresses is Ava's sister Angel, who no one seems to remember. Her actor husband Freddie soon puts off those he meets with his terrible attitude and blatant cheating on Angel with another of the show's starlets. Also in town is notorious gossip columnist Greta Gray.
But when Irene finds Freddie's body in a dunk tank on the fairgrounds, the war bond sales take a back seat to finding out just who killed him. Given his horrible behavior towards practically everyone who knew him, there is no shortage of suspects. Could it be his wife? Or maybe her father, the local diner owner who publicly threatened him? Maybe it was Ava or the mistress Belinda who could be tired of waiting for him to leave Angel?
The path is fraught with any number of pitfalls for Irene as she does her own digging alongside the actual police investigation and if she's not careful, Irene could just be digging her own grave against a killer determined to avoid justice.
I loved the way Joyce St. Anthony crafted this story. Weaving true life aspects into the mystery helped deepen and enhance the taut mystery that much more. The onion-like peeling back of the motivations for each suspect kept me glued to the story as I tried to figure out just "whodunnit".
I found that making Freddie an unrepentant character who got his just desserts particularly enjoyable. And as Irene found out more about his actions and those who were or could be harmed by them, it gave an even bigger sense of realism to the plot. Because while the story might be fiction, it would've certainly played out that way in real life 1942.
I found myself once again caught up in this story and found all of the characters compelling in their own way. Irene being intrepid in going after the truth, her family ringing so true for the times and her co-workers becoming more adjusted to working for a woman in a time where that was not something you saw all the time. It's a step-by-step process and I am enjoying the world-building of small town 1942 Pennsylvania so much that I wish I could read more in the series RIGHT NOW.
DEATH ON A DEADLINE is an engrossing mystery that captured my imagination and transported me back to the time of World War II to join Irene Ingram once more in tracking down a murderer. I think other readers will find themselves just as enthralled by this captivating mystery!
Set a month after the first book in the series, FRONT PAGE MURDER, Ingram continues on as the editor-in-chief of the Progress (Pa.) Herald. Her father is covering World War II overseas and on the homefront, Irene and her staff are providing local coverage alongside wartime news reports.
But big things are brewing in Progress. The Victory Committee is sending a host of Hollywood actors to town to help spur the sales of war bonds. The week-long appearance at the local fairgrounds will include actors, singers and more entertainers.
But no one is quite sure who will be showing up. Local gossip Ava swears the big name will be none other than Clark Gable. When the caravan does show up, Gable is nowhere to be found. Instead the troupe consists minor actors. But there is no shortage of drama regardless. One of the actresses is Ava's sister Angel, who no one seems to remember. Her actor husband Freddie soon puts off those he meets with his terrible attitude and blatant cheating on Angel with another of the show's starlets. Also in town is notorious gossip columnist Greta Gray.
But when Irene finds Freddie's body in a dunk tank on the fairgrounds, the war bond sales take a back seat to finding out just who killed him. Given his horrible behavior towards practically everyone who knew him, there is no shortage of suspects. Could it be his wife? Or maybe her father, the local diner owner who publicly threatened him? Maybe it was Ava or the mistress Belinda who could be tired of waiting for him to leave Angel?
The path is fraught with any number of pitfalls for Irene as she does her own digging alongside the actual police investigation and if she's not careful, Irene could just be digging her own grave against a killer determined to avoid justice.
I loved the way Joyce St. Anthony crafted this story. Weaving true life aspects into the mystery helped deepen and enhance the taut mystery that much more. The onion-like peeling back of the motivations for each suspect kept me glued to the story as I tried to figure out just "whodunnit".
I found that making Freddie an unrepentant character who got his just desserts particularly enjoyable. And as Irene found out more about his actions and those who were or could be harmed by them, it gave an even bigger sense of realism to the plot. Because while the story might be fiction, it would've certainly played out that way in real life 1942.
I found myself once again caught up in this story and found all of the characters compelling in their own way. Irene being intrepid in going after the truth, her family ringing so true for the times and her co-workers becoming more adjusted to working for a woman in a time where that was not something you saw all the time. It's a step-by-step process and I am enjoying the world-building of small town 1942 Pennsylvania so much that I wish I could read more in the series RIGHT NOW.
DEATH ON A DEADLINE is an engrossing mystery that captured my imagination and transported me back to the time of World War II to join Irene Ingram once more in tracking down a murderer. I think other readers will find themselves just as enthralled by this captivating mystery!
November 8, 2022
If you’re a fan of historical cozy mystery books, you will really enjoy this captivating new title in the Homefront News Mystery series. Death on a Deadline is the second book in the series, but it can be read as a stand alone. I do recommend you read Front Page Murder though as you get to know the main characters much better in the first book. Here’s a quote from my review of that one:
"Front Page Murder is the first book in the Homefront News Mystery Series, so it’s the perfect choice for those of you who like starting at the very beginning. Front Page Murder has wonderful characters, a bewildering mystery, and lots of cozy elements. It really did make me feel happy! I hope it does the same for you!"
Death on a Deadline has Irene once again caught up in a murder, only this time some of her main suspects are ones with whom she’s well-acquainted!
It’s summertime and the small town of Progress, PA is holding its annual fair. This fair is different this year in that the town is raising money for the soldiers fighting in WWII by selling war bonds; and celebrities, who are touring the country to support the war bond initiative, have descended upon Progress. Unfortunately, the fair becomes much different when Irene, the town’s newspaper editor-in-chief, finds one of those celebrities dead in the dunk tank. You’ll need to read the book to find out why Irene has some locals on her list of suspects.
There are a lot of secondary characters, and that’s one reason I recommend reading the first book before this one. You may find it hard to keep track of everyone with the celebrities in town. Since I read the first book, I knew who the locals were, and it was easy for me to separate the main characters from the “guest” characters. Irene’s spunky and persistent characteristics shine through once again in Death on a Deadline. It’s a good thing the chief-of-police is her future father-in-law because she can easily ascertain info from him, and she can tell him things she’s found out in her “investigating.”
Both the plot and the mystery’s intrigue kept me engaged while reading Death on a Deadline. If you read a lot of cozies, you may figure out who the killer is early on in the book, but you may also change your mind a couple of times as you gather clues with Irene. I enjoyed the titles of the chapters, many of which contained WWII information that I didn’t know before reading this cozy. That’s one reason I enjoy historical cozy mystery books. The authors do their research which makes the books all the more exciting. I’m looking forward to what the author has for us next! I give Death on a Deadline 4 solid stars and think you cozy mystery lovers will enjoy it like I did!
"Front Page Murder is the first book in the Homefront News Mystery Series, so it’s the perfect choice for those of you who like starting at the very beginning. Front Page Murder has wonderful characters, a bewildering mystery, and lots of cozy elements. It really did make me feel happy! I hope it does the same for you!"
Death on a Deadline has Irene once again caught up in a murder, only this time some of her main suspects are ones with whom she’s well-acquainted!
It’s summertime and the small town of Progress, PA is holding its annual fair. This fair is different this year in that the town is raising money for the soldiers fighting in WWII by selling war bonds; and celebrities, who are touring the country to support the war bond initiative, have descended upon Progress. Unfortunately, the fair becomes much different when Irene, the town’s newspaper editor-in-chief, finds one of those celebrities dead in the dunk tank. You’ll need to read the book to find out why Irene has some locals on her list of suspects.
There are a lot of secondary characters, and that’s one reason I recommend reading the first book before this one. You may find it hard to keep track of everyone with the celebrities in town. Since I read the first book, I knew who the locals were, and it was easy for me to separate the main characters from the “guest” characters. Irene’s spunky and persistent characteristics shine through once again in Death on a Deadline. It’s a good thing the chief-of-police is her future father-in-law because she can easily ascertain info from him, and she can tell him things she’s found out in her “investigating.”
Both the plot and the mystery’s intrigue kept me engaged while reading Death on a Deadline. If you read a lot of cozies, you may figure out who the killer is early on in the book, but you may also change your mind a couple of times as you gather clues with Irene. I enjoyed the titles of the chapters, many of which contained WWII information that I didn’t know before reading this cozy. That’s one reason I enjoy historical cozy mystery books. The authors do their research which makes the books all the more exciting. I’m looking forward to what the author has for us next! I give Death on a Deadline 4 solid stars and think you cozy mystery lovers will enjoy it like I did!
October 13, 2022
I enjoyed this book so much!
Set in Pennsylvania during WWII, Death on a Deadline is about a series of murders taking place during a local fair / war bond drive by Hollywood actors. Main character Irene, who is a reporter and editor of the local paper while her father is overseas as a war correspondent, investigates the murders and identifies the culprit.
I really enjoyed the blend of historical and fictional characters in this book, especially since the war bond drives actually did take place and how rationing was woven into the story. I felt the language used in the book was accurate to the time period, and I appreciated how newspaper headlines related to the plot or WWII were listed for each chapter.
Irene is spunky and I feel really drawn to her character. I liked the interaction between the characters, especially Irene and Kirk, the local boy who is on the way to making it big in Hollywood--here's to hoping Kirk makes appearances in future books. I had to giggle at Greta, the Hollywood gossip columnist who would fit right in with Hedda Hopper and Louella Parsons--Greta was so sanctimonious and eager to ruin others while trying to keep her own secrets under wraps.
This is book #2 in the series and I plan to go back and read the first book.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for supplying this advance reader copy. In return this is my honest review and all opinions are mine.
Set in Pennsylvania during WWII, Death on a Deadline is about a series of murders taking place during a local fair / war bond drive by Hollywood actors. Main character Irene, who is a reporter and editor of the local paper while her father is overseas as a war correspondent, investigates the murders and identifies the culprit.
I really enjoyed the blend of historical and fictional characters in this book, especially since the war bond drives actually did take place and how rationing was woven into the story. I felt the language used in the book was accurate to the time period, and I appreciated how newspaper headlines related to the plot or WWII were listed for each chapter.
Irene is spunky and I feel really drawn to her character. I liked the interaction between the characters, especially Irene and Kirk, the local boy who is on the way to making it big in Hollywood--here's to hoping Kirk makes appearances in future books. I had to giggle at Greta, the Hollywood gossip columnist who would fit right in with Hedda Hopper and Louella Parsons--Greta was so sanctimonious and eager to ruin others while trying to keep her own secrets under wraps.
This is book #2 in the series and I plan to go back and read the first book.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for supplying this advance reader copy. In return this is my honest review and all opinions are mine.
November 8, 2022
Death On A Deadline is the second book in the A Homefront News Mystery series by Joyce St. Anthony.
Irene is settling in well after taking over as editor-in-chief of the Progress Hearld from her father, who has become a war correspondent in the Pacific.
The planning committee for the war bond drive is meeting and learns from Ava Dempsey, owner of the local beauty shop, that Clark Gable will be coming from Hollywood with other movie stars in support of the war bond drive held in conjunction with the county fair.
Irene is at the fair's opening when she sees the Hollywood Victory Committee has arrived, but Mr. Gable isn’t in the group. Those that made it are Ava’s sister Angel, Freddie Harrison, Ava’s estranged husband, Kirk Allen, a rising star who had gone to school with Irene and no one recognized. His appearance has changed since he was in high school—also Belinda Fox, an aspiring actress and Freddie’s mistress will be joining the stars.
When Freddie doesn’t show up for the group's rehearsal, Irene decides to walk the fair to check out the booths and to keep an eye out for Freddie. Soon she sees a piece of blue material stuck on the dunk tank and goes to check it out and finds Freddie’s body floating in the tank. Once the body is removed from the tank, it is apparent that Freddie was struck on the head with a hard object.
The reporter in Irene sets her off to search for the person who killed Freddie. His wife, Angel, will become the prime suspect, but Irene has doubts. Irene will soon learn that there is no shortage of suspects. Just about all the members of Hollywood personalities have nothing good to say about him. Irene wonders if Ava might have ended Freddie’s life for how he has treated her. Angel’s father becomes a suspect as he threatens Freddie with a rifle. Gossip columnist, Greta, will come under suspicion. Irene wonders why a prominent gossip columnist would come to a small community like Progress.
I love this series, and the characters are well-developed. I would love to call them my friends. St. Anthony adds headlines depicting WWII events. Anthony has researched and provided the reader with a historically accurate book.
I’m anxiously awaiting the next book in this exciting series.
Irene is settling in well after taking over as editor-in-chief of the Progress Hearld from her father, who has become a war correspondent in the Pacific.
The planning committee for the war bond drive is meeting and learns from Ava Dempsey, owner of the local beauty shop, that Clark Gable will be coming from Hollywood with other movie stars in support of the war bond drive held in conjunction with the county fair.
Irene is at the fair's opening when she sees the Hollywood Victory Committee has arrived, but Mr. Gable isn’t in the group. Those that made it are Ava’s sister Angel, Freddie Harrison, Ava’s estranged husband, Kirk Allen, a rising star who had gone to school with Irene and no one recognized. His appearance has changed since he was in high school—also Belinda Fox, an aspiring actress and Freddie’s mistress will be joining the stars.
When Freddie doesn’t show up for the group's rehearsal, Irene decides to walk the fair to check out the booths and to keep an eye out for Freddie. Soon she sees a piece of blue material stuck on the dunk tank and goes to check it out and finds Freddie’s body floating in the tank. Once the body is removed from the tank, it is apparent that Freddie was struck on the head with a hard object.
The reporter in Irene sets her off to search for the person who killed Freddie. His wife, Angel, will become the prime suspect, but Irene has doubts. Irene will soon learn that there is no shortage of suspects. Just about all the members of Hollywood personalities have nothing good to say about him. Irene wonders if Ava might have ended Freddie’s life for how he has treated her. Angel’s father becomes a suspect as he threatens Freddie with a rifle. Gossip columnist, Greta, will come under suspicion. Irene wonders why a prominent gossip columnist would come to a small community like Progress.
I love this series, and the characters are well-developed. I would love to call them my friends. St. Anthony adds headlines depicting WWII events. Anthony has researched and provided the reader with a historically accurate book.
I’m anxiously awaiting the next book in this exciting series.
April 21, 2022
Death on a Deadline by Joyce St. Anthony is a great historical cozy mystery that is the second book in the equally excellent A Homefront News Mystery series. I just love this series.
This book, and series, take place during WWII in small-town Progress, and Irene is our main character yet again. News reporter/editor/investigator by day…amateur sleuth by night, we get to follow her and the excellent set of secondary characters as she attempts to solve the local murder/mystery involving a B-list movie actor that has ties to the local community and, apparently, the long list of suspects. Irene has her work cut out for her on this one…
Full of historical detail, twists and turns, and a great character cast, I truly enjoyed this second installment and am looking forward to the next book.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Crooked Lane Books for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 11/8/22.
This book, and series, take place during WWII in small-town Progress, and Irene is our main character yet again. News reporter/editor/investigator by day…amateur sleuth by night, we get to follow her and the excellent set of secondary characters as she attempts to solve the local murder/mystery involving a B-list movie actor that has ties to the local community and, apparently, the long list of suspects. Irene has her work cut out for her on this one…
Full of historical detail, twists and turns, and a great character cast, I truly enjoyed this second installment and am looking forward to the next book.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Crooked Lane Books for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 11/8/22.
May 10, 2022
First sentence: "Clark Gable is coming to Progress and will be appearing at our war bond drive," Ava Dempsey said. "I have it on good authority."
Premise/plot: Irene Ingram is back for a second adventure in Death on a Deadline. In this murder mystery, the town is getting ready to have a fair, and not just any fair, a fair combined with a war bond drive. Several "stars" from Hollywood will be coming for the multi-day event. But not all the stars will be leaving town with a pulse. Is the murderer one of the town's own??? Or is it one of the other Hollywood stars? (Or "stars" as the case may be.) Irene finds herself right in the middle of another mystery... working side by side with her future father-in-law the chief of police.
My thoughts: I really LOVED both books. I love the small town setting. I love getting to know all the residents of the town. I love the sense of community, sense of place, and sense of time. Both books are set in 1942. This second book being set in June/July of 1942. I would recommend the series if you enjoy war fiction, cozy mysteries, historical fiction, or books with strong character development.
June 4, 2022
This is the second book of such an enjoyable WWII cozy mystery series. While the previous entry dealt more with spies, this one takes a look at bond fairs, where celebrities would travel the US and take part in festivals where proceeds would be given to the war effort. It made for a fun and interesting setting for a cozy mystery. One criticism I have is that the title doesn't really hint to the setting, and is instead a pretty generic title. Also, the amount of characters who returned from the first book was a bit too much, considering how many new characters are introduced in this one. Still those are very small criticisms compared to how much I enjoy this light series and I look forward to reading the third book when it comes out!
Irene makes for a interesting protagonist, trying to keep her father's newspaper alive while also trying to protect her community. She's an admirable protagonist, and one I can always get behind in the mystery. I also enjoy how both this book and the first one starts each chapter with a war headline which gives a hint as to what is going on in the war on that day. Such a good book!
Irene makes for a interesting protagonist, trying to keep her father's newspaper alive while also trying to protect her community. She's an admirable protagonist, and one I can always get behind in the mystery. I also enjoy how both this book and the first one starts each chapter with a war headline which gives a hint as to what is going on in the war on that day. Such a good book!
January 1, 2023
One of my favorite parts of this series’ first book was the way the author immerses the reader so completely in WWII America, and it’s one of my favorite parts of Death on a Deadline too! From the chapter-opening news headlines to the everyday details that make the time period – and the characters – come alive, it’s clear St. Anthony has done her research while weaving the history seamlessly into the fabric of the story. One cannot be separated from the other, and the end result is smartly entertaining! Along with a shocking murder, the drama of celebrity, the emotions of wartime (including the bond drives), and the buzz of a small town newspaper combine to make this a cozy mystery you don’t want to miss. Can’t wait to tag along with the intrepid Irene on more of her investigative adventures!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
June 21, 2022
Happy to be back in Progress in the 2nd book in the A Home front News Mystery.. I thoroughly enjoyed the first in the series..Irene continues to run the Progress Herald newspaper while her father is away with war duties..Irene also continues to break down the walls regarding women and the workplace.
The Progress County Fair is hosting a War Bond Drive...and a person is found murdered.Irene goes into investigation mode to discover who dunnit. It is a very good mystery and I was close in figuring out who the murderer was and motivation for it
Each Chapter begins with a WW2 headline, a continuation from book 1 which I really found interesting.
Thanks so much to Crooked Lane Books, NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to read and review this book.
It publishes on 11/8/22
The Progress County Fair is hosting a War Bond Drive...and a person is found murdered.Irene goes into investigation mode to discover who dunnit. It is a very good mystery and I was close in figuring out who the murderer was and motivation for it
Each Chapter begins with a WW2 headline, a continuation from book 1 which I really found interesting.
Thanks so much to Crooked Lane Books, NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to read and review this book.
It publishes on 11/8/22
May 31, 2024
War Bond Rallies have come to town to help raise money for the war. Ava's sister Angel is an actress in Hollywood and is on the committee and she says that Clark Gable will be coming to town to help raise money. Irene wants confirmation before she prints that information. Instead Freddie Harrison (Angels cheating husband) is a B-list Actor sent to help raise money. Irene finds Freddie dead. Irene investigates and discovers his misdeeds.
I really enjoyed this historical fiction cozy mystery. It's fun to follow clues with Irene. I really hope there's more to this series.
I really enjoyed this historical fiction cozy mystery. It's fun to follow clues with Irene. I really hope there's more to this series.
April 25, 2023
Fabulous read that puts you right in the thick of the heartland in WWII. The mystery is well crafted and could have been ripped from the headlines of the bond drive contingent. It took me a while to read this book because life got in the way, but every time I had five minutes to get back to it, I picked it up again. The story is so solidly crafted that I never lost a beat. Well done. Highly recommended.
December 4, 2022
I loved this novel which is even better than the previous. I was happy to catch up with the characters and the solid mystery kept me guessing.
Can't wait to read the next story.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine
Can't wait to read the next story.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine
November 12, 2022
"Death on a Deadline" is the solid second entry in what will hopefully be a long series from Joyce St. Anthony. It's 1942 and Irene is helping hold down the American homefront by taking over from her father as editor of the local newspaper. In her initial outing, Irene helped uncover a spy ring set on sabotage. This time, it's war bonds and murder, Rumors swirl that Clark Gable will attend. While this proves false, a prodigal daughter returns to progress and sets off a chain of events that lead to another case for Irene to solve.
The mystery is complex enough to keep the reader guessing, but where these books really shine for me is in the way they show what it was like in a smaller American community during WWII. It would be easy to think that the "We Can Do It" attitude wasn't that prevalent, but it really does seem to have been a time where most people pulled together for the common good. The relationships between the characters are wonderful to read about, too. Irene and her cousin are beginning to work together, instead of against each other, and Irene has earned the respect of the other men on the newspaper. She did butt heads with her future father-in-law, the police chief, in this book, which was surprising, and he gave her more leeway than he should have, considering she committed a B&E while looking for evidence. It was a bit of a letdown, since I felt like he was just there to enable her sleuthing, rather than being a strong character on his own. We have several years left of the war, though, so there's plenty of time for the characters to grow and develop.
4 out of 5 stars.
I received an advance copy from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
The mystery is complex enough to keep the reader guessing, but where these books really shine for me is in the way they show what it was like in a smaller American community during WWII. It would be easy to think that the "We Can Do It" attitude wasn't that prevalent, but it really does seem to have been a time where most people pulled together for the common good. The relationships between the characters are wonderful to read about, too. Irene and her cousin are beginning to work together, instead of against each other, and Irene has earned the respect of the other men on the newspaper. She did butt heads with her future father-in-law, the police chief, in this book, which was surprising, and he gave her more leeway than he should have, considering she committed a B&E while looking for evidence. It was a bit of a letdown, since I felt like he was just there to enable her sleuthing, rather than being a strong character on his own. We have several years left of the war, though, so there's plenty of time for the characters to grow and develop.
4 out of 5 stars.
I received an advance copy from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
October 23, 2022
3.5 stars
This second entry in the World War II era cozy Homefront News series is quite readable. Competent young Irene is in charge of the family small town newspaper while her father is serving as a war correspondent overseas and her fiance is training to go fight. Irene is full of common sense and is a strong female character, especially for her age. She still has to overcome people's prejudices about women's roles but she holds her own.
Her small town is excited about an upcoming war bond tour passing through which features Hollywood actors, even (according to rumor) possibly Clark Gable. But instead they get mostly B movie standbys -- and one of the actors, heartily disliked by almost everyone, is found murdered at the local fair. Another member of the troupe is a former high school classmate of the locals, bearing no resemblance to the gawky kid he once was.
The murder victim had a lot of enemies so the suspect list is long. Irene barges right in to help, partly because it's in her character, partly because she is sniffing around for news, and partly because her future father in law is chief of police.
These are comfortable books, almost young adult like in tone. Thanks to the publisher and to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This second entry in the World War II era cozy Homefront News series is quite readable. Competent young Irene is in charge of the family small town newspaper while her father is serving as a war correspondent overseas and her fiance is training to go fight. Irene is full of common sense and is a strong female character, especially for her age. She still has to overcome people's prejudices about women's roles but she holds her own.
Her small town is excited about an upcoming war bond tour passing through which features Hollywood actors, even (according to rumor) possibly Clark Gable. But instead they get mostly B movie standbys -- and one of the actors, heartily disliked by almost everyone, is found murdered at the local fair. Another member of the troupe is a former high school classmate of the locals, bearing no resemblance to the gawky kid he once was.
The murder victim had a lot of enemies so the suspect list is long. Irene barges right in to help, partly because it's in her character, partly because she is sniffing around for news, and partly because her future father in law is chief of police.
These are comfortable books, almost young adult like in tone. Thanks to the publisher and to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
October 31, 2022
It’s 1942, and Irene Ingram is managing The Progress Herald while her Dad is covering the front lines. She’s in tiny Progress, Pennsylvania, and everyone in town is in a state of excitement at the news that Clark Gable will possibly be attending the war bond rally at their county fair. The sensible and skeptical Irene is not so sure about it, though, and the book starts with her trying to get to the truth of the Clark Gable rumor.
This is a bit of a different take on a WWII mystery. Many of the books are set in Europe, where the war was a daily and deadly occurrence. However, the war reached its fingers everywhere, and even tiny Progress feels the impact. Sweethearts, brothers and husbands are away; there’s shortages of almost everything; women are working in places they hadn’t before, like the newspaper. St. Anthony brings the war home with her chapter epigraphs in the form of newspaper headlines, detailing the sinking of ships and lives lost all over the globe, but even close to home. The U.S. was not inviolable, as Pearl Harbor proved.
This gives a nice sense of tension to the story – as does the fact that the fairly young Irene must prove herself to the old hands in the newsroom, even though she’s in charge. As editor of the local paper, she also has extra access to things like police investigations. This is of course a mystery, and St. Anthony introduces several characters who are part of the rally.
During WWII Hollywood stars (even of the caliber of Clark Gable) made appearances around the country with the goal of selling war bonds. The group that comes to Progress is of a more second rank caliber but includes a well known Hollywood gossip columnist as well as a man who is starting to make a name for himself, but who grew up in Progress. His looks have changed (improved) so much that no one really recognizes him. There’s also Angel, the purveyor of the Gable rumor, whose sister, Ava, owns the local beauty salon. Her husband, Freddie, turns up looking for her, complicating matters as his mistress is part of the travelling rally group.
There’s enough back biting and tension there to provide ample territory for a murder, and indeed, on the first day of the fair, Freddie turns up dead, discovered, naturally, by our heroine, Irene. She’s engaged to the police chief’s son and he gives her quite a bit of leeway though he continually tells her to step back.
Irene unravels the reason for Freddie’s murder which mostly results in a growth of the suspect pool – pretty much everyone who knew him hated him. As the book unfolds, you probably will too. This is a light novel in tone though it does not take the subject matter lightly, which is a nice balance, and the characters are well drawn and fully realized. Irene especially is a nice calm-center-of-the-storm type heroine, and she’s looking forward to the war ending and continuing her work. I imagine that will create conflict for another novel down the line. This was a pleasant, engaging read.
This is a bit of a different take on a WWII mystery. Many of the books are set in Europe, where the war was a daily and deadly occurrence. However, the war reached its fingers everywhere, and even tiny Progress feels the impact. Sweethearts, brothers and husbands are away; there’s shortages of almost everything; women are working in places they hadn’t before, like the newspaper. St. Anthony brings the war home with her chapter epigraphs in the form of newspaper headlines, detailing the sinking of ships and lives lost all over the globe, but even close to home. The U.S. was not inviolable, as Pearl Harbor proved.
This gives a nice sense of tension to the story – as does the fact that the fairly young Irene must prove herself to the old hands in the newsroom, even though she’s in charge. As editor of the local paper, she also has extra access to things like police investigations. This is of course a mystery, and St. Anthony introduces several characters who are part of the rally.
During WWII Hollywood stars (even of the caliber of Clark Gable) made appearances around the country with the goal of selling war bonds. The group that comes to Progress is of a more second rank caliber but includes a well known Hollywood gossip columnist as well as a man who is starting to make a name for himself, but who grew up in Progress. His looks have changed (improved) so much that no one really recognizes him. There’s also Angel, the purveyor of the Gable rumor, whose sister, Ava, owns the local beauty salon. Her husband, Freddie, turns up looking for her, complicating matters as his mistress is part of the travelling rally group.
There’s enough back biting and tension there to provide ample territory for a murder, and indeed, on the first day of the fair, Freddie turns up dead, discovered, naturally, by our heroine, Irene. She’s engaged to the police chief’s son and he gives her quite a bit of leeway though he continually tells her to step back.
Irene unravels the reason for Freddie’s murder which mostly results in a growth of the suspect pool – pretty much everyone who knew him hated him. As the book unfolds, you probably will too. This is a light novel in tone though it does not take the subject matter lightly, which is a nice balance, and the characters are well drawn and fully realized. Irene especially is a nice calm-center-of-the-storm type heroine, and she’s looking forward to the war ending and continuing her work. I imagine that will create conflict for another novel down the line. This was a pleasant, engaging read.
October 30, 2022
Editor-in-chief Irene Ingram pencils in her newest mystery in Joyce St. Anthony’s second captivating Homefront News mystery, perfect for fans of Anne Perry and Rhys Bowen.
As World War II rages in Europe and the Pacific, the small town of Progress is doing its part for the soldiers in the field with a war bond drive at the annual county fair. Town gossip Ava Dempsey rumors that Clark Gable will be among the participating stars. Instead of Gable, the headliner is Freddie Harrison, a B-movie star. When Freddie turns up dead in the dunk tank, Irene Ingram, editor-in-chief of The Progress Herald, starts chasing the real headline.
There are plenty of suspects and little evidence. Ava’s sister Angel, who was married to the dead actor, is the most obvious. The couple had argued about his affair with the young starlet Belinda Fox, and Angel was the last person to see Freddie alive.
Irene discovers there’s more than one person who might have wanted Freddie dead. As Irene draws on her well-honed reporter’s instincts to find the killer—nothing is what it seems in Progress, and now her own deadline could be right around the corner. (Goodreads synopsis)
I have read Joyce St Anthony’s 1st novel in her Homefront News series, so this was a true continuation for me.
I love the use of headlines at the beginning of each chapter because it puts everything into better context. Why a female is the editor-in-chief and why everyone is on edge with and/or worry. I also loved the sense of community as each character brings a new possible solution. The strength of women during this time is very apparent in the novels and cannot/should not be downsized. In this novel, many of Irene’s male co-workers all show their admiration for Irene. Which is a big step from the first novel.
Two of my biggest pet peeves with cozy mysteries are the local authorities being jerks to the amateur, and the amateur putting themselves in unnecessary danger. Fortunately, Irene doesn’t run the risk of local law being a jerk to her as it is her future father-in-law, and he has learned to work with Irene. However, Irene is not very sensible to her own safety, as she puts herself in danger. If she couldn’t trust the local law then I would understand, but that it obviously not the case here.
Overall, I rate this novel 4 out of 5 stars.
As World War II rages in Europe and the Pacific, the small town of Progress is doing its part for the soldiers in the field with a war bond drive at the annual county fair. Town gossip Ava Dempsey rumors that Clark Gable will be among the participating stars. Instead of Gable, the headliner is Freddie Harrison, a B-movie star. When Freddie turns up dead in the dunk tank, Irene Ingram, editor-in-chief of The Progress Herald, starts chasing the real headline.
There are plenty of suspects and little evidence. Ava’s sister Angel, who was married to the dead actor, is the most obvious. The couple had argued about his affair with the young starlet Belinda Fox, and Angel was the last person to see Freddie alive.
Irene discovers there’s more than one person who might have wanted Freddie dead. As Irene draws on her well-honed reporter’s instincts to find the killer—nothing is what it seems in Progress, and now her own deadline could be right around the corner. (Goodreads synopsis)
I have read Joyce St Anthony’s 1st novel in her Homefront News series, so this was a true continuation for me.
I love the use of headlines at the beginning of each chapter because it puts everything into better context. Why a female is the editor-in-chief and why everyone is on edge with and/or worry. I also loved the sense of community as each character brings a new possible solution. The strength of women during this time is very apparent in the novels and cannot/should not be downsized. In this novel, many of Irene’s male co-workers all show their admiration for Irene. Which is a big step from the first novel.
Two of my biggest pet peeves with cozy mysteries are the local authorities being jerks to the amateur, and the amateur putting themselves in unnecessary danger. Fortunately, Irene doesn’t run the risk of local law being a jerk to her as it is her future father-in-law, and he has learned to work with Irene. However, Irene is not very sensible to her own safety, as she puts herself in danger. If she couldn’t trust the local law then I would understand, but that it obviously not the case here.
Overall, I rate this novel 4 out of 5 stars.
November 18, 2022
Patriotic fervor is strong in the small town of Progress, Pennsylvania, where a war bond drive is underway at the annual county fair. A group of lesser-known actors from the Hollywood Victory Committee descend on Progress with their entourage, boosting bond sales and creating unexpected drama. Among them is heart throb Freddie Harrison, traveling with both his wife Angel, daughter of the local diner proprietor and sister of the beauty salon owner, and his girlfriend Belinda, a fellow actor.
When Freddie's lifeless body is found floating in the dunk tank at the fairgrounds, the women in his life are the obvious suspects. But are either Angel or Belinda capable of murder? The police open an investigation, as does Irene Ingram, the editor-in-chief of The Progress Herald, who puts her journalistic skills and curiosity to the test. Ultimately, Irene uncovers unseemly behavior on Freddie's part that widens the list of suspects dramatically. And time is of the essence to identify the culprit after a second victim is discovered. Can Irene solve the crime before the killer strikes a third time?
At its heart, Death on a Deadline is an engaging story that captures life on the home front during the second world war. Readers get a realistic sense of the importance of women in keeping businesses and families intact in the face of uncertainty. Scandal and murder brought to the small town by outsiders add to the story's appeal. After all, Progress is a sleepy place where people know each other and live in relative harmony. Unlike most cozy mysteries where law enforcement is at odds with the amateur sleuth, a close bond between the protagonist and the police chief allows them to work cooperatively, sharing clues and developments that help crack the case.
While there are references to the first book in the series within its pages, Death by Deadline can be read as a standalone. In fact, snippets from the previous book actually whet the appetite, beckoning readers to reach for it—if they haven't already—as they await the next book in this captivating historical series. Joyce St. Anthony has created a setting and characters that successful cozy series are noted for, and one that readers will enjoy returning to again and again.
Note: I received an advance reader copy of Death on a Deadline from the publisher in return for an honest review.
When Freddie's lifeless body is found floating in the dunk tank at the fairgrounds, the women in his life are the obvious suspects. But are either Angel or Belinda capable of murder? The police open an investigation, as does Irene Ingram, the editor-in-chief of The Progress Herald, who puts her journalistic skills and curiosity to the test. Ultimately, Irene uncovers unseemly behavior on Freddie's part that widens the list of suspects dramatically. And time is of the essence to identify the culprit after a second victim is discovered. Can Irene solve the crime before the killer strikes a third time?
At its heart, Death on a Deadline is an engaging story that captures life on the home front during the second world war. Readers get a realistic sense of the importance of women in keeping businesses and families intact in the face of uncertainty. Scandal and murder brought to the small town by outsiders add to the story's appeal. After all, Progress is a sleepy place where people know each other and live in relative harmony. Unlike most cozy mysteries where law enforcement is at odds with the amateur sleuth, a close bond between the protagonist and the police chief allows them to work cooperatively, sharing clues and developments that help crack the case.
While there are references to the first book in the series within its pages, Death by Deadline can be read as a standalone. In fact, snippets from the previous book actually whet the appetite, beckoning readers to reach for it—if they haven't already—as they await the next book in this captivating historical series. Joyce St. Anthony has created a setting and characters that successful cozy series are noted for, and one that readers will enjoy returning to again and again.
Note: I received an advance reader copy of Death on a Deadline from the publisher in return for an honest review.
November 3, 2022
We return to Progress, Pennsylvania where Irene Ingram has become editor-in chief of the newspaper, the Progress Herald in her father’s absence. There will be a war bond drive held during the fair and Ava Dempsey, who owns the local beauty parlor and is also the town gossip, is spreading the rumor that Clark Gable will be one of the participating stars. Ava states she heard it from her sister, Angel who is an actress and is part of the war bond drive. The headliner turns out to be Angel’s two-timing husband, Freddie Harrison. Irene finds Freddie dead in the fair’s dunk tank. There are plenty of suspects including Angel and Freddie’s latest paramour, Belinda Fox. Irene uses her investigative skills to hone in on the killer. Death on a Deadline by Joyce St. Anthony is the second A Homefront News Mystery. It can be read as a standalone if you are new to the series. I thought Death on a Deadline was well-written with steady pacing. I like Irene Ingram who is a smart, friendly, and spunky woman. She is a realistic, developed character. I like Irene’s interactions with her best friend, Peggy and her almost father-in-law Police Chief Walter Turner. The whodunit was intriguing and fun to solve. There are plenty of people who wished Freddie dead. Irene asks questions and gathers clues. I like that Irene works with Chief Turner. They share information and bounce ideas off each other. There was a complete wrap up at the end, so we are not left with lingering questions. There is humor scattered throughout the story. Ava’s sister, Angel is a piece of work. Irene’s cousin, Donnie also provides amusement. The author captured the time period with the historical references including the war bond drive and rationing. Before each chapter is a newspaper headline from the Progress Herald that includes the latest war news. I enjoyed the reference to Mrs. Miniver (good movie). The ending was perfect. Death on a Deadline is a captivating cozy with a war bond rally, rampant rumors, a slain star, sugar rationing, an over-the-top thespian, a cheerful cousin, and a curious reporter.
March 17, 2023
I didn't know this was number two in the series but in a way that's fine. I'm generally tired of the ways book ones set up non-professional sleuths. In this case it probably would have been different. Irene Ingram is a young woman taking over her father's paper while he's in the south Pacific as a war correspondent in 1942. So she has some very legit reasons to be sleuthing as a reporter even if it's for a small town paper in central Pennsylvania. At that time, those papers were still big deals.
The big county fair is still going on in spite of war time rationing and St Anthony draws on real world history for much of this including the plot. They are going to have a visit from some B and C list actors, musicians etc to sell war bonds. Coming to Prospect PA is the comedian/tour organizer Paul Davis, Angel Harrison whose sister runs the local beauty salon and her awful husband, Freddie Harrison , both are up and coming actors as are Belinda Fox the vamp who Freddie is sleeping with and Kirk Allen hometown boy done good and hoping to do better in Hollywood. Clark Gable was promised as it's not too far from his hometown of Cadiz OH but sadly he's a no show
Very quickly the cheating Freddie is dead in a dunk tank and Ava and Angel want Irene to help find out who did it before Angel is blamed. Irene has it in good with the local sheriff as once her fiance Bill is back from the war, the sheriff, Walt, will be her father in law.
Walt of course isn't too keen on her investigating (being she's a woman in 1942 and she nearly got killed last time) It took her a bit longer than it took me to figure out what Freddie was up to and why he died.
The characters are well realized and even though I figured it out fast (I read far too many of these things apparently) I still very much enjoyed this book. The only reason I didn't give it five stars is I hate it when a sleuth saves up clues and doesn't tell the sheriff (even if they're friends) that drives me nuts. At least the old chestnut of that leading to the sleuth getting in trouble with the villain didn't happen.
I would definitely get more of this series
The big county fair is still going on in spite of war time rationing and St Anthony draws on real world history for much of this including the plot. They are going to have a visit from some B and C list actors, musicians etc to sell war bonds. Coming to Prospect PA is the comedian/tour organizer Paul Davis, Angel Harrison whose sister runs the local beauty salon and her awful husband, Freddie Harrison , both are up and coming actors as are Belinda Fox the vamp who Freddie is sleeping with and Kirk Allen hometown boy done good and hoping to do better in Hollywood. Clark Gable was promised as it's not too far from his hometown of Cadiz OH but sadly he's a no show
Very quickly the cheating Freddie is dead in a dunk tank and Ava and Angel want Irene to help find out who did it before Angel is blamed. Irene has it in good with the local sheriff as once her fiance Bill is back from the war, the sheriff, Walt, will be her father in law.
Walt of course isn't too keen on her investigating (being she's a woman in 1942 and she nearly got killed last time) It took her a bit longer than it took me to figure out what Freddie was up to and why he died.
The characters are well realized and even though I figured it out fast (I read far too many of these things apparently) I still very much enjoyed this book. The only reason I didn't give it five stars is I hate it when a sleuth saves up clues and doesn't tell the sheriff (even if they're friends) that drives me nuts. At least the old chestnut of that leading to the sleuth getting in trouble with the villain didn't happen.
I would definitely get more of this series
Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews