Donna Rose and the Roots of Evil

Cedar Harbor Mystery #2

by Norma Tadlock Johnson

Donna Galbreath and Cyrus Bates investigate after police chief William Donniker suddenly dies at a dinner held in his honor.

Genres: Mystery

233 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Norma Tadlock Johnson's publishing history began with four romance novels co-written with her daughter, Janice Kay Johnson (herself a multi-published author of books in the romance, historical mystery, young adult and picture book categories) as Kay Kirby. These were followed by two romantic suspense novels on her own (Walker and Co). She then switched to writing for middle-grade children, and published the well received Bats on the Bedstead (Houghton Mifflin; Avon Camelot) and The Witch House (Avon Camelot). More recent work includes a non-fiction history of the 10th Mountain Division of World War II titled Soldiers of the Mountains.

Norma graduated from Broadway High School in Seattle, Washington, and has been named to its Hall of Fame. A Cum Laude graduate of Washington State College (now University), she did graduate work at Mexico City College (now University of the Americas). A widow, she now resides in Burlington, Washington. Besides her daughter, Janice, Norma has a son, Karl, and three granddaughters. She has lived primarily in Washington, Oregon, California and Mexico. While residing with her husband on Camano Island, WA, she was active on a local water board, where the startling acrimony experienced among members, along with the perpetual battling of slugs in her garden, inspired her to write Donna Rose and the Slug War. Her hobbies include reading, gardening and swimming.

Series:
* Cedar Harbor Mystery

Reviews

[Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book in a single day, and while I will not give away any large plot points, I will say that I found this take on. A mystery inherently refreshing.
It was not just Donna Rose’s investigative skills and involvement in another town tragedy, but the beautiful simplicity of a life entwined within the supportive boundaries of the picturesque Cedar Harbor.
I enjoyed the descriptions regarding what she ate, her daily routines, how she planned, organize, rationalized, cooked, and in general, lived. I found that taking such an interest in what this woman was like made the audience feel as though they knew this elderly character, as though they had something to learn from her set and measured ways.
This is a perfect summer time read, it is without large plot twists, flows linearly to a conclusion, that maintains a healthy balance between recounting the lives of the citizens and the mystery at hand. I would definitely recommend it.

[Pamela · Rating 1 out of 5]

One star is not a comentary on the story or the quality of writing. I could not read this book. The typeface was impossibly small. I wear #2 reading glasses but I do not think even a magnifying glass would allow comfortable reading. It was published in 2010 and I do not think we had a paper shortage at that time.

[Paula Hrbacek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Donna Rose Galbreath is a retired schoolteacher in Cedar Harbor. Her neighbor, Cyrus, is a retired serviceman who is attracted to her. They form a “dump Donniker” committee to try to get the sheriff removed from office. To their surprise, he is honored at a dinner. Someone laces his food with poisonous roots that were taken from the police evidence locker, and the sheriff drops dead. Their friend, Jake, is accused of the crime. Together, they do what they can to clear their friend of these charges.

The story is told in first person, which isn’t my favorite style. However, it allows the author to use large words because the main character is an English teacher. The style makes descriptions awkward, so it’s hard in envision the setting. The author also uses too many “small talk” phrases in the conversations (Hello, how are you? Just fine, how are you?) which slows down the pace of the entire piece.

The pace is so slow that this was a great book to read just before bed. Half way through a chapter, my lids would begin to sag, and by the time I made it to the end of the chapter, I was sawing Z’s and off to sleep for the night.

For a livelier story that has both romance and mystery, I recommend Stars Shine After Dark, in paperback from IUniverse, and now available as a Kindle or Nook.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Retired schoolteacher Donna Rose and her neighbor, retired navy lawyer Cyrus Bates, must investigate the murder of their little Oregon town's chief of police when a policeman they've befriended is arrested. Donna Rose, who narrates, only gradually becomes aware that she and Cyrus, once enemies, are now somewhat closer than friends. Delightful.

[Jackie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was curious to read this mystery written by a local author. The characters fit the social circles of retirees I circulate in presently. The location is Cedar Harbor, a typical small Puget Sound town. It felt very local, but the slow moving story did not get my interest until the very last chapters.

[Kathleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The second in a modern cosy series dealing with a retired schoolteacher in a Washington state town. I will go back and the read the first cause the characters are appealing. A quick, light enjoyable bedtime read.

[Heidi Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great to see Donna Rose back, capturing "bad guys" again! This senior sleuth is one of my favorite cozy mystery characters. A fun, good read. Norma Johnson is a good writer and combines her love of gardening with her love of a good, clean mystery.

I recommend the Cedar Harbor series!

[Mascanlon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the the second outing of retired teacher and gardener Donna Rose. A widow with a romantic interesting looming (or is it two?) she cares about the people in her small Washington town and works to solve the mystery of the mayor's death.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good local color.