The Blue Virgin

Nora Tierney #1

by M.K. Graff

The Blue Virgin, the first in the Nora Tierney mystery series, mixes elements of a police procedural with a cozy. American author Nora is drawn to Oxford, England, to clear her close friend, Val Rogan, who has been wrongfully accused of her partner's murder. Or has she? Nora quickly becomes embroiled in the investigation, to the dismay of Detective Declan Barnes and Simon Ramsey, the illustrator of her children's book. Simon's efforts to save Nora from herself become increasingly frantic as she is forced to use her wits and wiles to prove Val's innocence. The Blue Virgin is a compelling story of love and intrigue, as Nora learns that nothing is what it seems, and even the most innocent of choices can lead to murder.

Genres: Mystery, Contemporary, Fiction

345 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2010

About the author

Marni Graff is the author of The Nora Tierney English Mysteries, and The Trudy Genova Manhattan Mysteries, both published by Bridle Path Press (http://www.bridlepathpress.com). She writes the crime review blog Auntie M Writes Crime Review (www.auntiemwrites.com). blogs for Miss Demeanors (www.missdemeanors.com) and is a member of Sisters in Crime, the International Association of Crime Writers, and the NC Writers Network.

A former registered nurse who wrote "on the side," Graff has published articles, interviews, poetry and creative nonfiction. She wrote for seven years for "Mystery Review" magazine and is also the Managing Editor of Bridle Path Press.

Reviewing crime books, and participating in writing workshops fill out her days. She lives in rural coastal NC on a river and shares her home with her AussieDoodles, Fiona.

Reviews

[Amanda Lauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first time reading what I think is considered a cozy mystery and I was really impressed by this well-written story. This is set in England with a young American female as the protagonist who is compelled to discover who murdered her best friend's lover to help get her friend off the hook. Graff is an accomplished writer and her attention to detail really made the book enjoyable to read. Definitely recommend reading this, even if it's a new genre for you as well.

[Phillip Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not too Cozy, more like Soft-Boiled

From the book's title and opening chapter, which takes place in the lesbian bar Blue Virgin, readers might anticipate a hard-boiled detective novel will unfold. When the mystery loses steam as families interact, the heroine dithers over her friendships, career and love life, and subplots unveil, the novel will read more like a cozy in the Midsomer Manors tradition.

Don't get me wrong, The Blue Virgin is a strong read. And though I pegged the killer well before Nora discovers the telling clue in the victim's purse, it should keep most readers engaged from page one. Unfortunately, it's best character Bronwyn Wallace, dies in the first chapter.

Graff develops her characters better than most crime writers, and this may cause the book to drag for some readers as the mystery moves to the background and the character interactions move to the fore. The Blue Virgin delivers a compelling mystery with several slick twists, but the Graff rises to her best when she explores the dynamic between couples and families who let their relationship slide through inattention or one member's refusal to embrace the failings of another.

The narrative pits Nora Tierney's amateur detecting skills against the hard shell approach of Declan Barnes who rushes to judgment when he decides Bronwyn's lover Val Rogan committed the murder. Barnes doesn't count on the slightly determined Nora digging into the case to prove her friend's innocence, and this includes forcing Val's estranged mother to bring a high powered attorney to her defense.

Barnes and Nora's assistant Simon Ramsey try to keep Nora away from the case. Val's half-sister Louise can't wait to become Nora's gal Friday (even as Val's mother does her best to keep Louise as far from Val as possible).

I suspect Graff needed The Blue Virgin to settle into her brand, as evidenced by the color theme emerging in the title of her second book The Green Remains. That doesn't mean readers should skip the first and go right to the second. As critical as I may sound about The Blue Virgin, it's a solid read—as good as many of the books by the published presses. I can't promise she will deliver a series to compete with Caroline Graham's, but the first book looks promising.

Phillip T. Stephens is the author of Cigerets, Guns & Beer and Raising Hell. You can follow him @stephens_pt.

[Sherri Lupton Hollister · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book in this series and it really sets the tone. Nora is not the kind of person who lets a friend be accused of murder without trying to do something about it. Get hooked on this series and you’ll enjoy reading all the others too!

[BookLoversLife · Rating 4 out of 5]

So book 1 sees Nora Tierney trying to help her friend Val Rogan after Val is accused of murdering her lover. Nora is an American writer living in Britain after her fiance dies in a plane crash. She is in the process of writing a childrens book about faeries which her friend Simon will illustrate. Nora is intent on proving Vals innocence, much to the consternation of Detective Barnes who is lead on the investigation. What can Nora do when all the evidence points to Val.

Having never heard of these before, I went in with no expectations and ended up really enjoying this. I'm a fan of a good murder mystery and am glad to say that this is one.

Nora is a great character. She is resourceful, willing to take risks and unafraid of diving right in. Her loyalty to her friends is what I admired most and her willingness to help anyone. I also liked Simon. He is a good guy and loves Nora, though while he knows she isn't ready for a relationship yet because of her fiance dying and her being pregnant, he is hoping she will come around to seeing him as more than just a friend. Then we have the enigmatic detective Declan Barnes. He is frustrated with Nora's interference but is also drawn to her. I'm so looking forward to seeing if they develop a relationship!!

In all, this is an entertaining and well written mystery. With plenty of suspects, an interesting story line and entertaining characters, this is a must read for fans of the cozy mysteries. I can't wait to dive into the next one.

The audio of this is read by Nano Nagle and while she has a good voice for Nora and plenty of tones for other characters, her biggest downfall is that she seems to take a breath at the wrong time in a sentence and emphases words more than she should. I found myself frustrated while listening and it took away from the story overall. Plus the editing wasn't great on the audio as the narrator repeated parts of sentences twice and stumbled over some words.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent mystery that could have benefited from a little closer editing. Stepsister and half-sister are not synonyms. If two girls have the same father they are half-sisters. Little things like that can pull a reader out of a story.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nora Tierney is an American writer living in England. She’s single and pregnant but don’t feel sorry for her about that. Nora is a strong woman who not only has a book to finish but is also looking for a murderer.

Her close friend, Val Rogan, is the main and only suspect of a recent murder. Former model, Bryn Wallace, was found killed in her apartment. The police believe that Val is the sole suspect because she and Bryn were lovers and were about to move in together. The two had a small argument, more like a disagreement, that night but they solved the problem within minutes. Val left Bryn’s apartment but shortly after wards someone else came in and killed Bryn. Unfortunately, Val was the only person witnesses saw or heard with Bryn that evening so the police believe that she’s the killer.

Nora is infuriated with the police department and plans on finding out who the real murderer is. The police are not happy with Nora interfering, the new man in Nora’s life isn’t thrilled with Nora’s involvement, and everyone is concerned about the pregnancy but Nora is not going to allow her good friend to wind up taking the blame for a murder she had nothing to do with. Val loved Bryn and would never harm her and all Nora has to do is to prove that to the police which is easier said than done. But when more murders happen Nora has to do something to get Val off the hook so she plans to investigate on her own no matter the objections of her friends and the police.

The Blue Virgin by M.K. Graff is the first in the Nora Tierney Mystery Series and it’s a wonderful beginning. The plot line is well thought out and you will not figure out who the bad guy is until the very end.

Nora is a good lead character along with all her friends who are willing to help her out and protect her when she needs them. England is also a wonderful character. Author M.K. Graff knows the history of this country, especially Oxford, and takes readers on a tour of the magical land. Learning a little history within a murder mystery is always fun and gets me into the feel of the area.

I’d say that the novel is cozy-like but much more complicated than your usual run of the mill cozy. Nora is not an investigator by trade but is doing it, like all cozy heroines, to help out a friend in need. M.K. Graff is a wonderful writer and adds so much more to the novel's narration than the typical cozy writer, not that I have anything against cozy writers. I’m a true fan of the genre.

Visit Nora is jolly ol’ England, have a spot of tea and a few shortbread cookies and let yourself be swept away into this captivating series.

[Martha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms Graff takes the reader on a tour of Oxford, lead by Nora Tierney an ex-pat from Connecticut. Nora is pregnant, single, and having moved to the country is getting ready to move her belongings from Oxford. Nora's friend Val calls in a panic. Someone has killed Val's life partner and Val's the number one suspect. Nora and Simon, her book illustrator, leave the country for Oxford. Of course, Nora wants to prove Val innocent and find the killer. Detective Inspector Declan Barnes wants her to stay out of the way, but we don't always get what we want.

I like how Ms Graff weaves together the stories of the main characters and raises more questions as the story progresses. I feel like I'm walking the streets of Oxford with her and walking the worn stone stairs in the college. Her locations are in proper English character. I enjoy reading her work and look forward to reading more of her work.

[Lonny Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 and a half stars. I'm divided on this book. On one hand it's a good mystery, nicely written. On the other, I really don't like DI Barnes. He's the worst of all honest cops, he decides who is guilty within minutes of arriving at the crime scene and spends the rest of the book making his case. Really spoiled the experience for me. Even worse lead character Nora Tierney shows every sign of falling for him. Ugh. I don't know if I'll continue this series or not. I'll sit with it for awhile.

[Judi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Started slow for me and I wasn't sure I wanted to continue but then suddenly it got quite good.

[Kirsten Bett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and simple: loved it!

[Millie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well written ( I love short chapters!). Lots of plausible red herrings. Satisfying conclusion. I will read more by this author.

[R.J. Minnick · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I opened The Blue Virgin, I was taken with the setting and style, a well as the quotes at the start of each chapter -- I’m a sucker for chapter headings.

As I began reading, I thought to myself, “Ah, this is just like reading an Agatha Christie.” Even the protagonist’s name would suit one of Dame Agatha’s novels, and it IS, after all, set in Oxford. I settled in for a good read.

The book kept its promise with the pacing and cadence of a real Agatha. I sighed and settled in deeper, reading further.

The Blue Virgin takes place in a modern setting and involves a single, pregnant amateur sleuth, Nora Tierney, who is romantically involved with her artistic collaborator and sleuthing partner, Simon Ramsey. He has no problem seeing himself as father to the baby she’s carrying, despite certainty it is not his. The victim of the crime is the lesbian lover of Nora’s best friend ,Val Rogan, who rapidly becomes the prime suspect of the investigation and therefore the target of questions from Nora’s police contact and admirer, Detective Inspector Declan Barnes. Suddenly, this was no Agatha.

Instead, it’s an MK Graff. Ms. Graff captures all the elements of the British cozy and applies them deftly to the modern world. Her characterizations and descriptions excel. The reader is driven to feel the same love for Oxford as Nora, as well as her trepidation over the future of her romance and child. The story conveys a clear sense of love lost -- not confined to the loss of the victim, but loss as related to choices made and decisions adhered to. While meeting the terms of cozy in the way of being more a puzzle than a portrayal of violent crime, nonetheless Graff explores situations and subject matter seldom under discussion even in Christie’s latter days.

The beauty of Graff’s work, however, has close ties to that of Christie’s books. It is all about relationships. There are the lovers’ quarrels, the unplanned child, a stepmother. There are the small vanities and large egos and bitter conflicts that must find their way into any book that deals with human conflict. It is the humanity that makes the books of both these authors work.

Ultimately The Blue Virgin lives up to its promise to follow along in the path of Dame Agatha Christie’s work, and as a reader, I am following right behind.

[D.A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series was intriguing from the very first page. The protagonist, Nora Tierney, is strong yet vulnerable, determined yet sometimes unsure, and so very likable. Graff’s clean, uncluttered style is smooth and polished, and there are no irrelevant details or conversations. The omniscient point of view leads us into the minds and hearts of all the characters, even minor characters such as Robbie and Agnes. As character details, traits, and motivations flow off the page, one is unaware of the moment they cease being characters and become people. The author’s sly technique of getting to know the victims at the beginning will tumble you into emotions when the story takes that turn and the murdered has been taken from you. The dialogue is excellent, and the crackly undercurrents of what is not being said are just as important. Each moment, such as when Simon and Nora are in the kitchen after a police visit discussing baby names, enhances the character, story arc, and relationship path. The exposition is artfully done — added here and there with enough spacing to enjoy the architecture of Oxford. The regional scenic descriptions are a sensory delight, and the smaller scenes are accessorized with sounds and smells to bring you fully into the room. I loved the attention given to Robbie, his mum, and the other side characters. Even smaller elements, such as leading me along with the baby naming, ended in delight and charm. The setting, ambiance, careful planning and foreshadowing, are so absorbing that when a shocking moment happens (and there are quite a few) you’ll hear yourself gasp into the quiet of your room. This is a series to start at the beginning and enjoy all the way to the end of Book Three. I loved every page of all three books. Hopefully there will be a Book Four. Ms. Graff has a new book out, Death Unscripted. While this one does not take place in England or Scotland (gasp), I will read it because I already know I will enjoy it. Give yourself a gift of a good read. You deserve it!

[books are love · Rating 4 out of 5]

The narrator is good. She grabs the personality of the characters deftly. Within this audiobook we meet Nora and all the main characters-Simon, DeClan, Nora and to some extent Val. Nora hasn’t really worn on my. She is not treating Simon well. She is wishy washy there. Other than this she is a fun character. Very inquisitive and curious. Brash and bold as well. She is a little selfish but also vulnerable trying to figure out her ever changing feelings why trying to keep her friend from going to jail for the murder of her partner. Simon is a great supportive character. He is accepting, honest and open but also understanding and loving. Poor guy is the one on the edge waiting for Nora to decide what she feels for him and where he stands in her world.

Val is the owner of the coop and suspect of her partner bryn’s murder. And what a plot this is. So many twists and turns. Too many with secrets and hidden motives. We get blackmail, families who think they are better than others and have a issue with homosexuality due to being old fashioned, and motives galore. We have the brash Nora getting in trouble as she tries to find evidence, solve a murder, figure out her feelings about Simon who is patient and kind and loves her, figuring out how she feels about impending motherhood and write a children’s book.

This book will keep you in the moment as sherlock holmes meets inspector Morse in this quirky book that has more twists and turns with surprises galore as we explore the murder of Bryn and who killed her and why. As this is going on we get a little romance between Simon/Nora and Declan and Nora. Declan is the detective on the case who is frustrated with Nora sticking herself in his investigation but also admiring her for her cheekiness and her curiosity.

In the end didn’t expect it to be who it was and why. It was a love triangle in a way not expected. A great who dunit with a small romance coming along.

[Jill Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

My review copy of The Blue Virgin was graciously provided by the author.

I love mysteries. And England. And spunky, plucky heroines who are too curious for their own good and two clever by half. M.K. Graff’s Nora Tierney novels have all those things in spades.

In the first book in the series, The Blue Virgin, Nora is unexpectedly drawn into a murder-mystery when her close friend’s girlfriend is killed. Nora’s intelligence is exceeded only by her loyalty. Her unflagging faith in her friend’s innocence throws her and her as-yet unborn child into harm’s way on multiple occasions, much to the consternation of Simon, the man who loves her (and hopes to step into the shoes of her child’s dead father) and Declan, the magnetic detective inspector charged with investigating the murder. There’s something for everyone here – murder, mayhem, mystery, girl-power, snark, romance, and even a handful of fairies (Nora is writing a series of children’s books).

Sound convoluted? It’s really not – it’s just deliciously complex, which is one of the things that make the Nora Tierney books so enjoyable. Chief among the others is the writing, which is engaging and enjoyable, fast-paced yet descriptive enough to evoke vivid mental images of all the main characters and the settings they occupy. The characters are complex and original. Nora is a delight, a sort of grown-up Nancy Drew, full of gumption and unflagging faith in her friends. The supporting characters are colorful and very real. The series is, quite simply, brilliant. It is fun, engaging, clever, twisty, and both plot- and character-driven in turns. Nora is a fabulous heroine, a busy-body in the best possible sense of the term – and a rather unexpected detective, seeing as she’s pregnant during the active bits of her “cases” so far. I look forward to seeing where she goes next – both as a new mother and as a detective!

[Tia Bach · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Blue Virgin is the first of M. K. Graff’s Nora Tierney mysteries (and a little birdie told me she has written a second one due out late 2011 or early 2012). I was hooked from the beginning. Nora Tierney is an American in Oxford sorting out her life. She’s pregnant and recently lost her fiancé, who she’s not sure she even loved, in a plane crash. When her dear friend Val Rogan is suspected of killing her lover, Nora jumps head first into the investigation.

The mysterious death of Bryn Wallace grabs you from the first page. I suspected many characters thanks to Graff’s twists and turns, and I didn’t guess the true killer until near the end, and even then I wasn't sure. Detective Inspector Declan Barnes heads the investigation and leans toward Val in the beginning but has nagging feelings. And although Nora is closely guarded by friend and want-to-be lover, Simon, there’s a pull toward the detective as well. I’m hoping we meet Nora’s baby and find out more about her love life in Book 2.

Graff does an excellent job maintaining a tight pace; she pulls the reader from page to page while also focusing on character development. You care about these people. After all, what’s a good story if the characters aren’t compelling? And it’s a good who-done-it to boot.
I really don’t want to give too much away, but I recommend all mystery-lovers buy The Blue Virgin. You won’t be sorry you did!

[Ellis Vidler · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Blue Virgin flows like a river, smooth but powerful, with small streams feeding into the story, adding to the depth and richness. It carries the reader though twists and turns but never falters. Nora Tierney, adapting to a surprise pregnancy but always there to support the people she loves, captured me right away. The varied personalities and eccentricities of the other characters play off each other and keep things interesting. The mystery is solid, and Ms. Graff’s knowledge of Oxford comes through in the details without ever slowing the pace. Ms. Graff is an excellent writer who never jars or misses a step. This is a classic mystery, and I highly recommend it.

[Alisha Horst · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sadly not very good

This book drug on forever. It was frustrating waiting for the main characters to figure out who the obvious killer was. All the while the author over and over stating how great Nora was and how safe she feels with Simon. At least a third of the book is given over to repeating those sentiments in about 30 different ways. I wanted to see how the book ended and of course it wasn't satisfying as the entire book feels like a setup for the next book. I also got tired of the author stating what a great guy Simon is, when hes really not that great. He took advantage of Nota when she was vulnerable and is over protective to the point of being smothereing

[Devi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The +Blue +Virgin introduces +Nora +Tierney, a +Pregnant +Journalist turned +children's +Novel writer who also turns into a +Detective when her best friend is accused of +Murder of her partner. The novel revolves around Nora who manages to tackle the mystery very simply by her inquisitive mind and simple techniques. The book is a +Narrative type and essentially simple language.

To read more, visit The Blue Virgin

[Thomas Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fine English mystery in the old style

The Blue Virgin is English mystery at its best, with an intricate plot, well-developed characters and laudable attention to the history and geography of Oxford, the story's setting. Nora Tierney is a fine addition to the roll of English amateur woman sleuths, even though she's an American. Enough detail about Tierney's life is given that one wonders how it will play out in future books, and that is an indispensable attribute for a successful series.

[Linda Lovely · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to soak up British atmosphere, this is the book for you. You'll feel like you're walking the streets of Oxford and the dialogue is impeccable, sprinkled with just the right amount of Brit-speak. The author did an excellent job of dishing out enough red herrings for the reader to be uncertain of the murderer's identity until late in the book. And the characters have real emotions. Jolly good job.

[Nina · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful mystery. Nora is such a likable protagonist. And I love that she's pregnant! And the mystery was so engaging. I was guessing throughout-- but also was able to figure things out just before Nora did-- and that is the way I love my mysteries. It means it had just the right amount of clues, just the right amount of misdirection. I look forward to more in this series!

And for the record, I listened to this on Audible. I really liked the reading.

[Micki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Go for the atmosphere, but stay for the mystery. If you are an anglophile, you will appreciate the attention to detail M.K.Graff lavishes on Oxford. Her characters are equally well drawn, and I enjoyed the realism she used when developing relationships--especially between Nora and Simon. This is the first of Ms. Graff's novels I've read, but it certainly won't be my last trip to the UK in her pages.

[Jeanne Julian · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not an aficionado of the mystery genre, but after meeting this lively author at a conference, I was compelled to buy the book. I enjoyed it enough to recommend it. Fun setting (for American readers) of Oxford, England; good dialogue; intriguing personal stories mixed with the "police procedural;" and, best of all, a twist at the end.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The world of Oxford came alive for me, Graff's sense of setting and delightful characters provided hours of unforgettable entertainment.
If you like a cozy with a little edge, this is the perfect read.

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a first novel by a good friend of my brother. It is well written, the descriptions of the locations seem authentic (I say 'seem' as I've never been to the UK) and the story kept me coming back. The plot works as does the ending. An excellent first book...and I look forward to the next!

[Nina Romano · Rating 5 out of 5]

A terrific mystery read, written in a literary style. I'm a slow reader, and I polished this one off in two sittings!

[Edana Cichanowicz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am always looking for amazing Oxford/Cambridge mysteries. Am looking forward to more from this author!

[Terisoares55 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good escapist read

Like the Oxford setting and the characters. Good setup for the rest of the series. Good distraction during these times.

[Donna McKenzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great start to a new series. Characters amazingly drawn. Everyone had something to hide. The Dectectives are well drawn as well.