Murder on the Cape Fear

Magnolia Mysteries #6

by Ellen Elizabeth Hunter

In Wilmington, North Carolina, historic preservationist Ashley Wilkes is working hard on refurbishing the home of a Civil War blockade runner when a murder links the dangerous life of Captain Pettigrew with a modern-day treasure hunt. An old journal and letters found in the captain's house tell Ashley that this rugged privateer's daring adventures led to some very rich booty—and that someone is ready to kill for it.

After Ashley stumbles over the dead body of a real-estate investor in a local bookshop, she makes the connection to the secrets of Captain Pettigrew. After a break-in, Ashley is convinced the key to the mystery lies in the journal, which holds hidden clues to the whereabouts of the captain's wartime bounty. Soon Ashley is neck deep in a dangerous game with a ruthless killer…who doesn't intend to lose.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery

250 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2007

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The mysteries and the series itself is interesting; I love Wilmington and North Carolina history. Her writing is fairly good and this is the 3rd book I've read in the series; they also do not have to be read in order. However, my reason for giving the book a 3star is her continuing obsession with women's sizes, what they order from the menu, their portion size, being sure to emphasize that Ashley does NOT drink sweet tea, only unsweetened! There was one character who was "played up" to be this gargantuan sized, obese, "disgusting" woman. She is later murdered and Ashley is going through her things to sort them out and finds that she wears a size 18 jeans!! OMG.. She can't believe it.. As if anyone could be so big.. I actually wanted to throw the book against the wall at that point but it is a library book so I refrained. I own three more of her books so I probably will read them b/c of the subject matter. I lived in the area for some time and toured Ft. Fisher in October, which was some of the focus of this mystery of hidden Confederate gold. Now I'll be sure and make up some sweet tea to drink y'all.. lol.. Extra sweet for dear Ashley, who can't gain an ounce until her wedding!

[Dee Gurganus · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another great read by Ms Hunter. Melanie, the historic house restore, finds another body and the hunt for the murderer begins. Classic mystery story. But Ms Hunter brings Melanie and her family right into your heart as she learns to live with who she is. Aunt Ruby & Bilkie are adorable characters while being older myself I can definitely relate to. And of course, there is the setting in Wilmington, NC, a beautiful place with lots of water & beaches. Hallmark Movies & Mysteries should really consider making Ms Hunter's books one of their Ladies of Mystery movie series. Loved It!

[Kellene · Rating 2 out of 5]

I guess I really don't like this series although I keep reading the books. What's up with that? Actually, I do like the setting and love the history involved with so many of the stories. But there's too much obsession with appearances to suit me (I know they are prepping for a wedding, but seriously?), and the writing is an issue at times (for the record, it's The Beatles, not The Beetles). Anyway, I'm not saying I will or won't continue with the series because I think I tend to grab them when it's convenient, forgetting that I don't like them much.

[Rosaland Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick page turner. I have actually seen the cape fear river and it is beautiful. What irritated me a little was the relationship with Ashley and Jon. She made their relationship perfect, but to me it was syrupy sappy. I can't wait to read Murder on Wrightsville Beach.

[JoAnne McMaster (Any Good Book) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ashley Wilkes lives in Wilmington, North Carolina and is an historic preservationist; she is restoring the home of a sea captain, Thomas Pettigrew, who was a Civil War blockade runner. An old journal and letters link Captain Pettigrew to the present day, and someone who believes there is buried treasure somewhere in the house she is restoring is willing to kill for it.

While at a local bookshop where her uncle is having a book signing, Ashley stumbles - literally - across a dead body. She discovers that her uncle was sent a journal written by the late Captain Pettigrew.

I picked up this book for the fact that it has ties to the Civil War, a subject I am extremely interested in. I am glad to say I was not disappointed. The plot is well-woven, the story tight, and the characters both endearing and infuriating.

I was slightly confused at first, because although the book's description reads that Ashley is an "historic preservationist," and that she is refurbishing a home, she refers to the home as 'hers', and several times throughout the book she notes that she has to get back to 'her house,' and I guess maybe a preservationist could refer to a house that way; I don't think I, personally, would get so attached to a house I was refurbishing to look at it as mine. Nor would I live in it as Ashley is doing. I've seen houses that needed to be restored, and no one I know would think of living in them while they're refinishing unless the house truly belonged to them. After all, how would you feel when it was time to leave? But I digress...

When Ashley finds the body, it turns out he was part of an 'investors weekend' her sister Melanie was hosting. Melanie is an ex-beauty queen-turned-realtor who breezes through life without a care, and does pretty much whatever she pleases. So until the police can clear the rest of the investors as suspects, no one is allowed to leave town.

Melanie being who she is, foists upon her younger sister a loud-mouthed writer and her mousy husband who proceed to take over the house from Ashley, lock, stock and barrel. Ashley is beside herself but her sister won't do anything (stating all hotels are full), and Patsy, the unwelcome houseguest, considers herself a 'picker' and begins to load the house with all sorts of junk, to Ashley's dismay. Patsy is a thoroughly unlikeable, coarse woman in my opinion, and there were a few times while reading I wanted to give her a swift kick myself.

Then things begin to happen - and I won't spoil the book and say what. But what I will say is that it is all tied to the journal that Ashley's Uncle Binkie has received from the home's owner - and that it goes back to the Civil War, Wilmington and the blockade runners. There are historical references and information regarding Wilmington and the surrounding area which I found to be interesting.

When the ending is finally revealed, it was put together well. A very good read and recommended for anyone with either an interest in the Civil War or mysteries.

[Meredith (Austenesque Reviews) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I waited to long to read this book! I had high expectations and I think that set me up for a little disappointment. Loved learning about my town (Wilmington, NC) and the history of the blockade and the treacherous Cape Fear River. It was a blast seeing events of the story take place in stores, restaurants, and roads in which I frequently visit! Found myself a little dissatisfied with the mystery though. There didn't seem to be enough development leading up to the solution, and everything wrapped up a little too quickly.

Also, Ashely's sister, Melanie was such a selfish pain in this book! I can't believe what she put her poor sister through! She got on my nerves a little too much.

[Cindy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ashley is planning her wedding to her sweetheart Joel and restoring a historic home that belonged to a Confederate Navy Captain. But then she discovers another dead body or two. And her soon-to-be ex wants her back.

This could have been more fun, if I was in a better mood, I think. The story of the Confederate gold was interesting. But I really didn't approve of some personal decisions by Ashley and the writing wasn't very good. Maybe it's just me, but it's tacky to sleep with someone until your divorce is final. I won't read more by this author.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved including Two Sisters Bookery in a murder mystery!
Nick wants a 2nd chance....HAAAAAAAAAAA!
The mystery of the gold coins kept me interested...but even I wanted to murder Patsy!

oops, I think the history about the sunken ships was in this one, not ICW???? I read them after each other so now I don't remember...sigh

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read several of the Magnolia Mysteries by this author and they are just good, fun reads. Makes me think of favorite books of my childhood, the Nancy Drew Mysteries.

It also helps that the area of North Carolina where these books are set is one of my favorite areas to visit.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sixth in the Willington, NC murder mystery series.

[Glenn Harris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not one of the best in the "Magnolia Mystery" series, but enjoyable.

[Lesley Looper · Rating 2 out of 5]

As usual, I enjoyed the NC coastal setting of this book, like others in this series, but I didn't enjoy the extra characters as much in this installment.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

My first book by this author. Like the Wilmington setting, the food, a bit of history and and the fun of a mystery. Think I will read some more of this series for a quick, easy read.