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Henrie O #1
Dead Man's Island
"A sassy heroine . . . [Henrie O] says what she thinks (when it serves her purposes) and pulls no punches."--Chicago Sun-Times
When arrogant media magnate Chase Prescott is nearly killed by a box of cyanide-laced candy, he dials his long-ago lover, retired newshound Henrietta O'Dwyer Collins, with a simple request: He'll assemble all the suspects if Henrie O will kindly point out the would-be murderer.
It's a case--her first--that fills Henrie O with grave misgivings, especially when she arrives on Chase's private island off the South Carolina coast to meet the players in this deadly drama. Among Prescott's unstable young wife, his sullen stepson, and his toady of a secretary, she has trouble narrowing the field of suspects--even when a second attempt is made on Chase's life. As Henrie O unearths a will and fascinating new evidence, a killer hurricane sweeps up from Cuba, threatening to maroon them in this vacation hell . . . where the trappings of luxury are put to lethal use and the secrets of the past have the power to engulf them all.
When arrogant media magnate Chase Prescott is nearly killed by a box of cyanide-laced candy, he dials his long-ago lover, retired newshound Henrietta O'Dwyer Collins, with a simple request: He'll assemble all the suspects if Henrie O will kindly point out the would-be murderer.
It's a case--her first--that fills Henrie O with grave misgivings, especially when she arrives on Chase's private island off the South Carolina coast to meet the players in this deadly drama. Among Prescott's unstable young wife, his sullen stepson, and his toady of a secretary, she has trouble narrowing the field of suspects--even when a second attempt is made on Chase's life. As Henrie O unearths a will and fascinating new evidence, a killer hurricane sweeps up from Cuba, threatening to maroon them in this vacation hell . . . where the trappings of luxury are put to lethal use and the secrets of the past have the power to engulf them all.
352 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 1993
About the author
Carolyn G. Hart
127 books923 followersAlso writing as Carolyn Hart.
An accomplished master of mystery with 46 published books, Carolyn Hart is the creator of the highly acclaimed Henrie O,Death on Demand, and Bailey Ruth Raeburn series. Her books have won multiple Agatha, Anthony, and Macavity Awards. Letter from Home (2003), her standalone mystery set in Oklahoma, was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize. Her latest book is Dead by Midnight (William Morrow/HarperCollins, 2007). She is one of the founders of Sisters in Crime, an organization for women who write mysteries. She lives in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma."
New Books: Dead By Midnight Carolyn Hart
DEAD BY MIDNIGHT by Carolyn Hart On Sale March 29
The police say suicide. Annie Darling suspects murder. Max is unconvinced until Annie follows a trail behind the dead woman's house.
Annie unravels the mystery of a towel hidden at midnight in a gazebo, the interesting lack of fingerprints on a crystal mug, blood on a teenager's blue shirt, and the secret of a lovers' tryst. Max plunges deep into the woods to find incriminating evidence.
Annie sets the perfect trap for a merciless killer, but her cell phone rings and Death is on the line.
www.CarolynHart.com
And for cat lovers:
DEAD BY MIDNIGHT by Carolyn Hart
I love to have fun when writing a mystery. If I laugh, I think a reader will laugh. In the Death on Demand series, I especially enjoy writing about Annie Darling's ditzy mother-in-law, Laurel Roethke. Laurel is usually excited about a new interest, something that surprises and often confounds Annie.
In Dead by Midnight, Laurel creates Cat Truth Posters, which she wants Annie to hang in the bookstore. Annie thinks books should be the store's focus, but the posters enchant her.
Each poster features a cat's photograph with a caption. Here are three of the Cat Truth posters;
. . . a silky furred, mitted, and bicolored Ragdoll stretched out on a red silk cushion, looking as comfy as Eva Longoria in a Hanes ad: Go with the Flow.
A rectangular-muzzled, green-eyed, cholocolate colored cat appeared as brooding as a Gothic hero: Always Say Yes to Adventure.
. . . a thick-furred, piebald Siberian forest cat, its white front a brilliant contrast to a charcoal back and head. Its face appeared almost angelic: Always try a Smile First.
And yes, one of the posters points to a killer.
Fun for me and fun, I hope for readers
An accomplished master of mystery with 46 published books, Carolyn Hart is the creator of the highly acclaimed Henrie O,Death on Demand, and Bailey Ruth Raeburn series. Her books have won multiple Agatha, Anthony, and Macavity Awards. Letter from Home (2003), her standalone mystery set in Oklahoma, was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize. Her latest book is Dead by Midnight (William Morrow/HarperCollins, 2007). She is one of the founders of Sisters in Crime, an organization for women who write mysteries. She lives in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma."
New Books: Dead By Midnight Carolyn Hart
DEAD BY MIDNIGHT by Carolyn Hart On Sale March 29
The police say suicide. Annie Darling suspects murder. Max is unconvinced until Annie follows a trail behind the dead woman's house.
Annie unravels the mystery of a towel hidden at midnight in a gazebo, the interesting lack of fingerprints on a crystal mug, blood on a teenager's blue shirt, and the secret of a lovers' tryst. Max plunges deep into the woods to find incriminating evidence.
Annie sets the perfect trap for a merciless killer, but her cell phone rings and Death is on the line.
www.CarolynHart.com
And for cat lovers:
DEAD BY MIDNIGHT by Carolyn Hart
I love to have fun when writing a mystery. If I laugh, I think a reader will laugh. In the Death on Demand series, I especially enjoy writing about Annie Darling's ditzy mother-in-law, Laurel Roethke. Laurel is usually excited about a new interest, something that surprises and often confounds Annie.
In Dead by Midnight, Laurel creates Cat Truth Posters, which she wants Annie to hang in the bookstore. Annie thinks books should be the store's focus, but the posters enchant her.
Each poster features a cat's photograph with a caption. Here are three of the Cat Truth posters;
. . . a silky furred, mitted, and bicolored Ragdoll stretched out on a red silk cushion, looking as comfy as Eva Longoria in a Hanes ad: Go with the Flow.
A rectangular-muzzled, green-eyed, cholocolate colored cat appeared as brooding as a Gothic hero: Always Say Yes to Adventure.
. . . a thick-furred, piebald Siberian forest cat, its white front a brilliant contrast to a charcoal back and head. Its face appeared almost angelic: Always try a Smile First.
And yes, one of the posters points to a killer.
Fun for me and fun, I hope for readers
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
April 12, 2021
I must confess that some time ago I put this book on my kindle, because I saw that it is set on a tropical island and I definitely wanted a story like that, as it was a snowy winter here where I live. But I only read it now (although it's still late spring snow outside, so not much has changed) and I'm pleasantly surprised. This is a really good story.
This is a variation on And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie - an island, a limited number of people (although they know each other) and a probable killer with unknown intentions. Although, of course, there are also clearly visible differences that make this story very interesting. It has a great atmosphere.
It is really easy to like the main character, Henrie O. She is a woman who can think quickly, is not easily deceived by appearances and can cope with unusual situations. She is older than the typical heroine, but definitely not the cute old lady we know from some cozy mysteries. She's a good and strong main character who works great in this story. Still, from the beginning I suspected what is her secret, which was confirmed at the end of the book.
There is, of course, also a group of interesting and quite vivid supporting characters, any of whom may wish for the death of the host of the house and former lover of Henrie O, Chase. This group is almost stereotypical - a young new wife, an elderly actress, a stepson who expects something different from life than his stepfather, a son from his first marriage, a dangerous servant. But at the same time, there is something interesting in each of them that eludes the typical schemes. What a great group of extraordinary characters this is. And they're all good suspects, too.
The pace of this story is fast, a lot is going on. There are also many more attempts to kill Chase than I expected. The approaching hurricane adds to the drama of the whole situation. The solution is very interesting. Especially when we consider the conclusions that Henrie comes to at the end of the story. I like when solving the whole mystery is much more complicated than saying "the murderer is X and his motive was money".
I am eager to meet Henrie O again in the next book. This could be a series that I will love to come back to from time to time. I also definitely recommend this book, especially as a beach read. Though it might not be such a great idea after all, given the hurricane theme in the story.
This is a variation on And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie - an island, a limited number of people (although they know each other) and a probable killer with unknown intentions. Although, of course, there are also clearly visible differences that make this story very interesting. It has a great atmosphere.
It is really easy to like the main character, Henrie O. She is a woman who can think quickly, is not easily deceived by appearances and can cope with unusual situations. She is older than the typical heroine, but definitely not the cute old lady we know from some cozy mysteries. She's a good and strong main character who works great in this story. Still, from the beginning I suspected what is her secret, which was confirmed at the end of the book.
There is, of course, also a group of interesting and quite vivid supporting characters, any of whom may wish for the death of the host of the house and former lover of Henrie O, Chase. This group is almost stereotypical - a young new wife, an elderly actress, a stepson who expects something different from life than his stepfather, a son from his first marriage, a dangerous servant. But at the same time, there is something interesting in each of them that eludes the typical schemes. What a great group of extraordinary characters this is. And they're all good suspects, too.
The pace of this story is fast, a lot is going on. There are also many more attempts to kill Chase than I expected. The approaching hurricane adds to the drama of the whole situation. The solution is very interesting. Especially when we consider the conclusions that Henrie comes to at the end of the story. I like when solving the whole mystery is much more complicated than saying "the murderer is X and his motive was money".
I am eager to meet Henrie O again in the next book. This could be a series that I will love to come back to from time to time. I also definitely recommend this book, especially as a beach read. Though it might not be such a great idea after all, given the hurricane theme in the story.
August 27, 2012
This is my favourite type of whodunnit, cozy mystery--a pool of murder suspects gathered together on an isolated island or in an isolated mansion. In this case, the setting was an isolated island, which should have been an idyllic, relaxing vacation spot with luxurious amenities. But, the problem was a cold-blooded murderer was among the guests and it was up to Henrie O to figure out who the culprit was.
I flew through this book fairly quickly and would have rated it a little higher, except for Henrie O herself. In spite of the fact that she was an intelligent, strong, no-nonsense woman, which I like in my female characters, she was also quite crusty, bossy, conceited and full of herself. She certainly lacked the sweet charms of Miss Marple or the pleasant, engaging character of Jessica Fletcher.
Chase Prescott, despite his good looks, wealth and suave demeanour, possessed a number of very negative traits and was not a pleasant man at all. His treatment of people and insensitivity toward their feelings was reprehensible. The rest of the characters were a little stereotypical as well--the young, unstable wife, the pleasant but rather naive son, the ruthless lawyer, the vain, dramatic actress, etc.
The hurricane was a nice touch, adding to the drama and excitement of the story.
I must admit, though, that Ms. Hart kept me guessing right to the end as to the identity of the culprit. And, just when I thought the mystery had been solved, she threw a very unpredictable, surprise curve ball at me.
This is the first book in the Henrie O series and I did like it--I just didn't think it was amazing. But, I do have the second one on my bookshelf and intend to read it in the near future.
I flew through this book fairly quickly and would have rated it a little higher, except for Henrie O herself. In spite of the fact that she was an intelligent, strong, no-nonsense woman, which I like in my female characters, she was also quite crusty, bossy, conceited and full of herself. She certainly lacked the sweet charms of Miss Marple or the pleasant, engaging character of Jessica Fletcher.
Chase Prescott, despite his good looks, wealth and suave demeanour, possessed a number of very negative traits and was not a pleasant man at all. His treatment of people and insensitivity toward their feelings was reprehensible. The rest of the characters were a little stereotypical as well--the young, unstable wife, the pleasant but rather naive son, the ruthless lawyer, the vain, dramatic actress, etc.
The hurricane was a nice touch, adding to the drama and excitement of the story.
I must admit, though, that Ms. Hart kept me guessing right to the end as to the identity of the culprit. And, just when I thought the mystery had been solved, she threw a very unpredictable, surprise curve ball at me.
This is the first book in the Henrie O series and I did like it--I just didn't think it was amazing. But, I do have the second one on my bookshelf and intend to read it in the near future.
May 12, 2016
Really 4.5 stars, but I rounded up.
I don't know why I picked up this book. I was craving another historical mystery but as I sat on the floor surrounded by books that I'd read the first page of this book practically leapt at me from its shelf. I absolutely loved it. It was filled with what I love best, a MC with a stiff upper-lip, a closed-room mystery, and an outside threat looming on the horizon.
As I stated above the MC had a stiff upper-lip. I absolutely love that in a character; it makes the character seem more collected and wise to me, and Henrie most certainly came off as collected and wise. The secondary characters were also great, I really hope to see them in the next book, however that's doubtful.
The mystery was a classic closed-room mystery with a limited pool of suspects. The reveal was slightly anticlimactic to me, but then the author pulled out a second reveal that I slightly expected, but it nevertheless blew me away.
Overall I simply loved this book. I already have the next one ordered and I highly recommend!
I don't know why I picked up this book. I was craving another historical mystery but as I sat on the floor surrounded by books that I'd read the first page of this book practically leapt at me from its shelf. I absolutely loved it. It was filled with what I love best, a MC with a stiff upper-lip, a closed-room mystery, and an outside threat looming on the horizon.
As I stated above the MC had a stiff upper-lip. I absolutely love that in a character; it makes the character seem more collected and wise to me, and Henrie most certainly came off as collected and wise. The secondary characters were also great, I really hope to see them in the next book, however that's doubtful.
The mystery was a classic closed-room mystery with a limited pool of suspects. The reveal was slightly anticlimactic to me, but then the author pulled out a second reveal that I slightly expected, but it nevertheless blew me away.
Overall I simply loved this book. I already have the next one ordered and I highly recommend!
March 17, 2014
Henrie O gets a call from her old lover that he needs help, so she flies to his island. Once there, she learns he fears for his life, and sure enough he is murdered during a storm. Trapped on the island with a killer, can Henrie figure out who done it? A good puzzler that would make Christie proud. My only complaint was the ending was rushed, and the book deserved better.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
April 6, 2018
A light read, but enjoy Henrio O more than the Death On Demand series. She is an older heroine, but knows how to solve a crime. If you've been reading a great deal of serious literature, this is a fun little piece of mind candy.
December 30, 2023
A cozy-well paced murder mystery on an island. The narrator is absurdly self-congratulatory and the language is stilted, silly, and riddled with spelling errors. But good enough for the kind of vacation reading where you just don't give a damn.
May 19, 2020
a nice little whodunit - i am a big fan of carolyn hart's death on demand series, but i must say, i'm rather taken by henrie O - good plot and interesting characters
June 14, 2018
Our story started with the main character, Henrietta O'Dwyer Collins, or Henrie O, helping an old lady from being scammed by a con-artist.
Then, she received a call from her old friend, and implied ex-lover, Chase Prescott. He asked for her help, someone was trying to kill him. Prescott was a multi-millionaire business magnate with a lot of enemies, and instead reporting everything to the authority like every other sane person would, he decided to gather all the people whom he suspected to want him dead on a private island.
Then, we were introduced to the potential suspects.
1. Burton Andrews - Prescott's secretary who was frequently mistreated by him.
2. Miranda Prescott - Prescott's young beautiful wife
3. Haskell Lee - Prescott's exceptionally handsome stepson
4. Roger Prescott - Prescott's son with his first wife
5. Valerie St. Vincent - Prescott's ex-sister-in-law; Haskell Lee's aunt. A Broadway actresss.
6. Lyle Stedman - Prescott's successor
7. Trevor Dunnaway - Prescott's lawyer
Hatred for the culprit aside, this was an engaging read. I slept at 5 am just to finish reading this.
Then, she received a call from her old friend, and implied ex-lover, Chase Prescott. He asked for her help, someone was trying to kill him. Prescott was a multi-millionaire business magnate with a lot of enemies, and instead reporting everything to the authority like every other sane person would, he decided to gather all the people whom he suspected to want him dead on a private island.
Then, we were introduced to the potential suspects.
1. Burton Andrews - Prescott's secretary who was frequently mistreated by him.
2. Miranda Prescott - Prescott's young beautiful wife
3. Haskell Lee - Prescott's exceptionally handsome stepson
4. Roger Prescott - Prescott's son with his first wife
5. Valerie St. Vincent - Prescott's ex-sister-in-law; Haskell Lee's aunt. A Broadway actresss.
6. Lyle Stedman - Prescott's successor
7. Trevor Dunnaway - Prescott's lawyer
Hatred for the culprit aside, this was an engaging read. I slept at 5 am just to finish reading this.
April 13, 2022
Loved it, and the ending had me guessing- she writes like a modern-day Christie, so much fun!
July 20, 2018
It's kind of like reading first-person Agatha Christie, but with that special something you often get from stories told by characters who are/were reporters.
August 23, 2018
Nice easy cozy mystery with an older MC. Enjoyed it.
Want to read
March 11, 2019Synopsis: few respond to an attempt on their life with an invitation to try again. One did. He's counting on Henrietta O'Dwyer Collins to stop it.
August 10, 2020
I guess this falls into "cozy mystery" although I'm not always on top of sub-genres. To me, it read like modern day Agatha Christie. Which is a compliment from me, at least, as I've read all of Christie and enjoyed it thoroughly.
Henrietta O'Dwyer Collins, intrepid reporter turned novelist, is doing well in her later years (Hey, she calls herself an old lady in the book). She gets a call from someone she used to know, Chase Prescott, who has gone on to become ridiculously wealthy, building a media empire. Chase has bought his own small island off the Carolina coast, and assembled an odd group for a few days. What he reveals to Henrietta is that someone recently tried to kill him, and he's narrowed the list down to these people, including his young third wife, a renowned actress, his lawyer, his son, secretary, house staff with obligatory mysterious pasts, his heir apparent in business. In other words, a great set up for one of those mansion mysteries Christie did so well.
As the story goes on, there is another attempt on Chance's life, all sorts of secrets about the various guests, and a threatening hurricane bearing down on them. Henri has to figure out what's going on, who is behind the attempted murder, and what all the various secrets mean.
It's a good story with a lot of twists and turns. I didn't see a lot of it coming. I think my only complaint about it is the names skew to the somewhat unbelievable, like she's trying the tiniest bit too hard to echo the 20's mysteries. I remember one bit when I was thinking that Henri, who seems to know a lot about everything, should have known something that comes up, but I don't recall specifics, and it wasn't a big deal.
It's an enjoyable tale with some great action. Definitely recommended if you enjoy mysteries.
Henrietta O'Dwyer Collins, intrepid reporter turned novelist, is doing well in her later years (Hey, she calls herself an old lady in the book). She gets a call from someone she used to know, Chase Prescott, who has gone on to become ridiculously wealthy, building a media empire. Chase has bought his own small island off the Carolina coast, and assembled an odd group for a few days. What he reveals to Henrietta is that someone recently tried to kill him, and he's narrowed the list down to these people, including his young third wife, a renowned actress, his lawyer, his son, secretary, house staff with obligatory mysterious pasts, his heir apparent in business. In other words, a great set up for one of those mansion mysteries Christie did so well.
As the story goes on, there is another attempt on Chance's life, all sorts of secrets about the various guests, and a threatening hurricane bearing down on them. Henri has to figure out what's going on, who is behind the attempted murder, and what all the various secrets mean.
It's a good story with a lot of twists and turns. I didn't see a lot of it coming. I think my only complaint about it is the names skew to the somewhat unbelievable, like she's trying the tiniest bit too hard to echo the 20's mysteries. I remember one bit when I was thinking that Henri, who seems to know a lot about everything, should have known something that comes up, but I don't recall specifics, and it wasn't a big deal.
It's an enjoyable tale with some great action. Definitely recommended if you enjoy mysteries.
April 11, 2023
I really enjoyed Dead Man's Island by Carolyn G. Hart. If you have read all of Agatha Christie's book, you will see that it is a variation of And Then There Were None. What attracted me to this book was a cover that featured a hurricane raging against a mansion. The idea of a hurricane tearing apart the mansion did add plenty of drama to the murder mystery.
Also because I am older, I am drawn to older women sleuths.I hope to buy more of this entertaining series. It is the first of seven in this series and I have already added the second one to my wish list.
Henrietta O'Dwyer Collins has been a news reporter for five decades, she decided to retire and write crime fiction. Athletic and with an agile mind, she has covered a myriad of diasters and murders. Receiving a phone call from an old flame from about four decades ago, she reluctantly agrees to the plea for help from Chase Prescott, the head of a news empire. An attempt on his life has been made previously and he has drawn up a list of possible suspects. Henrietta will be joining the suspects in his mansion on his private island.
Besides the excellently crafted mystery, Henrietta entertained me with appropiately related trivia which prompted frequent lookups on the Internet. This is a thinking woman's mystery.
Also because I am older, I am drawn to older women sleuths.I hope to buy more of this entertaining series. It is the first of seven in this series and I have already added the second one to my wish list.
Henrietta O'Dwyer Collins has been a news reporter for five decades, she decided to retire and write crime fiction. Athletic and with an agile mind, she has covered a myriad of diasters and murders. Receiving a phone call from an old flame from about four decades ago, she reluctantly agrees to the plea for help from Chase Prescott, the head of a news empire. An attempt on his life has been made previously and he has drawn up a list of possible suspects. Henrietta will be joining the suspects in his mansion on his private island.
Besides the excellently crafted mystery, Henrietta entertained me with appropiately related trivia which prompted frequent lookups on the Internet. This is a thinking woman's mystery.
October 25, 2017
When arrogant media magnate Chase Prescott is nearly killed by a box of cyanide-laced candy, he dials his long-ago lover, retired newshound Henrietta O’Dwyer Collins, with a simple request: He’ll assemble all the suspects if Henrie O will kindly point out the would-be murderer.
It’s a case—her first—that fills Henrie O with grave misgivings, especially when she arrives on Chase’s private island off the South Carolina coast to meet the players in this deadly drama. Among Prescott’s unstable young wife, his sullen stepson, and his toady of a secretary, she has trouble narrowing the field of suspects—even when a second attempt is made on Chase’s life. As Henrie O unearths a will and fascinating new evidence, a killer hurricane sweeps up from Cuba, threatening to maroon them in this vacation hell . . . where the trappings of luxury are put to lethal use and the secrets of the past have the power to engulf them all.
It’s a case—her first—that fills Henrie O with grave misgivings, especially when she arrives on Chase’s private island off the South Carolina coast to meet the players in this deadly drama. Among Prescott’s unstable young wife, his sullen stepson, and his toady of a secretary, she has trouble narrowing the field of suspects—even when a second attempt is made on Chase’s life. As Henrie O unearths a will and fascinating new evidence, a killer hurricane sweeps up from Cuba, threatening to maroon them in this vacation hell . . . where the trappings of luxury are put to lethal use and the secrets of the past have the power to engulf them all.
December 27, 2019
This book was a suspense mystery, but it reminded me more of the game or movie "Clue", except rather than it being in a mansion, it was on an isolated island in the path of a hurricane. The multi-millionaire, Chase Prescott, invites his old friend and ex-lover, Henrietta O'Dwyer Collins--Henrie O--to the island--his island--where he has invited a strange group of people. His lawyer, his step-son, his assistant, an elderly actress and several others, including his much younger (and second) wife to keep them isolated until he can figure out which one had tried to kill him with a piece of chocolate found at one of his mansions that, unfortunately, his dog ate and died. So anyone who had access to the house within those 24 hours as brought to the island and he begged Henrie O--once a journalist and now a novelist--to determine who it was. And hope to do so before the hurricane kills them all.
August 17, 2021
I've had this book for a very long time, and just now got around to reading it. I didn't realize what I was missing. Basically a locked room mystery, the setting and characters were superbly drawn, and I felt that I was on that island with them, awaiting my unavoidable doom. While Dame Christie still holds my heart for the island mystery, this was an excellent book by a superb writer. The tension built at the perfect pace to the surprising conclusion. I will admit that I was reading the end of the book during a storm, and the descriptions of the hurricane made me uncomfortable enough to put it away for the night. It took me a while to meet Henrie O, the sassy, no-nonsense MC, but it won't take me long to see her again.
April 18, 2022
If you are an Agatha Christie fan, you will love Henrie O. aka as Henrietta O'Dwyer Collins. A 60-something retired journalist turned author is invited by an old flame to a house party on a private island off the coast of South Carolina. Behind the invitation is a murder attempt on Chase Prescott's life and his belief that only Henrie O.'s unique investigative talents can uncover which family member or friend is behind the attempt. Meanwhile, a hurricane is bearing down on the island which has no means of contact with the mainland - no TV, internet, phone...
Read this one many years ago and re-read it for Read and Discuss (RAD) Texas book club. Hart is still a master.
Read this one many years ago and re-read it for Read and Discuss (RAD) Texas book club. Hart is still a master.
November 21, 2019
1 island off the coast of South Carolina owned by media magnate Chase Prescott and a small group of his nearest and dearest. Chase has asked his dear friend Henrietta O'Dwyer Collins to come to the island to figure out who is trying to kill him. Someone tried to kill Prescott with a poisoned piece of his favorite candy. However instead of calling the police he wants Henie O' to figure things out. Each person who could have possibly had the means or motive to do this is now on "Dead Mans" island with a hurricane bearing down on them. Very Agatha Christie like.
February 13, 2023
This is the first book in a series featuring Henrie O., a famous journalist and novelist who is a mature, feisty and highly intelligent woman. Henrie O. Is enlisted by billionaire Chase Prescott, a former lover to determine who is trying to murder him. Chase Prescott gathers the suspects to his remote island off the coast of South Carolina and leaves Henrie O. With the task of unveiling the murderer. The mystery evolves as Chase Prescott is murdered and a devastating hurricane sweeps onto the island.
The characters were dynamic and the plot intriguing yet predictable. The story parallels Agatha Christie’s “Ten Little Indians”.
Henrie O. is a strong main character and I will definitely read additional stories in the series.
The characters were dynamic and the plot intriguing yet predictable. The story parallels Agatha Christie’s “Ten Little Indians”.
Henrie O. is a strong main character and I will definitely read additional stories in the series.
June 16, 2017
The main character is Henrietta O'Dwyer Collins, a famous reporter now a best selling novelist. She is asked by a friend, Chase Prescott, to find out who is trying to murder him. Chase has invited some people to his private island off the coast of South Carolina and it is there that Henrie O begins to ask questions. Everything comes together as the island is torn apart in a hurricane. Am looking forward to reading the rest of the series. The book was a quick easy read.
November 17, 2019
This is the first book from this author and I loved it! The background of all the several characters seemed well to fit within the storyline. Plus the author's extensive descriptions helped form an interesting mystery. The greatest thrill for me was the unexpected ending, and just when you thought it was finished, there was yet another explanation. Looking forward to obtaining other books by the author, and easy to understand why she was given several awards.
April 1, 2023
My first Henrie O series read. The story was riveting. You have a small group of suspects and you reason along with Henrie O as she sorts through the clues. The author does a masterful job of keeping everyone as the possible murderer. You think you know then you change your mind and are certain of who done it, and you change your mind again. A hurricane just adds to the excitement. A great read. I had a hard time putting it down.
March 21, 2019
I love this series. I admire Henri O and don't co sider her busy body. There is something about the way she goes about finding the killer that seems natural.
This book kept me listening into the night because I wanted to know what would happen. I was not disappointed.
This book kept me listening into the night because I wanted to know what would happen. I was not disappointed.
July 10, 2017
Just too light for me ... more a "Cozy Mystery" than a thriller or penetrating mystery ... summer beach read at best ... wasn't awful just not my style.
September 9, 2017
2.5 stars but rounded up. I normally like cozy mysteries books but didnt really care for Henrie O. I didnt dislike her but didnt have much interest. I didn't really care who was the guilty one.
March 19, 2018
Almost 4!
An interesting detective in form of the smart and tough now-retired reporter.
And a decent mystery too.
An interesting detective in form of the smart and tough now-retired reporter.
And a decent mystery too.
June 20, 2018
I really didn't care for this book.
June 26, 2018
I love Henrie O! Wish she would write more of these.
July 20, 2018
Felt like I was going through this hurricane with the characters!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews