The hugely popular author of mysteries set in the White House and other locations, has turned her skills to a series called Manor House Mysteries centering on Grace Wheaton. At the time of GRACE TO THE FINISH we are eight books along the series so Grace occasionally has some moody thoughts or reflects on a relative in jail. All is going well though as she and staunch friends take possession of a former industrial building, now to be refitted as Amethyst Cellars. The wine tasting will be here, the restaurant there and what is a deceased lady doing in the basement?

Only one chapter in and the police detectives Rodriguez and Flynn are on the scene, trying to ascertain if Virginia Frisbie died naturally or otherwise, and what a retiring bank worker was doing in an empty structure. As the lady was a widowed grandmother, it seems unlikely that she was involved in serious crime or romance, yet the detectives form a theory that somebody pushed her down the stairs. We learn some of Mrs Frisbie's family background, inviting our sympathy for such a relatable character.

In her normal life, Grace is curator of a historical home, Marshfield Manor. As Grace has recently inherited some money, she has been investing in her friends' business as a silent partner, and everyone from a bank president to her unrepentant jailed sister is suddenly more interested in spending time with her. Amazing. This is a good way of introducing us to some of the major characters from Emberstowne, if we're not familiar with earlier instalments. It also helps to draw the crucial components of the mystery into the light. Those who are familiar with Grace will have been watching her change and grow during the series, and her newfound wealth adds another dimension. For contrast, we meet one of the town's unfortunate denizens, and Grace deals sensibly and sensitively with him.

To date, I feel Julie Hyzy's signature has been catering yet this tale contains nothing in the way of cooking and recipes. Provided a reader knows this they won't be disappointed, as personally, I did feel the lack of some interesting culinary experiences. The reliable author certainly provides a good range of characters for this crime tale, with versatile plotting and understandable motives. Taken as a straight mystery, GRACE TO THE FINISH should please all the fans and resolve some awkward family relationship issues from previous tales. Well done Grace!

Book Summary

The New York Times bestselling author of the Manor House Mysteries and the White House Chef Mysteries returns with a mix of murder and mayhem for curator Grace Wheaton.

Now that Grace Wheaton has officially been named heir to Bennett Marshfield’s fortune, her usually busy schedule has become a juggling act. In addition to her duties at Marshfield Manor, she’s bankrolling her roommates’ refurbished wine shop, Amethyst Cellars. Grace is excited to check out the rustic space with Bruce and Scott. But that excitement turns to dismay when they stumble upon the body of the banker involved with the sale.

Grace wants to get to the bottom of this mystery quickly so that her friends’ new venture isn’t overshadowed by an unsolved murder, but she’s got even more to balance when her troubled sister, Liza, is released from prison early. Liza’s first stop is Marshfield Manor and her first priority is grabbing a bite of Bennett’s fortune for herself. Grace has to keep her greedy sister at bay and catch a killer before her new life comes crashing down around her.