Product Description

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1247100 in Books
• Published on: 2001-10-18
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 240 pages

From Publishers Weekly
Returning to adult crime after many years, Heley introduces lovable widow Ellie Quicke in the first of what one can only hope will be a long series. Two days after the funeral of her husband, Frank, Ellie feels immobilized by grief. Then the respectable Mrs. Dawes rushes to Ellie's door to announce she's just discovered the body of a young man at the church altar. Ellie soon becomes involved in the mystery surrounding the victim's murder, the subsequent disappearance of his mother and the disturbing quarrels of the young couple next door. Simultaneously, she examines her own life and, with a new confidence and strength, is able to stand up to Frank's bullying aunt Drusilla and her own spoiled daughter, Diana. Life without Frank will not be as predictable and safe, but it will certainly be more exciting. Heley's keen observations and insights into her characters create a rich atmosphere of the social life in an English town where, as reflected in the inviting pastoral jacket illustration, folk work in the local charity shop, go to the greengrocers and stop for sausages and mash at the Sunflowers caf . Combining sparkling wit and humor (particularly regarding Ellie's first attempts to master the computer), quirky acts of fate and a dramatic ending, Heley provides all one needs for a satisfying read, except perhaps a cozy chair, a cup of tea and some chocolate biscuits. (Dec. 1)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review
From 'Publishers Weekly', 23/10/00: Returning to adult crime after many years, Heley introduces loveable widow Ellie Quicke in the first of what one can only hope will be a long series... Heley's keen observations and insights into her characters create a rich atmosphere of the social life in an English town... Combining sparkling wit and humor, quirky acts of fate and a dramatic ending, Heley provides all one needs for a satisfying read, except perhaps a cozy chair, a cup of tea and some chocolate biscuits.

From the Publisher
Two days after the funeral of her husband, Frank, Ellie Quicke feels immobilized by grief. Then the respectable Mrs. Dawes rushes to Ellie's door to announce she's just discovered the body of a young man at the church altar. Ellie soon becomes involved in the mystery surrounding the victim's murder, the subsequent disappearance of his mother and the disturbing quarrels of the young couple next door. Simultaneously, she examines her own life and, with a new confidence and strength, is able to stand up to Frank's bullying Aunt Drusilla and her own spoiled daughter, Diana. Life without Frank will not be predictable and safe, but it will certainly be more exciting. Heley's keen observations and insights into her characters create the rich atmosphere of an English village. Combining sparkling wit and humor, quirky acts of fate and a dramatic ending, Heley provides all one needs for a satisfying read, except perhaps a cozy chair, a cup of tea and some chocolate biscuits.

Customer Reviews

What did Ellie see?
Ellie Quicke, a middle-age woman accustomed to being dominated by her husband, Frank, suddenly finds herself a widow. She soon realizes she must deal with a greedy, bossy daughter and an obstreperous aunt who both feel they not only can tell Ellie what to do but that they also deserve a great amount of money from Frank's estate. To complicate matters, a murder occurs in the church, which lies directly across from Ellie's front window. Once the killer realizes that Ellie may be a witness to the crime, the chase is on. The author, Veronica Heley, has created a cozy English village mystery with Ellie Quicke, a very likeable character, as she begins to exhibit her emerging independence and courage. The reader is also treated to the author's very subtle humor throughout the story, which adds much enjoyment to the unfolding mystery. Let's hope we hear more of Ellie Quicke. Readers of Murder at the Altar will also enjoy books by M. C. Beaton, Dorothy Cannell, Jeanne Dams, and Caroline Graham.