Catalogue of Death: A Miss Zukas Mystery

by Jo Dereske

List Price:	~~$7.99~~
Amazon Price:	$7.99 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25.
Average Rating:
Lowest New Price:	$4.43
Availablitiy:	Usually ships in 24 hours

Editorial Reviews
Product Description

At last, construction begins on a new library for Bellehaven, a gift of Franklin Harrington, scion of old Bellehaven money, and one of the locally famous Harrington triplets. But when a freak snowstorm hits, Bellehaven is brought to its knees. Not so Miss Helma Zukas who is at her post, dispensing library information, overseeing wayward employees, and soothing a busload of stranded gamblers.

Suddenly, an explosion rocks the snowy day, destroying the library site, killing the benefactor and a penny–pinching city finance czar.

The snow melts but not trouble. Shockingly, Ms. Moon thrusts the new library project onto Helma. And Helma soon discovers why, uncovering secrets and shady dealings from start to finish – secrets in the library, in the City, and in the Harrington family – secrets worth killing for.

Customers who bought this item also bought

All Customer Reviews
Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:

5 out of 5 stars

great!, 2008-02-27
I really enjoyed this book! Miss Zukas is a gem, and the books keep me laughing.

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:

2 out of 5 stars

mystery librarian, 2008-01-22
A quick read. I would not recommend purchasing it. Check it out at your local library. There's really not much to it.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

2 out of 5 stars

More like 2 1/2 stars...., 2007-10-26
An unexpected snowstorm blankets the town of Bellehaven, but the library must stay open. As a dedicated employee, Miss Helma Zukas knows just how essential the Bellehaven Public Library is to its citizens. Helma knew that the snow would cause mass confusion in an area unused to snow, but she never expected a literal explosion to occur. Suddenly, Helma finds herself in the midst of what is shaping up to be a murder investigation with the fate of the library's future site also in jeopardy.

CATALOGUE OF DEATH is the tenth book in the series featuring Miss Zukas. I haven't read any of the previous books and I suspect that many of the nuances of the tale were lost on me as a result. Helma is a difficult character to like. She is extraordinarily particular about things, not even wanting her food to be mixed as that is displeasing to her palate. Perhaps it is the shock of such a fastidious person investigating murder that appeals to fans of the series. Helma did commit some acts that seemed rather astonishing for her personality and long time readers of the series may pick up on some moments of dry humor.

Some of the secondary characters are far more likeable than Helma Zukas. Her friend and artist, Ruth Winthrop, is rather brash but her vibrant personality shines through the pages. She is a much needed and sharp contrast to the understated Helma Zukas. The head librarian, Ms. Moon, is a bit bizarre and her unwavering determination to have a new library built is maddening at times.

CATALOGUE OF DEATH should most likely be read in the context of the series rather than as a stand alone. As a stand alone, the slow pace is frustrating and many of the quirks of the established characters are unclear (I never totally understood the relationship between Helma and her apparently disliked cat, Boy Cat Zukas). Cozy mystery fans may enjoy this story involving an uptight and very prudent librarian if read in the series order so that the relationships and characters can be better developed.

COURTESY OF CK2S KWIPS AND KRITIQUES

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:

4 out of 5 stars

A low-keyed comedy of murder, 2007-08-31
The unflappable Miss Zukas is a delight, as are the internal politics of the Bellehaven Public Library. Unfortunately, the plot hinges on a preposterous device -- work has begun on building a new library on a choice piece of real estate without there being anything in writing anywhere to show that this is what the donor intends to build. If you can accept this as a given, you'll enjoy Catalogue of Death.

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:

3 out of 5 stars

Miss Zukas Mysteries, 2007-07-15
I am a great fan of Jo Dereske's writing. Miss Zukas, although rather uptight and solitary, is a very sensible and believable character. Miss Zukas's character is evolving and developing into a person who can be more comfortable with risks and relationships.

Price is accurate as of the date/time indicated. Prices and product availability are subject to change. Any price displayed on the Amazon website at the time of purchase will govern the sale of this product.