Death in a Bygone Hue - (An Art Center Mystery) by Susan Van Kirk (Paperback)

About the Book

"When Jill Madison returns to her hometown to become executive director of a new art center, she never would have dreamed unexpected secrets from the past would put her life in danger. When her parents' old friend, and Jill's mentor, Judge Ron Spivey, is murdered, he leaves behind more than a few secrets. His baffling will makes Jill a rich woman, if she survives the six-month probate period. She finds a target on her back when the judge's estranged children return and form an unholy alliance with a local muckraking journalist who specializes in making up news. According to the judge's will, if Jill dies, the family inherits."--

Book Synopsis

When Jill Madison returns to her hometown to become executive director of a new art center, she never would have dreamed unexpected secrets from the past would put her life in danger. When her parents' old friend, and Jill's mentor, Judge Ron Spivey, is murdered, he leaves behind more than a few secrets. His baffling will makes Jill a rich woman, if she survives the six-month probate period.

She finds a target on her back when the judge's estranged children return and form an unholy alliance with a local muckraking journalist who specializes in making up news. According to the judge's will, if Jill dies, the family inherits.

Jill and her best friend launch their own investigation, determined to find the judge's killer. In the meantime, Jill must run her first national juried exhibit, launch a new seniors' group, and move the weavers' guild into the art center. Her arch nemesis and art center board president, Ivan Truelove III, watches her every move, determined to remove her if she makes a mistake. And, in between finding dead bodies, Jill may also discover a bit of romance with a newly arrived doctor in town, if she can live to enjoy it.

Review Quotes

"Susan Van Kirk takes the cozy mystery into a new arena-an art gallery in a small midwestern city-and weaves fascinating information about the art world into a tale of murder, inheritance, Vietnam vets, and just a touch of romance. Fine reading as well as fine art." -Judy Alter

"A well-crafted mystery filled with twists and turns that keeps you guessing until the end. Van Kirk's page-turner effortlessly combines murder in the high-stakes world of art and art fraud with the heart of small-town life and family. Apple Grove is a place you won't want to leave." - Kait Carson

"This colorful cozy mystery has it all-textured characters, a well-sculpted plot, and a fascinating behind-the-scenes peek into the art world. A charming whodunit readers won't want to miss!" -Lori Roberts Herbst

"Susan Van Kirk's newest Art Center Mystery, Death in a Bygone Hue...makes for a "masterpiece" of engaging mystery, diverse relationships, and a strong, clever female lead: Jill Madison. It's a personal favorite no one should miss!" - Kathleen Costa, reviewer for Kings River Life

"In Death in a Bygone Hue, Susan Van Kirk shines a spotlight on greed, murder, and art fraud in an otherwise idyllic town. Don't miss this beautifully written and intriguing book." - Grace Topping

"In Death in a Bygone Hue, Susan Van Kirk has created a delightful heroine, whom I sincerely want to hang out with, as well as a plot packed with so many twists, turns, and surprises that, at some point, I suspected everyone! Well written and highly entertaining, it kept me enthralled and guessing until the very end." - Annette Dashofy

"From accusations of cover-ups and special interests to vividly described events that often impart a wry undercurrent of humor, Van Kirk creates many compelling twists and turns..." - D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review

"I've loved all Susan Van Kirk's books, but Death in a Bygone Hue may be my new favorite....Beautifully written and seamlessly plotted, Death in a Bygone Hue combines a smart and engaging heroine with an irresistible mystery and a pulse-pounding ending." - Connie Berry