The Stuff of Murder - (An Old Stuff Mystery) by Kathleen Marple Kalb (Paperback)

About the Book

When Hollywood comes to small-town Connecticut, it should be the stuff of dreams-but when a fading movie star ends up dead, a whole different kind of stuff hits the fan.

Book Synopsis

When Hollywood comes to small-town Connecticut, it should be the stuff of dreams-but when a fading movie star ends up dead, a whole different kind of stuff hits the fan.

Unity Historical Society head and antique household items-stuff!-expert Christian Shaw is on set when actor Brett Studebaker falls from the pulpit during a streaming service shoot in an old church. She, the "dads she should have had," Garrett and Ed, her son Henry, who has a photographic memory and Type-1 Diabetes, and her colorful friends end up helping Assistant State's Attorney Joe Poli track the killer. Along for the ride: her giant tuxedo cat, Cookie, Ed and Garrett's big red mutt, Norm, and Joe's tiny dog, Cannoli. Woodworking, embroidery, old poisons, and vintage weapons all figure in the case, which comes together in a wild scene at the Historical Society on Fourth-Grade Field Trip Day.

Review Quotes

"This was one of the best books I've read this year. This is a thoroughly enjoyable modern murder mystery with a likable, diverse cast of characters and a town that has a charming sense of community. An additional plus for me was the addition of a young character with Type 1 diabetes, and as the parent of a 9-year-old with the same, the descriptions of diagnosis and general life with T1D were accurate, positive, and, at one point, brought tears to my eyes. The mystery is neat, well-plotted and fun, and there's a dollop of romance that fleshes out the main characters nicely. Another nice touch is the way the history and especially social history of the town is brought into the life of the characters and the mystery plot. If you have an interest in history, this will be an especially nice read. In short, I'm already looking forward to book two." -Geraldine Byrne, author of the Irish Music Shop and Caroline Jordan Mystery Series