Book Review: Peg and Rose Solve a Murder by Laurien Berenson

In Laurien Berenson's Peg and Rose Solve a Murder, two cantankerous septuagenarians, opposites in every way, put aside their differences to stop a killer… if they don’t throttle each other first. Here's Doreen Sheridan's review!

It’s very easy to sell me on any book that has the premise of older women joining forces to solve crimes, and this series debut lives up to its potential in spades! Which is fitting, since our heroines—long-time nemeses who first appeared in Laurien Berenson’s Melanie Travis mystery series—originally team up because former nun Rose Donovan needs a partner for the bridge club she wants to join. She remembers her sister-in-law has previously mentioned playing the card game, and decides that there’s no one better to invite than a woman whom she knows also enjoys playing to win.

Peg Turnbull is understandably hesitant at first. To say she and Rose don’t get along is an understatement. Rose was not the most welcoming family member back when Peg and Max, Rose’s older brother, announced their engagement over four decades ago. Rose was, in fact, a breathtakingly awful young woman when Max first introduced them. But as Rose has gotten older, she’s mellowed considerably. Trouble is, repairing a relationship as poor as hers with Peg seems a formidable task at best, as Rose laments to her husband Peter:

“Peg and I are both grown women,” she said. “Adults in every sense of the word except when it comes to our relationship. Why is it so hard for us to move past something that happened more than forty years ago?”

 

“Because up until now, neither of you has really tried, have you?” Peter pointed out. “Sometimes there’s comfort in maintaining the status quo. Remaking your connection with Peg will involve throwing out old prejudices and preconceived notions. Change, even when it’s welcome, can be a complicated process.”

The women’s attempts at reconciling are sorely tested after their first visit to bridge club. While Peg can be overly assertive, Rose can be passive-aggressive, leading the two to butt heads as they discover they’re not as good at cards as they thought. But when one of their new club-mates is shot to death in his own home after an evening of bridge, the unlikely duo find themselves drawn together to solve the mystery of his murder. Peg’s directness and Rose’s milder, if no less determined, ways mesh beautifully when it comes to snooping around the surprisingly scandalous members of their new social circle. As the women slowly gain an appreciation for each other’s strengths, they begin to home in on what really happened to their dead acquaintance. Will their newly found teamwork come to a premature and grisly end, however, when a killer decides that they’re getting too close to the truth?

This is a wonderfully written cozy mystery, with punchy dialogue and excellent characterizations. The prickly relationship between our leads is both realistic and easy to root for as they slowly overcome decades of mutual disdain in the service not only of solving a murder but also in connecting with what little family they have left:

Family. This was the second time Rose had referenced that relationship. As if things were really that simple. Unfortunately, where the Turnbull family was concerned, complications had always been a way of life.

 

Peg’s heart squeezed painfully in her chest. Rose did have a point about losing loved ones, however. Peg hadn’t needed to reach the age of seventy-two before realizing that.

 

Still, she hated having to admit that Rose might be right about something.

In addition to being a terrific character study, this novel is a must-read for anyone who loves dogs. Peg raises Standard Poodles and is a judge on the dog show circuit, and there’s an important subplot here involving a puppy who needs to be lovingly retrained following an abusive upbringing. It’s also refreshing to read a cozy mystery where romantic angst doesn’t take center stage. While I do enjoy a romance subplot—and very much enjoyed the depiction of Rose’s relationship with her husband—I do like it when the realistic development of a friendship is given the attention it rightfully deserves. 

Peg and Rose Solve a Murder really does have the sass of The Golden Girls mixed with the shenanigans of Murder, She Wrote, though with a lot more animal friends than either. I’m greatly looking forward to being charmed by more of Peg and Rose’s adventures together as this warm, witty series continues.

Learn More Or Order A Copy

Comments

  1. Köp cbd-buds online

    Hi

  2. i58bet

    Such a very useful article. Very interesting to read this article.I would like to thank you for the efforts you had made for writing this awesome article.

  3. NEW SOUTH WALES FAKE DRIVER LICENCE

    Such a very useful article. Very interesting to read this article.I would like to thank you for the efforts you had made for writing this awesome article.

  4. click here

    ทางเข้า PG SLOT สมัคร ฝาก ถอน ออโต้ 5 วินาที 1 วัน ระบบออโต้ ปราศจากถัย 100 % เล่นง่าย จ่ายหนัก JACKPOT แตกมั่นใจ เป็นเกมที่มาแรงที่สุดในปี 2022 นี้อย่างแน่นอน

  5. smm panel

    PEAKERR provides Best SMM Panels Services & Cheap SMM Panel Services In The World. For Youtube Views Panel, TikTok Services Panel, Facebook Services Panel, Instagram Services Panel, And Many More, We Are Providing All Services At Cheap Rates For Reseller SMM Panels. Resell Our SMM Services And Make Money Online. We Have Many Free SMM Panel Services & Give You Some Test Funds For Check Our Services Quality. We Always Try to Provide High-Quality Services At a Cheap Rate

  6. FAKE NEW SOUTH WALES ID

    Such a very useful article. Very interesting to read this article.I would like to thank you for the efforts you had made for writing this awesome article.

  7. roof waterproofing

    Such a very useful article. Very interesting to read this article.I would like to thank you for the efforts you had made for writing this awesome article.

  8. mueblesaiko

    Such a very useful article. Very interesting to read this article.I would like to thank you for the efforts you had made for writing this awesome article.

  9. moviflex

    Moviflex mattresses are known for their ability to adapt to the individual needs of each person and provide adequate support for the spine. In addition, these mattresses have layers of high-quality materials that provide great comfort and durability. Some of the benefits of Moviflex mattresses are their ability to reduce back pain, improve blood circulation and promote better sleeping posture.

  10. business payroll

    Such a very useful article. Very interesting to read this article.I would like to thank you for the efforts you had made for writing this awesome article.

  11. corporate gift

    I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this article. I am hoping the same best work from you in the future as well. In fact your creative writing abilities has inspired me to start my own Blog Engine blog now. Really the blogging is spreading its wings rapidly. Your write up is a fine example of it.

  12. corporate gift

    I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this article. I am hoping the same best work from you in the future as well. In fact your creative writing abilities has inspired me to start my own Blog Engine blog now. Really the blogging is spreading its wings rapidly. Your write up is a fine example of it.

  13. feng shui singapore

    I don t have the time at the moment to fully read your site but I have bookmarked it and also add your RSS feeds. I will be back in a day or two. thanks for a great site.

  14. tcm bone setting

    Very informative post ! There is a lot of information here that can help any business get started with a successful social networking campaign !

  15. terrace waterproofing

    I’m excited to uncover this page. I need to to thank you for ones time for this particularly fantastic read!! I definitely really liked every part of it and i also have you saved to fav to look at new information in your site.

  16. apk judi slot online habanero

    It has fully emerged to crown Singapore’s southern shores and undoubtedly placed her on the global map of residential landmarks. I still scored the more points than I ever have in a season for GS. I think you would be hard pressed to find somebody with the same consistency I have had over the years so I am happy with that.

  17. smart goals

    I feel very grateful that I read this. It is very helpful and very informative and I really learned a lot from it.

  18. espaço invisível

    A good blog always comes-up with new and exciting information and while reading I have feel that this blog is really have all those quality that qualify a blog to be a one.

  19. bokep indo

    It has fully emerged to crown Singapore’s southern shores and undoubtedly placed her on the global map of residential landmarks. I still scored the more points than I ever have in a season for GS. I think you would be hard pressed to find somebody with the same consistency I have had over the years so I am happy with that.

  20. complete guide

    I was just browsing through the internet looking for some information and came across your blog. I am impressed by the information that you have on this blog. It shows how well you understand this subject. Bookmarked this page, will come back for more.

  21. cute dark academia outfits

    Such a very useful article. Very interesting to read this article.I would like to thank you for the efforts you had made for writing this awesome article.

  22. injectserver apk

    This post is very simple to read and appreciate without leaving any details out. Great work!

  23. w90

    This is an excellent post I seen thanks to share it. It is really what I wanted to see hope in future you will continue for sharing such a excellent post.

  24. w88 rezence

    I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this article. I am hoping the same best work from you in the future as well. In fact your creative writing abilities has inspired me to start my own Blog Engine blog now. Really the blogging is spreading its wings rapidly. Your write up is a fine example of it.

  25. vn88

    This post is very simple to read and appreciate without leaving any details out. Great work!

  26. emerges singapore

    This post is very simple to read and appreciate without leaving any details out. Great work!

  27. ost at

    This is an excellent post I seen thanks to share it. It is really what I wanted to see hope in future you will continue for sharing such a excellent post.

  28. vn88 rezence

    Regular visits listed here are the easiest method to appreciate your energy, which is why why I am going to the website everyday, searching for new, interesting info. Many, thank you!

  29. vn88 rezence

    I just got to this amazing site not long ago. I was actually captured with the piece of resources you have got here. Big thumbs up for making such wonderful blog page!

  30. promo gifts

    Easily, the article is actually the best topic on this registry related issue. I fit in with your conclusions and will eagerly look forward to your next updates.

  31. NEW SOUTH WALES FAKE ID

    Easily, the article is actually the best topic on this registry related issue. I fit in with your conclusions and will eagerly look forward to your next updates.

  32. vn88 rezence

    After reading your article I was amazed. I know that you explain it very well. And I hope that other readers will also experience how I feel after reading your article.

  33. vn88 rezence

    Such a very useful article. Very interesting to read this article.I would like to thank you for the efforts you had made for writing this awesome article.

  34. gp clinic

    I was very pleased to find this site.I wanted to thank you for this great read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you post.

  35. vn88 rezence

    The next time I read a blog, I hope that it doesnt disappoint me as much as this one. I mean, I know it was my choice to read, but I actually thought you have something interesting to say. All I hear is a bunch of whining about something that you could fix if you werent too busy looking for attention.

  36. james

    Nice information. Thanks for sharing this informative blog with us. I really need this type of blog and I’m so lucky to found this…

  37. ice cream gorilla push cart

    Pretty good post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed reading your blog posts. Any way I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you post again soon.

  38. TUPITEA

    Very nice blog and articles. I am realy very happy to visit your blog. Now I am found which I actually want. I check your blog everyday and try to learn something from your blog. Thank you and waiting for your new post.

  39. STEEL BITE PRO

    Looking for a supplement that can help you take control of your dental health? Look no further than Steel Bite Pro! Steel Bite Pro supplement is made from a unique blend of natural ingredients, including Zinc, Milk Thistle, and Artichoke, that have been carefully chosen to fight against bacteria and inflammation.

  40. slot thailand

    It’s really nice and meanful. it’s really cool blog. Linking is very useful thing.you have really helped lots of people who visit blog and provide them usefull information.

  41. bandar togel

    Great tips and very easy to understand. This will definitely be very useful for me when I get a chance to start my blog.

  42. find out more

    It should be noted that whilst ordering papers for sale at paper writing service, you can get unkind attitude. In case you feel that the bureau is trying to cheat you, don’t buy term paper from it.

Comments are closed.