Book Review: Painted Lady

Reviewed By: Sandi - RAM

Painted Lady     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Peter Abresch
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Amateur Sleuth   Senior Sleuths   Romantic Suspense
Series: James P. Dandy Elder Hostel Mysteries # 4
April 2003, Intrigue Press

Hop aboard the bus for the next Jim Dandy (n.) Elderhostel mystery. In Painted Lady, the tour is of the Old Santa Fe trail. In addition to the historic narrative, these seniors experience murder, mysterious art, a kidnapping, an exciting car chase, Native American artifacts and a séance. Somehow they all survive the harrowing boxed lunches.

His story invites the reader into the world of Elderhostel trips, seating us next to Jim and his artistic girlfriend, Dodee Swisher. Before the trip even starts, Jim witnesses a death of an American Indian shaman, who subsequently appears in Dodee’s sketches. The shaman’s death unearths questions about an artifact that follow our duo throughout their trip. As they try to enjoy their trip, Jim and Dodee find themselves in danger because of the shaman’s death, and the artifact.

Mr. Abresch has written a Jim Dandy (adj.) of a mystery. His story moves fluidly through the trip. The description of Jim and Dodee’s growing relationship is described, intimately at times. The interaction with others on the trip was entertaining. The characters and landscape were described very well, you can almost see them.

Painted Lady was my first James P. Dandy Elderhostel mystery and I enjoyed it. Although not close to the required (minimum) age, I’ll “take another trip” soon.

Sandi - RAM

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Sandi - RAM