Finalist, National Indie Excellence AwardsFinally back to her spunky self after the loss of her husband, men have once again become an issue for amateur sleuth Ginger Barnes—men who mistreat their wives, men suspected of murder, and men who ask her out.While working on a DIY project at her newlywed daughter’s house, a bag of bricks is thrown from the neighboring third-story window. Next, pops … third-story window. Next, pops that sound like muffled gunshots have Gin racing for her phone. Eric, who lives in the house with his grandmother, claims she’s obsessed with mystery novels. Yet after the septuagenarian falls down a flight of stairs, she’s so frantic to keep Eric away that Gin must intervene. Was the fall actually attempted murder?
In her husband’s eyes, Cissie Voight can’t do anything right. Gin occasionally helps the frazzled young mother, and when she needs a dresser carried upstairs, Gin brings Eric along. Bad move! The electricity between the two new acquaintances sparks a chilling premonition. This time Gin’s good intentions will produce grave consequences—for everyone involved.
Recommended for fans of Sue Grafton and Janet Evanovich.
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Very interesting, powerful book. Yes, it is a cozy mystery. But it is more. This book deal with thorny issues such as domestic violence and mental illness. The reader will find the characters well done and be able to relate to them easily. The plot has many twists and turns. I was very surprised by certain elements. The book keep me reading far into the night. I highly recommend it. I will be reading more Ginger Barnes books.
Donna Huston Murray tackles a touch subject and does it with empathy and sensitivity. You can relate to her characters and root for them (the good ones, that is).
For Better or Worse by Donna Huston Murray is A Ginger Barnes Main Line Mystery (Book Eight). Ginger Barnes, known as a problem solver, is a widow with her son in college and her daughter is newly married (empty nester). Ginger is installing tile in the kitchen of her daughter’s new home and soon finds herself involved in two of the neighbor’s problems. Mrs. Maisie Zumstein is an elderly woman who has been acting strangely. She dumped a bag of bricks out of upper window (starling Ginger) and then Ginger hears strange popping noises (reminiscent of gun shots). Eric Zumstein claims his grandmother has a fascination with mystery novels (methinks there is more going on). But then Maisie takes a fall down her stairs and claims Eric is responsible. Cissie Voight is a new mother having trouble coping with a new infant and her household responsibilities. Her husband wants a clean home, a dolled-up wife, and a hot dinner when he arrives home (unrealistic with a newborn). When Ronald Voight is not pleased, he takes it out on Cissie. Can Ginger help Cissie and Maisie? Ginger is offered a job as a part-time babysitter for George Elliot’s (friend fixed her up with George) grandson, Jack. Ginger enjoys taking care of Jack, but soon discovers that the parents have a secret. In between DIY projects at her daughter’s house, Ginger delves into the situations. Can she help Cissie escape an abusive situation? Did Eric harm Maisie? What is up with Jack’s parents?
For Better or Worse is the first book I have read in A Ginger Barnes Main Line Mystery series. All the information I need is provided in the book. The POV switches between various characters in the book. I wish the author had told the story in third person or from Ginger’s point-of-view. It is confusing when the POV switches regularly. A reader must stop to figure out which character is now talking. This took me out of the story (and had me frustrated). I felt that the story lacked focus. While there are several mysteries or “problems” in the story, they are not the main focus. More time is devoted to Ginger and her dog, Fideaux (they go for many walks). The author does address some serious issues in the book and handles them well. I was a little baffled as to why Ginger was scared of the “census guy” (as she called him) and the man walking his dog. I found it odd and did not seem to go with Ginger’s character. Ginger comes across as a strong, determined, independent and friendly woman who likes to help people (she is a people person). She tackles situations head on, but she can be reckless at times. The ending felt incomplete. Some questions remained unanswered. While For Better or Worse tackles some sensitive (tough) issues is does contain light hearted humor (this is a light cozy mystery). Many cozy mystery readers will enjoy For Better for Worse and A Ginger Barnes Main Line Mystery series.
Favorite Quotes:
A transparent haze of colorless hair exposed the shape of the tiny woman’s skull while sagging puffs of flesh made her appear to be melting.
Photographs were snapped as if baby Jack were the reincarnation of Elvis.
‘My mother doesn’t cook,’ Chelsea tried to explain. ‘She makes food.’
My Review:
I could kick myself for not noticing this series until it reached the eighth installment, but while prior knowledge was not necessary as the book stood well on its own, I am sure I would have gleaned great delight in having also read the first seven as well. I was well pleased and reveled in this engaging and cleverly crafted mystery that was chock-full of quirky and intriguing characters. Written primarily from a first person POV, I adored the tactless and curious Ginger, her inner musings and insightful observations were ceaselessly amusing and entertaining. Ms. Murray’s writing and storylines were interesting, pleasantly delivered, easy to follow, well-paced, and often delectably humorous. Each character was colorfully detailed in a knowable manner. I enjoyed every page and greedily want to read all her words.
An excellent, enjoyable and enlightening read!
I have only recently become acquainted with Ginger Barnes and her amateur sleuthing ways — I think it’s going to be an enjoyable acquaintance, too! I found her to be charming, entertaining, and a fun character, yet, a character grounded in realities of life.
Donna Huston Murray has taken a topic that is whispered about by many, denied by many and suffered by many. Spousal/partner abuse. Knowledge and awareness need to be brought to the forefront so these victims can find the assistance and the courage to get out of the abusive relationship they find themselves in. It’s a very serious subject handled exceptionally well in this fictional format. The story, rather accurately, depicts what happens in relationships every single day.
For Better or Worse, is an easy well-written story, with a delightful main character, its suspenseful and very timely in its portrayal of the situations, the victims and their abusers. Just when you think you have the story all figured out, well, let’s just say there are a few unsuspected surprises in store, too!