I had never heard of Jennifer Rowe (1971-2021) until I read Jon L. Breen’s comment in The Year’s 25 Finest Crime and Mystery Stories: Third Annual Edition (you can read about it here) declaring Rowe’s Death in Store: A Holiday Mystery was the best mystery story collection of 1993. So, of course, I had to track down a copy and read it.
Rowe’s detective, Verity Birdwood, is a quirky solisitor with a knack for solving crimes. In “Forbidden Fruit,” Verity solves a murder while she’s just a child because of her keen eye for detail.
In “Rabbit Killer,” Verity is called on by an old friend to clear her mentally disabled brother who the police suspect as the killer of a neighbor. Verity works her magic and discovers the real murderer.
The title story, “Death in Store,” makes this book “A Holiday Mystery” because a department store Santa gets murdered. Verity Birdwood investigates the stabbing killing with scissors as the murder weapon. Verity’s solution brings some Christmas cheer. If you’re looking for a character with a Miss Marple vibe and an Australian setting, these Verity Birdwood stories deliver. GRADE: B+
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Forbidden fruit — 3
Rabbit killer — 20
Death warmed up — 59
Flashpoint — 72
Death in ruby — 89
Roses for do-hoppy — 105
Ladies’ day — 123
Death in store — 139
THE VERITY BIRDWOOD MYSTERY SERIES:
- Grim Pickings (1987)
- Murder by the Book (1989)
- Death in Store (1993)
- The Makeover Murders (1994)
- Stranglehold (1995)
- Lamb to the Slaughter (1996)
One of a gazillion writers I have most undeservedly never heard of. I’ll check her out. Thanks, George.
Jerry, all the credit goes to Jon L. Breen for calling attention to DEATH IN STORE and Jennifer Rowe. I’m glad I followed his suggestion and found and read DEATH IN STORE. It’s a clever Holiday story!
George, I actually had heard of her, as I was always looking for Australian mysteries when I was selling books, and I’m sure at one time I had this and at least one other of her books. Of course I never read them, and I did not realize until you mentioned it last time that this was a short story collection. Of course, I had to buy it too, and my copy (for $3 plus shipping) arrived yesterday, I’ll bring it to Florida. Thanks for making us aware of it. Jon Breen is always worth reading.
Jeff, Jon Breen’s articles and Introductions have led me to many excellent books. DEATH IN STORE is just the latest in a long list of wonderful mystery books Breen has recommended. I’ll be interested what you think of Jennifer Rowe.
Australian settings interest me. Especially since COLIN FROM ACCOUNTS.
Patti, if you like Australian settings, you would enjoy Jennifer Rowe’s mystery stories. I’m in the process of tracking down Rowe’s other books.