The second of the Maggie McGill mysteries finds Maggie and daughter Allie embroiled in a fast paced mystery, this time in their home town, Costa Mira.
Maggie's Art, #2 of the Maggie McGill Mysteries
Even psychotherapists can get bummed out! When Maggie McGill, has a bad day at work does it mean burnout? How could she survive if she no longer could work as a therapist? Maggie picks up her paintbrush and finds that an art hobby provides balance that helps her continue her counseling career. Encouraged by her beloved daughter, Allie, Maggie attempts to market her art. But her budding art career is threatened by a cold, vicious murder, and Maggie and Allie find themselves embroiled in an adventure filled with danger and mystery.
Once again Hadi, the enigmatic Sufi mystic, appears to help them. Who is Hadi really? Why does he appear and disappear so mysteriously? Will they ever find an answer to this conundrum?
This fast paced mystery explores the charms of coastal Florida as the heroines romp through another delightful adventure. Back in their own hometown of Costa Mira, Maggie and Allie McGill exhibit wit, kindness, and courage while they struggle to solve this latest mystery.
Excerpt
“MAGGIE'S ART” – book excerpt
The eight-foot swells of the morning had grown to over fourteen feet, still rolling in from the southwest. The More Fun continued to crash through them gallantly. Everyone, with the possible exception of Pascal who refused to look outside, knew that the swells were only harbingers of a bigger storm somewhere.
Marc, Allie, Maggie and Hadi scrambled over the wet deck, tying down everything they could, closing the hatches and making the boat as seaworthy as possible for the storm they knew was coming.
Once things were battened down, Maggie gave it one last try, “Marc, this is going to be a really bad storm. It already is, but you know, we all know that it can only get worse. If we turn around now and run, we might be able to outrun the worst of it. We could go in at some sheltered place other than Costa Mira. You could go your way. We wouldn't try to stop you. Then by the time we found civilization, you'd be gone. We'd all be safe. Won't you think about it?”
Marc, who had gained respect for this “old woman” during the hard work on deck, was quiet for a few moments. Maggie thought he really was considering heading back to Florida.
“No way, old woman. No way.” His voice was quiet, but firm, “This is my chance to get away and make a new start. I can't go back. The only thing that makes sense to me is going ahead. This boat is a nice toy, but you know what? It's also a serious boat. It is capable of making it right across the Gulf to where I want to go. If I turn back now, there'll never be another chance. And you people get to come along for the ride.” He turned his back on Maggie and busied himself with some ropes.
Maggie grabbed a line and hung on as a particularly huge wave broke over the boat. Soaked to the skin, she turned and went down into the main cabin. “He won't listen to reason. He refuses to turn back. Oh dear! I'm not sure what upsets me more, being captured by Marc or this storm.”
“It is exciting, no?”
“It is exciting, yes!” Maggie said to Hadi. “More than exciting. It's very scary.”
Allie stood in the middle of the cabin, feet well apart, hands on hips, rocking with the motion of the boat, reaching out from time to time for a handhold, “Well, what'd we propose to do about it? Now, Hadi, please don't tell me to wait on the will of Allah. I think the time for waiting is past. We need to do something to help ourselves.” Allie was vehement, “Look at Mom. She's drenched and cold. Look at us all. Exhausted, frightened, miserable!”
“Ah, Miss Allie. You are correct that each of us has had happier times. Yet, to act before Allah has shown us a way, could not benefit us. I know it is hard to wait. But I think we will not wait much longer.”
Professional Reviews
Library of Clean Reads
Maggie’s Art: A Maggie McGill Mystery by Sharon Burch Toner Maggie McGill paints for pleasure and relaxation after her hectic days as a psychotherapist. Then, suddenly, her art career takes off, thanks to her daughter, Allie, when Maggie has an exhibition of her primitive art paintings. A cold-blooded murder occurs at the vernissage and the two women are plunged into the mystery. This is the second in a series of cozy mysteries in which Maggie and Allie, with the help of law-enforcement officers and Hadi, the mysterious Sufi Moslem, with his philosophical attitude, solve crimes. Apart from those three main characters, however, it is a completely new cast of players from those that we met in the first novel, Maggie’s Image. At the heart of the novel, for me, is the warm, loving bond between mother and daughter. Both women are kind, generous, sympathetic and strong. Their mutual love and respect rang out so clearly. I was envious. I enjoyed this well-written, fast-moving novel. Plus the mystery kept me turning the pages and best of all, it is a completely clean read; no need to worry about coming across f-bombs or the like. I wholeheartedly recommend this novel to mystery buffs, and those who value strong, independent women. Note: This book is rated C = clean read. Sandra Olshaski Library of Clean Reads
LAWonder
Maggie's Art can be better understood if one first reads the initial Maggie McGill's Image. The adventure and intrigue captures the reader's interest throughout the tale, with a few unexpected twists.
The characters are mostly endearing and the scenes easily visualized. The Title is fitting, yet the Book Cover is fitting but too simple to be eye-catching.
This is a great book to relax with and enjoy! It is "clean", slightly "cheeky" but worth the effort.
Katze
More advetures of Maggie McGill and her daughter Allie, this time in Florida. Easy light reading, fast paced mystery with twists and turns. The same main characters Maggie and Allie McGill and the mysterious Hadi, but a new mystery, new players and new situations. I would recomend the first book if you have not read it, Maggie's Image: A Maggie Mcgill Mystery. I can't wait for the next book which I hope will be out soon.
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