Rating: 
Summary: An American country-house mystery --
Review: Learning how to make lemonade when life hands you lemons is one of the more important lessons one can learn. A sterling example of this is in this second book of the new Grace and Favor series. The first book ANYTHING GOES introduced Lily and Robert Brewster, whose once-wealthy broker father committed suicide after the big crash of 1929, rather than face up to his greed-prompted mistakes, leaving them impoverished orphans. Their struggles to survive with something of dignity intact is greatly enhanced by the will of their great-uncle, who leaves them a huge mansion along the Hudson, and the fortune to go with it--but only after they've proved they didn't need the money on which to live for the required ten years in the run-down mansion. This charming pair of siblings blend well with the town folks of Voorburg-on-Hudson, having no more ready cash than any of the natives. However, they still have to live, so in the spring of 1932, Lily hatches the plan to convert Grace and Favor Cottage into an exclusive guest house, at which the drawing card will be a celebrity of some sort, who is offered a week-long stay in exchange for mingling with the other guests. Who pay to stay. Julian West, a best-selling author is the first of these guests, accompanied by his 'man' Bud, who idolized his hero-employer so much that he accompanied him to France, and fought beside him in WWI. Period detail is wonderfully mixed in with this assorted cast of characters, the whole reminding one immensely of the traditional English County House mystery. The puzzle is a good one (I figured out the why, but not the who) and the writing smooth. You'll enjoy your visit, and most likely, look forward to the next occasion, as well. I suspect you'll find a few old friends when you return. Hope it's soon!
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