The Art of Dying

Rating:
Summary: A good read
Review: Don't let the title mislead you, this book is not an instruction manual for creative dying. And don't let the blurb about Christian painter mislead you, Hilary Jackson's art is Christian-themed but the story isn't. The Art of Dying is a mystery, a well-crafted mystery about art and murder.

Set in the richly described Northern California village of Steeple Hill, author Diana Killian has put together a book with the elements of a cozy mystery; an innocent observer turned sleuth, a small community of artists, murder without graphic scenes of violence, and yep, even a cat - and the elements of romantic suspense; an attractive British man with amnesia, a kind-hearted young woman who cares for him, a dead Scotland Yard Inspector, lingering doubts about altruism or love, and the question of being mislead by someone who may be a victim or a villain. The pieces all fit together smoothly in a good puzzler.

Rating:
Summary: A New Look
Review: The Art of Dying is a grippling look at an artists' colony in Southern California. It includes an intriguing Christian heroine who doesn't draw the line where love is concerned and a British hero who can't remember who he is. Fascinating minor characters like the twins, Selena and Serena, and Detective Sergeant Hogsworth make this book a pleasure to read. It held my attention to the end and the end was satisfying.
Nina Coombs Pykare

Rating:
Summary: The Art of Dying--a First Rate Mystery
Review: The Art of Dying is that rare thing for us mystery readers, it is a keeper. The story of Hilary, a Christian artist; and Alan, an Englishman with amnesia; is woven into the tapestry of an artists' colony. Hilary plays Good Samaritan to Alan and ends up helping him solve a mystery (or two). Someone is stealing Old Masters' and forging them before selling them and they are willing to kill to continue.

I cannot recommend this book enough. There is a nice mixture of mystery and Christian ethics in this small book. If anything, I wish I could have had more to read. I was sorry when the book ended because I felt as though I had lost some close friends. This is definitely a must for everyone.