The Girl at the End of the Line

Rating:
Summary: Mathes at His Best
Review: As a mystery writer with my first novel in its initial release, I am going to resist the temptation to categorize this mystery into any sub-genre. It is simply a fine read. Mathes is working at his best. There is a fabulous plot involving Nell and Molly's family. Nell is the mute who hasn't spoken in seventeen years since her mother's murder, and in this book, the sisters discover their grandmother too died under suspicious circumstances. The sisters launch their investigation, and that investigation takes them to both sides of the pond. THE GIRL AT THE END OF THE LINE is a terrific mystery and an enjoyable read.

Rating:
Summary: You won't need a bookmark for this fast-paced mystery!
Review: Charles Mathes' new book The Girl At The End Of The Line is equal to his last two mysteries. He has once again masterfully created characters in such a way that they become unforgettable, lifelong friends and you find yourself thinking of them days, weeks, and months later wondering how they are getting on.

He brings Molly and her sister Nell to us in this latest adventure. Their mystery begins when they find an old theater program with their Grandmother's name as the featured player billed in a Broadway Show. They are amazed and puzzled as she has always been just "Grandma" to them in their tiny town. Their lives begin to unravel at a fast and furious pace with a wonderful blend of warmth and drama that you never have need of a bookmark.

Mathes obviously is a gifted intellect who knows how to make both the profound and the trivial entertaining. His books are saucy and witty, quite charming throughout and The Girl At The End Of The Line is no exception. Even Mathes' minor characters are endearing and woven into the plot beautifully and believably. Who can forget New York City and the sister's maze throughout the theater district and Dim Sum in China town and their European jaunt? The way it is woven into our hearts we feel as though we are there with Nell and Molly experiencing their anguish, suspense, frustrations and joys as they tumble through mystery after unfolding mystery.

The author knows his way about life in such an authentic manner that adventure, danger, or romance from tiny towns to the largest cities of the world touch us. It doesn't matter which chapter or place you're at in his books you're always left wanting more.

Rating:
Summary: Fabulous characters, touching and charming story
Review: Molly and Nell O'Hara own an antique store in North Carolina. Nell doesn't talk after seeing her mother murdered when she was a little girl, so Molly has to interact with the world for both of them. Molly is stunned to find a program that shows that her grandmother, a poor seamstress who recently suffered a stroke, was once a famous Broadway actress. After the grandmother dies, Molly, determined to learn more about her mysterious past, drags Nell off to New York City and a serious of adventures that lead them through the world of Broadway theatre, Chinatown, England and eventually to a family they never knew they had -- one of whom seems to want to kill them. Molly and Nell are truly touching characters, very real, very believable and the story is a whirlwind read -- I couldn't put it down. Highly recommend. Mathes's other books are good, too -- the kind of books it's fun to curl up with on a rainy day.