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Persephone Cole Vintage Mystery #1
The Dagger Before Me
The Dagger Before Me is the first in the Persephone Cole vintage Mystery Series, formally called Persephone Cole and the Halloween Curse. What would Sam Spade be like if he was a woman? Halloween finds Percy Cole backstage, during the previews of the latest Broadway production of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, where there’s double, double, toil and trouble.
240 pages, Paperback
First published August 19, 2012
About the author
Heather Haven
31 books147 followersIn her varied career, Heather has written short stories, novels, comedy acts, television treatments, ad copy, commercials, and had two one-act plays well-received in Manhattan. Once she even ghostwrote a book on how to run an employment agency. She was unemployed at the time. Heather’s first paying job was writing a love story for Moments of Love, published by Bantam Books. But it was her stint at New York City’s No Soap Radio - where she wrote comedic ad copy – that helped develop her long-time love affair with comedy.
She is the acclaimed author of the award winning humorous California PI mystery series, The Alvarez Family Murder Mysteries, which includes Murder is a Family Business, A Wedding to Die For, and Death Runs in the Family, available at Amazon.com and selected bookstores.
Her recent endeavor is the Persephone Cole Vintage Mystery Series, taking place in New York City, circa 1940. Ever wonder how Sam Spade or Phillip Marlow might act if they were a woman? Meet Persephone ‘Percy’ Cole. The first of the series includes The Dagger Before Me and the second, Iced Diamonds.
A stand-alone mystery noir, Death of a Clown, made its debut March 1st, published by The Wives of Bath Press.
She is the acclaimed author of the award winning humorous California PI mystery series, The Alvarez Family Murder Mysteries, which includes Murder is a Family Business, A Wedding to Die For, and Death Runs in the Family, available at Amazon.com and selected bookstores.
Her recent endeavor is the Persephone Cole Vintage Mystery Series, taking place in New York City, circa 1940. Ever wonder how Sam Spade or Phillip Marlow might act if they were a woman? Meet Persephone ‘Percy’ Cole. The first of the series includes The Dagger Before Me and the second, Iced Diamonds.
A stand-alone mystery noir, Death of a Clown, made its debut March 1st, published by The Wives of Bath Press.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
June 11, 2020
PI Persephone Cole goes undercover to find out who's sabotaging a production of Shakespeare's Macbeth with deadly consequences in 1940s New York. Great protagonist, good mystery - a fun read all the way through.
June 10, 2019
The book cover is so trashy that I have still not recovered.
April 12, 2024
The Dagger Before Me, by Heather Haven was the first book I have read by this author. The subtitle for the 3 book box set of the first three in the series is “Blazing a Trail as one of Manhattan's first female gumshoes.” Percy, short for Persephone, Cole, lives on the lower East side of New York City in the early 1940s. Miss Haven has the period hard-nose PI down to a T (despite the fact that Percy is plump, 5’11” and is a single mom). Despite these factors, Percy is so much like the early Perry Mason—so audacious and always skating close what’s legal and what isn’t. (If you'd like to read an early Erle Stanley Gardner try The Case of the Shoplifter’s Shoe.) Altogether this first book in the series really charmed me, entertained me. And kept me guessing! I’m now reading book 2 Iced Diamonds. I’m so glad that she offered this 3 book box set on sale-one the ways I discover new authors!
January 19, 2022
This book was slow going but I like it but not to read again or more from Haven. Finshed it long ago.
February 7, 2023
I received this book as a freebie on Kindle Unlimited. As a writer and editor, I found a slew of things that could be improved, and it's hard to lose that mindset; however, I enjoyed this book and the next two in the series. Why? The protagonist is a blend of three of my favorite women leads: The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel - Thankfully Haven has a broader vocabulary and doesn't find it necessary to bury the humor in strong curse words every other line. Midge Maisel is much the same as Persephone with her "I am woman; hear me roar" attitude. Maisel’s setting is about ten years after the Persephone series, but many of the postwar attitudes and styles of dress, including dresses for women and fedoras for men, were still in style. Pantsuits for women were introduced in the 1920s but were predominantly worn as avant-guarde evening wear. By WW II, pants were worn by more women who took men’s jobs, as part of the war effort. Pants suits didn’t go mainstream for women until well into the 1960s. As a side note, "trouser suits" were used in Britain during WWI by women who worked in heavy industry. Midge also has a very involved extended family, a valuable asset, that lends itself to a wider variety of events over time.
2) Sara Paretsky's V. I. Warshawski, PI, uses exercise to settle her nerves (no, not food) a habit millions of women in the U.S. wish they had. Percy is often hungry and is the primary breadwinner for her family. Warshawski is a tad more feminine than Persephone, also single, and like Percy has lots of contacts to insert help if needed. Giving Percy a son adds a hint of softness to her character and he should grow into his place in the books.
3) Stephanie Plum in Janet Evanovich's series can get on my nerves if I read more than one book back-to-back, and the plots leave a bit to be desired, but, oh, the characters and the messes they get into. Stephanie, thin and gorgeous and existing on doughnuts and junk food (if only) is diametrically opposed to Percy on that note. She is adored by Joe Morelli, her boyfriend cop, and Ranger, the ultimate good-bad boy built like The Rock who works on the dark side of law enforcement, and they compete to extract her from one of chaotic screw-up after another. Lula, her over-the-top fellow bounty hunter is in love with neon colors and latex, always buying them in two sizes too small. Stephanie's long-suffering mother takes a nip or more to deal with Stephanie, and the nuttiest grandmother ever written - Grandma Mazur. She never misses a funeral in the neighborhood where cookies are always served and carries a Glock in her big handbag. I have been known to sit up in bed and scream with laughter at the antics of any or all of them, mostly Grandma and Lula. Great beach books.
Percy's extended family, her flair for dressing in trousers and fedoras, her height and weight, her parents, and her gumshoe attitude, which was reserved for men during this period - a negative of Stephanie-making me want to turn the page. I rarely knew what she would do next, an unusual state I like in books.
Note: Things mentioned above that could be improved typos, misspellings, pronunciation, syntax, consistency in facts, and page formatting. I have completed the next two books in this series and all of these have improved.
2) Sara Paretsky's V. I. Warshawski, PI, uses exercise to settle her nerves (no, not food) a habit millions of women in the U.S. wish they had. Percy is often hungry and is the primary breadwinner for her family. Warshawski is a tad more feminine than Persephone, also single, and like Percy has lots of contacts to insert help if needed. Giving Percy a son adds a hint of softness to her character and he should grow into his place in the books.
3) Stephanie Plum in Janet Evanovich's series can get on my nerves if I read more than one book back-to-back, and the plots leave a bit to be desired, but, oh, the characters and the messes they get into. Stephanie, thin and gorgeous and existing on doughnuts and junk food (if only) is diametrically opposed to Percy on that note. She is adored by Joe Morelli, her boyfriend cop, and Ranger, the ultimate good-bad boy built like The Rock who works on the dark side of law enforcement, and they compete to extract her from one of chaotic screw-up after another. Lula, her over-the-top fellow bounty hunter is in love with neon colors and latex, always buying them in two sizes too small. Stephanie's long-suffering mother takes a nip or more to deal with Stephanie, and the nuttiest grandmother ever written - Grandma Mazur. She never misses a funeral in the neighborhood where cookies are always served and carries a Glock in her big handbag. I have been known to sit up in bed and scream with laughter at the antics of any or all of them, mostly Grandma and Lula. Great beach books.
Percy's extended family, her flair for dressing in trousers and fedoras, her height and weight, her parents, and her gumshoe attitude, which was reserved for men during this period - a negative of Stephanie-making me want to turn the page. I rarely knew what she would do next, an unusual state I like in books.
Note: Things mentioned above that could be improved typos, misspellings, pronunciation, syntax, consistency in facts, and page formatting. I have completed the next two books in this series and all of these have improved.
June 25, 2020
In 1942, no one had heard of a female shamus - not even in New York City -- until now. Meet Percy Cole, a newly inaugurated private investigator with a penchant for Marlene Dietrich suits, pistachio nuts, and men’s fedoras. Halloween finds her backstage, during the previews of the latest Broadway production of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, where there’s double, double, toil and trouble. When an actor falls from the overhead catwalk and breaks his neck, it’s only the latest in a series of catastrophes fueling the lore and superstition surrounding Macbeth and its supernatural power since the play's creation in 1606. In desperation, the producer hires the lady dick to save the show from closing. Armed only with her noodle and a WWI German Mauser pistol, Percy is not sure which is worse, having someone try to kill her or being foisted into the role of Witch Number Two. Is the centuries-old curse coming true or is a killer out to strike terror into the cast and crew of the Scottish play? Percy intends to strike back before anyone else dies.
August 19, 2023
THE DAGGER BEFORE ME
A Persephone Cole Vintage Mystery
HEATHER HAVEN
Review by Author Roy Murry
Persephone (Percy) Cole differs from your usual detective in 1942 when she received her New York State license. She is a thirty-five-year-old secretary at he father's agency, Cole Investigations.
A producer of the play Macbeth calls the agency, looking for Pop, Percy's father. The play has completion problems, including the death of one of its main characters falling from the theater's catwalk.
Percy takes over the situation and meets with the hot-shot producer Wainwright. After her first encounter, she knows she needs to get the complete story - she starts the sleuthing.
Through a few interviews with some of the cast and other characters, a whirlwind of events brings this fast-paced story to a deadly ending. The reader will be surprised, and Persephone will be an endearing detective to follow in book two of this series.
This book is an enjoyable fast read with vintage historical references.
A Persephone Cole Vintage Mystery
HEATHER HAVEN
Review by Author Roy Murry
Persephone (Percy) Cole differs from your usual detective in 1942 when she received her New York State license. She is a thirty-five-year-old secretary at he father's agency, Cole Investigations.
A producer of the play Macbeth calls the agency, looking for Pop, Percy's father. The play has completion problems, including the death of one of its main characters falling from the theater's catwalk.
Percy takes over the situation and meets with the hot-shot producer Wainwright. After her first encounter, she knows she needs to get the complete story - she starts the sleuthing.
Through a few interviews with some of the cast and other characters, a whirlwind of events brings this fast-paced story to a deadly ending. The reader will be surprised, and Persephone will be an endearing detective to follow in book two of this series.
This book is an enjoyable fast read with vintage historical references.
June 12, 2019
Delightful characters. Good meaty mystery—makes me want a hot dog with kraut!
What a refreshingly original protagonist! Heather has created an unusual sleuth, here, and not just for the time period (WWII). Persephone Cole is big, bold and beautiful and lives up to her flaming red hair. She's a divorcee with a small son and lives with her charmingly odd and fully functional family. A woman of substance in more ways than her height and sturdy build.
And she solves the complex mystery in a production of, ahem, The Scottish Play, with a combination of determination, shrewd powers of observation and common sense.
I bought mysteries 1-3 and am eager to start the next one.
What a refreshingly original protagonist! Heather has created an unusual sleuth, here, and not just for the time period (WWII). Persephone Cole is big, bold and beautiful and lives up to her flaming red hair. She's a divorcee with a small son and lives with her charmingly odd and fully functional family. A woman of substance in more ways than her height and sturdy build.
And she solves the complex mystery in a production of, ahem, The Scottish Play, with a combination of determination, shrewd powers of observation and common sense.
I bought mysteries 1-3 and am eager to start the next one.
September 29, 2021
At first I did not care for Percy but warmed to her as I continued reading. It was an easy, light read and fun escapism. How they came out financially ahead with the medical bills at the end is a mystery in itself but I don't think we were meant to think about that. Without Percy the entire family would fall apart and sometimes I got weary of her being the only adult in the room. The twisted bit at the very end was unnecessary and I did not like it but over all it is a book I would recommend for light reading and will read more by this author.
June 18, 2022
I enjoyed the story with the connection to live theatre. It was nice to see a female "gumshoe" too.
However, I found myself unable to read this for long sessions because the book is set up rather strangely in the Kindle App. There would be two sentences on one page, and then ten on the next. Perhaps I should have adjusted my settings, but the amount of blank space really bothered me.
I probably won't continue with the series as I liked it, but didn't love it.
However, I found myself unable to read this for long sessions because the book is set up rather strangely in the Kindle App. There would be two sentences on one page, and then ten on the next. Perhaps I should have adjusted my settings, but the amount of blank space really bothered me.
I probably won't continue with the series as I liked it, but didn't love it.
June 30, 2022
Persephone (Percy) Cole is my hero! She is intelligent, witty, has integrity, and is a loving and caring parent, daughter, and neighbor. She is a newly
licensed PI in New York in 1942 in this first book in the series. She gets her first case at the family agency because her father, who is unaware and later unsupportive of her undertaking, is on another case. This book checks all the boxes for a cozy mystery, with the added bonus of taking place at Halloween.
licensed PI in New York in 1942 in this first book in the series. She gets her first case at the family agency because her father, who is unaware and later unsupportive of her undertaking, is on another case. This book checks all the boxes for a cozy mystery, with the added bonus of taking place at Halloween.
August 8, 2023
This is the first time reading anything by this author but it will not be my last. I enjoyed this story and the characters. I love that it took place in the 1940’s and the lead character was one very tough broad. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
November 29, 2017
Good book
You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so. Shelley MA
You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so. Shelley MA
December 6, 2021
Fun read
It was fun to be transported back in time to see a lady detective, especially one so brave and determined. Her instincts are sharp and the story plays out well.
It was fun to be transported back in time to see a lady detective, especially one so brave and determined. Her instincts are sharp and the story plays out well.
January 9, 2024
Classic sleuthing
This high quality lady detective book flows flawlessly with an abundance of classic sleuthing and witty banter. Well written with loads of laughs!
This high quality lady detective book flows flawlessly with an abundance of classic sleuthing and witty banter. Well written with loads of laughs!
October 6, 2023
1942 New York City. P.I. Persephone 'Percy' Cole is employed by theatre producer Dexter Wainwright to investigate a string of accidents which have resulted in a death.
An entertaining historical mystery.
An entertaining historical mystery.
February 26, 2013
Originally posted at: http://www.longandshortreviews.com/bo...
Percy and her family just might be as nutty as the pistachios she craves!
Percy is certainly not the stereotypical mother of the 1940s. She’s a tough woman with an attitude big enough to match her 5’11” frame. She possesses a sharp mind and an even sharper tongue. I love the way she handles people, men in particular, who doubt her abilities as a detective. Though she can be brash at times, Percy also knows how to turn on the charm when she needs to. I can just as easily picture her buttering up a potential witness with free food or roughing up a hostile one.
What I like most about Percy is that she is completely unapologetic about who she is. She knows she’s a good detective and simply goes about her business the best way she can and doesn’t let anyone stand in her way. She lets insulting comments about her height and weight roll right off her back. Even though Percy projects a tough attitude, she has a soft spot for her family, especially her young son. The moments she spent with him really softened her character and served to make her even more likable.
As much as I love Percy, she is the only truly rounded character in the book. I would really like to get to know some of the eclectic members of her family a bit more, especially Percy’s parents. Any couple who would name their three children Adjudication, Persephone, and Serendipity has to be worth getting to know better. Perhaps I’ll have that opportunity in future installments of the series?
The mystery Percy works on in this tale is intriguing. The list of suspects is very long. So many of them seem to be hiding something that it is very hard to sort out who was hiding what. Percy has great instincts and a knack for getting people to reveal their secrets, even if she has to fudge the truth a little. While it is very entertaining to watch Percy stare her suspects down, I don’t think it is entirely realistic that her suspects would always fall for her bluffs. Some failures mixed in with the successes would have made this mystery more believable.
Overall, I enjoyed reading Persephone Cole and the Halloween Curse. Percy is a great character, and I found myself smiling and laughing at her antics throughout the story. Anyone looking for a fun, fast read should certainly give this book a try. I know I’ll be on the lookout for more about Percy and her adventures.
Percy and her family just might be as nutty as the pistachios she craves!
Percy is certainly not the stereotypical mother of the 1940s. She’s a tough woman with an attitude big enough to match her 5’11” frame. She possesses a sharp mind and an even sharper tongue. I love the way she handles people, men in particular, who doubt her abilities as a detective. Though she can be brash at times, Percy also knows how to turn on the charm when she needs to. I can just as easily picture her buttering up a potential witness with free food or roughing up a hostile one.
What I like most about Percy is that she is completely unapologetic about who she is. She knows she’s a good detective and simply goes about her business the best way she can and doesn’t let anyone stand in her way. She lets insulting comments about her height and weight roll right off her back. Even though Percy projects a tough attitude, she has a soft spot for her family, especially her young son. The moments she spent with him really softened her character and served to make her even more likable.
As much as I love Percy, she is the only truly rounded character in the book. I would really like to get to know some of the eclectic members of her family a bit more, especially Percy’s parents. Any couple who would name their three children Adjudication, Persephone, and Serendipity has to be worth getting to know better. Perhaps I’ll have that opportunity in future installments of the series?
The mystery Percy works on in this tale is intriguing. The list of suspects is very long. So many of them seem to be hiding something that it is very hard to sort out who was hiding what. Percy has great instincts and a knack for getting people to reveal their secrets, even if she has to fudge the truth a little. While it is very entertaining to watch Percy stare her suspects down, I don’t think it is entirely realistic that her suspects would always fall for her bluffs. Some failures mixed in with the successes would have made this mystery more believable.
Overall, I enjoyed reading Persephone Cole and the Halloween Curse. Percy is a great character, and I found myself smiling and laughing at her antics throughout the story. Anyone looking for a fun, fast read should certainly give this book a try. I know I’ll be on the lookout for more about Percy and her adventures.
November 15, 2013
Set in New York, 1942, The Dagger Before Me is book one in the Persephone Cole Mysteries in the great tradition of Mike Hammer. Persephone (Percy) is a hard boiled lady detective who has taken over her father's business. PI work back then was traditionally a man's world and Percy is trying hard to break the stereotype image of women as being homemakers. She has a son but no partner thus she has even more to fight against than your average woman all things considered.
When an actor falls to his death at a theatre, she is called in by a panicky director who mistakes her for an office girl in her father's business. He is wary of taking her on when he finds out she is the PI but Percy is able to convince him that women can investigate crime as well and thereby hangs a tale that takes us into the New York theatre scene. The play is MacBeth, which has a long running tradition of never referring to the play as MacBeth, rather it's 'the Scottish Play.' Not long after Percy begins to nose around other things start happening in fairly predictable fashion, after all it is a murder mystery, leading us on a trail of betrayal and deception where no one is what they seem. There are red herrings and excerpts of letters between the two plotters as they discuss their crime and Percy's progress.
I found it to be an enjoyable read. Percy isn't described as exceptionally good looking, rather beefy in her physical makeup and at times too abrupt. A little softening around the edges might be in order for subsequent books but Haven has created a believable character rather than a cardboard cutout ex beauty queen. She's real enough and has plenty of room to grow and develop in upcoming books, there are places where the narrative could be tightened up but it's easy to say that after the book is published. I really couldn't fault the book, the plot twists were perfectly logical and that's why we read crime isn't it? She gives us enough description of New York in the early forties without making it sound like a travel guide. You could see this as a movie to be perfectly honest, the only question being who would they get to play Percy?
I'd give it four out of five and recommend it as a good first book in the series. There's plenty of time to expand and develop Percy's character in Iced Diamonds.
When an actor falls to his death at a theatre, she is called in by a panicky director who mistakes her for an office girl in her father's business. He is wary of taking her on when he finds out she is the PI but Percy is able to convince him that women can investigate crime as well and thereby hangs a tale that takes us into the New York theatre scene. The play is MacBeth, which has a long running tradition of never referring to the play as MacBeth, rather it's 'the Scottish Play.' Not long after Percy begins to nose around other things start happening in fairly predictable fashion, after all it is a murder mystery, leading us on a trail of betrayal and deception where no one is what they seem. There are red herrings and excerpts of letters between the two plotters as they discuss their crime and Percy's progress.
I found it to be an enjoyable read. Percy isn't described as exceptionally good looking, rather beefy in her physical makeup and at times too abrupt. A little softening around the edges might be in order for subsequent books but Haven has created a believable character rather than a cardboard cutout ex beauty queen. She's real enough and has plenty of room to grow and develop in upcoming books, there are places where the narrative could be tightened up but it's easy to say that after the book is published. I really couldn't fault the book, the plot twists were perfectly logical and that's why we read crime isn't it? She gives us enough description of New York in the early forties without making it sound like a travel guide. You could see this as a movie to be perfectly honest, the only question being who would they get to play Percy?
I'd give it four out of five and recommend it as a good first book in the series. There's plenty of time to expand and develop Percy's character in Iced Diamonds.
June 14, 2014
I downloaded a free copy of The Dagger Before Me from Amazon. In exchange, I offer this, my fair and honest review.
The Dagger Before Me is one of stories in The Persephone Cole Vintage Mystery Series. (Note the terrific covers. I mean really, who doesn’t love a great fedora!) In it, Heather Haven introduces us to Persephone Cole, known as Percy. Percy is trying to find her way the “man’s world” of the 1940s. Living with her parents and son, she seeks to take over the family investigation business, while keeping it a secret from her Pop.
I found Percy engaging. I liked her moxie. Not exactly feminine, people “often remarked that between her wild hair, thin body, and daffy personality, she reminded them of a Dandelion caught in a windstorm.” (I like that word-picture.) Percy does things like: “she popped a nut into her mouth and separated the meat from the shell with her teeth.” Haven offers delightful and “punny” prose: “What color the interior was supposed to be was difficult to say. I’m going with drab.” Or how about this one—when Percy looks up at a man, we read: “It was novel, looking up to someone not standing on a stepladder.”
Most notable, Haven seems to have caught the real-life feel of the 1940s with things such as the manner in which people react to Percy, a reference to someone having a “Dick Tracy jaw,” and with Percy’s introspections (“Percy had seen something like that worn by Fred Astaire in a movie once.”). All in all, these features rang true and made for a fun—and different—read.
Posted on Amazon, www.Oathtaker.com and BookLikes, added to my Facebook page and two Google+ review groups, tweeted and cover pinned.
The Dagger Before Me is one of stories in The Persephone Cole Vintage Mystery Series. (Note the terrific covers. I mean really, who doesn’t love a great fedora!) In it, Heather Haven introduces us to Persephone Cole, known as Percy. Percy is trying to find her way the “man’s world” of the 1940s. Living with her parents and son, she seeks to take over the family investigation business, while keeping it a secret from her Pop.
I found Percy engaging. I liked her moxie. Not exactly feminine, people “often remarked that between her wild hair, thin body, and daffy personality, she reminded them of a Dandelion caught in a windstorm.” (I like that word-picture.) Percy does things like: “she popped a nut into her mouth and separated the meat from the shell with her teeth.” Haven offers delightful and “punny” prose: “What color the interior was supposed to be was difficult to say. I’m going with drab.” Or how about this one—when Percy looks up at a man, we read: “It was novel, looking up to someone not standing on a stepladder.”
Most notable, Haven seems to have caught the real-life feel of the 1940s with things such as the manner in which people react to Percy, a reference to someone having a “Dick Tracy jaw,” and with Percy’s introspections (“Percy had seen something like that worn by Fred Astaire in a movie once.”). All in all, these features rang true and made for a fun—and different—read.
Posted on Amazon, www.Oathtaker.com and BookLikes, added to my Facebook page and two Google+ review groups, tweeted and cover pinned.
June 21, 2022
The first Persephone Cole mystery (also published under the title "The Dagger Before Me").
I liked the character of Percy (as her friends and family call her) and the 1940s New York City setting. Unfortunately, I found the mystery itself somewhat predictable -- I figured out 'whodunit' pretty early (although perhaps ) which normally I am not good at doing. I was assisted in that by the format (which I didn't like) of every other chapter being from the killers' perspective.
Another thing that bothered me was a picky detail -- the author consistently misspelled the name of the famous actor Laurence Olivier. How hard is it to check that sort of detail?? I checked the newer edition (with the new title) and this error remains uncorrected. I know that I am being very picky but this indicates a sloppiness on the part of the author/editor/publisher which I find upsetting.
I liked the character of Percy (as her friends and family call her) and the 1940s New York City setting. Unfortunately, I found the mystery itself somewhat predictable -- I figured out 'whodunit' pretty early (although perhaps ) which normally I am not good at doing. I was assisted in that by the format (which I didn't like) of every other chapter being from the killers' perspective.
Another thing that bothered me was a picky detail -- the author consistently misspelled the name of the famous actor Laurence Olivier. How hard is it to check that sort of detail?? I checked the newer edition (with the new title) and this error remains uncorrected. I know that I am being very picky but this indicates a sloppiness on the part of the author/editor/publisher which I find upsetting.
October 28, 2013
I'll begin by saying I know this author from some online groups and have enjoyed another series she writes.
This one is a vintage mystery, set in the early forties, with a six foot heroine named Persephone; Percy for short.
She's a single mother when single mothers aren't generally the norm. She's also a private detective when female private detectives certainly aren't the norm. She's had to fight for her career.
When a theater producer hires her to find out who murdered his lead in Macbeth, she jumps into the fray. She even takes on the part of a witch to try to ferret out the killer.
She's tough and eager to prove herself. And, being our heroine, in the end she triumphs!
Good read, filled with period details such as the price of bread. If you like vintage cozies, you'll like this one.
This one is a vintage mystery, set in the early forties, with a six foot heroine named Persephone; Percy for short.
She's a single mother when single mothers aren't generally the norm. She's also a private detective when female private detectives certainly aren't the norm. She's had to fight for her career.
When a theater producer hires her to find out who murdered his lead in Macbeth, she jumps into the fray. She even takes on the part of a witch to try to ferret out the killer.
She's tough and eager to prove herself. And, being our heroine, in the end she triumphs!
Good read, filled with period details such as the price of bread. If you like vintage cozies, you'll like this one.
October 29, 2013
Percy, one of the first female detectives in the 40's is quite the character. She just doesn't seem to fit in anywhere let alone as a detective. She is working hard to prove to her father that she can do this. There are lots of funny moments in the book and although I tried to figure out who was behind all the murders and mayhem I didn't until near the end of the book. This wasn't my usual type of book, I did still enjoy it and would read more by Ms. Haven in the future.
December 18, 2013
The Dagger Before Me is filled with the culture of the fabulous '40's era. What a time. Heather Haven is just the storyteller to tackle a story about a strong heroine P.I. who is determined to bring in a murderer and cash for her family. Her family is well drawn and well, let me say, goofy. Really fun reading about them and Persephone's method of tracking down the bad guy. Immerse yourself into the 40's with this entertaining read.
September 20, 2012
About a female private eye years before it was accepted for a lady to be a PI. Good read. Author is a good story-teller and it is profanity free. I appreciate that. Hope she writes more in the series.
October 24, 2013
Persephone Cole is growing on me each book I read. If you like your mysteries light-hearted with fascinating settings described well by the author, then you won't go wrong with any of the Percey Cole mysteries. I've read two now and wouldn't mind reading more.
November 10, 2013
The characterization is good, and the plot works. This is a fun little historical cozy mystery.
The Kindle edition needs some good editing, though. There are strange paragraph breaks all over and a fair number of misused homophones and stray apostrophes.
The Kindle edition needs some good editing, though. There are strange paragraph breaks all over and a fair number of misused homophones and stray apostrophes.
December 16, 2013
I read this one because the crime takes place during a stage production of Macbeth, and that idea appealed to me. Everyone was beginning to believe the curse of "the Scottish play." The mystery was not all that exciting, and the characters were only mildly appealing.
September 25, 2015
This is a good cozy mystery. There was enough action to keep me interested. I think this was one of Heather Haven's earlier books. I don't think it is as well written as her later onew. However, this story kept me interested enough to want to read more books in this series.
March 4, 2014
Good World War 2 setting. Interesting back stage theater mystery. Loved the female protagonist.
January 5, 2014
This was a great vintage mystery. And to have a woman as the detective was so delightful. Move over Sam Spade, here comes Ms. Percy Cole!!
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