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I enjoy reading older mysteries, but the open racism and xenophobia can sometimes be a distraction. It was interesting, then, in this one, when the main character's preconceptions caused her to miss what was really happening. I enjoyed the easy dialogue and it felt (again, except for the open racism) much more recent than the 1940s. I would like to read more in this series--if I can find them. The others might be out of print.

A 1940s murder mystery set in New Mexico, this was different from the previous #goldenagecrimeclub picks & an enjoyable one in terms of atmosphere & a reliably batshit assortment of artists & wealthy patrons in a small arts community. Probably because of my recent frame of mind (frazzled), I found the mystery itself quite convoluted but enjoyed the book as a period piece & because I liked the vibe between the Jean & Pat. Needs more flirty banter

A low pick for me. I didn't care for the writing style all that much, but it was a good mystery with lots of twists. It was interesting to read an early American mystery that's a cozy, as most of the ones I've read from that period had been of the hardboiled variety.

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The first of a 26 book mystery series featuring Jean and Pat Abbott, this brought back a lot of memories of high desert living, and the landscapes Crane describes are on point. Made me miss living in the desert a *tiny* bit, and you know, it‘s a dry heat! I especially appreciated the turkey vultures - those guys were everywhere, and you really can locate a dead (whatever) where they‘re circling. Good read - I‘ll probably read more of the series.

@Mitch what a fabulous book.I am sorry that I did not finish it for discussion.The descriptive writing of The environs of the New Mexico, mountains, mesas, unique weather patterns & local, town are magical-a character in itself. I am in love with so many of the vividly written town characters:The enigmatic, close to the vest. Detective Patrick Abbott;the serene, generous listener, Jean Holly;the wild, cagey, controlling, town owner, Mona, 🔽

Flooding, wild sheets of rain calls for tea, lemon & honey while reading in my son‘s school cafe. Change of scene needed ( from my house) for mental heath, even if I experience a little more pain. Hubby & me reading while son in class. Usually he takes the bus but I needed to get out so we drove. Loving this book. Sorry I‘m not finished it in time for discussion.#goldenagecrimeclub #serieslove2013 #tea #healing 🫖🍋🍯

#bookreport

On page 159/261 in the Turquoise Shop. Really enjoying it. #goldenagecrimeclub
Finished The body in the Dales - review coming. Looking forward to the sequel.#serieslove2023 #yorkshiremurdermystery #book1

I greatly enjoyed this American mystery classic, as well as finally finishing the selection of the month for #goldenagecrimeclub that I could actually join the discussion! Crane‘s sense of setting makes the reader feel like they are in New Mexico. Lots of great descriptions, red herrings, and quirky characters. I would gladly read book 2 of this series (there are 26!). #192025 #1941

Discussion 7
Anything we‘ve yet to chat about?
#goldenagecrimeclub

Discussion 6
Jean, our narrator, wasn‘t always very nice! She was unkind towards other characters and didn‘t always have energy or agency! I‘m wondering wether Crane planned this to give her scope to develop her over the course of the 25 subsequent novels. But it seems like a risky thing to do to one of your main characters in a first novel - or am I‘m being to harsh on her!
#goldenagecrimeclub

Discussion 5
Newly divorced, Crane wrote this book as a means to raise funds for her daughters college tuition. It is the first in a series of 26 books to feature Pat and Jean Abbott (most of which have a colour in the title!). What did you think of her writing style? Are you seeking out book 2?
#goldenagecrimeclub

Image - Georgia O‘ Keefe
Santa Maria is an artistic haven like the town it was inspired by (Taos) Georgia O‘Keefe lived nearby, Paul Strand visited regularly and it was a frequently visited location of the Bloomsbury set. This gave the author lots of scope of interesting side characters, art, food, craft. Did it get you fishing out your car keys / passport / bus ticket for a spot of travel or artistic endeavour?
#goldenagecrimeclub

Discussion 3
What were the strongest and weakest plot points in this novel? Was it a compelling mystery?
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Discussion 2
The New Mexico setting of this book - the town of Santa Maria was modelled on the real place of Taos - which was home to the author in the year prior to writing this book. Did the book give you a good sense of this place?
#goldenagecrimeclub

Yeah - it‘s #buddyread time!
Discussion 1
This month we‘ve read our first #goldenagecrimeclub set outside of England, written in 1941 by an American woman, set in a US town. Let‘s dive right in - Do you think this book differed in any ways from the British Mysteries we‘ve been reading?

“I don‘t wonder you‘re all mixed up. I feel sorry for any investigator, no matter what the crime, in a place like this.”

I feel you, Patrick 😆 A place like this being a small town in northern New Mexico filled with quirky artists and “everybody knowing what everybody else will do before they do it.” I enjoyed this 1941 crime classic quite a bit, especially Jean‘s shop and all the little details of living in that particular time and place.

A pleasant afternoon to be reading. Soft breeze, cloudless blue sky and bird song. Just a block away the joyful sounds of school children at play fills the air. Life is good. #porchlife
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Yes! #goldenagecrimeclub

Starting this gem today.#goldenagecrimeclub

My overly ambitious hopes for September!
#teachers #librarymystery #sundaybuddyread #bookclub #whartonbuddyread #goldenagecrimeclub #marywestmacotbuddyread #pemberlittens #janeadjacent #achapteraday #septemberbuddyread #janeandtheexcellentreadalong #nunlit #adventuresinphilosophy #philosophyintheislamicworld #summerendreadathon

Repost for @Mitch

Huge thanks to everyone who has joined me on my year of reading #goldenagecrime. I‘m so enjoying the challenge and sharing in everyone‘s thoughts. We chat about the book on the last Sunday of the month - everyone welcome to drop in and share their ideas!
Next month we move location - we‘re off to New Mexico with Frances Crane.
#goldenagecrimeclub

Huge thanks to everyone who has joined me on my year of reading #goldenagecrime. I‘m so enjoying the challenge and sharing in everyone‘s thoughts. We chat about the book on the last Sunday of the month - everyone welcome to drop in and share their ideas!
Next month we move location - we‘re off to New Mexico with Frances Crane.
#goldenagecrimeclub @LitsyEvents