Sydney Lockhart Mystery Series
Murder at the Luther
It’s New Year’s Eve, 1952. Texas politicians are backslapping and ringing in ’53 at the Luther Hotel on the Texas Coast. Reporter Sydney Lockhart is covering the festivities. The celebration turns sour when Sydney finds herself dancing with a dead man. With her fingerprints on the murder weapon and a police chief with his own agenda, Sydney ushers in the New Year behind bars. Soon there’s another body, more damning fingerprints, and a crazy Cajun who’s been paid to feed Sydney to the alligators. Things get worse when cousin Ruth comes to town with a problem even Sydney can’t solve.
Reviews
“Confident and free-spirited redhead, Sydney Jean Lockhart, has shunned the entrapments of marriage and domesticity in order to maintain her independence and pursue her career as a reporter.
Attending the “Neptune Rising” themed Ball on New Year’s Eve, she finds herself evading the unwanted attentions of undesirable suitors, befriended by various socialites, and looking forward to a bird watching date with used car salesman, Sam Buckner.
In the midst of party revelers, champagne and dancing, a murder occurs and Sydney Lockhart is discovered standing over the victim with his blood on her hands.
Pursued by Police Chief, Lynol Fogmore, a cigar-chewing bulldog of a man, hungry for a fast arrest and conviction, Sydney finds herself his number one suspect. In a race against time to prove her innocence, she sets out to solve the case and unmask the real murderer.
Kathleen Kaska’s book is a neatly written, fast-paced and entertaining thriller. Her central character, Sydney Lockhart, is a feisty, strong and believable heroine, embroiled in a charmingly nostalgic murder-mystery, reminiscent of the classic Agatha Christie style whodunits that would also transfer successfully to stage and screen.”
—By John O. Raab, Editor of Suspense Magazine
“Smart, sassy, and sexy have a new poster girl: Sydney Lockhart. Whether she’s running from thugs through the Texas marshes or tossing back cocktails with a crazy cousin, Murder at the Luther will entertain. It’s a solid mystery wrapped in lots of humor and excitement.”
—Suzanne Arruda, author of the award-winning Jade del Cameron mystery series
Book Group Discussion Questions:
1. Sydney has a few character flaw. Does this affect how you relate to her?
2. Sydney and Ruth are at odds with one another most of the time. Do you ever take their disagreements seriously? And does their bickering affect the story?
3. How do you feel about Ralph Dixon showing up in the second book? Were you surprised?
4. Sydney and Dixon are connected professionally because of their attraction to one another. Would you like to see Dixon as a reoccurring character?
5. The series takes place in the early 1950s. Does the author capture this decade in her dialogue and descriptions?
6. Most of the characters are quirky, to say the lease. Do their actions fit their personalities? Example: Mongoose the Cajun, Emma Fogmore, and Loretta Buckner.
7. Just as in Murder at the Arlington, Sydney is traipsing all over the county. Do the myriad locations enhance the story?
8. The hotels mentioned in each Sydney Lockhart mystery are actual historic hotels which are still in operation. Would you ever consider visiting or staying at one of the hotels?
Murder at the Arlington
It’s 1952. Reporter Sydney Lockhart checks into the historic Arlington Hotel in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Before she even unpacks, she discovers the brutally murdered body of the hotel’s bookkeeper. What had begun as a simple travel-writing assignment now turns into a murder investigation. The bad news is that Sydney is a suspect. Determined to clear her name and prove herself a reporter deserving more than just travel assignments, Sydney becomes embroiled in the underworld of gangsters and gamblers. In her fight for the truth, she soon faces a more urgent battle–saving her own skin.
Reviews
“This is a twisty, fast-paced ride with a lot of laughs along the way. I can’t wait for the next adventure starring Sydney Lockhart. Kathleen Kaska has created one of the most memorable characters in years.”
—Ben Rehder, Edgar Award Finalist.
Amazon 5.0 out of 5 stars
fun, funny and it's a mystery, too!, November 8, 2010
This review is from: Murder at the Arlington (Paperback)
Loved this book! Giggled, laughed, and really had a good time right to the end. Can't say that about a lot of books these days! Because it's set in the 50's I'd read along and think, "use your cell, girlfriend"...Cell? maybe jail cell! And, stockings and garter belts...eeek!
Anonymous on Barnes and Noble
Who thought murder could be so much fun
Posted March 11, 2009, 12:53 AM EST: I loved this book from the very start. It was both funny and scary. I caught myself laughing and then holding my breath in fear because the characters were real to me. It was well written and played out like a movie in my head. My biggest disappointment was the book ending. The good news is that I hear it is a series and more of the mysteries of Sydney herself will be revealed. Bring it on! I would not lend this book for fear i would not get it back. I actually got attached. I would not hesitate to buy copies to give out for sure. This book was a great escape and equal in my memory to a whole week in Hawaii. In other words, I want to go back and revisit the whole experience.
