Million Dollar Baby

Million Dollar Baby by Amy Patricia Meade is the first book in the Marjorie McClelland Mysteries.  The book is set in Ridgebury, CT during 1935.  Marjorie McClelland is a single young woman and is the author of three mysteries (one currently in progress).  She is struggling on her current novel when she meets Creighton Richard Ashcroft III.  He just purchased Kensington House (biggest house in town).  It had been vacant since the stock market crash in 1929 when Henry Van Allen is found dead in the empty swimming pool.  It was ruled a suicide.

Creighton is showing Marjorie around the house and grounds when they stumble over a dead body.  It turns out to be Victor Bartorelli, the former gardener.  Victor has been dead over five years.  Police Detective Robert Jameson (of the Hartford County Police) has been assigned the case.  Marjorie is convinced that the two murders are related and wants to get in on the investigation.  Marjorie convinces Creighton to help her.  Since Creighton is attracted to Marjorie and wants to spend more time with her, he does not need much convincing.  Marjorie, though, finds Detective Jameson very handsome and wants to get to know him better.

Creighton uses his money and influence for them to be included in the investigation.  They duo set out to investigate and start with Mrs. Gloria Van Allen (Henry’s wife).  Eventually they uncover blackmail, embezzlement, and the murderer!

Million Dollar Baby sounds like a good mystery book.  The mystery is intriguing, but the book is long-winded.  They also make Marjorie out to be a little bit too quirky.  Her behavior and attitude is constantly changing.  She is strong and fearless, then scared witless, then acts confidant, and then she is afraid of going to a society party.  It is just too much contradiction.  I think the book needed a little more editing.  I give Million Dollar Baby 3 out of 5  (it is an okay book) stars. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Happy Friday!  Thank you for reading my review and I hope you have a wonderful weekend!  Happy Reading!

Kris