The Plague Doctor Hardcover – December 1, 2002

This is the second book in the Paisley Sterling series and I am surprised I am the first reviewer! After the first book, Cemetery Silk, I was intrigued to find out what further mischief the three amateur sleuths could get in to and I wasn't disappointed. Since I am the first reviewer, I will explain what the series is about for any newbies out there: The main character is Paisley Sterling, author of children's books, gets called home to western Kentucky to attend a relative's funeral in the first book. She and her daughter, Casandra, leave their apartment in Manhattan and travel to her childhood home, where her mother, Anna Sterling still lives. While they were visiting the homestead, all three get involved in figuring out what really happened to their relative (no spoiler alert here).In only a few weeks of their "visit", Paisley gets a call from her agent, former college roommate, Pam, who tells her that she needs to start a different kind of writing as her children's books aren't inspiring any more. She suggests that Paisley start writing a mystery/detective series under a nom de plume, Leonard Paisley. I mean, after all the sleuthing she, her mom and daughter got involved in, why not? After all, Paisley and Cassie can't return to Manhattan as her agent rented her apartment out and Paisely needed to have some income. So, she agrees and starts writing in that genre and frankly, is happy to be at home in the country and enjoying small town life again.This second book begins about a year later when Cassie brings a new boyfriend into the picture: He's employed by the CDC as an epidemiologist and was sent by the CDC to investigate a high rate of abortions/miscarriages/stillborn deaths in their community. Lots of stuff then happens, embroiling the three women in more sleuthing while trying to exonerate the CDC doctor who has been arrested for rape and murder. I will stop here, read the book.What I love about the author is her description of the characters, main and peripheral. I feel I know and understand them and that's a big deal to me as a reader. Although the way they all speak to eachother reminds me too much of British formality. I have to admit that the banter is so hilarious, I am willing to overlook it.In the end, the draw to the series is the strong family ties that bond. Small community folks who believe in family and friends. For those of you that like cozies, you will enjoy these books: Their is no vulgarity, no sex and only a modicum of romance. I normally read the pretty noir novels involving serial killers and in depth descriptions of the crimes, but, occasionaly I just need a series like this one to brighten my mind a bit. Oh, I do not know this author, nor am I involved in the publishing industry-I am just a retired person in Alaska who enjoys murder mysteries.

E. Joan Sims is a fabulous writer. Her style is just the right balance of dialogue and narrative. I borrowed a book from our local library "The Poisoned Pen" and decided I want to read more of the Paisley Sterling mysteries. Sadly, there is only a handful and I cannot find any other books that she may have written. Each book I have read in the series reveals more about her family and the story line.These stories are a great read the perfect cozy to snuggle up on a Friday night with a cup of tea to read. I have a huge fan of M.C. Beaton and I feel that if you like Beaton you will like Sims.

E. Joan Sims gets even better with this book and I LOVED her first book. Her trio of sleuths (mother, daughter, grandaughter) are real, and funny, and bright. You'll love them. The mystery is so compelling, I had to keep reading right up to the solution. Sims handles a dark subject with lightness and humor. Treat yourself to this new author's new series. She's going places.