Other People’s Baggage (Henery Press Mystery Novella Collection) (Volume 1)
By: Kendel Lynn, Gigi Pandian, Diane Vallere
Rating: 5 of 5
I picked up this prequel to three series of mysteries published by Henery Press. I am familiar with the novels by Gigi Pandian and Diane Vallere but had not read any books by Kendel Lynn.
In this set of three short stories, there is a mix-up of three pieces of luggage. What is interesting but perhaps a little too ingenious is that the luggage is vintage in make and style and all three individuals have the same bag. It might have worked better if the luggage had been more nondescript as I questioned how and why such an unusual bag would be owned by three individuals who crossed flight paths.
Apart from that small nit, I really enjoyed the stories. The luggage and their contents are interwoven into each story with each character having to be reduced to going through the baggage and utilizing what they could from it.
Each of the stories is set in a different setting – one in California, one is Scotland, and on in a small town in Texas. I was familiar with the characters in the first two but this book is serving as my introduction to Kendel Lynn’s Elliot Lisbon. I was so enthralled with her description of small town Texas (yes big hair and all the “bless your heart” attitude that really does exist) as well as the fun spirit of Elliot, that I will certainly add this mystery series to my to-be-read pile in the future.
I loved getting introductions (though rather late in the day) for two of my favorite cozy mystery sleuths, Gigi Pandian’s Java Jones (a kind of modern day Amelia Peabody) and Diane Vallere’s Madison Night (a Doris Day and 60’s obsessed interior decorator who eventually sets up shop in northern Texas.) I’ve read all of the books in each of these series and am eagerly awaiting their next installments. It was certainly great fun to read a little of their early history during my wait.
I read this prequel out of order for two of the story lines and found it enjoyable. I believe it serves as a good introduction to the novels for those two and found it an enticing read for the third series.
I was provided a digital advance reader copy of this book by the publisher, Henery Press, via Netgalley.
