I got this slightly-battered paperback at the local library's ongoing book sale. I like the graveyard on the cover, and as it's set in Martha's Vineyard there's some local interest.

The story has some interesting variations on the typical cozy-mystery. Its heroine and amateur sleuth is the 92-year-old Victoria Trumbull, who manages quite well in her big old house - with a little help from her granddaughter Elizabeth and some of her neighbors. She's also an official deputy to the town's police chief. All this comes in handy when a series of strange occurrences take place, from a missing coffin to a missing body - to several not-missing-at-all and very-dead bodies... A bossy newcomer to town gets sympathy from Victoria for coping so bravely with her cancer treatments, to the point where Victoria puts up with her noisy pet toucan and lets her stay over. (Victoria, while clearly quite sharp, does have weaknesses, including a tendency to think the best of people - and a fondness for those "you have won $8 million" sweepstakes, even when she has to pay $25 to "qualify".)

The story meanders a good deal, with the point of view shifting between several different characters, so the reader has more of an idea what's going on than any of the characters do - at least for a while.

I liked the setting and characters, but found the plot a bit too complicated and unlikely, with a resolution that went on too long - though I admit the final twist was rather fun.

I plan to leave this book, bagged against the elements, near the main gates of the cemetery on Amherst St. at around 4:15 or so. Hope the finder enjoys it!

*** Released as part of the 2016 Spooktacular Halloween release challenge. ***