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Martha's Vineyard Mystery #13
Trumpet of Death
When 92-year-old poet/sleuth Victoria Trumbull takes her city-bred tenant Zack Zeller on a nature walk on one of Martha's Vineyard's conservation areas and shows him a mushroom she calls black trumpet of death, he's sure he's found the way to rid himself of his troublesome girlfriend, Samantha. But the mushrooms he's given Samantha end up on her daddy's dinner table, and Zack, one of the invited guests, is sure he's doomed the diners to an untimely death.
Meanwhile, dead bodies are cropping up on the Island. The police have questions about the identity of the culprit and call upon Victoria Trumbull, who knows the Island and its inhabitants intimately. Will she be able to find the truth and clear the name of someone close to her before the murderer finds its next victim?
In addition to giving us more of the eccentric cast of characters and quirky plot we love, Trumpet of Death, the 13th book in Cynthia Riggs' Martha's Vineyard mystery series, describes in loving detail little-known parts of the Island that visitors seldom see.
Meanwhile, dead bodies are cropping up on the Island. The police have questions about the identity of the culprit and call upon Victoria Trumbull, who knows the Island and its inhabitants intimately. Will she be able to find the truth and clear the name of someone close to her before the murderer finds its next victim?
In addition to giving us more of the eccentric cast of characters and quirky plot we love, Trumpet of Death, the 13th book in Cynthia Riggs' Martha's Vineyard mystery series, describes in loving detail little-known parts of the Island that visitors seldom see.
304 pages, Hardcover
Published April 25, 2017
About the author
Cynthia Riggs
26 books112 followersCynthia Riggs, a tall gray-haired and imposing figure, is a 13th generation Islander, the mother of five and daughter of author and poet Dionis Coffin Riggs and school principal and printmaker Sidney N. Riggs.
With a degree in geology, her own remarkable resumé -- writing for the National Geographic Society and Smithsonian (she spent two months in Antarctica), working in public relations for the American Petroleum Institute, operating boat charters (she lived on a 44-foot houseboat for 12 years), running the Chesapeake Bay Ferry Boat Company, and being a rigger at Martha's Vineyard Shipyard. After enrolling six years ago in the Master of Fine Arts creative writing program at Vermont College, Riggs found yet another calling. She has become a successful mystery writer.
All her mysteries take place on the Vineyard, and all draw from local scenes and fictionalized composites of Island characters. She knows them all well, having been a two-time candidate for West Tisbury selectman ("No, I don't think I'll do that again"), a commissioner on the Martha's Vineyard Commission, a member of what is now the Martha's Vineyard Arts Council, and an active Island voice in both politics and human rights causes.
With a degree in geology, her own remarkable resumé -- writing for the National Geographic Society and Smithsonian (she spent two months in Antarctica), working in public relations for the American Petroleum Institute, operating boat charters (she lived on a 44-foot houseboat for 12 years), running the Chesapeake Bay Ferry Boat Company, and being a rigger at Martha's Vineyard Shipyard. After enrolling six years ago in the Master of Fine Arts creative writing program at Vermont College, Riggs found yet another calling. She has become a successful mystery writer.
All her mysteries take place on the Vineyard, and all draw from local scenes and fictionalized composites of Island characters. She knows them all well, having been a two-time candidate for West Tisbury selectman ("No, I don't think I'll do that again"), a commissioner on the Martha's Vineyard Commission, a member of what is now the Martha's Vineyard Arts Council, and an active Island voice in both politics and human rights causes.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
May 19, 2017
In Trumpet of Death, has created one of the dimmest-bulb suspects and two of the most ridiculously cardboard characters — overbearing father and spoilt daughter — I’ve seen in a while.
But, despite that, I couldn’t stop reading this novel, the 13th to feature the perennially 92 years old, Victoria Trumbull — renowned poet, avid gardener, sage, and West Tisbury’s oldest police deputy. Unlike in Bloodroot, the immediate predecessor to this book, Victoria’s back to her perspicacious self. She immediately senses that the young man renting a room from her, Zack Zeller, doesn’t have the brains to plot a murder. So she takes it upon herself to prove his innocence. Victoria is such a presence that I just wanted to read more about her, and I didn’t care that much about the feeble secondary characters.
Riggs, the 13th generation of her family to live on Martha's Vineyard, spins such wonderful descriptions that you feel as if you can smell the salt spray, the chimney smoke, and the last of the autumn flowers. Riggs sounds as formidable as Victoria herself: the seventh woman to reach the South Pole, a onetime fencing star, and someone who has crossed the Atlantic Ocean twice in a 32-foot sailboat. In her 80s, she still gives shipboard lectures twice a week and runs a bed-and-breakfast in the same house where her family lived for eight generations. Maybe that’s why Victoria Trumbull seems so real.
But, despite that, I couldn’t stop reading this novel, the 13th to feature the perennially 92 years old, Victoria Trumbull — renowned poet, avid gardener, sage, and West Tisbury’s oldest police deputy. Unlike in Bloodroot, the immediate predecessor to this book, Victoria’s back to her perspicacious self. She immediately senses that the young man renting a room from her, Zack Zeller, doesn’t have the brains to plot a murder. So she takes it upon herself to prove his innocence. Victoria is such a presence that I just wanted to read more about her, and I didn’t care that much about the feeble secondary characters.
Riggs, the 13th generation of her family to live on Martha's Vineyard, spins such wonderful descriptions that you feel as if you can smell the salt spray, the chimney smoke, and the last of the autumn flowers. Riggs sounds as formidable as Victoria herself: the seventh woman to reach the South Pole, a onetime fencing star, and someone who has crossed the Atlantic Ocean twice in a 32-foot sailboat. In her 80s, she still gives shipboard lectures twice a week and runs a bed-and-breakfast in the same house where her family lived for eight generations. Maybe that’s why Victoria Trumbull seems so real.
June 22, 2017
This was a lighthearted little mystery -- I have not read the previous 12, so have nothing to compare this one to. I found it a bit tedious, and certainly far from realistic, namely when Mrs Turnbull faces down the tribal chief of police. However, it was pleasant reading and although I do not plan to pursue the series, I did somewhat enjoy it. Just imagine a 92 year old deputy !!!! Have to love that part.
April 25, 2017
Trumpet of Death by Cynthia Riggs is the thirteenth book in A Martha’s Vineyard Mystery series. It is September in West Tisbury and Victoria Trumbell is enjoying a nature walk in Sachem’s Rock with her tenant, Zach Zeller. Victoria points out various mushrooms to him including the black trumpets which are very rare and expensive (aka trumpets of death). Later that day, Zach visits his troublesome girlfriend, Samantha Eberhardt to break up with her. Unfortunately for Zach, it does not go well. Zach remembers the black trumpet mushrooms, picks them, and delivers them to Samantha. Samantha, who is not fond of mushrooms, gives them to her father, Bruno Eberhardt. Bruno is thrilled with the delicacy and plans a dinner party around them. Zach is invited to the party and is shocked to see black mushrooms on the menu. Zach ends up fleeing the party. Victoria and her young friend, Robin are walking to the softball field when they discover a body on the bicycle trail. The police discover it is Samantha Eberhardt, and Zach ends up a prime suspect. Despite Zach trying to make Samantha sick with the mushrooms, Victoria knows that Zach would not commit murder. Victoria sets out to find the real killer and prove Zach’s innocence. Can Victoria find the murderer before he claims another victim?
Trumpet of Death has a fascinating main character. Victoria is ninety-two years old and seems to know everyone in her town. She is a feisty, intelligent, and quite active for someone her age. Trumpet of Death has good writing and a nice pace. There is some humor in the book (just the right amount and right type) that will have readers laughing. I enjoyed the descriptions of the town. I give Trumpet of Death 4 out of 5 stars. I appreciated the mysteries complexity (such a rarity in cozy mysteries). I believe many readers will be surprised at the culprit’s identity. I did find some information repeated a few times throughout the book (such as peoples full names, where they worked, and their occupation). I thought Zach was lacking in intelligence. For someone his age, he seems very dense (maybe it was the drugs). I would recommend reading earlier books in A Martha’s Vineyard Mystery series (at least the first book) before Trumpet of Death. It would give you a better understanding of Victoria and the town dynamics. I thought the book had a good ending that wrapped up all the loose ends. Trumpet of Death is a book that many cozy mystery readers will appreciate.
Trumpet of Death has a fascinating main character. Victoria is ninety-two years old and seems to know everyone in her town. She is a feisty, intelligent, and quite active for someone her age. Trumpet of Death has good writing and a nice pace. There is some humor in the book (just the right amount and right type) that will have readers laughing. I enjoyed the descriptions of the town. I give Trumpet of Death 4 out of 5 stars. I appreciated the mysteries complexity (such a rarity in cozy mysteries). I believe many readers will be surprised at the culprit’s identity. I did find some information repeated a few times throughout the book (such as peoples full names, where they worked, and their occupation). I thought Zach was lacking in intelligence. For someone his age, he seems very dense (maybe it was the drugs). I would recommend reading earlier books in A Martha’s Vineyard Mystery series (at least the first book) before Trumpet of Death. It would give you a better understanding of Victoria and the town dynamics. I thought the book had a good ending that wrapped up all the loose ends. Trumpet of Death is a book that many cozy mystery readers will appreciate.
February 20, 2017
There are about a dozen books in this series, this is the first I've read. It's a good murder mystery set in Nantucket with an emphasis on the Native Americans and the core local population. Victoria is an older woman who everyone on the island seems to know and respect. When her boarder, Zack, is arrested for murder she starts interviewing the locals getting the scoop for the state police. Well written and a good mystery to solve.
June 26, 2017
Title: Trumpet of Death - Martha's Vineyard Mystery Book 13
Author: Cynthia Riggs
Publisher: Minotaur Book / St Martin's Press
Published: 4-25-2017
Pages: 304
Genre: Mystery; Thrillers & Suspense
Sub-Genre: Amateur Sleuths; Cozy Mystery; Women Sleuths
ISBN: 9781250122667
ASIN: B01LX3A9DC
Reviewed For NetGalley and Minotaur Book / St Martin's Press
Reviewer: DelAnne
Rating: 4.25 Stars
Victoria Trumble shows her tenant Zack Zeller a beautiful, but deadly mushroom known as the Trumpet of death and his immediate thought is "finally, a way to get Samantha out of my life. When the same mushroom ends up in the meal at the dinner table of Samantha's father, where Zack is one of the guest. Meanwhile other dean bodies are coming to light on the Island.
The police call upon Victoria hoping she with he knowledge of the residents and history of the island might point them in the direction of a murderer before another victim turns up.
A wide eclectic cast of characters keep this series fresh and interesting. Miss Trumble is a dear, sweet woman I would love to call friend. Join Cynthia Riggs and Victoria as they take us around the island to see the beauty and history found there. With a well thought out plot that moves at a quick pace. Add in a touch of humor and you have a story that pulls the reader in and allows them to become part of the story itself.
My rating for Black Trumpet of Death is 4.25 out of 5 stars.
Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LX3A9DC/...
B&N Link: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/trum...
GoodReads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
The Reading Room Link: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
Twitter Link: https://twitter.com/DelAnne531/status...
Author: Cynthia Riggs
Publisher: Minotaur Book / St Martin's Press
Published: 4-25-2017
Pages: 304
Genre: Mystery; Thrillers & Suspense
Sub-Genre: Amateur Sleuths; Cozy Mystery; Women Sleuths
ISBN: 9781250122667
ASIN: B01LX3A9DC
Reviewed For NetGalley and Minotaur Book / St Martin's Press
Reviewer: DelAnne
Rating: 4.25 Stars
Victoria Trumble shows her tenant Zack Zeller a beautiful, but deadly mushroom known as the Trumpet of death and his immediate thought is "finally, a way to get Samantha out of my life. When the same mushroom ends up in the meal at the dinner table of Samantha's father, where Zack is one of the guest. Meanwhile other dean bodies are coming to light on the Island.
The police call upon Victoria hoping she with he knowledge of the residents and history of the island might point them in the direction of a murderer before another victim turns up.
A wide eclectic cast of characters keep this series fresh and interesting. Miss Trumble is a dear, sweet woman I would love to call friend. Join Cynthia Riggs and Victoria as they take us around the island to see the beauty and history found there. With a well thought out plot that moves at a quick pace. Add in a touch of humor and you have a story that pulls the reader in and allows them to become part of the story itself.
My rating for Black Trumpet of Death is 4.25 out of 5 stars.
Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LX3A9DC/...
B&N Link: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/trum...
GoodReads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
The Reading Room Link: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
Twitter Link: https://twitter.com/DelAnne531/status...
June 7, 2017
"Trumpet of Death" is the latest in a mystery series set on Martha's Vineyard with 92 year-old protagonist, Victoria Trumball, an established poet and assistant deputy to the West Tisbury Chief of Police, revered by all. Followers of this series anticipate unusual plots and character development as well as the challenge of contemporary social issues unfolding amidst the pristine natural beauty of this small island off the coast of Massachusetts. The culture and traditions of the Wampanoag Nation again are imbedded within the plot, always informing the reader of the rich tradition, always reflecting the respect for differences that is the tradition of residents on Martha's Vineyard. Riggs also introduces parts of the island and its history that might not be known to reader; her references again to a deaf community on Chilmark that flourished here through the 1950's, the product of intermarriage and isolation with their own version of sign language, sent me to research some of the history.
To be reminded of the beauty of nature, the close look at the flowers and vegetation on the island, which always play a part in the plot, and the sharp mind and resilience of an elderly woman explains why I return to Riggs' mysteries.
To be reminded of the beauty of nature, the close look at the flowers and vegetation on the island, which always play a part in the plot, and the sharp mind and resilience of an elderly woman explains why I return to Riggs' mysteries.
July 26, 2017
A wonderful story. I took this out of the public library, & I didn't realize the book was part of a series, #13, to be exact. However, it most definitely can be read as a stand-alone book. The main character is a 92 year old woman, who still does some work for the local police department. The story takes place on Martha's Vineyard, which gives the story such a nice small-town atmosphere.
I have never actually cared for the typical mystery book, preferring the police procedurals, which, to me, always seemed to have a bit more excitement. Standard mysteries tended to leave me feeling bored. I was pleasantly surprised with this story. It was filled with quite a lot of suspense, a bit of humor, & not at all boring.
I hope to be able to find book #1 & read through the entire series. Unfortunately, though they have some of the books, my public library does not have book #1. How does this make any sense *sigh*? Maybe I'll find it in a used-book store. Well, since this book was good as a stand-alone book, maybe the other ones will be, too. :)
I have never actually cared for the typical mystery book, preferring the police procedurals, which, to me, always seemed to have a bit more excitement. Standard mysteries tended to leave me feeling bored. I was pleasantly surprised with this story. It was filled with quite a lot of suspense, a bit of humor, & not at all boring.
I hope to be able to find book #1 & read through the entire series. Unfortunately, though they have some of the books, my public library does not have book #1. How does this make any sense *sigh*? Maybe I'll find it in a used-book store. Well, since this book was good as a stand-alone book, maybe the other ones will be, too. :)
January 7, 2023
For a cozy mystery series with a 92-year-old protagonist, Cynthia Riggs can write some truly horrible characters. In this particular book that horribly spoiled daughter of a super wealthy enably daddy has trapped a number of Island teenagers in a web of drug addiction and basically made the lives of lot of residents just miserable. When she turns up dead, it seems like just about everyone had a motive to kill her - including a guy she was dating who planned on poisoning her with mushrooms after she told him she was pregnant, even though they'd apparently never had sex. Not the sharpest knife in the drawer. There's also the death of one of her teenage sycophants in a fire that needs looking at. Since the local police departments are all spread thin, Victorial Trumbell, elderly poet, birdwatcher and deputy sheriff, decides to take on the case. And of course everyone will open up to Victoria. While much of it is silly, and the characters are even more cartoonish than usual, I will say that I did not figure out who the killer was until the end, and that surprised me.
June 22, 2017
Victoria is once again following leads to solve mysteries: the body in the burned down parsonage, the body in the leaves and an attack on someone else. Poor Elizabeth gets roped into one of her grandmother's ideas and spends an uncomfortable night. Throughout the book the natural world of birds, plants, sea breezes and the water bring Martha's Vineyard front and center. The wild mushrooms referenced in the title play an interesting part and offer a caution about picking food from nature. Overall another interesting and fast read staring a wonderful favorite character.
November 28, 2017
92 year old sleuth Victoria takes her tenant on a nature walk and shows him some mushrooms, he thinks they are poisonous and a good way to get rid of his girlfriend , Samantha, who won’t let him break up with her. She does die but not because of the mushrooms and he is blamed.Then a boy’s body is found in a fire and Samantha’s father is found beaten and barely alive. Victoria is sure her tenant hasn’t done it and goes to great lengths to prove it.
July 9, 2018
This is the first book by this author that I have read, but Riggs has written more than a dozen books in the Martha's Vineyard mystery series featuring 92-year-old poet Victoria Trumbull who solves mysteries and assists the police. The author writes well and offers a fast-moving plot with interesting characters and several surprises as the conclusion is revealed. I enjoyed the read and hope to read other books in this series.
November 2, 2019
When Victoria's boarder takes wild mushrooms to his soon to be ex girlfriend hoping to make her sick only to learn she gave them to her father for a dinner party, he decides to leave the island. Bodies are found, drug deals made, and a killer is on the loose. Victoria is determined to find out who the real killer is and to exonerate the young man. The latest, and possibly last, book in the series, this isn't as strong as the previous ones, but still an enjoyable read!
August 21, 2017
I am always waiting for the next book in the Martha's Vineyard Mystery. Trumpet of Death did not disappoint. 92-year-old poet/sleuth Victoria Trumbull, is always a delight. She uses common sense and a knowledge of human nature to work her way through each murder mystery she encounters. All the characters are interesting and the stories move smoothly with enough twist to keep you guessing.
May 21, 2017
Always enjoy Riggs' books. Set in Martha's Vineyard. Generally you can read in any order, but I always read series in order. Love Victoria Trumbull, ninety two and still active. The title plant is a mushroom in this one.
July 2, 2021
I have not read the previous books in this series. I thought it would be a good read - set on Nantucket and a 92/year old sleuth, things I enjoy, but I found it a bit tedious and not very compelling. The ending was anticlimactic. Probably will not read any more in this series.
August 22, 2021
I love this series about quirkily frugal 92 year old Victoria Trumbull with a hole cut in her shoe to accommodate a sore big toe. She’s a fictional character that I’d love to sit down to supper one Saturday night and visit over one of her pots of Boston baked beans.
May 5, 2017
Great characters set in a Martha's Vineyard with an interesting mystery on the side.
May 7, 2017
This murder had me baffled; quick pace-excitimg
May 10, 2017
This is an excellent series.
May 18, 2017
One of the best Cynthia Riggs Martha's Vineyard Murder Mysteries that I have read. She is one of my favorite authors. Page turner, well written, and surprise at the end. Highly recommend.
May 24, 2017
Love this series!
June 28, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. I would love to meet someone like Victoria.
October 21, 2017
I love this whole series: great characters and clever plots.
November 25, 2017
Not quite as well written as the previous books in the series, enjoyed it anyway. Love the series and the author.
December 26, 2018
Second book in a row dealing with mushrooms that may or may not be poisonous.
October 11, 2019
Not up to par with the rest of the series
January 25, 2023
A library find.
Fun read.
Descriptive!
Smooth plot.
Interesting characters.
Fun read.
Descriptive!
Smooth plot.
Interesting characters.
February 20, 2017
Victoria Trumbull may be 92 years old, but that doesn't slow her down as she assists the police, writes a column and poetry, and generally keeps involved in everything on Martha's Vineyard. A manipulative young woman is found dead and Victoria's boarder is a suspect. Just before her death, a boy's body is found in the remains of a suspicious fire. Victoria is determined to help her boarder and find the real killer. A very good cozy mystery set on wonderful Martha's Vineyard.
January 5, 2018
This novel started off slow and then became a good easy read with an unbelievable 92 yr old protagonist who seems to attract all sorts of confessions from various people. The plot moves quite well once it gets going and most of the characters are believable. But the town and community are beyond belief.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews