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 it 3 out of 5 stars.

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

Marjorie McClelland is a mildly successful mystery novelist trying to make ends meet during the Great Depression. Creighton Ashcroft is a wealthy Englishman who has recently purchased the grandest estate in Marjorie's town. Though they come from two different worlds, Creighton is immediately attracted to the author and offers to help her with her latest book. Marjorie accepts his help, and they soon settle into a daily routine, which is shockingly interrupted by the discovery of a skeleton on Creighton's property. Creighton and Marjorie call the police immediately, but Creighton regrets this action when the extremely handsome lead detective appears on the scene and competes for Marjorie's attention. Can this trio of detectives discover what happened to the dead person? And will Creighton be able to win Marjorie's heart away from his attractive rival?

Being a fan of the classic country house mystery, I was excited to read this book, which is first in a series set in 1930s New England. Unfortunately, I just wasn't impressed by the writing style. The dialogue was awkward and clumsy, and there was too much "showing" rather than "telling." I was also annoyed by the rapid shift in Creighton and Marjorie's relationship; at first, he seems to be merely attracted to her, but about halfway through the book he suddenly feels deep and lasting love. I found the change very abrupt, and I couldn't figure out why he was so interested in her after a few superficial conversations. I do think the setup of the series is interesting and unique -- it's not every day you have three sleuths embroiled in a love triangle while they attempt to solve crimes! However, the execution just wasn't good enough for me to continue with the series.

I had great fun both in reading Million Dollar Baby by Amy Patricia Meade and in mentally casting this as a 1930’s movie. Written in a light, engaging way this vintage-style book, the first in a series, is a winning combination of mystery, humor and romantic entanglements.

Set in a small Connecticut town, the contrasting main characters of local mystery novelist, Marjorie McClelland and the rich, debonair Englishman, Creighton Ashcroft stumble upon the remains of a body hidden on the grounds of the estate that Creighton has just purchased. This murder seems to tie in with the suicide of the previous owner that occurred five years ago. Deciding to become sleuths, Marjorie and Creighton aid the local police in their investigations.

With high jinks and hilarity Million Dollar Baby carries the reader back to the 1930’s and in both style and vision, one can’t help but see the likes of Cary Grant, Constance Bennett, Lionel Atwell and Gale Sondergaard giving a light hearted twist to the dark times of the 1930’s depression. I am eagerly looking forward to getting my hands on the second book in this series. ( )

the first in a series of slightly campy mysteries set in depression-era Connecticut. it was a fun read. ( )