The novel setting of this "series opener" is the Pennsylvania Antiquarian Society in Philadelphia based on The Historical Society of Pennsylvania* which was founded in 1824, and is one of the nation’s largest archives of historical documents.

I first discovered cozy mysteries by Sheila Connolly when I read "Buried In a Bog" (Book 1 of the County Cork Series). I think the County Cork Series will always be my favorite series by Ms. Connolly as through a friend and work colleagues I've heard many charming stories about the country and daily life. It remains a travel dream to visit Ireland but with my reading passport I enjoy each escape to Maura Donovan's pub.

I will definitely continue reading the Museum Mysteries Series as Philadelphia is my Mother's hometown and from an early age visiting relatives to Mother's delight in being the tour guide to the city for family and friends from "out of town" I am very familiar with the city so all the setting descriptions brought a smile.

It's easy to notice the same "approach" for the main character Eleanor (Nell) Pratt as I discovered when Maura Donovan begins her sleuthing and that is the constant and repetitive questions that Nell asks of herself when she's reviewing the clues. But I came to like the character of Maura for other reasons and I already like Nell. Also, for those of us that have silently analyzed (either in our past or present) next steps many of those thoughts are repetitive too before admitting that the next step is clear. There's a hint of potential romance that always adds its own interest to a cozy and there's an interesting twist for Nell that sets up the potential for even more absorbing stories in the rest of the series.

This novel has received a lower star rating due to many glaring errors that should have been corrected by the editor assisting the author. As a former copy editor I am very distracted in my joy of reading the novel when these instances occur.

This type of error is the most irritating to me. I have substituted Xxxxx for the character's name so as not to provide a spoiler.

Chapter 8 - She (Marty) shook her head abruptly. "It's not that. Xxxxx's funeral will be on Tuesday. Will you let the staff know?"
Chapter 10 – Or so I thought, until she (Latoya) said, “Will there be a service?”
Nell’s answer: “Yes, tomorrow. I’ll send you the details.”
Chapter 11 – Opens with Nell returning to her home in Bryn Mawr on Saturday afternoon and also spending Sunday at home returning to work on Monday.
Chapter 12 – Timeline remains Monday.
Chapter 13 – Xxxxx’s funeral is indeed on Tuesday.

*More interesting facts about The Historical Society of Pennsylvania (HSP) include the formal transfer of ownership of its museum collection in 2009 to the Atwater Kent Museum of Philadelphia (now the Philadelphia History Museum). HSP's building at 1300 Locust Street was designed by Addison Hutton and is listed on the City of Philadelphia's Register of Historical Places. If you don't have an opportunity to visit HSP in person, there are many digital offerings available online at https://hsp.org/history-online. ( )

I was in the mood for a cozy mystery and I had this in my TBR pile so decided it was time to finally read it. It made me want to read more of the series but I can't say this was the most compelling cozy I've ever read. It pulled me in because it's set in Philadelphia (who isn't drawn to books set in places they've actually lived?) & surrounding counties and had a historical preservation society fundraiser as the sleuthing heroine. Recently, it seems my favorite sleuths are book publishers, librarians or curators as there's a nice look in at the workings of those day to day careers from the inside as the mystery plays out.

I figured out ridiculously early who the thief was and was surprised Nell didn't. It's repetitious in places and meandered but I expect that was part of being a "set up to the series" story. Points also for giving characters last names of some familiar names in Philadelphia in Girard, Pratt & Drexel. I also enjoyed Nell's suburban commuter train mentions as it made me recall the same. I also will take away from this book that I really need a recipe for the Corn & Cheese Casserole that Marty Terwilliger makes here. I've never heard of or had it but it certainly sounded good. Recommended & I'll continue the series. ( )

I heard from quite a few people that they were disappointed with this book, so I was leery of even beginning it. I have read her Orchard Mysteries, and her Glassblowing series (under the name Atwell) and I have to say I enjoyed this book *much* more. She has a way to go before I truly 'like' the protagonist - she seems a bit wooden still, but other characters in the book were extremely likeable. I don't think it will ever be a top five series for me, but with a bit of work, maybe the top 10. I'll definitely read a second book. ( )

First book in a new series for Shelia and an execellant one. ( )

Just before the big gala for the Historical Society's anniversary, Nell Pratt, the chief fundraiser, is confronted my one of the board members concerning some missing artifacts. Promising that she'll look into it and mentioning it to the chief cataloger, Alfred Findley, the party goes on, but the next morning Nell discovers Alfred dead in the stacks.

Since Alfred is the only one who knew had to access information about the Society's collections through the new computer cataloging system, Nell has a difficult time trying to track down the missing artifacts. The police rule Alfred's death accidental but as Nell delves deeper and deeper, she not so sure.

I loved the characters in this story, they were realistic, but they were funny and heartwarming and the baddies were the guys you really didn't like. The mystery part was fun with interesting facts about our history as well as preservation of old objects. A definite keeper. ( )