Lila posted a comment asking the following:
“Forgive me if this is not a place to ask, but I have been trying to find the title and author of an audiobook I heard about 10 years ago. The best summary I can give of the plot follows. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you:
A young woman finds a scrap of paper in a small, old harpsichord (clavichord or similar?) from an antique shop she is running (purchased or just minding – not sure). The scrap may also be quite old, but the words on the paper cause her to think someone may be currently in trouble and she feels compelled to investigate. She eventually makes her way to a manse (possibly in New England – again not sure) and there finds a hidden room and danger (of course).”
If you think you might have a clue for Lila as to whom the author could be, please post a comment. (I will be so embarrassed if this is an author I read!)
Judith says
This sounds like Tightrope Walker by Dorothy Gilman – one of her stand-alones
Denise Z says
I do not recall this story – but just wanted to share – doesn’t it make you crazy when this happens 🙂
Lois says
Is she thinking of The Tightrope Walker by Dorothy Gilman?
It’s been years since I read it, but it sounds like it could be that story.
Following is the synopsis of the book by Barnes & Noble……
A superb book.”
THE HOUSTON CHRONICLE When quiet, shy Amelia Jones reads a desperate message that has fallen out of a barrel organ in the antique shop she just bought, she can’t forget the words, “They’re going to kill me soon…” Armed only with the woman’s first name and the note written years before, Amelia begins a journey into the past, a search that takes her from the protective cocoon she’s wrapped herself in to a precarious world where nothing is the way it seems, where fear is second nature, and dark secrets just might uncover murder–her own….
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Thank you, Judith and Lois, for placing Dorothy Gilman (who, incidentally I read, although, not her Stand Alones) for Lila!
And yes, Denise Z, This sort of thing drives me crazy… which is why I started making such elaborate lists of all my favorite authors.
Donna says
This sounded so familiar to me and I believe I read it many years ago and enjoyed it. I’ll definitely be checking it out at the local library on my next visit. Thanks for posting these types of queries for all us forgetful types!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Great to know, Donna. I have quite a few of these types of questions, which I am trying to get done – sort of a summer cleaning of my desktop. Also, I can empathize with people who can almost see the title of a book they enjoyed… very frustrating!
Susan says
It wasn’t a harpsichord, it was a hurdy-gurdy. (At least in the copy I remember! Lol!) The young woman bought and ran an antique shop which contained the pieces of a fairground carousel…
I can’t believe I didn’t recognize this – it’s one of my favourite Gilman’s!!
Just some trivia – Gilman mentioned a (Made-up) children’s book in the story, and she got so many letters asking about it, that she ended up writing it herself. It’s called “The Maze in the Heart of the Castle”.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Susan, I (too) love Dorothy Gilman>>> but as I said before, I haven’t read any of her Stand Alone mysteries. I tend to concentrate only on mystery series…
That is really interesting about Gilman’s children’s book. Thanks for sharing that with us!
Lila says
I must be the slowest responder ever! In my defense, I can only say that a fall (and broken nose) and loss of a beloved pet within a couple weeks of my question being posted, pushed me off track! But now, all is well and YES! Thank you all. It is indeed Dorothy Gilman’s book and I plan to recommend Tightrope Walker to my mystery club.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Lila, it sounds like you have had a very trying time. I am so sorry for your loss and hope you’re feeling better.
I’ve had a recent experience losing a beloved pet, and I know how much pain it can cause.
Lauren B says
am looking for list of the series of books: Antique Shop Mysteries??? by Country Sampler; Jan Fields author. I have one book “Stranger in the Looking Glass” how many are in this series?? Please let me know how to get the rest of series started please.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Lauren B, I am currently working on getting some of the Annie’s Attic and Guideposts mystery series ready to put on the site. It shouldn’t take me too much longer.