Murder at Monticello

by Jane Langton

Book Overview

In Murder at Monticello, Jane Langton surpasses even her own delicious best. Rich in complex characters, irresistible humor, and masterly tension, her fifteenth Homer Kelly mystery takes the Harvard sleuth into the cradle of American history. Invited to the Virginia bicentennial celebration of Jefferson's presidency, Homer -- a longtime admirer of our third president -- is excited to join the festivities.But more than fireworks are about to explode...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0670894621
• ISBN13: 9780670894628
• Release Date: February 2001
• Publisher: Viking Books
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.5" x 8.6"

Customer Reviews

Another Twist in the Tale

I am always impressed by the ability Jane Langton shows in each of her books to encompass varying subject matters in such details. This book uses the expedition of Lewis & Clark to intertwine various lives and loves. As usual with Homer Kelly books, the reader knows the culprit, or at least knows who did NOT do the crime(s). This book contains some rather brutal murders, although the subject is handled in the usual Langton finesse. Homer and Mary do not figure so very much in this episode, with much of the action centering on guest characters. It is, as always, well-written, and, also as always, the pencil drawings by the author add to the enjoyment of reading this book. All in all, this is a fine addition to the series and I am looking forward to reading the next.

Murder at Monticello Review By Falynne Kagy

Jane Langton has once again provided us with another gripping Homer Kelly Mystery. This, the fifteenth in the Homer Kelly series, is by far the best one that I have read. It has all of the twists and turns that you'd expect from Langton. Fern Fisher, an overweight, personality-challenged woman in her mid-twenties serves as the main character. Her purpose in the nocel is to write a book for the Thomas Jefferson of Monticello Society, which will clear all of the hurtfull rumors of the late President's affair with Sally Hemings and his views about slavery. The supporting characters include Tom Dean, a man caught trespassing in the woods surrounding the home of our third President, and George Dryer, a demented serial killer who is out to get revenge on all women who remind him of his ex-girlfriend, Jeannie. The book is very well written, and leaves the reader hanging on to the edge of their seat, waiting to see who the next victim will be, or if Dryer can be caught in time by Homer and the Charlottesville, Virginia Police Chief. The book was ordinary in the sense that it was very predictable when it came to the murder case. I knew before I even read that Fern was going to be one of the last people that George would try to kill, and that, most likely, he would not succeed. I would reccomend this book to any reader who likes the classic murder mystery, and has the time to read the book in a short amount of time, as it becomes confusing the longer you wait between reading sessions.

Homer Kelly arrives during Virginia's serial killer season

There's a demented serial killer attacking women in Charlottesville, Virginia. But the timing coincides with the 200th anniversary of Thomas Jefferson's election to the presidency, and a huge celebration is planned to take place at Monticello on July 4th. Amidst both hubbubs, Homer and Mary Kelly arrive on the scene to visit friends in the area. Homer is naturally intrigued and wants to "help" the local police chief with the murder investigations. Prepare yourself for fast-break reading! Will Homer be able to nail the right man? Will a former med student finish work on his Lewis and Clark timeline in the Dome Room? Will a former student of the Kellys ever finish writing her grant-funded book about Thomas Jefferson? And what exactly is the relationship between the Lewis and Clark expedition and the man who buries bloody shirts in his backyard?If you feel yourself wanting more, more, MORE! after finishing this book, move on to any Rita Mae / Sneaky Pie Brown mystery, or pick up _Guns and Roses_ by Taffy Cannon. The histories and the mysteries continue...