A Gem of a Problem: Emma Berry Mysteries, #2

By Irene Sauman

There is a death but it's not murder, instead there's a problem left behind by the death, and Daniel is blaming it all on Emma

Emma is home at Wirramilla when Major Barnaby visits demanding the return of the packet he entrusted to Sam – a packet supposedly containing a very expensive item that is now missing. But something isn't right about the story behind it all. What was the Major's real motive for sending the packet across the colonial border? Nothing honest Emma is certain.

Daniel is sceptical of Emma's suspicions, and upset that she now owns Sam's fifty percent share of the PS Mary B. But he has problems of his own with a broken relationship, and while the Mary B rots in a boatyard awaiting repairs, he vents his anger and upset on her. He isn't the only one.

Emma must focus her attention on locating the missing packet, searching among the lies and half truths, or face the consequences of its loss. But will what Emma finds be what she is looking for? And will Daniel forgive her for the deal she makes to get the Mary B back on the water?

II recommend this book to anyone who loves a "cozy" with a difference and appreciates good storytelling. Goodreads review 13 Juy 2016

This book follows British/Australian English.  A clean cozy mystery: no graphic violence, sex, or strong language.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jakada Books
• Release date: Nov 18, 2020
• ISBN: 9780645034912

Irene Sauman

Irene is a retired historian living in Perth, Western Australia. She grew up and went to school in New South Wales by the mighty Murray River, the setting for her cosy mystery books. Now living in Western Australia, she has three children and four grandchildren, and a sister who beta reads her books for plot holes and to see how quickly she can solve the mystery. So far she's not winning. When not writing, Irene reads, watches tennis, is an awesome croquet player (old age and treachery will defeat youth and enthusiasm every time), and has a reasonably green thumb, which means very little dies in her garden, unlike in her cosy mysteries. Her favourite authors-past are Anthony Trollope, Dorothy Sayers, Ngaio Marsh and Agatha Christie. She read heaps of modern authors too, of course, not restricted to those who write cosy mysteries, but they are a favourite.

Reviews for A Gem of a Problem

[vesper1931 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

1875 Australia, and a few months after the death of her husband Sam, due to the sinking of their paddle steamer Mary B, Emma Berry is confronted by a Major Barnaby. He is demanding the return of a package given to her husband for transport. Now Emma must find the item before disgrace and ruin is brought to her family.
A well-written, enjoyable mystery with a cast of rounded characters. A good solid start to a new series which I look forward to reading more.
A NetGalley Book

[annarellix-322425 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

An enjoyable historical mystery. Well written. with likable characters and solid plot.
An interesting read.