The Granddaughters by Margaret Belle

    Published 2021 by the Author.  I purchased thru Amazon and read this end of July 2024.  Margaret Belle was a new author to me. 

 This is a light mystery with comical parts and a nicely written story about three cousins, Franny, Ellie and Sandy  who get together to reminisce and enjoy themselves near the lake cottage where they spent summers years ago, Orange Lake  Newburg, New York. They are all of vintage years   After their grandmother died an Aunt by marriage into the family inherits the cottage though it had been promised to all the surviving aunts as a family legacy.  The prologue in 1971  describes the plotting of Verna Ferguson and how she did achieve sole possession of the cottage denying access to the rest of the family.  These women were younger girls then and knew little of what had happened other than what their families had shared.    Sandy is now 60 years old and has just finally gotten the courage to leave her abusive husband Robert after a long marriage.  No one knew about the abuse she tolerated all those years.  Franny has a farm she has worked hard to keep and now with the help of a farmhand , who is an excon to whom she gave a chance . and who has been very helpful and devoted, she  can get a way with the others.  Ellie is a writer who has decided to go the  Orange Lake to research information for her next book and decides to invite the  cousins for a mini reunion.    

Backcover

The author shares the inspiration for the book  at the back, a 1953 newspaper story 

Their not so idyllic haven provides intrigue as they begin to research what might have happened to change their grandmother's mind and will. Along this investigation they learn about missing bank funds.   Not expecting the turn of events they will uncover nor the danger they can face through the innocence of the local realtor who rented the cottage to Ellie.  Robert has tracked Sandy down and is dangerous.  The local law enforcement is contacted and is watching but things get out of hand.,  It is an all's well that ends well finale with dear disaster. 

Page 296, copied below reflects the  feelings of local Detective Sam Summers who gets involved watching out for the women at the request of a friend.  "Had three over-the-hill women ever caused this much chaos anywhere?  Ever?"  This is at the news conference and ceremony feting the  women who solve a long closed col case about missing bank funds.  

This is a very easy read, enjoyable and wistful in parts.  a **** 4 star