Trumpet of Death by Cynthia Riggs is the thirteenth book in A Martha’s Vineyard Mystery series. It is September in West Tisbury and Victoria Trumbell is enjoying a nature walk in Sachem’s Rock with her tenant, Zach Zeller. Victoria points out various mushrooms to him including the black trumpets which are very rare and expensive (aka trumpets of death). Later that day, Zach visits his troublesome girlfriend, Samantha Eberhardt to break up with her. Unfortunately for Zach, it does not go well. Zach remembers the black trumpet mushrooms, picks them, and delivers them to Samantha. Samantha, who is not fond of mushrooms, gives them to her father, Bruno Eberhardt. Bruno is thrilled with the delicacy and plans a dinner party around them. Zach is invited to the party and is shocked to see black mushrooms on the menu. Zach ends up fleeing the party. Victoria and her young friend, Robin are walking to the softball field when they discover a body on the bicycle trail. The police discover it is Samantha Eberhardt, and Zach ends up a prime suspect. Despite Zach trying to make Samantha sick with the mushrooms, Victoria knows that Zach would not commit murder. Victoria sets out to find the real killer and prove Zach’s innocence. Can Victoria find the murderer before he claims another victim?

Trumpet of Death has a fascinating main character. Victoria is ninety-two years old and seems to know everyone in her town. She is a feisty, intelligent, and quite active for someone her age. Trumpet of Death has good writing and a nice pace. There is some humor in the book (just the right amount and right type) that will have readers laughing. I enjoyed the descriptions of the town. I give Trumpet of Death 4 out of 5 stars. I appreciated the mysteries complexity (such a rarity in cozy mysteries). I believe many readers will be surprised at the culprit’s identity. I did find some information repeated a few times throughout the book (such as peoples full names, where they worked, and their occupation). I thought Zach was lacking in intelligence. For someone his age, he seems very dense (maybe it was the drugs). I would recommend reading earlier books in A Martha’s Vineyard Mystery series (at least the first book) before Trumpet of Death. It would give you a better understanding of Victoria and the town dynamics. I thought the book had a good ending that wrapped up all the loose ends. Trumpet of Death is a book that many cozy mystery readers will appreciate.

There are about a dozen books in this series, this is the first I've read. It's a good murder mystery set in Nantucket with an emphasis on the Native Americans and the core local population. Victoria is an older woman who everyone on the island seems to know and respect. When her boarder, Zack, is arrested for murder she starts interviewing the locals getting the scoop for the state police. Well written and a good mystery to solve.

I've read all of Cynthia Riggs' Martha's Vineyard mysteries featuring Victoria Trumball and have enjoyed the series immensely. Victoria is an indominable 92 year old woman of many talents - she is a poet, a gardener and an auxiliary police officer in her hometown of Martha's Vineyard. Victoria is one of the most formidable women you will ever encounter in a mystery novel. This book is filled with wonderful characters, an intricate plot and, most of all, delightful descriptions of life on Martha's Vineyard which will make you long to pack your bags and see the island for yourself. I highly recommend this book.