Many years ago I read and enjoyed the Benbow Wingate mystery series by Corinne Holt Sawyer and I was delighted to find the first book in the series, “The J. Alfred Prufrock Murders”, is now available as an ebook and I had to read it again. It’s been so long since I read it that I had forgotten many of the details including some about the main characters. I remembered that they were elderly but not their personalities, especially Angela who was much more acerbic than I remembered (Holt has a nice sense of humor so, while Angela is unlikable at the beginning of the book she’s not so unlikable that you don’t want to read the book) but she does grow throughout the course of the book. I did remember more about Caledonia but I had forgotten their two sidekicks Nan and Stella. Because of this, in some ways it was like reading the book for the first time and I very much enjoyed it. I love the nursing home setting, the two main characters, many of the side characters, and of course the main detective who finds himself, somewhat reluctantly, working alongside Angela and Caledonia to solve the mystery. The retirement setting is a nice one filled with colorful characters – some of which have secrets they want to keep hidden. Thoss secrets are what drives the mystery in this book – Sawyer takes her time revealing those secrets which not only lets us get to know the people living there but the murder victims as well. Some of the stories revealed are truly heartbreaking – as is the identity of the killer (and the motive then it is finally revealed). All in all, a very well done mystery.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley.

This is a cosy mystery set in an upscale environment of a retirement community. This is quite a well used trope at the moment with lots of them about to choose from. In this case the story follows two elderly sleuths, who find themselves caught up in a murder investigation when a resident is found dead under suspicious circumstances. What makes this is a good one is the character's. They are unique not always likeable and fair from perfect which makes them easy to relate to for the reader and different and interesting, An enjoyable read. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

The J. Alfred Prufrock Murders by Corinne Holt Sawyer is a charming and witty cozy mystery set in the world of a retirement community in California. The novel features Angela Benbow and Caledonia Wingate, two elderly amateur sleuths whose sharp minds and distinct personalities make for an engaging detective duo.

The story begins with a seemingly natural death in the retirement home, but Angela and Caledonia quickly suspect that something is amiss. Their investigation, conducted in the manner of classic whodunits, draws readers into the quirks and secrets of the residents, with humor and insight into life in a senior community.

Overall, it is an enjoyable cozy mystery with clever dialogue, unique characters, and a touch of literary flair. Readers looking for a gentle yet engaging mystery will find this book a delightful addition to their shelves

There are many mystery/thriller series set in retirement communities. After reading several of them, I discovered Corinne Holt Sawyer's Benbow and Wingate cozy/ mystery series and fell in love with the colorful characters and their determination to investigate and solve crimes. These women may be older than the policemen that have to deal with them, but they keep everyone on their toes. Great characters keep this series fresh and entertaining. If you love The Thursday Murder Club, you'll love Benbow and Wingate even more!

You should never underestimate seniors and this book by Corinne Holt Sawyer tells us why. When some unexpected deaths occur at their retirement village, Caledonia, Angela, Nan, and Stella are determined to figure out why – even if it means occasionally butting heads with the detective in charge of the investigation.

Ms Sawyer has written a delightful mystery that also has a lot to say about growing older in today’s society. Her characters’ personalities run the gamut of the type of seniors we’re all familiar with, and each one is interesting and memorable. The mystery itself is well-plotted, with just enough surprises to keep the reader completely engaged. Descriptions of some of the situations the four friends find themselves in are so well-described and believable. It is truly good fun – even with the murders.

Cozy mysteries involving seniors seem to be flourishing right now. The J Alfred Prufrock Murders is a fresh take on over-65 sleuths and it certainly deserves a place in this popular genre. Now, I’m definitely looking forward to the next book! NetGalley provided an advance copy.

The J. Alfred Prufrock Murders is the first book in Corinne Holt Sawyer's Benbow and Wingate series, featuring two elderly women, Angela Benbow and Caledonia Wingate, as amateur detectives. These two septuagenarians live in the upscale Camden-sur-Mer retirement community near San Diego, where death is not uncommon - but this time, it’s murder.

The victim, Sweetie, a prominent and nosy resident, turns up dead, leaving the community buzzing. Despite her irritating habit of spouting random facts, no one expected her to be murdered. The four residents of the community, Angela, Caledonia, Stella, and Nan, decide to investigate.

Though the story starts slow, it picks up as the mystery unfolds, offering readers a perfect introduction to the contrasting characters of Angela and Caledonia, whose prickly relationship adds humor to the narrative. The dynamic between them, filled with teasing and sharp exchanges, keeps the story entertaining.

Corinne Holt Sawyer’s writing is filled with quirky charm, and as the story progresses, it becomes clear she knows her subject well. Sawyer, herself a resident of a retirement home, draws on her experiences to create an authentic depiction of life in such a community, from the day-to-day realities to the looming awareness of mortality.

The senior-sleuthing theme is a delight, reminiscent of Miss Marple, but with two cantankerous women leading the charge. The mystery offers plenty of suspects, all with opportunity and motive, culminating in a surprising twist.

This book is a perfect mix of cozy mystery and sharp humor, and I look forward to reading more in the series as Farrago Books republishes the first four installments later this year. Whether you are a fan of hard-boiled crime fiction or cozy mysteries, The J. Alfred Prufrock Murders by Corinne Holt Sawyer is a delightful read, blending a unique setting with engaging characters and strong storytelling.

This e-book reissue of a 36-year-old mystery is still fun to read….

I had read the eight books in this series in paperback, back when they were written, in the 1980s and 1990s, and liked them all. Now, I am happy to have received a review copy of a new e-book version of the first title in the series, The J Alfred Prufrock Murders. And three decades on, having had first-hand experience with aging parents in retirement communities, and also that much closer to retirement myself (!!!), it was more fun to read even than I remembered.

At its heart, Prufrock is a cozy, set at the Camden-sur-Mer retirement community, and with two elderly ladies, Angela Benbow and Caledonia Wingate (and some of their friends), as the main protagonists. And once the first body is found, Lt Martinez from the Camden police, and his sidekick Charles “Shorty” Swanson, get involved, developing a nice relationship with the ladies. At the same time, though, author Corinne Holt Sawyer doesn’t pull any punches on the challenging realities of aging, both health-wise and financial, so it’s not entirely a cozy. A few more bodies soon follow, and it turns out that several of the residents have dicey pasts, creating some nice red herrings. But eventually the culprit is identified, and things reach a satisfying ending.

Prufrock does show its 36 years of age just a bit, with slightly different mores than I would expect if it were written today. But the writing is sharp, the characterizations are apt, the plot keeps you guessing, and I recommend it for anyone looking for a quick beach or airplane read.

Finally, my thanks to Farrago Press and Net Galley for the review copy. And I’m also happy to note that Farrago appears to be coming out with the rest of the series – or at least, the first five as of now…

Angela and Caledonia are well to do ladies living in an upscale retirement community. They have time on their hands and need something to occupy their minds. So the gruesome death of one of their fellow residents is an opportunity for some elderly hijinks as much as it is a sad event.

Their resourceful and determined approach soon shows that there's a lot more going on at Camden Sur Mer than appears on the surface.

The plot of the book is clever, complex, and tightly constructed, but the characters and relationships are the center of the novel. The author is convincing about what it's like to be old, and her detectives are believably bemused by their first experience with a retirement community. Snappy dialogue and interesting details round off the experience. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.

This is a delightful cozy mystery set in the serene environment of a retirement community. The story follows two sharp-witted elderly sleuths, who find themselves embroiled in a murder investigation when a resident is found dead under suspicious circumstances.

Overall, this is a light, enjoyable read with cozy crime-solving, perfect for fans of gentle mysteries.

I really wanted to love this book. a mystery with older women as the main characters? love that, we need more of it. I just didn’t like this unfortunately. the first few chapters were just explaining how awful the main character is. while there is character development, the unnecessary prolonging of describing how terrible of a human Angela is could be cut down significantly. she’s frankly unlikable most of the novel. I know this is likely a product of the times since this book was written in the 80s.

as for editing, on page 195, there is a random 9 before the word like, halfway down the page. Also, under chapter 17 Caledonia’s name is not capitalized in the first sentence.

The J. Alfred Prufrock Murders (Benbow and Wingate Book 1) by Corrine Holt Sawyer is a suspenseful mystery with humor and heart.

The J. Alfred Prufrock Murders is one of the best mysteries I have read this year. I liked the setting, the senior sleuths, the main supporting character (Detective Martinez), and the well-plotted mystery.

I chose to read this book because its description gave me Thursday Murder Club vibes. I really enjoy that series, but I often find myself wishing that the mysteries were set in the retirement community where the sleuths live. The J. Alfred Prufrock Murders satisfied that itch.

The J. Alfred Prufrock Murders unfolds in a sun-kissed, upscale Southern California retirement community. Angela Benbow and Caledonia Wingate, the two main characters, persuade two of their friends to delve into the murder of Sweetie, a fellow community member found dead on the beach.

Every character in this story is intricately layered and flawed, making them relatable and engaging. There are no perfect sleuths here, and that's what makes them so appealing. They make good choices, bad choices, smart moves, and mistakes, just like real people. Even the primary supporting characters are well-rounded. Detective Martinez, in particular, with his cleverness and kindness, always shines in his interactions with the main characters.

The mystery was very well done, and the clues were carefully laid. I was able to guess the culprit, but only because I paid very close attention and tried very hard. I think many readers will be surprised and delighted by the mystery portion of the book, whether they guess the culprit or not.

If you enjoy good mysteries with complex characters, humor, and heart, you can't go wrong with The J. Alfred Prufrock Murders.

I am eagerly looking forward to the next installment in the Benbow and Wingate series and have already recommended it to several people I know.

Thanks to Net Galley and Farrago Books for an advanced reader copy of this mystery novel in exchange for a fair review.

Charm And Wit..
The first in the Benbow and Wingate series of mysteries finds a group of sprightly septuagenarians investigating a suspicious death within their small retirement community. When one of their group is discovered on a beach, murdered, the group are spurred into action. After all, they have a much better understanding of their own than the investigating officers could ever have. With a cast of well drawn and eccentric characters populating a fun and feisty plot, a well imagined setting and a solid mystery at its heart, this cozy crime oozes charm and a delicious wit. Their next outing will be greatly anticipated.

Set in the quirky world of a retirement community, the story follows a group of lively octogenarian sleuths as they tackle the murder of their fellow resident, "Sweetie." The charming setting and spirited characters add a delightful touch to this cozy mystery, blending humor with a touch of reality that captures the unpredictable nature of life in such a close-knit community.

While the narrative is engaging and the characters are endearing, the plot felt a bit predictable. The humor, though light-hearted, doesn’t always land perfectly, and some of the whimsical scenarios, like frequent breaking and entering, may seem a bit far-fetched. If you enjoy cozy mysteries with a unique twist, this one still offers a fun and entertaining read.

I enjoyed the senior sleuths ( or busy-bodies) in this light mystery novel. Although the bodies piled up at an alarming rate, it was a light-hearted look into retirement community life…. With probably more than a small dose of reality added to the mix.

The protagonists were recognizable “ types” for those of us “ of a certain age,” and that added to the fun for me. The scenario was outlandish at times ( quite a bit of breaking and entering into each other’s homes) but, however unlikely , it added to the pace and plot and was easily overlooked by this reader. If you read cozy mysteries with unlikely sleuths, a reader needs to be able to live in an alternate reality.

The “ ladies” were great fun to get to know and I hope to encounter them in another novel.

A delightful romp perfect for fans of the Thursday Murder club books
. The mystery is set in an assisted living facility and features four feisty octogenarians trying to solve the mystery of who murdered a fellow resident. Good humor, several twists and a real sensitivity for the elderly are all featured.

I didn’t personally connect with this one but am confident there are other cozy mystery readers that will enjoy the humorous characters driving this tale.

This has been a month for good murder mysteries. I really enjoyed it and I think other mystery readers will as well. Don’t skip this one!

This was okay, honestly I found it kind of boring for the most part and I don't think the mystery part was very surprising. Maybe I just had the wrong idea but I assumed it would be fun/funny but it wasn't really