The Mystery, Crime, and Thriller Group discussion

Welcome to the thread for Skeletons in the Attic. Jennifer is the discussion leader for this book -- have fun and happy reading! Please note that there is a spoiler thread for this book as well.

I think this might be my first read with this group. I’d never heard of this book but it sounds intriguing so count me in!

“Skeletons in the Attic” will grab your attention and won’t let go. It is a skilfully crafted mystery where nothing is as it seems, full of twists and turns.
Calamity (Callie) Barnstable’s father has recently died when his faulty harness inexplicably gives way causing him to fall from the thirteenth floor of a building under construction. Things go from straightforward to problematic when her father’s executor, Leith Hampton a criminal lawyer, reads her father’s Last Will & Testament. It seems that she has inherited a house, but not just any house, her childhood home. She had been unaware her father had kept it all these years.
This shocking revelation becomes perplexing when Leith reads a startling provision. Callie must move into Sixteen Snapdragon Circle and live there for a period of one year at which time she would be free to keep the house or dispose of it. Here is where the mystery begins. She must not only move to Marketville and live in the house but she must solve her mother’s murder.
The author skilfully creates an irresistible compulsion to read on in search of the next clue that will surely lead to the truth but the truth is elusive. The reader is swept along in a current of suspicion and fear as Callie struggles to regain her childhood memories.
Judy Penz Sheluk is brilliant at creating a character you can identify with. She truly is a master of her craft.
Be sure to read Judy’s Amazon International Bestselling series Glass Dolphin Mysteries and Marketville Mysteries. Also, look for her short story collections The Best Laid Plans, Live Free or Tri and Unhappy Endings short stories, Plan D, Live Free or Die, Beautiful Killer, Saturdays with Bronwyn and Goulaigans.

Great endorsement James! It makes me excited to read this book.

I've just started it. I'm not too far into it yet but I am definitely intrigued so far.

I read it and I did enjoy it! Callie is a creditable character. I like her.

Emma wrote: "I think this might be my first read with this group. I’d never heard of this book but it sounds intriguing so count me in!"

Excellent! Excited to see how you enjoy it!

Shanequa wrote: "Great endorsement James! It makes me excited to read this book.

I've just started it. I'm not too far into it yet but I am definitely intrigued so far."

That's always a good thing!

James wrote: "“Skeletons in the Attic” will grab your attention and won’t let go. It is a skilfully crafted mystery where nothing is as it seems, full of twists and turns.
Calamity (Callie) Barnstable’s father h..."

What a great review!

After reading and thoroughly enjoying "Skeletons in the Attic", my review included these comments:
The cast of characters is colorful. All tackle their roles with spirit and aid in moving the plot forward at a comfortable pace. They also fulfill reader expectation to entertain, some adding a touch of humor, others frustration or suspense.

Judy Penz Sheluk is one of my favorite authors.

I’ve read the first few chapters and am enjoying it so far.

will have to get a copy, sounds fantastic.

Melissa Geiger wrote: "I read it and I did enjoy it! Callie is a creditable character. I like her."

I agree - Callie is so great!

Gail wrote: "After reading and thoroughly enjoying "Skeletons in the Attic", my review included these comments:
The cast of characters is colorful. All tackle their roles with spirit and aid in moving the plot..."

Judy is one of my total favs as well. I always know what I'm getting with her, but she still manages to surprise me!

I just finished. I thought it was pretty good. The mystery did keep my interest. I also appreciated the amateur sleuth aspect. For me personally these types of books usually focus on a detective who is always 20 steps ahead of everyone else so Callie being so normal was nice. It was fun uncovering the mystery with her.

I do think the ending was a teeny bit rushed and abrupt. It kind of caught me off guard a little bit how quickly things were wrapped up. But still an enjoyable read overall!

I do agree with Shanequa about an abrupt ending but I’m still intrigued and will probably read the next in the series ( I’m guessing more things may fall into place). Yay a new author to enjoy!!

I just started

I just got it!

This was a fun and quick read. The pace of the story was excellent. I thought the ending was a little weak, but it still was an enjoyable read.

I thought the writing was very good. I may need to read the rest of the series.

Shanequa wrote: "I just finished. I thought it was pretty good. The mystery did keep my interest. I also appreciated the amateur sleuth aspect. For me personally these types of books usually focus on a detective wh..."

Yeah I think that's what I liked the best - the fact that we were uncovering the mystery WITH the protagonist...something you don't see all that often. Yes, the ending was a bit rushed, but the subsequent novels in this series are better about that.

Melissa Geiger wrote: "I do agree with Shanequa about an abrupt ending but I’m still intrigued and will probably read the next in the series ( I’m guessing more things may fall into place). Yay a new author to enjoy!!"

They do fall into place! It's a fun journey! And she has a few other series you might be interested in!

Jim wrote: "This was a fun and quick read. The pace of the story was excellent. I thought the ending was a little weak, but it still was an enjoyable read."

Agreed - both fun and quick. Definitely something that isn't going to take over your life for several weeks.

Patty wrote: "I thought the writing was very good. I may need to read the rest of the series."

If you liked this one, you'll love the others!

I am so glad I decided to read this one!!! Not quite done but absolutely loving it! Glad it is the start of a series good to know!

Can’t wait to read this. Unfortunately I pre-ordered a copy of the mass market pb that doesn’t release here until July 6th, so I won’t be able to read with you 😢
Enjoy!! 🐥

I really enjoyed this read and do plan on reading the next two in this series. I love Callie and her pursuit. I too thought the ending just stopped the book which makes me know I need to read the next one to get more closure!