Died in the Wool (Worldwide Mystery, 2008)
Review by G.L. Giles
Story by Rett MacPherson

Set in Missouri, this novel revolves around the supposed suicides of three siblings (at different times but all within a year) almost a century ago. Torie O’ Shea, both an amateur investigator and a likeable town gadabout, sets her sights on solving the mysterious deaths of Glory Kendall and her two brothers: Rupert and Whalen. Before all is said and done, a poisoning occurs as Glory Kendall’s quilts are being catalogued and two cold-blooded murders are solved. Incest is also uncovered, but you’re left guessing which Kendall family member is guilty of the act up until almost the very end. The quilts themselves and a well-stocked rose show make nice backgrounds for the main storyline as MacPherson clearly knows what she’s talking about in both arenas. Plus, the doomed romance of Glory Kendall and Anthony Tarullo might tug on your heartstrings a bit. The only things I can really complain about are that it took me almost halfway through the book before I was really vested in the storyline (however, after about mid-way through, I couldn’t put it down!) And, the supernatural aspect is hinted at several times with morning glories that uncharacteristically stay open all day at Glory Kendall’s former house and other indications that the Kendall house might be haunted, but there are no major supernatural happenings that occur, and I was somewhat disappointed in that aspect not being more developed. This book is probably best classified as a mystery, but it also classifies as a more realistic type of horror read, with multiple murders and incest that are covered up for nearly a century. Definitely worth picking up a copy. I give it a 7 out of 10.