Death in a Family Way

TouchWood Editions is proud to introduce the first female sleuth in our selection of mystery novels. Author Gwendolyn Southin uniquely blends the charm of gumshoe techniques with the fresh perspective of a developing female detective. The Margaret Spencer Mysteries offer action and suspense, with a human subtext.

At age fifty, Margaret Spencer's empty nest and empty marriage prompt her to answer an ad for part-time office work at the office of private investigator Nat Southby. Suddenly, she is deep in the most unlikely of adventures for a woman in 1950s Vancouver, helping him with a case of missing young women involved in a shady business ring. Maggie finds unexpected freedom as a developing detective and along the way she uncovers evil in the quaintly urban setting.

©2008 Gwendolyn Southin (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

Great Story but Increase speech speed

Good story, and good representation of 50s marriages and home life roles. I like how she strikes out to find herself. Increase speech speed to 1.10 at least.

A great series

This is a great series, very glad I found it. The author does an excellent job of crafting realistic characters and conflicts. Particularly where Maggie’s husband is not a caricature, but you can fully understand why things play out the way they do.

An interesting take

I enjoyed this mystery featuring a mature woman and her life in Vancouver in the 1950’s. It was refreshing. The plot was believable and fast enough to be exciting with a good pacing and storyline. The ending was also satisfactory in more ways than one. A book where a woman isn’t just a prop is very nice to read.

Gwendolyn Southin great author

Just finished listening to the first of Gwendolyn Southin books in the series Margaret Spencer Death in...a Family Way!
It takes place in the 1950s and a bored housewife turns 50 and applies for a job! It ends with said housewife in the hospital...no spoilers! It is a fun read, a history lesson for those of us not born in the '50s, and to show you can change!

Death in a family way

Margaret has just turned 50 and is boared. she goes and gets a job. It's at a private eyes office as a secretly. She ends up getting involved in the cases. Her Husband doesn't want her working. I couldn't stand him. Margaret turns out to be a really good detective. This book holds your attention from start to finish. I highly recommend this book and series. I will listen to every book in this series. Cynthia Barrett does a great job narrating this book. If my review is any help will you please click on the helpful link below. Thank you.