Murder, She Encountered

Murder, She Encountered by Peg Cochran has Elizabeth “Biz” Adams visiting the New York World’s Fair with veteran crime reporter, Ralph Kaminsky when a woman is murdered. The police arrest hot dog vender, Joey Dorman for the crime but things do not add up. Ralph and Biz dig deeper into the case in the hopes of a big story. When Ralph ends up in the hospital with bronchitis, Biz continues to investigate. Unfortunately, someone is not happy with Biz’ questions and decides to help her cool off. Someone has a secret that they will kill for which is evident when a second victim turns up at the fair. Ralph springs himself from the hospital and rejoins Biz to get to the bottom of this perplexing case. Murder, She Encountered is the third in the Murder She Reported Series. It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series. However, I have enjoyed reading the series in order which has allowed me to get to know Ralph Kaminsky and Elizabeth “Biz” Adams. Elizabeth comes from a well-to-family, but she chafes at the endless rules and restrictions. Her mother, Helen does not understand Elizabeth’s desire to work. It is a good thing that Biz’ parents do not take the Daily Trumpet, or they would lock Elizabeth in her room. Ralph Kaminsky is a veteran crime reporter who grabs Biz whenever he goes out on a story. He is the gruff type with a heart of gold. You can tell that he cares for Elizabeth. Ralph and Elizabeth make a great team. Detective Sal Marino is Elizabeth’s beau and she is falling for the handsome detective. She can see a future with Marino, but Elizabeth cannot say the same for her mother. I found Murder, She Encountered to be well-written with steady pacing. I can tell that Peg Cochran has done her research. I enjoyed her descriptions of the World’s Fair taking place in New York in 1939. The lingo is accurate for the time period along with the clothing and types of conveyances. We get to see what it was like to take the subway in 1939. There are new inventions mentioned like nylon from Dupont and air conditioning. Elizabeth shocks her mother by going out in trousers which were made popular by Katherine Hepburn. Mr. & Mrs. Adams went out to view The Philadelphia Story and Kay Kyser’s “Three Little Fishes” was playing on the radio (FYI—Kay Kyser is a man). The mystery was complex and there was active investigating throughout the story. I like how all the pieces tied together. The author really thought out this multifaceted whodunit. The ending has me anxious for the next Murder She Reported novel. Murder, She Encountered is an engrossing cozy mystery with a mystifying mystery, exciting exhibits, soaring temperatures, a poorly reporter, meddlesome models, and a probing photographer.