Dead End Street
Museum Mystery #7
By Sheila Connolly
ISBN13: 9780425273470
Author website: http://www.sheilaconnolly.com
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Kayt
Synopsis: 
The New York Times bestselling author of Privy to the Deadreturns to Philadelphia for more history—and a chilling mystery . . .
When the Pennsylvania Antiquarian Society discovers it owns some unique real estate, a deadly plot unfolds . . .
Society president Nell Pratt believes life is finally going her way. Everything’s running smoothly at work, and her love life is thriving. Then some unexpected news rocks her foundation. Two members of a local neighborhood rescue program, Tyrone Blakeney and Cherisse Chapman, inform Nell that her society owns an abandoned row house in a rundown area of Philadelphia and they insist on taking her to see the property before its date with the wrecking ball.
But soon after they arrive at the house, Cherisse is fatally shot and Tyrone is badly injured. The police believe it’s just random violence in a bad neighborhood, but Nell thinks there’s more to it and is determined to find answers before someone else becomes history . . .
Review:
Dead End Street is the 7th installment in author Sheila Connolly’s “Museum Mystery” series. It revolves around protagonist Nell Pratt who is the president of the Pennsylvania Antiquarian Society. Her life seems to be going well, both her personal and professional. The society is busy with all sorts of programs and going through some collections that have been donated to them. Nell believes things should be preserved and seen. She is a bit shocked to learn that the society may own some property in a seedier part of Philadelphia. She had thought they had ridded themselves of all of that before. Two representatives of a local neighborhood rescue program arrive to get the society involved in a new idea they have that involves this property. All they want to start with is for Nell to go with them to see the neighborhood and the derelict property. What could go wrong?
Tyrone and Cherisse (the program representatives) need for Nell to see the building before it is demolished. That is going to happen soon. They get things worked out and the three of them drive to see this building. Well it should have been an easy trip even when the neighborhood is a bit dangerous with drug dealers and the like inhabiting the area. How then could they expect their car to be shot up in a drive by. Nell is able to escape with no injuries due to some quick thinking. Tyrone is injured, badly and Nell tries to help once the coast is clear, but Cherisse does not make it and there is nothing anyone can do. The police believe it is a case of “wrong place, wrong time”. Somehow Nell just cannot accept that. She has to find out if there is more involved. She is also faced with deciding if this building should take up the time and attention of the society or if it should put its energy into a family home that belongs to society members Penelope and Phoebe Oliver that was built in the 1700’s.
This is the first installment I have read in this series so I am not familiar with the characters nor Nell’s relationship with James. James by the way is a very enjoyable character that always has her back and just happens to be her live in boyfriend. I did not have any trouble enjoying the story and following the characters even though I had not read any of the other books. I do not think any reader would and they would be able to enjoy this as a standalone read. I enjoyed the characters and the relationships they had with each other. I like Nell as the main character, her work ethic and values are wonderful. The mystery was layered and intriguing. I always enjoy author Sheila Connolly’s writing style and Dead End Street is no different. She has a lyrically style that brings the words to life. She is even able to make this book set in the big town of Philadelphia, seem to be small town while keeping the grit of big city.
Dead End Street is an enjoyable and well developed mystery. I did not figure out the mystery/killer at all. There is action and intense scenes, but nothing too hard to read. Still keeping it cozy I should say. There are not so many characters that I got lost in them and just the right amount of suspense. I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a hard hitting cozy mystery that keeps you guessing. I am sure you would have no problem reading and enjoying this installment without having read the others, but I think it would be more impactful and I would have been more invested in the characters had I read the others. This is a very good read, a well written mystery and wonderful characters.
