Kalorama Shakedown (A Harry Reese Mystery Book 3)

---

With this book deserving 4 very solid stars, I will definitely check out the rest of the series. Feb 26, Aisling rated it it was amazing. Hard to believe that a book about an insurance investigator would be captivating but this one is. Harry Reece and his wife Emmie--who have a wonderful entertaining relationship--go to Washington in to investigate jewelry thefts. The mysteries to be solved include not only the honesty of the insurance claims, but also murder and blackmail.

The author does an excellent job of making a complex mystery unravel logically and in a satisfying manner. But there is also a lot of laugh Pure pleasure. But there is also a lot of laugh out loud humor and a lot of cleverness in the writing really--this is up there with Wodehouse in my mind for the wit and intelligence in word choice and humor.

And if that wasn't enough, the author does a smashing job of portraying turn of the century Washington, race relations and a few subplots. This was thoroughly enjoyable and I will be getting the rest in the series! Although this book was set at the turn of the century it is sadly still true of the powers that be in Washington today.

For a country that has made so many advancements in the last one hundred years we seem to still be stuck in a mire of corruption that is committed by those who are supposed to protect and lead us. Fans of mystery, historical mystery, amateur sleuth, married sleuths. I will confess, I have become an unabashed fan! This series is getting better and better. Emmie meets up once again with her beautiful and fascinating friend, Elizabet 'Kalorama Shakedown' is the wonderful third installment of the Harry Reese Mysteries and the second one I received from the author after entering the Goodreads First Reads contests.

Emmie meets up once again with her beautiful and fascinating friend, Elizabeth, and it becomes clear that, as usual, Emmie has her own agenda. Elizabeth, it seems, recently entered the employ of a Countess rumored to have sticky fingers. Of course, eventually, there are also murders to solve, and Emmie is all over it. I really can't overstate the rather amazing juggling act Stewart pulls of in these mysteries. The utterly sophisticated and unique relationship between Harry and Emmie is often confounding to the reader without losing its wit or fascination.

The secondary characters always ring true and often seem interesting independent of the story, which is fitting in a novel where everyone has an agenda. The period setting and details are informed and transporting without ever being heavy-handed.

Get A Copy

As I said, this series is getting better with each installment, and I hope there will be new Harry Reese Mysteries for years to come! It has great detail into what life was like then and the characters are charming and full of life. This book goes one step further then just a historical mystery, it has a lot of great dry humor to round it out.

Great book, a must read. Jan 09, Diana Eberhardt rated it it was ok. Okay, just a little too lightweight for my taste. Jan 07, Patricia Ann rated it it was amazing. I love good writing and great research, just two reasons why I am enchanted by this adventure of Harry Reese, insurance fraud investigator and his wife Emmie.

At the turn of the century.. Harry is in Washington D. To Emmie's delight, murder, blackmail, political intrigue are added to his investigation. Another factor in my enjoyment of this writer is the subtle and not so subtle thread of humor that he sprinkles in Harry's narration I love good writing and great research, just two reasons why I am enchanted by this adventure of Harry Reese, insurance fraud investigator and his wife Emmie. Another factor in my enjoyment of this writer is the subtle and not so subtle thread of humor that he sprinkles in Harry's narration of events.

From his discussion of Emmie as his 'secretary' in the beginning of the book " Hardly trained at all, she was just released from the reformatory a few weeks ago. They do their best, of course , but They let the poor man have a say in who gets sent to Washington, but then corrupt the fellow the moment he gets off the train. A good number come pre corrupted Aug 17, Tony Parsons rated it it was amazing. Elizabeth is now a secretary for Countess von Schnurrenberger.

What is Kobo Super Points?

Julius Chappelle colored operates an employment office that employed the 3-colored help to for the individuals. Could he be the culprit? Fabulous old time , Washington, DC. Fabulous old time mystery book. Only an honest one. A very well written mystery book. This could also make another great mystery movie, or better yet a mini TV series.

There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars. Poor Harry is still dealing with Emmie's antics. This time she has found a jewel thief. Her old friend Elizabeth has become secretary to a Countess, a diplomat's wife stationed in DC. Oh that Countess just happens to be the Madame B from the jewel thief manual Harry wrote. So when Emmie invents a friend to visit in DC Harry is justifiably worried.

A bunch of threads combine in quite a rollicking tale. Emmie is quite a woman who only maybe is insane. Enjoy this series but less for the mystery and Poor Harry is still dealing with Emmie's antics. Enjoy this series but less for the mystery and more for the oh my what next. Nov 01, Philip rated it it was ok. I've been trying to read this series as unwind books after finishing a gritty and serious mystery and I have found that the books are very inconsistent with some quite fun reads and others not so.

This is one that just didn't cut it for me. I had a few smiles but very little of the humour found in some of the others and once again I think there was too much happening, too many players and I finished the book with a lot of confusion about what actually happened and I still don't know if any of th I've been trying to read this series as unwind books after finishing a gritty and serious mystery and I have found that the books are very inconsistent with some quite fun reads and others not so.

I had a few smiles but very little of the humour found in some of the others and once again I think there was too much happening, too many players and I finished the book with a lot of confusion about what actually happened and I still don't know if any of the perps were actually brought to justice.

I already have some more of these books so I might read them but I won't be in any big rush to do so. Charming book Sometimes the terminology of the time period was jarring but accurate. Cleverly written, will be a challenge for the author to keep up with his main female character. Oct 31, Anna Crossan rated it it was ok. Wasn't able to finish it. The story didn't grab me from the start and I just couldn't seem to get into it no matter how long I stuck with it.

Written with more than a discreet nod at Hammett and a dash of P. Wodehouse this novel, the third in a series, is a great and engrossing little read. It is a mystery, with more than a little satire and three murders thrown in for good measure. Also, like its two predecessors it is completely able to stand firmly on its own merits. Our main protagonist is the man the series is named after, and with his wife, he adds body and humour to this absorbing novel. He is dry, precise and engaging and is Written with more than a discreet nod at Hammett and a dash of P.

He is dry, precise and engaging and is the perfect foil to his wife who wilful, secretive and independent, worryingly so for the era in which the novel is set. He is very likeable and this makes the reader want to know more about him and his world as the novel progresses. His wife is also well written, to such a degree that she could almost be billed up there with her Husband, and the novel could be said to have duel main protagonists.

I thoroughly enjoyed this strong Lady, and actually felt myself warming more to her than I did her Husband; maybe it is because I could visualize myself in her role if I were transplanted back to that time period. The book is written in the first person narrative, with Mr. Reese being our narrator and, in this manner the story is told through his experiences, emotions and reactions to everything and everyone he meets, including some very humourous asides about his wife and her friends. However, rather than being a dry read as is sometimes the case with novels written in this manner, it just makes the storyline seem more realistic and interesting.

C, as a lot of the action and events in the book do take place in Washington D. Through a deft use of words and writing style, the Author transports the reader back to a time when there were still vast expanses of greenery to be see around Washington, and society was governed by strict rules and layers; he also fleshes out the storyline with wonderfully witty dialogue, a slew of literary references and some very engaging and entertaining relationships, a couple of whom I hope will make further appearances.

I would strongly recommend this novel and others in the series to lovers of the mystery genre and those who like a side order of humour and satire with their murders. Oct 05, Hasib rated it liked it. Kalorama Shakedown I was given this book by the author in exchange for a review. Many thanks to Robert Bruce Stewart!

That being said, the following is my considered review of the book. It is an unusual combination of mystery and comedy set in the USA during the turn of the last century. It involves several alleged thefts of jewellery and one or two deaths thrown in for good measure.

The tale is ba Kalorama Shakedown I was given this book by the author in exchange for a review. The tale is based around Harry Reese, insurance investigator and his wife Emmie repsonsible for much of the comic relief , who together, are working to solve the crimes. They face dodgy politicians, swindling newspapermen, gamblers, blackmailers and policemen of dubious integrity.

There are a multitude of characters and suspects and, as the reader, you are never quite sure who to believe or trust right up to the end. The reader is drawn into the historical setting as the story progresses through a multitude of twists and turns. The website link provided in the opening pages was wonderful — it contained details of the Streetcar Mystery novels, all the characters and a vast amount of background information on the places involved and their historical settings.

It provided a vast glossary of the words and terms used in the novel for authenticity. Links were provided for further investigation. It is clear the author has gone to a great deal of background research to produce the historical detail found in these books in order to present an authentic setting. I have only one slight grumble: The first 50 or so pages contained a great deal of dialogue and, while amusing and witty, I found it a little difficult at times to stay with the story — referring back on several occasions to check on the plot and who was who.

After this, the narrative picked up and I feel the book flowed much more smoothly. Nevertheless, the novel is highly entertaining with its lively, tongue-in-cheek, witty style. The characters are vibrant and memorable. The banter between to two main characters is a delight — Emmie is rather emancipated for the times - leading to a constant battle of wills!

Even those characters not entirely likeable are still rather colourful and intriguing. When I was given a copy of this book by the author in exchange for a review, I read the earlier novels and stories in the series first, because I always prefer to read a series in order whenever possible. Having been impressed with the series to this point, I was looking forward to this one, and I'm happy to say, I enjoyed this book a lot. This is the latest Harry Reese mystery novel, and I think it's the best and funniest one yet. It's December of , and the Reeses are in Washington this time When I was given a copy of this book by the author in exchange for a review, I read the earlier novels and stories in the series first, because I always prefer to read a series in order whenever possible.

Join Kobo & start eReading today

It's December of , and the Reeses are in Washington this time, Harry to investigate some jewel heists, and Emmie Mindful of Emmie's weakness for the horses, and with the help of a flamboyant Countess, Harry makes sure to keep her well away from Mrs. Spinks' "literary salons", where Washington's movers and shakers seem to congregate, and where the victims of the jewel robberies just happen to be regular visitors. The robbery investigation soon leads to the possibility of insurance fraud, some hilarious late-night escapades, and much to the satisfaction of Emmie there is a murder or two as well.

Those of us who are familiar with the Harry and Emmie Reese mysteries will be thoroughly entertained by this book, and pleased by the reappearance of Emmie's old friend Elizabeth and Detective Sergeant Tibbitts of the NYPD. The rest of you -- well, what are you waiting for? If you like really well-written, ingeniously-plotted mysteries that take you back in time and give you a good laugh doing it, you really can't go wrong with Harry and Emmie Reese. Aug 08, Debra rated it really liked it Shelves: Insurance claims investigator Harry Reese and his wife Emmie have come to Washington DC to investigate jewelry heists at the homes of three prominent citizens.

Elizabeth and the Countess have rather mysterious reputations, and since their arrival in Washington coincided with the break-ins Emmie decides to do a little snooping of her own.

Kalorama Shakedown is an enjoyable coz Insurance claims investigator Harry Reese and his wife Emmie have come to Washington DC to investigate jewelry heists at the homes of three prominent citizens. Kalorama Shakedown is an enjoyable cozy set in the early 20th century. Most intriguing, though, is that the women in this book are even smarter, more manipulative, and downright devious than the men. I have to say, though, that none of these women are in working class, poverty-stricken situations. Some of the plotting was a bit confusing at times, but the fraud aspects became clearer over time.

Kalorama Shakedown

Harry and Emmie are a delightful couple. In fact, Emmie is quite something in her own right. It would be fun to read more in this series just to see what Emmie gets up to next. I won a copy of this book through Goodreads, and read it out of order from the other Harry Reese mysteries. Harry Reese is an insurance claims investigator, and his wife Emmie is a not-so-reformed gambler, bordering on confidence woman from time to time. I love Stewart's portrayal of Harry and Emmie's relationship - Harry has long since giving up on keeping Emmie in line or understanding her.

The two always have a playful banter going, and it seems at times like maybe Harry married Emmie because I won a copy of this book through Goodreads, and read it out of order from the other Harry Reese mysteries. The two always have a playful banter going, and it seems at times like maybe Harry married Emmie because you need to keep the closest eye on those you know you can't trust. Emmie, for her part, admits to parading Harry around to show some of her unmarried more free-spirited friends that marriage really isn't that cumbersome.

The mystery aspect of the story reminds me a little of an Hecule Poirot type story - a sort of dry wit to it. It involves Harry investigating a string of insurance claims among wealthy families in the same city. He is convinced the burglaries are contrived and the claims part of a fraudulent scheme. There are several players moving through the investigation, and i think the are all very well-drawn. When the dead bodies begin to add up, Harry must navigate the schemes of not only the conspirators and murderers, but even his own wife's agenda, and that of her conniving friend Elizabeth, and her employer, the head-strong Countess who is pulling the strings for the entire story in more ways than one.

Overall, an enjoyable, well-paced mystery read. Jan 30, Stanley McShane rated it really liked it. This wasn't just a story about a by-gone era, it was written in the style and verbiage as well. Using first person, Harry Reese and his wife, Emmie, travel to Washington to investigate a string of burglaries on which insurance claims had been filed.

Investigating insurance claims was not new to him, though encountering a homicide or two connected with the case was. When Deep Sleep Falls. Dying for a Living Boxset: The Summer of Crud. A Victorian San Francisco Mystery. The Leigh Koslow Mystery Series: Books One, Two, and Three.

I Will Love You Forever. A Royal Dragon Romance. Man In The Shadows. The Sasha McCandless Series: Volume 1 Books Lizzie Crenshaw Mysteries - Box Set of 3. Redeeming the Texas Rancher.

Pecan Pies and Dead Guys. Raining Men and Corpses. Books 1, 2, 2. Revenge of the Lich. A Bond Of Venom and Magic. Alexandrian Saga Books Would it Be Okay to Love You? Death by Derby 8. A Qurilixen World Novella. A Teaspoon of Trouble. Her Rebel to Kiss. Wishful Sinful Rock Royalty Book 5. Thistle and the Rose. Ballarat Charter volume 1. A One Horse Open Sleigh. Beauty and the Geek. The Road to Garrett. The Complete Freshman Year: How to write a great review.

The review must be at least 50 characters long. The title should be at least 4 characters long. Your display name should be at least 2 characters long. At Kobo, we try to ensure that published reviews do not contain rude or profane language, spoilers, or any of our reviewer's personal information.

• Starfarers
• Die Wurzelprinzessin und andere Märchen (German Edition)
• Our Sisters in the Latter-day Scriptures
• Get Lucky: Good Luck Superstitions and Lore
• I Cant Remember If Im the Good Sister or the Evil One
• The Homemade Cook: Homemade Italian Sauces - Quick & Easy Dinner Sauces and Recipes to make any meal lip-smacking
• Into the Woods