DEATH IN A BYGONE HUE

When Jill Madison returns to her hometown to become executive director of a new art center, she never would have dreamed unexpected secrets from the past would put her life in danger. When her parents’ old friend, and Jill’s mentor, Judge Ron Spivey, is murdered, he leaves behind more than a few secrets. His baffling will makes Jill a rich woman, if she survives the six-month probate period.

She finds a target on her back when the judge’s estranged children return and form an unholy alliance with a local muckraking journalist who specializes in making up news. According to the judge’s will, if Jill dies, the family inherits.

Jill and her best friend launch their own investigation, determined to find the judge’s killer. In the meantime, Jill must run her first national juried exhibit, launch a new seniors’ group, and move the weavers’ guild into the art center. Her arch nemesis and art center board president, Ivan Truelove III, watches her every move, determined to remove her if she makes a mistake. And, in between finding dead bodies, Jill may also discover a bit of romance with a newly arrived doctor in town, if she can live to enjoy it.

. . .

“Susan Van Kirk takes the cozy mystery into a new arena—an art gallery in a small midwestern city—and weaves fascinating information about the art world into a tale of murder, inheritance, Vietnam vets, and just a touch of romance. Fine reading as well as fine art.” 

~ Judy Alter, author of Irene in Chicago Culinary Mysteries

“A well-crafted mystery filled with twists and turns that keeps you guessing until the end. Van Kirk’s page-turner effortlessly combines murder in the high-stakes world of art and art fraud with the heart of small-town life and family. Apple Grove is a place you won’t want to leave.” 

~ Kait Carson, author of the Hayden Kent Mysteries

“This colorful cozy mystery has it all—textured characters, a well-sculpted plot, and a fascinating behind-the-scenes peek into the art world. A charming whodunit readers won’t want to miss!” 

~ Lori Roberts Herbst, author of the Callie Cassidy Mystery Series

“Judge Ron Spivey has been a great help to Jill Madison in opening her art center in the Midwest town of Apple Grove. But when Jill finds out that she, and neither of the judge’s nasty children, will be executor of his estate, autumn feels a lot chillier. And much more dangerous. Is the image of the small, charming town ruined? A bright spot might turn out to be Dr. Sam Finch, an ER doctor with warm hands and an interest, it seems, in something more than being helpful. Toss in some shocking revelations judiciously scattered throughout the story, and the hues brighten up, but not in a good way.”  

~ Kaye George, author of Stroke, the fourth

Imogene Duckworthy Mystery

“Susan Van Kirk’s newest Art Center Mystery, Death in a Bygone Hue, is painted with a wide brush of intrigue starting with the suspicious death of Jill Madison’s close friend, Judge Spivey. Van Kirk’s artistic skill entangles the reader in a complex journey through the judge’s professional life and personal secrets, and after the will is revealed, disgruntled children create a toxic situation targeting Jill. This, along with turmoil at the art center, an unscrupulous journalist, and a new doctor in town, makes for a “masterpiece” of engaging mystery, diverse relationships, and a strong, clever female lead: Jill Madison. It’s a personal favorite no one should miss!” 

~ Kathleen Costa, Reviewer, Kings River Life

“In Death in a Bygone Hue, Susan Van Kirk shines a spotlight on greed, murder, and art fraud in an otherwise idyllic town. Don’t miss this beautifully written and intriguing book.”

~ Grace Topping, USA Today best-selling author

of the Laura Bishop Mystery Series and Agatha Award finalist

“In Death in a Bygone Hue, Susan Van Kirk has created a delightful heroine, whom I sincerely want to hang out with, as well as a plot packed with so many twists, turns, and surprises that, at some point, I suspected everyone! Well written and highly entertaining, it kept me enthralled and guessing until the very end.”  

~ Annette Dashofy, USA Today bestselling author

of the Zoe Chambers Mysteries

“From accusations of cover-ups and special interests to vividly described events that often impart a wry undercurrent of humor, Van Kirk creates many compelling twists and turns cemented by a sense of person, place, and ironic introspection…Libraries and readers seeking a stand-alone mystery that both supports the prior book and crafts new intrigue as Jill settles into her role and navigates the dangerous politics of her hometown will find Death in a Bygone Hue a delight.” 

~ D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review

“I’ve loved all Susan Van Kirk’s books, but Death in a Bygone Hue may be my new favorite. Jill Madison, director of Apple Grove’s new art center, is planning her first national art exhibit when she finds the body of Judge Ron Spivey, her friend and mentor. Did he die of natural causes or is something more sinister at play? As Jill’s police-detective brother heads up the official investigation, Jill learns she has been named executor of the judge’s estate and his primary beneficiary. That doesn’t sit well with the judge’s greedy son and daughter. The mystery deepens when Jill begins going through the judge’s papers and finds disturbing secrets from the past. Beautifully written and seamlessly plotted, Death in a Bygone Hue combines a smart and engaging heroine with an irresistible mystery and a pulse-pounding ending.” 

~ Connie Berry, USA Today bestselling author

of the Kate Hamilton Mysteries and Edgar Award Nominee