UPDATED! News/Reviews

Elizabeth White, Musings Of An All Purpose Monkey: ”

One wouldn’t expect the chief fund raiser for a posh art museum to find herself at the center of a murder mystery, yet that is precisely where Danielle “Dani” O’Rourke finds herself …. a refreshingly real character: she’s closer to 40 than 30, closer to a size 14 than a size 4, doesn’t know martial arts or weapons, isn’t a master computer hacker, and she doesn’t single-handedly figure out whodunit. She’s just a regular gal caught up in a highly irregular situation, which makes her very easy to identify with because she could actually be your next door neighbor, an old college roommate… even you!

Shea has also given Dani a strong cast of supporting characters: the dashing police detective Dani finds herself attracted to, despite the fact he’s investigating her for murder; her über rich playboy ex-husband, who’s still carrying a torch for Dani; Rowland Reynold, a somewhat sinister Santa Fe based art collector and main patron of the dead artist; Suzy, Dani’s social-butterfly, gossip-hound best friend. They, and many others, flesh out the wonderfully colorful world Shea has created.

Whether you’re looking for a book to curl up with while having a glass of wine or one to stuff in your bag to take to the beach, Murder in the Abstract is picture perfect!”

Becky Lejeune for bookbitch.com: “Sleuthing is definitely not part of museum employee Dani’ O’Rourke’s job description. In fact, her position requires that she schmooze with folks who can make significant contributions to the Devor Museum in San Francisco, so solving a murder is a bit out of her comfort zone. But that’s just the task Dani finds herself faced with when up-and-coming artist—and ex-boyfriend—Clinton Maslow takes a tumble out of her own office window. ….Dani must uncover the true murderer’s identity before it’s too late. Susan Shea’s cozy-ish debut is a light mystery with an engaging heroine and an interesting setting. With a cast of fun (and suspicious) characters and a mystery that really keeps you guessing, Murder in the Abstract has everything a mystery fan is looking for in a new series. Brings to mind the early Goldy Shultz titles by Diane Mott Davidson (set in the art world, of course). 06/10 Becky Lejeune”

Booklist: “….Shea writes convincingly about art and those who collect it. A series to watch.”

Jen Forbus review: Dani O’Rourke is an enjoyable protagonist. She’s smart and funny. A respected executive for the art museum who obsesses over fashion and has her eye on the investigating police detective. Her ex-husband Dickie Argetter III is a humorous ladies man who still has a flame burning for Dani. The plot itself offers up an interesting peek at the art world and how all its various players fit into the fabric…. smart and savvy, light-hearted plot, compelling characters and authentic backdrop.  (Jen’s Book Thoughts blog site)

Cara Black, author of the popular Aimee Leduc mystery series, says: “…Dani, a no slouch fashionista, captivates with a mixture of down home and panache in the shark infested art world and upper echelons of San Francisco society. Navigating in the cut throat acquisition world of museums, art galleries and edgy artists, Dani becomes a murder suspect and we’re rooting for her every high heeled step of the way.”

Margaret Grace, author of The Miniature Mysteries, says: “You’ll love Susan Shea’s way with words. But be careful—her fund-raising protagonist Dani O’Rourke might have you writing a big check before you know it!”

Sophie Littlefield, 2010 Edgar nominee for A Bad Day for Sorry, says: “… a skilful web of suspects and victims, against a backdrop of the fascinating world of fine art and those who create, covet, curate, and collect it. … Dani juggles a hot detective, a distracted best friend, a suspicious-acting assistant and a host of distractions, complications, and romantic entanglements. Savvy, sophisticated, and expertly plotted, MURDER IN THE ABSTRACT is also pure fun!”