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Fine Spirits
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Plot Summary of Fine Spirits
"

Zebra, Jul 2003, 5.99
ISBN: 0821775189

In 1920 Pasadena, California, wealthy Mrs. Bissel calls spiritualist Daisy Gumm Majesty to rid her house of a ghost. Daisy tried to persuade her client that she communicates with the spirits but does not do exorcisms, but the distraught widow insists that she only trusts her. Not wanting to alienate a rich patron, Daisy agrees to try, saying she never has done anything like this so may need to experiment.

Daisy quickly concludes that the haunting of the Bissel mansion is more likely occurring due to mortal happenings than that of the other world. She begins to solve the mystery, but also struggles to avoid police detective Sam Rotondo, who she is half in love with though she is married to a disabled vet.

The second 1920s “Spirit” tale is a strong historical cozy that brings to life a bygone era. The story line opens with a deep look at the 1920 with Daisy's party line and the Colorado 13 number and opens the window into the past even further. The “ghost” turns into a neat trick that haunts Daisy even after she uncovers the truth. Historical readers will enjoy FINE SPIRITS and its predecessor STRONG SPIRITS as both provide interesting glances at Americana.

Harriet Klausner
"

Harriet Klausner, Resident Scholar



Review Analysis of Fine Spirits
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Ratings are on a 1-10 scale (Low to High)
Plot

Composition of Book
descript. of violence and chases - 10%
Planning/preparing, gather info, debate puzzles/motives - 40%
Feelings, relationships, character bio/development - 30%
How society works & physical descript. (people, objects, places) - 20%




Tone of story - suspenseful (sophisticated fear)
Time/era of story: - 1900-1920's
Kid or adult book? - Adult or Young Adult Book
Crime Thriller Yes
Crime plotlets: - white collar fraud or theft
General Crime (including known murderer) Yes
Who's the criminal enemy here? - catching con-artist

Main Character
Gender - Female
Profession/status: - small businessman
Age: - 20's-30's
How much violence does he/she use? - none
Ethnicity/Race - White/American
How sensitive is this character? - middling sensitive to others' feelings
Sense of humor - Strong but gentle sense of humor
Intelligence - Smarter than most other characters
Physique - very athletic

Main Adversary
Identity: - Male
Age: - 20's-30's
Profession/status: - thief/con artist
How much of work is main antagonist actually present in: - a moderate amount
Motive of antagonist - money/treasure
How sensitive is this character? - hard edged
Sense of humor - Mostly serious with occasional humor
Intelligence - Smarter than most other characters
Physique - very athletic

Setting
United States Yes
The US: - California

Style
Person - mostly 3rd
Accounts of torture and death? - generic/vague references to death/punishment
How many deaths? - 0 (not a murder mystery)
Amount of dialog - significantly more dialog than descript
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