What the Critics Say

ABOUT DOROTHY

“[Dorothy is] described as a modern-day Miss Marple. Personally, I think she's more interesting...and Jeanne Dams a better writer...If you're a classic mystery lover, you're sure to enjoy the books of Jeanne M. Dams. Her characters, settings and stories have a depth not often seen in this sub-genre.” - Mystery News

“Jeanne M. Dams is so good at what she does that you might miss the considerable amounts of art and effort involved in keeping alive her series about Dorothy Martin...[this is] a book to be celebrated as well as enjoyed.” - Chicago Tribune

“Fans of the English cozy will put the kettle on, snuggle under a lap rug, and sigh contentedly...” - Kirkus Reviews

“Dorothy is a dear.” - New York Times Book Review

“...a cozy as comforting as a hot cup of tea and as deliciously spicy as one of Dorothy's mince pies.” - Publishers Weekly

“A fine example of the British cozy as interpreted by an American midwesterner.” - Booklist

ABOUT HILDA

“I find this series by Jeanne M. Dams set in turn of the century South Bend, Indiana, completely captivating...it has an emotional resonance that really stays with you.” - Aunt Agatha's Newsletter

“Dams's more heavy-handed historical brethren would do well to emulate her light touch.” - Kirkus Reviews

“We learn, without realizing we're being taught anything at all, about social customs, class divisions, even the day-to-day operations of a wealthy turn-of-the-century household. Great characters, fascinating history, compelling mystery: this series could go on forever.” - Booklist

“An enthralling, informative, enchanting tale!” - The Drood Review of Mystery

“If you are looking for a rich, historical mystery, Silence is Golden is an excellent choice.” - The Romance Reader's Companion

“It is always a pleasure to visit the Studebaker Mansion with Hilda Johansson, the likeable, quick-thinking Swedish maid. In addition to the suspense of a mystery based on a true crime, Jeanne Dams gives us a great feel for immigant life at the turn of the century, with the gulf between rich and poor and the tensions between various ethnic groups...Dams captures it all so well.” - Rhys Bowen, author and winner of the Agatha, Anthony, and Herodotus awards

“A Conversation With Jeanne M. Dams”

Claire E. White, from Writers Write - The Internet Writing Journal, interviewed me several years ago. To read the interview, go to the Writers Write website (opens in new browser tab/window).

Winner of the Agatha Award for Best First Novel (1995)

“Fans of the English cozy will put the kettle on, snuggle under a lap rug, and sigh contentedly...” - Kirkus Reviews