Puzzle in Paisley

 Puzzle in Paisley (1972) by Elizabeth Gresham

Jenny Gillette thinks that after helping Hunter Lewis solve a few mysteries that she's ready to do a little undercover work of her own. So, when William Rowan, a merchant seaman, needs someone to check on his grandmother, she's all set to answer an ad for a maid-of-all-work. Rowan's Granny lives in an isolated house on the Nantucket Sound left to her in her son's will. The will allowed the house to be rented for a small sum as long as the occupants allowed Granny to stay there and they took care of any needs she might have. Ted and Linda Parkinson decide it's just the place for them. Ted is a scientist who needs isolation and a water supply for his work. 

While Rowan is away at sea, his Granny had a stroke which paralyzed her left side and interferes with her ability to talk. She seemed very frightened of her boarders and anxious to tell him something, but he couldn't find out what. He wants someone to get in the house and have time to gain Granny's trust and find out what's going on. Jenny thinks it would be a great idea to pose as a deaf-mute in the hopes that if there is something he Parkinsons don't want known they won't thinks she's a threat. She's able to make some headway in the case, but then Ted discovers that her cover is a fraud and she realizes that there's a bigger danger than she dreamed of...An opportunity arises to send a coded message to Hunter. But will Ted realize what's she's doing? And will she be able to discover what he's really doing in the laboratory he's set up in the basement before it's too late?

Not sure I'm a fan of Jenny Gillette on her own. She gets herself into a real pickle with her undercover sleuthing. And the mystery, once Jenny is on the spot, really isn't much of one. Our villain pretty much spills all the beans as soon as Jenny learns what Granny knows and the villain realizes that Jenny isn't really a deaf/mute. We aren't anything like near the end of the book. The mystery story turns into a suspense novel. Will Hunter show up with the cavalry in time to rescue her? What reveiws I've found for Gresham books, have been for other titles where Jenny works more closely with Lewis. It sounds like they make a good sleuthing pair and that other titles have been stronger entries. I have a couple others and will have to try again to be sure what I think of Gresham. ★★ and 1/2 for this one.

First line: I've had some fantastic dreams in my life, but this one topped them all.

Last line: Well, I figured you were risking your neck doing a job you had no business doing, so I could play too.
*****************

Deaths = 3 (two natural; one stabbed)

*Finished on 12/25/25