The Shortest Journey Book

Sheila Malory is an average middle-aged widowed woman living in the small English village of Taviscombe. Whenever there is a murder, a disappearance, or something that doesn't quite add up, Mrs. Malory is on the scene casually asking questions and getting to the bottom of any puzzle. I adore this laid back cozy series and would love to have a real friend like Sheila. She is intelligent, kind and is always there for her friends and family and those in need. Much of the books are describing Sheila's everyday routine of taking care of her pets, talking to her best friend Rosemary, doing various charitable works, and interacting with her son Michael. These little details are far from boring, though, and are just as fun to read about as the actual mystery.

All of the books in this series are wonderful, but I especially enjoyed this one. When a wealthy, elderly woman seems to have vanished, her family seems to care only about the woman's money. However, Mrs. Malory is on the case because she is concerned about her old friend and is determined to find out what really happened. In her slow but sure way, Sheila does find out what happens and also holds her own against the woman's pushy and cold daughter Thelma.

Although this is a very clean cozy series, not all the stories end happily. I am pleased that "The Shortest Journey" has a touching, uplifting ending which helps make it one of my favorite Mrs. Malory book that I have read so far. Fans of Miss Marple will love this charming series.