To start bluntly: this author's writing irritates me. I've started and discarded two of her other series, because her MCs always come across belligerent and acerbic. This series is sadly no different, but I keep sticking with them because she so perfectly captures all the ins and outs of running a museum (at least, it seems so to a reader who has never actually run a museum). The stories are always interesting; enough to overcome my desire to throttle the MC.

Dead End Street, however, was not as good as the others. It's aim is to tackle a concept, rather than a specific object or setting in history. That concept is urban blight, neighbourhoods in decline, and neighbourhoods that have become urban war zones. Lofty subject matter, and she handles it pretty well, I think. Her approach from the standpoint of what role an historical society can play in rebuilding these neighbourhoods has a lot of merit. Unfortunately, Nell is abrasive and almost unlikeable, and she kept saying her desire to help was white man's guilt. Maybe her motivation is white man's guilt, but if so, it just makes her even less likeable - why can't she just want to participate in building up her city without the guilt? Anyway, ignore me, it was just one more thing I found irritating.

These aren't typical mysteries; they seldom revolve around dead bodies, and when they do - as this one does - Nell doesn't investigate or figure much out. Mostly it's about her being in the wrong place at the right time or vice versa, and putting facts together that make events clearer, although resolution usually comes of its own accord.

I say every time I read one of these books that I won't read any more of them, but then the next one comes out and I get sucked into wanting to spend time i the museum. So - who knows? ( )

This was really fascinating, but not so much in the traditional cozy way. I liked the way the author wove in how the Nell and the Antiquarian Society had to think about how to best serve the community as a whole. Between old row houses, dilapidated and empty after factories move on, to a plum of a deal on a perfectly preserved family home, Nell and her team really did some great brainstorming on how to use historical documents more widely. The shooting and mystery played out in the background. With no real reason to thing Nell was the target as she was very shaken up but not injured, she a bit more removed from the investigation than usual. ( )

Dead End Street by Sheila Connolly is the seventh book in A Museum Mystery series. Nell Pratt is the president of the Pennsylvania Antiquarian Society. Nell gets a visit from Tyrone Blakeney and Cherisse Chapman. They inform her that the Society owns a row house (slated for demolition) in North Philadelphia (at 387 Bickley Street). They would like some assistance with a project they are working on to save neighborhoods. Nell was under the impression that the Society had divested itself of all properties (people die and leave things to properties as well as money and other items). Nell agrees to go with them to visit the house (she really will regret this decision). They arrive at the house and are sitting in the car when another car comes by and starts shooting at them. Cherisse dies from her wounds and Tyrone is severely injured. Nell, thankfully, came out alive (with minor injuries). James Morrison, an FBI Agent and Nell’s boyfriend, quickly arrives at the scene. Who was the gunman’s intended target? Because of the neighborhood, the police believe it was random violence (it occurs frequently in the area). Nell thinks there is more to the story and sets out to get answers (but at what cost). Join Nell on her latest investigation in Dead End Street.

I have red and enjoyed every book in A Museum Mystery series. However, this is the first one that I did not love. The mystery was not at the forefront of the book. I wanted to know where were the clues. Instead of an investigation, it is like it just played out and the killer was revealed. It is easy to guess the identity of the killer (when the person is finally introduced) which was such a shame. I thought maybe there would be a great twist or something unpredictable would happen (one could hope). Dead End Street is well-written and easy to read. Nell was a little different in this book. I know the shooting shook her up, but she was not her usual confident self. Nell doubted herself (quite a bit) which led to long paragraphs of Nell thinking, worrying, analyzing, and questioning. I give Dead End Street 3.75 out of 5. I just expected more (and have received in the past) from Sheila Connolly. Will I read the next book in A Museum Mystery series? Definitely. This book might just be a fluke. I will be sure to check out the next novel in this series.

I received a complimentary copy of Dead End Street from NetGalley (courtesy of the publisher) in exchange for an honest evaluation of the novel. ( )

Dead End Street is the seventh book in the A Museum Mystery series.

Dead End Street is another well told and informative story from Sheila Connolly.

Nell Pratt, president of the Pennsylvania Antiquarian Society, has been contacted by Tyrone Blakeney, head of the North Philadelphia Neighborhood Partnership. Blakeney is trying to organize people to take back the The North Philly area from the drug dealers and attempt to revitalize it. He has learned that the society owns a plot of land and is contacting Nell to see what help the society can provide of the history of the neighborhood. Blakeney and Cherisse Chapman, who works for the city, convince Nell to go with to take a look at the society's property. As they are sitting in the car, another passes by starts shooting. Cherisse ends up being killed and Blakeney some bullet wounds. The assailant is unknown and the reason for the shooting is a mystery.

More of Nell's time is spent on looking into what the society can do to provide a history of the neighborhood and what it looked like in it's earlier times and not trying to find out who the shooter might have been.

A story that takes place in this is book is about Penelope and Phoebe Oliver wanting to sell their family's home that dates back to the 1700's. The sisters would like to find a buyer that will keep it much the way it is and keep on necessary maintenance. Nell knows the it is too much for the society to take on, but with the help of Marty she hopes to be able to find a willing buyer.

Ms. Connolliy's books are always well written and quite informative as to the history of Philadelphia.

I am once again looking forward to the next book in this series. ( )