Mysteries on Martha's Vineyard: Cynthia Riggs and Philip Craig

Categories: Mystery & Suspense

Summer reading naturally conjures up thoughts of ocean breezes and sand-laden books.  An ideal summer climate can be found in New England, and if you add the relative freedom of being on an island, what could be better?  The island of Martha's Vineyard is a mere 7 miles from the coast of Massachusetts, but that is distance enough to allow for an indigenous culture uniquely its own. 

The good life of those fortunate few is beautifully depicted in Nancy Ellison's Vineyard Days, Vineyard Nights.  This charming island has produced two prolific authors of mysteries that are set on the Vineyard, and they each prove to be authentic 'American Originals' in their own right.   

A look at the bio of author Cynthia Riggs reveals that she is a 13th generation islander - wow !  True to the hearty nature of a real Vineyard native, Cynthia lived on a boat for 14 years; she now runs a B&B out of her home in the village of West Tisbury, catering especially to poets and writers.  She picks the titles of her books from the wildflowers that are common to the island: shooting star, cranefly orchid.  Take a look at this clever mystery series and get to know spunky sleuth Victoria Trumbull, who is nothing short of 92 years old herself.

Author Philip R. Craig published his first mystery in 1989.  Although Mr. Craig passed away in May 2007, he had lived in Edgartown for many years.  Growing up on a ranch in California, he learned about hard work and outdoor adventure, and he kept those values as he made a life back east after attending Boston University in the 1950's.  Craig wrote 18 Vineyard mysteries, featuring retired Boston cop J.W. Jackson; the final book in the series will be released in 2008.  Philip Craig's family plans to hold a public celebration of his life this coming August - and a fine party it should be.