Laura Lippman’s latest offering, “Murder Takes a Vacation,” presents a refreshing departure from conventional mystery novels by placing a sixty-eight-year-old widow at the center of an international art theft conspiracy. This sophisticated thriller demonstrates Lippman’s evolution as a writer, moving beyond her acclaimed Tess Monaghan series to create a standalone work that challenges ageist stereotypes while delivering a compelling mystery narrative.
A Heroine Worth Celebrating
Muriel Blossom emerges as one of the most authentic and engaging protagonists in recent crime fiction. Lippman has crafted a character who defies the typical portrayal of older women in literature—Muriel is neither a doddering eccentric nor a wise sage dispensing life lessons. Instead, she’s a complex individual navigating grief, newfound wealth from a lottery win, and the prospect of reinventing herself in her late sixties.
The author’s decision to make Muriel a larger woman who refuses to apologize for her body or seek transformation represents a bold stance in a genre often populated by conventionally attractive heroines. Muriel’s matter-of-fact attitude toward her size, combined with her sharp observational skills honed during her time working for private investigator Tess Monaghan, creates a protagonist who is both relatable and formidable.
Lippman skillfully develops Muriel’s character through her internal monologue and interactions with others. Her friendship with the elegant but brittle Pat Siemen reveals different facets of her personality, while her complicated feelings about the mysterious Allan Turner showcase her capacity for both desire and discernment. The author avoids the trap of making Muriel either completely naive or impossibly worldly, instead presenting her as someone with genuine life experience who still has much to learn about herself.
A Meticulously Crafted Plot
The mystery unfolds with the precision of a Swiss timepiece, beginning with Muriel’s chance encounter with Allan Turner on a flight to London. Lippman demonstrates her mastery of pacing by gradually revealing information about the stolen Pakistani artifact, the Quqnoz, while simultaneously developing the romantic subplot between Muriel and Allan. The revelation that Allan dies within twenty-four hours of their meeting transforms what initially appears to be a May-December romance into something far more sinister.
The Seine river cruise setting provides an ideal closed-room mystery environment, reminiscent of Agatha Christie’s work but updated for contemporary sensibilities. Lippman uses the confined space of the MS Solitaire to create tension and paranoia, as Muriel realizes she cannot trust anyone aboard the ship. The various passengers, from the charming Marko and his sister Pat to the suspicious Danny Johnson, each harbor secrets that contribute to the mounting atmosphere of distrust.
The author’s handling of the art theft subplot demonstrates extensive research and attention to detail. The history of the Quqnoz, from its origins in Pakistan to its theft from Constance Saylor’s museum, provides a rich backstory that elevates the mystery beyond a simple whodunit. The revelation that the statue’s sapphire eyes have been hidden in Muriel’s possession, disguised as cannabis gummies, represents a clever plot device that maintains credibility while adding an element of dark humor.
Character Development and Relationships
Lippman excels in creating authentic relationships between her characters. Muriel’s friendship with Elinor spans sixty years, and their dynamic feels genuine, complete with the tensions that arise when one friend finds romance while the other remains alone. The author captures the complexity of long-term female friendship, including the unspoken competition and genuine affection that coexist.
The antagonists in the novel are particularly well-developed. Pat Siemen/Constance Saylor emerges as a tragic figure rather than a simple villain. Her transformation from an awkward, wealthy young woman into a sophisticated criminal mastermind represents a compelling character arc. Lippman resists the temptation to make her entirely sympathetic or completely evil, instead presenting her as someone whose choices have led her down an increasingly dark path.
Danny Johnson’s character serves multiple functions in the narrative. Initially appearing as a potential threat, his true identity as an FBI agent seeking to recover his father’s stolen artifact adds moral complexity to the story. His relationship with Muriel evolves from antagonistic to genuinely friendly, providing her with an unexpected ally in her new life.
Thematic Richness
Beyond its mystery elements, “Murder Takes a Vacation” explores themes of aging, identity, and second chances. Lippman addresses the invisibility often experienced by older women in society while simultaneously demonstrating how this perceived weakness can become a strength. Muriel’s ability to observe without being noticed proves crucial to solving the mystery and surviving the danger she faces.
The novel also examines the corrupting influence of wealth and the lengths people will go to maintain their lifestyle. Constance Saylor’s willingness to fake her own death and orchestrate insurance fraud to support her expensive boyfriend Marko illustrates how love can become destructive when combined with financial desperation.
Lippman’s treatment of body image and societal expectations around appearance feels particularly relevant. Muriel’s journey toward self-acceptance includes not just embracing her size but also exploring her own desires and needs. Her brief flirtation with Allan and later interest in Paul represent a mature woman’s right to romantic fulfillment, regardless of age or appearance.
Writing Style and Technical Execution
Lippman’s prose is elegant without being pretentious, accessible while maintaining literary quality. Her description of Parisian settings, from the Louvre to small café encounters, creates vivid imagery without overwhelming the narrative. The author’s experience as a former journalist shows in her clean, precise language and her ability to convey complex information without confusion.
The pacing of the novel deserves particular praise. Lippman maintains tension throughout the cruise portion of the story while allowing time for character development and relationship building. The revelation scenes are well-timed, providing satisfying “aha” moments without making the reader feel manipulated.
Minor Criticisms
While “Murder Takes a Vacation” succeeds on most levels, some elements feel slightly forced. The coincidence of Danny Johnson being on the same flight and cruise as Muriel strains credibility, even with the explanation provided. Additionally, some of the art world details, while clearly researched, occasionally slow the narrative momentum.
The romance subplot with Paul, while providing hope for Muriel’s future, feels somewhat underdeveloped compared to the more complex relationship with Allan. This may be intentional, representing the difference between fantasy and reality, but it leaves the reader wanting more depth in this relationship.
A Worthy Addition to Crime Fiction
“Murder Takes a Vacation” represents a significant achievement in contemporary mystery writing. Lippman has created a novel that works on multiple levels: as a satisfying mystery, a character study, and a meditation on aging and identity. The book challenges readers’ expectations while delivering the plotting and resolution that mystery fans demand.
This novel stands comparison with Louise Penny’s Inspector Gamache series in its combination of character development and mystery plotting, while offering a fresh perspective on the amateur sleuth subgenre. Readers who enjoyed Elizabeth Peters’ Amelia Peabody mysteries or Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple novels will find much to appreciate in Muriel Blossom’s adventures.
Recommended Reading
For readers who enjoyed “Murder Takes a Vacation,” consider these similar titles:
- Louise Penny’s Inspector Gamache series – particularly “Still Life” for its character-driven mysteries
- Elizabeth Peters’ Amelia Peabody mysteries – for strong female protagonists in exotic settings
- Agatha Christie’s “Death on the Nile” – for the cruise ship mystery atmosphere
- Tana French’s “In the Woods” – for literary mystery writing with complex characters
- Kate Atkinson’s “Case Histories” – for its blend of humor and serious crime elements
“Murder Takes a Vacation” confirms Laura Lippman’s position as one of the premier voices in contemporary crime fiction, offering readers both entertainment and substance in equal measure.