The Cranefly Orchid Murders

Victoria Trumbull, a spirited 92-year-old deputy with the West Tisbury Police, finds herself investigating environmental crime on her beloved Martha's Vineyard. When a cantankerous local woman sells family land to developers, the Conservation Trust secretly enlists Victoria to search the property for endangered plants that could halt construction. Her mission takes on deadly urgency when she discovers the rare cranefly orchid and subsequently stumbles upon murder. With her sharp wit and encyclopedic knowledge of the island's history and inhabitants, Victoria must navigate family secrets, land disputes, and old grudges to uncover a killer who will stop at nothing to protect their interests.

Davina Porter brings remarkable depth to this cozy mystery through her nuanced portrayal of Victoria's distinctive voice, capturing both the character's advanced age and indomitable spirit without resorting to caricature. Porter's familiarity with New England speech patterns enriches the Martha's Vineyard setting, while her measured pacing allows listeners to appreciate both the botanical details and the intricate web of island relationships. The audio format enhances the story's contemplative nature, making Victoria's daily walks and keen observations feel intimate and immediate as Porter guides listeners through each discovery with masterful timing.