Book Review: To Helvetica and Back by Paige Shelton

Star City is known for its slopes and its powder. But nestled in the valley of this ski resort town is a side street full of shops that specialize in the simple charms of earlier eras. One of those shops is the Rescued Word, where Chester Henry and his adult granddaughter Clare lovingly repair old typewriters and restore old books. Who ever thought their quaint store would hold the key to some modern-day trouble?

When a stranger to town demands they turn over an antique Underwood typewriter they’re repairing for a customer, Clare fears she may need to be rescued. A call to the police scares the man off, but later Clare finds his dead body in the back alley. What about a dusty old typewriter could possibly be worth killing for?[summary via Amazon]

Love! LOVE! LOVE! Okay so now we got the message that I absolutely loved the first book in the Dangerous Type Mysteries, To Helvetica and Back. This mystery brought back my memories of the 80s and 90s when I did all my school assignments on a typewriter (because I thought it was insanely cool at the time!) and rolled with it a great whodunnit that I couldn't put down!!

In To Helvetica and Back we are introduced to Clare Henry, who works with her grandfather at the Rescued Word, repairing typewriters and books. She has an adorable cat called Baskerville, and she's best friend's with police officer Jodie. With the slopes just minutes away she lives an idyllic life in Star City. However life gets really interesting when a dead body turns up behind her shop, and she tries to find the link from the body to the typewriter she is repairing.

I really enjoyed this original concept. In a world with a lot of different cozy mystery sub-genres, this was the first one that I read that is set in a typewriter shop. It is nostalgic and wonderful, and I can't wait to read more!!

I liked Clare a lot! She's feisty and not afraid to involve herself in the case. Along the way she meets newcomer to Star City, geologist Seth. Seth is nerdy and adorable, and I simply love the pair of the mtogether!!! I can't wait for more adventures with Clare and Seth!

To Helvetica and Back was a home run for me. The mystery was fantastic, and kept me guessing, the characters are perfect, and I know this is one series that I am going to love! I can't wait for the next book.