History professor and part-time antique print dealer, Maggie believes in Whitcomb House.  The dormitory reserved for single parents and their children seems just the thing for Somerset Community College.  It offers hope as well as scholarships to desperate students unable to live in regular dorm housing and brightens the college with the sunny faces of carefree children. 

As Whitcomb House's faculty sponsor, Maggie is responsible for the students living in Whitcomb House.  It seems an easy assignment and is certainly one that Maggie enjoys.  Although a few of the students, such as Tiffany, are a  bit on the wild side, all of the young men and women that live at Whitcomb want to create a better future for themselves and their children.  It seems that nothing can stop Whitcomb House from becoming a centerpiece for tiny Somerset College, until Sarah, a young mother at Whitcomb, falls ill during a holiday party.  Maggie, who has recently agreed to be the godmother for Sarah's daughter, is at her wits end.  But, it seems like only an accident until a second Whitcomb House resident is attacked.  Seemingly at the center of some dark plot against the students at Whitcomb House, Maggie sets out to discover just who is behind the crimes before another of the students falls foul.

SHADOWS ON THE IVY is an excellent mystery.  Full of wit and plot-twists, Ms. Wait's book delves deep into the lives of the students of Whitcomb House--as well as their professors.  Maggie is clever and endearing--a top notch detective--a modern and certainly more stylish Miss Marple.  There's even a little romance (as well as some would-be entanglements) thrown in for good measure.

In addition, Ms. Wait heads each chapter with a bit of art history related to the upcoming pages.  It adds a nice personal touch to the story and helps bring Maggie's print dealership to life.  All together, SHADOWS ON THE IVY is the perfect book for a dark and rainy afternoon.  Just pick up this book, curl up on the sofa, and enjoy unravelling this bright whodunit.  Good work, Ms. Wait!