Archive for category Murder Mystery
Review: THE HERRING IN THE LIBRARY by L. C. Tyler
Posted by Amanda in Cozy mystery, Humor, Murder Mystery on August 2nd, 2011
The Herring in the Library
L. C. Tyler
Felony and Mayhem Press
ISBN: 978-1-934609-76-7
$14.95
240 pages
Reviewed by Amanda Capper
All you need to do is read page one. If you do not recognize Elsie as someone you know, or know of, or have laughed at in a sitcom, you obviously have no interest in Britons at all. In that case, go no further and put the book away. I highly doubt you will.
Because, from page one, the book is funny. Elsie’s conviction that she is always right, even in the face of irrefutable evidence, explains the determination of a people who keep their island afloat by pure obstinacy. And, since every relative I have is British, I feel most qualified to comment on this observation. But sheer stubbornness, even when combined with intelligence, does not solve murders; unless that stubbornness is tempered with patience and logic and named Ethelred.
During a small dinner party at his old college chum’s estate, Ethelred breaks into the locked library and finds his host, Shagger, dead and surrounded by a bunch of herrings dressed as guests. Taking turns to tell their side of the story, Elsie and Ethelred interview and investigate wherever the herrings lead them until the ultimate conclusions—most of which neither of them agree on—are reached. There is also a third voice, Thomas, a fictional character in Ethelred’s latest mystery being written midst the investigation, but not to worry. The author maintains an easy flow to the story and each character is very recognizable when it is their turn to tell their tale.
The Herring in the Library is the third novel in a series from L. C. Tyler and rest assured I will be ordering the other two. Listed in the front of this book are other titles from the Felony and Mayhem “British” category, so no doubt I will be broke by Christmas. But, then again, since all those relatives I mentioned are probably reading this review…
Copyright © 2011 Amanda Capper
DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION
I have a material connection because I received a review copy that I can keep for consideration in preparing to write this content. I was not expected to return this item after my review.
Review: VINTAGE CONNOR: THE BLONDE IN THE LOTUS ELITE by Robert Baty
Posted by Laura in Murder Mystery on July 24th, 2011
Vintage Connor: The Blonde In the Lotus Elite
Robert Baty
R. J. Buckley Publishing
ISBN-978-0-9819654-7-5
311 pages
$19.00 Hardcover
Reviewed by Laura Hartman
Vintage Connor: The Blonde In the Lotus Elite, Robert Baty’s debut novel, roars out of the gate with the force of a nitro fueled engine. Ray Connor, retired police officer, has two weaknesses, vintage cars and an undeniable attraction to Evie, the woman who walked out of his life over twenty years ago.
Evie is back, asking Ray to help find the person that murdered her 21 year old daughter, Janey. The police are convinced it is suicide and don’t appreciate an ex-cop from a different precinct asking questions. Bodies are starting to pile up and Ray’s quiet life of acquiring vintage cars for rich clients is about to take a wrong turn down a dead end street. To add to Ray’s misery, someone stole his vintage silver Porsche 911.
Baty has a great voice for this novel. Noir often sounds like an over-the-top attempt to be a gangster from the 50s. Not so with Baty. The novel is about fast babes and faster cars, but he flawlessly sets the mood with realistic dialog and descriptions that pull you right into the scenes.
I love the rumble of a big block engine, a tough guy that is soft when it comes to women and a good mystery. This book has them all, and was a fast, fun read. I can’t wait to read the sequel, The Girl in the MG in 2012.
Copyright © 2011 Laura Hartman
DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: I have a material connection because I received a review copy that I can keep for consideration in preparing to write this content. I was not expected to return this item after my review.
Review: A DARK DIVIDING by Sarah Rayne
Posted by Laura in Murder Mystery on June 2nd, 2011
A Dark Dividing
Sarah Rayne
Felony & Mayhem Press
ISBN-978-1-934609-80-4
480 pages
$14.95 (Pub date: June 2011)
Reviewed by Laura Hartman
This is quite possibly the best book I’ve read in the past year. Rayne’s rich characters and layered plotlines that connected and concluded satisfyingly at the end made this book nearly impossible to put down once I began to read it.
Harry Fitzglen, a self-destructing journalist, is given the task of reviewing an art gallery opening. He is oddly drawn to the photography display by Simone Anderson, the aloof artist with a hidden past. Her photo of a crumbling eighteenth-century mansion not only piques his interest, it pulls him deeper into the life this mysterious woman.
When asked to dig into Simone’s past and the mystery of her missing twin sister by his editor, Harry cannot resist. The quest leads him back 100 years to the abandoned orphanage in her photo, named Mortmain – translation: Dead hand - House.
Rayne takes us back and forth effortlessly from 1900 to present day, never losing the reader as she weaves the tale of Mortmain House, Simone’s childhood and Harry’s search for the truth.
As soon as this book hits the shelves, run to your bookstore, library or computer to get a copy. Mystery fans can rejoice that England’s “Queen of Darkness” is sharing her nightmares with us. I am anxiously looking forward to her next novel.
Copyright © 2011 Laura Hartman
DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: I have a material connection because I received a review copy that I can keep for consideration in preparing to write this content. I was not expected to return this item after my review.
Review: NINE MAN’S MURDER by Eric Keith
Posted by Amanda in Crime, Murder Mystery on March 26th, 2011
Nine Man’s Murder
Eric Keith
Ransom Note Press
ISBN 978-0-9773787-7-7
$13.95 USA, $16.95 CA
231 pages
Reviewed by Amanda Capper
It took me longer than usual to write the review for Nine Man’s Murder because I read the book twice. Not because it was complicated (though you do have to pay attention), but because I skimmed through it the first time. I needed to find out who-dun-it, it was driving me nuts.
Once I found out, I was compelled to make sure the pieces fit, that all the questions were answered; that all the suspects, victims and motives were believable. So during the second reading I took my time, even made notes, and sure enough, it worked. Hats off to Mr. Keith, he must be one organized author. He also made it flow, which isn’t easy when you’re juggling nine main characters and a few more secondary. Dialogue can be tricky. A good author wants to avoid repetitive tags like ‘he said’ and ‘she said’. Not a problem for this author, it seemed. Again, hats off. Not only from a reader’s point of view, but also as a writer, I was impressed.
Nine Man’s Murder starts out with all kinds of hooks and foreshadowing. The characters start out murky; the only thing connecting them is the Anderson Detective Agency, where they all received their training. By the time we get to Part Two; The Game, the setting and characters are familiar and in place. All ready for the murders to commence.
I enjoyed reading this book (both times); it’s easily worth the price of less than $20.00. Mr. Keith supplies a brief description of the players and a floor plan of Moon’s End at the beginning of the book, to help those of us wanting to picture who was doing what and where. I know I appreciated the extra help, and like a solitary game of Clue, I really enjoyed deducing who would be left standing. I was pretty close.
Copyright © 2011 Amanda Capper
DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION I have a material connection because I received a review copy that I can keep for consideration in preparing to write this content. I was not expected to return this item after my review.
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