Murder Books

I read this book on a flight from Denver to Seattle after having met the author in the gate boarding area. It was a first for me to buy a book directly from the actual author! But having met the guy does not bias my opinion of his story - plain and simple: it is a fantastic read!! It will take you perhaps only 2 hours to read the book and you will enjoy his singular writing style and the development of the story immensely. Let me say that it is a plot that builds up believably and inexorably to a climatic end that will grip you and not let go. Do yourself a favor and do not cheat and read ahead to the last few pages, you will regret it if you do. The book is well written and the story line is spellbinding. Really a great read.

I read this book on a flight from Denver to Seattle after having met the author in the gate boarding area. It was a first for me to buy a book directly from the actual author! But having met the guy does not bias my opinion of his story - plain and simple: it is a fantastic read!! It will take you perhaps only 2 hours to read the book and you will enjoy his singular writing style and the development of the story immensely. Let me say that it is a plot that builds up believably and inexorably to a climatic end that will grip you and not let go. Do yourself a favor and do not cheat and read ahead to the last few pages, you will regret it if you do. The book is well written and the story line is spellbinding. Really a great read.

Hi, I'm a Chinese girl, I read this book and I like this for the following reasons:

1) a good beginning,it touchs my heart. I love the two sentence " I will write about you.Yes, that is right -you. Not the man on the street next to you, or the one on the trolley that commutes to work alongside you every mooning, or the lovely lady at your favorite eatery. No, not them; you. You and only you. " "I need to write about you, in order that I might be free."
I don't know what do Gerald means there because it's only the first page. But I think each person who read it will begin to think about himself, Is Gerald writing for me ? think on something seems too far away on the distance or time, thinks on the path I have gone so far in her life. And this induce people to continue the reading and begin to interested, keeping guessing what will talking in this book, Something beautiful , or something bitter. Keep guessing, keeping curious.

2nd is the surprised end. Nothing more to say, but shaking. I must say my heart feel some stone stocked there. pity, angry, sorrow, upset, released,helpless, ironical and out of imagine.

Yes, I like it. also because it's short.

What an extraordinary mystery work, for 2 reasons: i) it's written in the 1st person in the eyes of the murderer; ii) surprising ending. It will be a sin to reveal it. This little book is filled with black humour throughout, and although the English is a bit old-fashioned, it's easy to read.

British black comedy at its finest, with a delicious smirk or smile on every page. It would be criminal to give away any part of the plot but "cozy" this is not. Perfect light summer reading.

i'm sorry...it's been about 7 years since i read the book...i remember the general plot and the author's unique sense of humor, but little else, aside from the enjoyment. hopefully, this review, along with the above-reviewer's kudos, will entice someone to read this one. i keep very few books, especially fiction, but this one was worth hanging onto. let me put it this way...i don't care much for fiction, let alone british fiction, but this book was great! i recommended it to a non-reader, and he loved it! i had to get rid of a large part of my book collection when i moved cross-country, but i knew i'd read this one again someday. it's a quick read, very captivating...2 nights with the bed lamp on at most.

This book is one of the best I've ever read about Napoleon's death. I came by this book during my recent visit of the United States. I was discussing history and unsolved mysteries with a relative of mine when he introduced me to the book. He told me that for the first time a researcher had decided to challenge all the known theories about Napoleon's death. And what a challenge!! According to the author the great Emperor had been poisoned by arsenic during his exile in Saint Hélène. At first I was quite sceptical. Could that be the solution of this mystery? However, the more I read the more I was convinced by the author's argument and by the researcher thourough 'enquête'. Although we might not agree with the identity of the murderer we can't not sweep aside such scientific facts. The book is a real page-turner and I rest assure that all the fans of the subject (and even those merely interested by the scientific aspect of the theory) will find this book extremely interesting and disturbing (in a positive way, of course).

The infamous Napoleon Bonaparte died while imprisoned on the island of St. Helena. Until very recently, it was widely believed that he died of stomach cancer, which was prevalent in his family.

This book investigates the case made by Swedish dentist Dr. Sten Forshufvud. After learning the details of Napoleon's final days, Dr. Forshufvud began to suspect arsenic poisoning. Along with Ben Weider, the two delved into sources of available information regarding Napoleon, his imprisonment and those close to him. The authors present a very likely scenario of what really happened based on results of this investigation, along with an analysis of Napoleon's hair confirming arsenic poisoning.

Despite the hair analysis, the case is not completely solved, as Napoleon's final moments on his death bed did not indicate arsenic poisoning. Instead, the authors argue that arsenic was used to make Napoleon ill and then another method was used to finish him off. A likely suspect to the murder as well as a motive are also named.

This is a fascinating book for anyone interested in European history during a turbulent time.

Napoleon felt entitled to rule Europe and cheated to secure the necessary esteem by threats or show of power; but most Europeans did not acknowledge his title; `the Emperor'.
To protect its interests Britain planned, manoeuvred and worked in the dark to achieve one main goal: " preserve the British Empire". Britain's lust for power has placed, as the first priority on its policy, the `extermination' of Napoleon.
The distaste was reciprocated. Napoleon detested England's alliance with Russia and Austria.
In the end Napoleon was beaten at Waterloo.
Napoleon's captivity in Saint Helena, the island of volcanic origin in the South Atlantic Ocean, squeezed his health like a dry lemon. The island was infested and muggy; knout climate was already like a pogrom to massacre the ex-Emperor.

The fifty-two years old Emperor of the French knew he would die there. He had already encountered tuberculosis - facing the harsh winter weather conditions - during his campaign on Russia and the ruinous retreat in 1812.

He never recovered and remained frail for the next nine years. What started in the lungs, at the final stages affected the bones and joints accentuated by damp weather and feelings of despair.

A great read. I love mysteries that are puzzles and this is one the best. Author is familiar with the criminal justice system; the novel rings with authenticity. The plot is well paced and suspenseful. The protagonist is an original, a jurist as the detective. Justice Scott is richly nuanced, neither eccentric nor stuffy, one of a kind. Overall, the mystery has a fresh and original quality.

I'm a legal groupie. Holmes Marshall led me through the Vatican-like halls of the Second District Court of Appeals with the confident step of an insider. That's what I loved in his new mystery novel -- peeking under those medieval robes of Justice. Justice Cameron Scott is Cinderella-in-reverse: a handsome, principled, Appeals Court Judge who shines during daytime hours on the bench but falls to shambles once he leaves the polished mahogany courtroom. Scott has a failed marriage, an under achieving son and sexual adventures that draw him into a catacomb of greed and murder. Marshall's sophisticated take on the delicate balance between corrupt palace politics and a democratic judicial system makes MURDER ON APPEAL a smart, intriguing thriller... and you do get to peek!

I'm a legal groupie. Holmes Marshall led me through the Vatican-like halls of the Second District Court of Appeals with the confident step of an insider. That's what I loved in his new mystery novel -- peeking under those medieval robes of Justice. Justice Cameron Scott is Cinderella-in-Reverse: a handsome, principled, Appeals Court Judge who shines during daytime hours on the bench but falls to shambles once he leaves the polished mahogany courtroom. Scott has a failed marriage, an under-achieving son and sexual adventures that draw him into a catacomb of greed and murder. Marshall's sophisticated take on the delicate balance between corrupt palace politics and a democratic judicial system makes MURDER ON APPEAL a smart, intriguing thriller... and you do get to peek!

Murder on Old Mission is a thoughtful, well-layered story with beautifully drawn characters and a suspensful plot line. There is something for everyone here: courtroom drama, a love triangle, a tragic loss of life, even racial tension. This book is a 'period piece' loosely based upon an actual event. Mr. Lewis successfully takes the reader on a journey into the past with rich, descriptive language. This is a great escape read!

Steve Lewis evokes powerful images in this suspenseful murder mystery. A definite page-turner, the pace builds with each chapter to its climatic ending. Beautifully written and character driven, this novel will appeal to all readers, not just mystery enthusiasts. This is the best book I've read all year.

Inspired to look beneath the quiet surface of a local cemetery, Lewis creates a window into the past where a turn of the century village comes to life in the midst of personal tragedy, public scandal and murder.
Filled with his descriptive gems and thorough attention to detail, this emotionally charged story develops into a living, multi-layered drama showing different perspectives of a heart wrenching situation.
Very interesting work and good reading. I also recommend his trilogy of mysteries set in Colonial times which feature Catherine Williams, mid-wife and Massaquoit, a Pequot Indian leader: The Sea Hath Spoken, The Dumb Shall Sing and The Blind in Darkness.

At the very least, this novel is equal to the first. Murder on Pratas Reef was a wonderful book filled with enough mystery and action to keep the "real men" satisfied, and enough of a love story to keep us romantics happy. I loved Murder on Pratas Reef as much as The Haverfield Incident. Keep them coming!

I was actually on board this ship when all this took place some 40 years ago. It brought back a lot of old memories (good & bad) about the grounding. This is something that a person will never forget. I believe the author, Rick Ainsworth, did an excellent job putting this novel together. 'Operation Maximum Effort' lasted for 37 days. This time period was very trying, exhausting, fearful but also exciting at times. It is a must read for anyone who has served in the U.S. Navy. 5 STARS!!!!

Richard L. Huehn

Wow. I was so impressed when I read Rick Ainsworth's Thunder and Storm: The Haverfield Incident. This is his follow up book and I almost have to say it is even better. You care about the people in the book and even though it takes place in the 60s, I can still identify with the raw emotions and turmoil in one's life. Also, I learned so much about that period of time and I can't forget, it is a great murder mystery as well. You need to read both books, Thunder and Storm: The Haverfield Incident and Murder on Pratas Reef.

This book is as visually vivid as if it were on a movie screen! The author is gifted with the ability to describe every aspect of the novel with clarity, from the characters and scenery to the minds and emotions of the main characters. This is a thriller and romance that weaves the relationships between the characters as a musician composes a symphony.It is intense in the develpment of the plot and leaves the reader perplexed and curious as to the identity of the murderer. This book will keep your heart pounding and interest avid as you both eagerly read to find who the killer is and find yourself not wanting it to come to an end.

I'm a big fan of J.A. Jance and Earl Emerson mystery series, and found this novel to be a great read.

One style the author employs, which adds to the story's suspense, is that most of the characters are introduced neither as "good guys" or "bad buys" but as in real life, they have elements of both. As the plot unfolds, this yields such a wide range of possibilities of "who dunnit" that I became increasingly engaged in the story and found the ending to be very strong. While the book is essentially a mystery, there is an element of romance mixed into the last third that will add to the enjoyment of readers who are drawn to that, but doesn't detract at all for those who aren't. The story is well set in Alaska and Washington State, both rich locales for any story.

I'd recommend this book to anyone who enjoys mysteries and suspense.

For me, a sign of a well-written book is one that not only keeps you enthralled so you don't want to put it down, but also makes you imagine you are really there. This book does both. From the wonderfully descriptive Alaska and Washington landscapes to the intriguing and complicated characters, this author kept me absorbed in the storyline to the very end.

For anyone who likes mystery laced with romance, I highly recommend this read. In fact, I can't wait to see what Detective Quaid has up his sleeves next!

Lady Susanna Appleton is a sixteenth century education for the history fanatic; her adventures cover a wide reach of Elizabethan society in a way that humanizes the period and teaches the reader the language of the time. I am not a short story reader but I found these tales to be a delightful introduction to a character I will persue into the "Face Down" series. An invented character with a creative past, Lady Susanna has piqued my interest in the period and I want to know more. Emerson writes well, totally immersing her reader in the post-Henry VIIIth chaos of Renaissance England. A real joy to read!

Don't be fooled into thinking that this book is only for readers who care a lot about Elizabethan England. It has mysteries for everyone who wants a carefuly developed plot, interesting settings, and vivid characters. The historical aspect is just an added delight. The author has studied the period very well and furnishes the reader with many historical insights that increase his or her knowledge of Shakespearean England. The book is a series of short mysteries that have unique plots, but interconnected characters. They are all first rate and extremely enjoyable to read. I might never have read this book if it hadn't been for the praise given it by Jon Breen, the reviewer in "Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine." I'm glad he pointed it out.

I thought this book was great. I've enjoyed all of the Lady Appleton mysteries and it is easy to become involved in her life. This book of short stories filled in the gaps and was easy to follow chronilogically. Looking forward to more.

I was stunned by the "whodunit" ending -- it came out of left field and yet it was all there in front of me and I had missed it. I read a lot of mysteries and can often guess the culprit but although there was a little bit that I was right about, most of it I just missed.

The plot is complex but not so complex that you can't follow it, in part because there are a limited number of characters. Two murders of well-heeled women take place in the same area (neighboring towns in England) on the same night -- and the two victims (who don't know each other) have been talking on the phone that night. Police Detective Inspector Lloyd is heading up the investigation of the first murder discovered -- a talented artist who has married for money -- and his live-in girlfriend Judy Hill, who has recently transferred to a new jurisdiction because of their relationship, is heading up the other murder -- a woman with a streetwalking past who is married to a man known to have a history of very shady business activities.

Did the same person kill them both? How are the killings related (if they are)? What was the motive or motives? This is a cozy in the sense that the list of suspects is reasonably short (spouses, boyfriends, etc.) and it's a question of puzzling out what happened that night -- talking to witnesses, recreating the night, etc.

This is my first by this British author but I intend to read more.

I also would recommend this series to others. Ms. McGown writes a good story, and her murder plots are always good. I really like Lloyd and Judy, and in this one they get to work together on a case that covers each one of their districts. Two separate murders, and was it one killer? You'll have to read to find out. The two separate murders were committed in the victim's homes, but it is found that there is an open telephone line between the two dwellings when the victims are found! Now that's a different twist! Lloyd and Judy have to delve deep to find out who committed these crimes, and the trip the reader takes with them is fun, and the there are more twists than you know what to do with.

I really enjoyed reading this book. Jill McGown's characters are simply unique. Contrary to many other successful women crime writers, her main characters are portrayed as down to earth persons, who do not have fancy jobs or hobbies. They have their bad days and their good ones, can be agressive or unreasonable - and that's what makes them so human. Chief Inspector Lloyd ( no firstnames, please) and Inspector Judy Hill are a most unlikely couple and sometimes hillariously funny. In addition, you really will want to know who did it and this is extremely hard to guess. I would recommend this book to everyone who likes British characters.

A truly oddball cast of suspects including a brooding, not-to-be trusted narrator who spins a paranoid tale.

Tons of excellent dialog. Reminded me of both Wodehouse and Hemingway, two writers who use dialog to move the plot forward.

Great "hooks" at the end of every chapter, which made me dive right into the next. And the stakes get higher with every scene, as the main character's life spirals out of control.

NEVER SAY MURDER is very aptly titled because I was never sure until the very end if a murder had even been committed. The ending left my head spinning. Highly recommended.

As an alumni of the National Journalism Center and SUNY Fredonia, Geoffrey Walters is your basic crime journalist. He honed his writing as a crime and local politics reporter for the TIMES NEWSWEEKLY in Queens, New York. He has participated in the Gotham Writers Workshop in New York City.

A law firm is the perfect place to find all the elements of crime: corruption; greed; vice; extortion; and murder. The class distinction between lawyers, judges, and secretaries, accounting personnel, and word processors is telling. For Greg Thackery, a normal guy who worked in the word processing pool, his biggest problem was dealing with a personal sex addiction and holding his fragile marriage together. But when his office mate, Marc, is threatened by one of the new Ivy-league lawyers, Stephen Dalrymple, over a document that should be run-of-the-mill, Gregory is the only person in the office who is suspicious. After Marc is found dead and Greg voices his suspicions horrible things begin to happen: he gets fired for downloaded porn on his machine, the fired Dalrymple begins an affair with his wife, and suddenly his own life isn't worth a nickel:

"It's hard now to describe exactly how low I felt packing my bag and hoping somehow Jean would take me back. I'd lost my job. Someone had thoroughly discredited my reputation, probably preventing me from landing a similar job. The police wanted to talk to me again. I'd completely misjudged my co-workers. I had no idea about Marc's secret life, nor of Betty's and Bradshaw's. Betty had lied about me to Detective O'Sullivan. I nearly got into a fight with Dalrymple. Marc's kindly parents threw me out of their house. I could no longer trust my therapist. I'd fallen off the wagon big time. And probably I could no longer trust myself."

NEVER SAY MURDER is almost a pulp detective story, except there is no detective involved. But Walters infuses his tale with all the great qualities of Nero Wolf's Archie. Greg is the hero and narrator of the story. There is a murderer out there and colorful characters who have something to hide. The plot takes place in New York, the Gotham of murder. A great tale!

Shelley Glodowski
Senior Reviewer

I loved this murder mystery. The author has a real flair for quirky characters, esp. his hero, who narrates the story. This is a believable, funny first-person narrative which seems to come from a real, living, thinking, opinionated person.

The setting, NYC, is familiar, yet the author gives it a twist by setting it in a word processing center of a NY law firm and we get the lower echelon view of what it's like to work for the big boys.

The author takes us further afield, into upstate New York and he is able to evoke both locations specifically, colorfully and with authority.

The story is good fun and it's never clear until near the very end whether we should really say "murder" or not. Fun to read. Hope a sequel to this book is published soon.