Book Review: Max Conquers the Cosmos

Reviewed By: Sandi - RAM

Max Conquers the Cosmos     Amazon US TPB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada TPB Amazon Canada HC
Mark Bouton
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Private Investigator   Dogs
Series: Max Austin # 1
December 2003; Five Star, 207 pp.

Mark Bouton's debut mystery novel is "Max Conquers the Cosmos". Like Mr. Bouton, the main character, Max Austin, is a former FBI agent. Max is a private investigator now and has been hired to look into the murder of a local business man, Morrie Jacobsen. His wife, Vickie, is the best suspect, but Max quickly finds other “meteors and asteroids� floating in clear view of suspicion. And the further Max looks into the case, the less clear the view becomes. He finds himself jetting to Miami, Las Vegas and Los Angeles, using local law enforcement pals and former FBI contacts to solve what appeared to be a simple murder by a prowler in a small town in Missouri. And if he doesn't "align the planets" soon enough and solve the mystery, he is the next target.

Mr. Bouton's sleuth brings an interesting slant with his working knowledge and perspective of astronomy. He compares his world around him to the planetary world, and tries to bring it into line. He has created an engaging story, with real characters in a real setting. I enjoyed reading "Max Conquers the Cosmos," and hope to read more Max Austin novels.

Sandi - RAM

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Sandi - RAM