Book Review: Murder at a Vineyard Mansion

Reviewed By: Dawn Dowdle

Murder at a Vineyard Mansion     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Philip R. Craig
Class/Genre:   Mystery
Series: J. W. Jackson # 15
Scribner, Hardcover, 2004, 256 pages, $24

J. W. Jackson, former copy and now part-time investigator, enjoys his life of fishing and spending time with his family on Martha's Vineyard. Recently the Vineyard has been plagued with antics of the "Silencer." This recent criminal destroys the audio systems in houses blasting music during parties as well as in open-windowed vehicles. Many hate the Silencer, but some are thrilled with the quiet.

A night watchman is thrown over a cliff near a new mansion in Chappaquiddick. Who killed Ollie Mattes? There are plenty of suspects. One suspect's mother hires J. W. to prove her son's innocence. If he didn't kill Ollie, then who did?

As J. W. investigates, he finds himself looking into the lives of some of the Vineyard's most prominent families. He will have to sort through what he's told to determine who is lying and who is telling the truth.

Can he discover the killer before there is another murder? At the same time, will he succumb to the pressure at home to get their first computer?

I have long been a fan of this series. J. W. has grown and changed, and I am saddened at the death of the author. I am happy that I still have a few more books in this series to read before I have to say good-bye to J. W. Reading this series is what made me want to visit Martha's Vineyard so much. I like the descriptions the author gives and the slice of life he presents to the reader.

I highly recommend this book and series.

Dawn Dowdle

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Dawn Dowdle

Please visit Dawns website at www.mysteryloverscorner.com