Bermuda Schwartz

Even though this novel deals with murder and violence, it's still a very light entertaining read. I haven't read the former two books in this series and there is no problem following the storyline if you haven't done so either. This story kind of reminded me of Harlan Coben's Myron Bolitar character series, Deal Breaker is the first of those novels if you've never checked them out. Like Coben's Bolitar, Morris' Zack Chasteen is a wise cracking in the face of guys pointing guns at him, laid back fun guy who also is an ex professional athlete. Sure not the most believable novel in the world but it sure is a fun read! In Bermuda Schwartz, Zack Chasteen (along with his mate Boggy) go to Bermuda at the request of his girlfriend to help her rich Aunt out with her 70th Birthday celebrations by providing and planting palm trees on her estate. What seems like it will be a cruisey time turns to be anything but when Zack discovers an eyeless corpse washed up on the beach. When Zack goes to visit his millions stashed away in a local bank he discovers someone has making withdrawals and there's pretty much nothing left. Zack has no intention of letting his money go, only problem is the guy who stole it no longer has it but does have mob guys who want his head.

Zack Chasteen, former linebacker for the Miami Dolphins, is now raising palm trees in Jamaica where he also troubleshoots for friends in need and mentally relishes the 2 million dollars he has secreted in a Bermudan bank (read " Bahamarama" and "Jamaica Me Dead"). In this latest offering, Zack accompanies the love of his life, Barbara Pickering, to Bermuda to visit her Aunt Trula and, coincidentally, transplant eight of his Madagascar palms on her estate for her 75th birthday bash. Fortunately, Boggy, his Taino associate, is along not only for his botanical support but also for his mystical philosophizing. While in Bermuda, two separate plotlines develop. First, Zack discovers a body washed up in the surf that turns out to have been killed and horribly mutilated in a manner quite similar to two killings seven years earlier. The resulting investigation entangles Zack in an adventure that involves treasure hunting, salvaging, a priceless missing Christian reliquary (The True Cross), forged relics, and the Portuguese mafia (Red Hand). Along the way, he encounters the dead man's sister (an Australian police office), an investigative journalist, low life thugs, a Mafioso chief, a police officer who may or may not be useful to Zack, and Teddy Schwartz, a legendary scuba diver and treasure hunter. How all these people interact and the secrets they keep and those they reveal help propel this story to a satisfying end. The secondary plotline concerns Zack's search to recover his missing 2 million dollars. It seems that when Zack drops into the Bermudan bank to visit his stash, he discovers most of it has been withdrawn by a representative of the firm who handled the initial deposit. Zack discovers he is powerless since the man who handled the deposit, Brewster Trimmingham, had set himself up as a co-name on the account and later "borrowed" Zack's money to cover an investment that now has the local mob after him. Yep, Morris has effectively merged the two storylines at this point as Zack begins devising an intricate plan to recover his money and tie up both plotlines. Zack Chasteen is an enjoyable character for several reasons. He is flippant and cocky at times, yet he is physical and threatening at other times. He is usually a straight talking protagonist, even when cracking wise, and doesn't over think situations yet is often a step ahead of the opposition. It is also fun to enjoy a character who lives clearly in a world of gray and doesn't get overly excited by black and white values. His philosophical explorations with the mystical Boggy can sometimes bring a smile to my face. I recommend the Zack Chasteen series to readers who enjoy well plotted, crisply paced, mysteries that seldom require one to suspend disbelief.

Zack Chasteen and his girlfriend, Barbara, travel to Bermuda to a) plant some palm trees and b) attend her aunt's 70th birthday gala. The last thing Zack expects is to rescue a scuba-clad body off of the hazardous beachfront property of Barbara's Aunt Trula, Cutfoot Estate (appropriately named, of course). He finds out later that the body, whose eyes had been gouged out, is in a similar condition to two other bodies found years ago, and he wonders at the coincidence. He, however, is not alone in his curiosity. Zach has recovered the body of a murdered scuba diver, but his interest is piqued by the plethora of treasure hunters in the area, as well as an ancient arm (or hand) of the Portuguese mob, taking an interest in the possibility of a Christian reliquary in the nearby waters. Teddy Schwartz, Aunt Tula's latest beau and legendary scuba diver/treasure hunter, was Zach's tour guide and scuba buddy until Teddy's arrest on suspicion of the latest murder. Then Zack decides, while in Bermuda, to check on the money he'd had secluded in an account there less than a year ago. Money he had earned legally, but from questionable resources. He is extremely unhappy to find that the money had been withdrawn by the company who had assisted in setting up the account. He follows the money trail, and finds himself in the untenable position of saving the thief's life. Amidst the party preparations, boat rides, and palm trees, Zack's sense of humor keeps the multiple story-lines in perspective, as well as his ability to play the brute when necessary. With the help (or hindrance) of many different characters, including the returning Boggy, Zack pursues the leads where the police's hands are tied. He discovers early on that Bermuda is a small world, and he's got to fish in the right waters in order to straighten out all the lines he's cast. I missed Morris' first two adventures with Zach, but from the first chapter I knew that I would enjoy Zach's problem-solving techniques simply from his wry wit. His directness in answering questions was something I could relate to, and his humor had me laughing out loud. I would suggest this mystery to people who like a complex storyline with a strong sense of comedy interwoven.

Bob Morris has hit another literary home run. Or perhaps, it would be more appropriate to say another literary touchdown, given the fact that Zack Chasteen is a former Miami Dolphin. Bermuda Schwartz has it all: historical mystery, corruption, intrigue, adventure, all set against the exotic backdrop of Bermuda. The story opens with a hauntingly horrific execution; the rest of the tale is the process of solving the riddle. It is a riddle that is both ancient and contemporary, as Morris utilizes his knowledge of Bermuda and some extensive historical research into shipwrecks, salvage, and cultural ritual to weave a compelling tale. It is a brilliant page turner as Zack unravels the connection between the murder and the disappearance of his $2 million Bermuda bank balance. We are treated to the development of his love affair with Barbara, including mysteriously abstract but strikingly accurate prophecies from his faithful companion, Boggy. As always, Morris ties the various elements together in a brilliantly compact but eminently credible package. This is another must read. I will eagerly await the next installment in the life of Zack and Barbara

Zack Chasteen, a former professional football player, turned palm tree farmer, is not above bending the law to suit his purposes. Zack's girlfriend, Barbara Pickering, is headed to Bermuda to help plan her aunt's 75th birthday celebration. Zack and his best friend, Boggy, a Taino who is 'one' with the world, go along for the ride, and to transplant eight perfect palm trees in eccentric Aunt Trula's lawn. As long as Zack is in Bermuda, he decides to visit his large stash of tax-free cash, only to learn that the millions have recently plummeted to a mere $2,000. Zack zeros in on the culprit and weaves a nasty web to recover his stash. When a body (Ned) washes up on the shore outside of Aunt Trula's home, Zack joins forces with the victim's police officer sister to snare the killer of this heinous crime and that of two others, seven years earlier. The murder of Ned appears to be connected to a legendary organization that has relentlessly searched for the True Cross (that which Jesus Christ was crucified on) for centuries. Zack hooks up with Teddy Schwartz (a ship wreck salvager) who has some secrets and information he doesn't care to share. But if he doesn't, it could cost others their lives. Bob Morris' Bermuda Schwartz is smart, edgy and quirky. The characters are bigger than life and make perfect foils for Zack's snappy, dry humor. The setting makes one want to hop a plane, relax at an outside cafe and drink adult beverages with umbrellas stuck in them while listening to the pounding beat of some Bermuda music. Armchair Interviews says: Bermuda Schwartz is a rollicking good time. Read it and you'll want to pick up Bahamarama and Jamaica Me Dead.