Body Language

Another great book in the Mark Manning series. Mark has decided to buy his own newspaper, and move into an old family home in Dumont. Returning to the home revives fond memories of his cousin Mark, and his uncle. However, tragedy soon occurs, and it is up to Manning to solve the case. I could not put it down once I started on it. I can honestly say that I figured out who did it this time. Maybe I should start writing myself! Nah!You will love this book. Buy it today!

This one so far is my favorite. The suspence of getting to the next page was killing me along with the first murdered victim in this well written episode. I thought the writers attempt to rope us into the pages making us walk along side the lead character was a success. At times I felt the blood on my hands. It wasn't me! The characters chosen all had a reason to be a bit guilty of this crime the way he threw hints of hatered and unstable personalities our way. At the moment when you thought you had it solved there was a twist that dragged you into another direction. Brilliant writing I say, just brilliant. He did it, NO, she did it. Well, maybe she did it. Or perhaps he did do it. Nah! I am certain she did it. Who really did do it will be your thoughts all the way through this story until you reach the chapter where everybody sees proof of who did do it only to discover that that person didn't really do it, but the other being you had your eye on who turned out to be the killer was not actually the one you thought it to be at all. Make sence. You will when you read it. And read it you must. I loved it! On to the next.

I am an avid mystery fan, Agathie Christie being my favorite for years. Michael Craft has really done an outstanding job in this book. I could not put it down and read it in one day. That is very unusual for me to do, I usually put a book down and then come back a few days later. The characters are all believable and delightful and by the end I felt they were friends.

It is interesting how he makes the relationships less than perfect, as they most are. On his new book, I am glad he has made them a happy couple and has concentrated on the mystery side. I think it is neat. I love mystery novels, but I also like happy relationships which the hero can fall on for help. I wish more people would do that.

Chicago journalist Mark Manning has many reasons to be the happiest person alive. His relationship with his spouse Neil Waite has solidified, turning them into a blissful couple. He is wealthy enough to maintain his current lifestyle for the rest of his life and Neil,s architectural expertise has them living in a near perfect home. Still, Mark feels despondent after reporting the story of the century.Mark seeks a new Everest to climb and thinks he found it in Durmont, Wisconsin, the home of his cousins, the Quatrains. He purchases their former home and the local newspaper, and settles into life in the small town. He meets Suzanne Quatrain, her retarded brother Joey, and her son Thad. However, someone murders Suzanne, leaving Mark as the prime suspect because he suspiciously inherits a large chunk of cash. The intrepid reporter begins an investigation to clear his name.BODY LANGUAGE carries less of the emotional tome normally included in a Mark Manning novel because the protagonist and his partner seem more durable and loving than the turmoil of the previous books. The truth behind the well-designed mystery surfaces diabolically but cleverly slow as readers are unable to stop reading until Michael Craft reveals whom the culprit is. Adding to the fun is a twist that alters the Manning-Waite relationship and making the audience want more crafty tales from this stupendous writer.Harriet Klausner