Cut Shot

Corrigan's first book is a winner. The plot is tightly wound and suspenseful, but the real treat is the interplay among the principal characters. The scenes between protagonist Austin and Lisa, his intended, are particularly well drawn. The dyslexia that Austin terms a blessing is an interesting and integral part of Austin's character. I suspect that golfers will enjoy the inside info on the Tour, but anyone who wants a good, tough guy (sensitive on the inside) mystery will enjoy this one. The book is a great beginning to what promises to be a fine series.

I was very impressed with John R. Corrigan's first book, Cut Shot. Being a novice player, I enjoyed the expert golf analysis throughout the book; and think I learned from it! The story line is excellent, honesty v. dishonesty in the PGA; and I love the lead character, Jack Austin. Can't wait for the next Austin mystery to find out what's in Jack's and Lisa's futures.

As the other reviews here have noted, Corrigan does a fine job of blending a mystery with a love of golf; anyone who likes either will enjoy this book. Corrigan is especially gifted in creating suspenseful situations. This is a book that, once begun, is difficult to put down.

I enjoyed reading Cut Shot immensely, and especially the masterful way with which Corrigan develops the character of Jack Austin, the novel's PGA Tour competitor and solver of mysteries. Austin is a talented pro golfer and tenacious sleuth, but he's also a real human being with whom we can't help but empathize. In a brilliant stroke, Corrigan gives us a hero who battles daily with dyslexia, a disability that gives Austin both a peculiar vulnerability as a character and a dogged focus that can help him with both his game and his investigation of the crimes that threaten his beloved PGA Tour. Austin has to work hard for every clue and for every putt throughout the novel, and that makes him a kind of golfing, sleuthing everyman: a guy you might meet in a hotel lobby or practice tee sometime and instantly like.

John Corrigan's debut novel, Cut Shot is simply un-put-down-able. Well paced, every scene is charged with tension and the plotting is masterful. This unique mystery is written in taut, muscular prose, and Corrigan shows a keen eye for the telling detail as well as a great ear for dialogue. His hero, Jack Austin, is a stand-up guy with a devastating dry wit. This is a very good mystery, recommended for the golfer and non-golfer alike.