Murder at a Vineyard Mansion: A Martha's Vineyard Mystery

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.

I listened to this on CD instead of looking at pages. The narrator had a good pace and different voices for different characters. This was my first experience with the author, but it was pleasant enough that I will be back for more, both reading and listening. This is a simple murder mystery of the many characters variety. The motive is the surprise. We get a look at a popular vacation destination from a resident's point of view. We see some examples of old money and new money, sins of the past and new sins, old grudges and new problems. This would not make a good movie. The movie would have 30-60 seconds of action. There is no sense of anticipation, no feeling of building tension toward a climax. The pleasure of this story is in the telling of the story. As I started the last disk I wished there were a few more. I think people that normally do not enjoy mysteries might like this one.

Another great "read" from Philip Craig. J.W. Jackson did it again.

It's always a pleasure to read Philip Craig's books and to take another trip to Martha's Vineyard with Craig's laid-back hero, J.W. Jackson. This time the part-time fisherman/part-time investigator is hired by one of the island's prominent citizens, Maud Mayhew, to prove that her son Harold did not kill Ollie Mattes, the security guard for a new mansion which is being built despite the protests of neighbors. Before J. W. can begin his investigation, Harold is also killed. Thus begins a trail of evidence that points to the members of some of the island's most prominent families. Old grudges are brought to light, and the in-fighting of these families is the focal point for J. W.'s investigation. On a lighter note, there is another crime occurring which is the destruction of sound equipment by a mysterious perpetrator who obviously doesn't like the musical taste of some of the Vineyard's occupants. A further story line involves J. W.'s family who lobby for a new computer which Jackson finds useful in solving the crimes. As usual, Philip Craig provides another good summer read.

Retired police officer J.W. Jackson lives in the Ocean Heights section of Martha Vineyard with his wife and two children. He takes on odd jobs to earn extra money including some detective work when he becomes interested in an unusual crime. The Silencer is a modern day Robin Hood, who "fixes" music systems that are playing too loud in moving vehicles or homes with the windows open. He somehow fries them.Robin Pierson is building a castle on Chappaquiddick much to the consternation of the neighbors who feel he is destroying the picturesque area. A delinquent vandalizes the structure forcing Robin to hire security guard Ollie Mates to make sure it doesn't happen again. Someone murders Ollie and Robin's neighbor Maud Mayhew wants to hire J.W. to prove that her son Harold is not the killer. J.W. turns down the case and shortly thereafter, Harold is also murdered probably by the same person who killed Ollie. A guilty J.W. decides to investigate both deaths and crosses paths with the Silencer who he doesn't turn into the police because he sympathizes with his actions.Good Morning America book club author writes another crime thriller that has very little blood and gore but plenty of action to keep the reader entertained. The protagonist has caught a lot of killers in his day but even he is surprised who the perpetrator is and very little shocks him. MURDER AT A VINEYARD MANSION gives the reader a glimpse of the very rich who believe their wealth could because a multitudes of crimes, both moral and criminal. Mr. Craig makes Martha's Vineyard so appealing readers will want to take a summer vacation there.Harriet Klausner