Customer Reviews

Breakfast at Madeline's : A Jacob Burns Mystery ((Jacob Burns Mystery Series)

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This was my first Jacob Burns mystery and I thoroughly enjoyed it. As another reviewer advised: if you want high intrigue, graphic violence or language this may not be your cup of tea. If, however, you enjoy an intelligently constructed mystery presented in a very humorous and entertaining style then this is a book worth reading. Jacob is a down-to-earth guy who has had a death thrust upon him; more accurately, it is dropped at his feet. His pursuit of the truth and solution of the mystery is enhanced by descriptions of his family life and experiences. I particularly loved the fact that his two young sons have changed their names to Gretzky and Babe Ruth and that's what their parents (and others) call them. All in all this is an excellent read. I'm looking forward to my next Jacob Burns mystery. Thanks Matt!

This book was very refreshing. Jacob Burns is a hoot as the reader goes on a wild romp to find out who killed the poor slob who dropped dead in front of him in Madeline's.

What's also unique is the fact our hero is a family man, who really does put family first, unlike some novels in which the protagonists are quick to jump in bed with whoever despite their marital status.

I was so relieved when Mr. Burns used his head and resisted temptation.

Funny, insightful, and ingeniously plotted. A very unique, fun look into the life of a highly unconventional screenwriter/family man/sleuth. I'm hanging onto this one--I think the first edition of the first Jacob Burns mystery is going to be a collector's item.

What a fun read!

I am not usually a mystery reader, but this one left me wanting more. Jacob Burns is a great character, Matt Witten is a wonderful writer, and the combination is unbeatable. Can't wait for the next one!!

Definitely five stars. Breakfast at Madeline's is very witty and grabs you from the first page, but it's also surprisingly moving. The author writes outrageously funny scenes and beautifully drawn character portraits. I don't think I've ever read a mystery where the private eye is a married man with children; it's one of the things that made the book feel so fresh.

There's nothing wrong with this book, per se, and it was a quick read but it wasn't anything special either.

The first in a series, this book introduces the main character, Jacob Burns, a writer who's married with two little boys. Jacob hangs out at Madeline's regularly to drink coffee and hang out with the town's other starving artists. When one of the town's writers gives Jacob his manuscript just before dropping dead, Jacob sees it as his responsibility to find out what the words in the notebooks mean and who might have killed him, if indeed he was killed. The book is a delight from start to finish, thanks to the talent of author Matt Witten. His sense of humor and twists and turns make for a fun read.

I thought the plot of this book was great, and I was definatley interested in figuring out the mystery...but I thought a lot of the jokes and such were misplaced and didn't quite fit. Fun to read, though.

The book was great up until the part where we find out "who did it". I couldn't put the book down until he tells us that __did it. Kind of a letdown and not a big surprise. Still, worth reading and fun.

I thoroughly enjoyed Breakfast at Madeline's. It took me into the world of Saratoga Springs, New York, and introduced me to a lively bunch of quirky characters. The main character is a sensitive artiste kind of guy, and watching him fight the bad guys was a treat. I especially liked the woman boxer.