Crossing the Centerline [Paperback]

Allan E. Ansorge (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 2009

Someone is trying to kill Carl Fletcher, and for the life of him he can't figure out why. After an apparent hit-and-run accident that cost the life of his fiance, the full use of his right leg, and his career, Carl, the soon-to-be captain of a charter boat, is doing everything he can to move on. But someone has other plans for him and during one of his trips, someone makes another attempt on his life. Michael McCaffery, Carl's ex-partner in the Sheriff s Department of Lake County, Wisconsin, is not happy to find that the department is doing little to find out who's hunting Carl. Michael with the help of Carl s Internet-addicted mother (who's been known to carry a side arm in her shopping bag) set out to find out who wants Carl dead and stop them. This group is joined by several volunteer sleuths who, between bouts of gun-fire and legal shenanigans discover, not only their quarry, but also a few budding romances.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Allan Ansorge's debut novel introduces an unlikely slate of characters with endearing quirks, suspicious pasts, and a zest for adventure. His style keeps the twists, turns, and bumps coming never disappointing the reader's expectations of suspense. The caper-esque tone has you winking and looking the other way as the new friends and loose ends are pulled together to win the day. Once you've met them you'll clamor for more of these genuine good guys and gals! --Luisa Buehler, author of THE INN KEEPER

From the Back Cover

"Characters so real you will swear you have met them somewhere before...work so fresh, clever, and page turning tight... from plot to characters, to dialogue, to narrative...to being merely exciting in voice, Centerline is incredible."   Jane Genzel-- Director Muskego Public Library --This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Novelistic (July 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1590806352
• ISBN-13: 978-1590806357
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,433,092 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Allan is the author of CROSSING THE CENTERLINE and CROSSING THE STATELINE, of the Bay Harbour Mystery series. Raised in a small Wisconsin farming community Allan did not see a real library until he was forced onto a bus to attend high school. There he discovered Holmes and Christie. After a career in business he returns to spread imagination and humor to those waiting to see, What Happens Next? You can reach Allan at. ([e-mail])

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars From our armchair to yours..., July 18, 2009

By 

Laurel Walters - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Crossing the Centerline (Paperback)

After an accident killed his fiancée, put him in the hospital for months, permanently injured his right leg and ending his career in law enforcement, all Carl wants to do is become a charter boat captain. But someone wants him dead and he has no idea why. When his ex-partner from the sheriff's department is almost killed on Carl's boat by someone thinking he is Carl, Michael McCaffery decides someone at the department needs to be taking the threats seriously.

Carl, Michael, Carl's Internet-savvy mother, and a group of assorted friends begin to try to find out why someone is so determined to kill Carl. It has to be something he knew or saw before his accident-or was the wreck an accident or the first attempt on Carl's life?

Crossing the Centerline is the first book of a planned six book series by new author, Allan E. Ansorge. The characters are very likable as well as fun-and the plot is diabolical. The dialog and flow of the story is a little rough but if you can overlook that, it is a very good story. I'm hoping with the next book the author will find his rhythm and the next book will be smoother. There are plenty of good secondary characters, with secrets hinted at in this story, to fill up more books with interesting and intriguing mysteries.

In this mystery, Carl and his friends must try to piece together what Carl may know that makes him a target for a murderer. But of course the bad guys are not sitting around waiting for them to figure it out, and the risk and attempts escalate. Also there is a little bit of romantic interest developing between some of the characters to add more complexity and human interest.

I liked Crossing the Centerline and will be watching for the next book!

Reviewed by Stephanie Boyd

10 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Crossing the Centerline into my heart......, January 18, 2011

By 

Laurie Blaze - See all my reviews

This review is from: Crossing the Centerline (Paperback)

I absolutely LOVED the book Crossing the Centerline by the brilliant author ALLAN ANSORGE. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to read a fantastic story with vibrant characters, a storyline so vivid you're glued to your chair until you read the last page, and the feeling like you just spent a couple hours with family.

I'm not usually a mystery "who done it" kind of reader, but I met Allan at a local booksigning here in Florida and he is such a warm and friendly, genuine guy that I had to move outside my regular box and read his book. Afterwards I felt like I knew each and every character personally and for a book outside my usual genre, I read it cover to cover in one sitting. So many books I've read recently that once finished I shook my head and wondered why I had bothered to read it, or I just scanned half of it because it was too wordy - NOT THIS BOOK! Crossing the Centerline is a great read, highly entertaining, and totally worth the time!

The only downfall to this book was that it ended! I have an uncontrollable addiction to read Allan's second book, which just so happens to have just recently been released, Crossing the Stateline (thank goodness!). I am awaiting my copy of the newest best seller on pins and needles!!!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyed my time with these folks., September 20, 2009

By 

So Cal Gal - See all my reviews

This review is from: Crossing the Centerline (Paperback)

While this was a fun read with interesting and entertaining characters, I wish some of the relationships were further developed as they involved some of my favorite characters. Maybe in the next book? The epilogue left me scratching my head, but the rest of the book was enjoyable. I'd recommend it to anyone who likes a good character driven book.