DEATH ON A VINEYARD BEACH: A Martha's Vineyard Mystery [Hardcover]

Philip R. Craig (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 3, 1996

During a matinee performance at the Boston opera, ex-cop J. W. Jackson manages to foil the attempted murder of an aging former gangster, Luciano Marcus, who persuades Jackson to help him find out who among his many enemies wants him dead. 15,000 first printing.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Craig's Martha's Vineyard mysteries chart the fishing, sleuthing, culinary and amorous adventures of retired (on disability) Boston cop, J.W. Jackson. Here, following A Case of Vineyard Poison, Jackson and Zee Madieras, whom he has long pursued, have finally married and plan to settle in peacefully in Jackson's house. But on a trip to Boston for the opera, Jackson foils an attempt to murder a retired Mafia don, Luciano Marcus, who then hires Jackson to investigate possible Vineyard suspects. Atop the list are local Wampanoag Indians, angrily battling Marcus for title to a cranberry bog that they claim was stolen from their ancestors. But Marcus family members and top aide Thomas Decker would profit from the wealthy Marcus's death. Jackson's enigmatic buddy from Vietnam, Joe Begay, has suddenly appeared on the island, married to a Wampanoag woman. When their lives seem threatened, Jackson persuades the anti-gun Madieras to learn to shoot, finding she's more of a markswoman than either would have bet. All is not work for the honeymooners, though, who make the most of the locale's opportunities to fish, clam, sail romantically and engage in affectionate repartee. There's real crime here, greed, betrayal and murder tied in a plausible puzzle, but Craig's series owes most of its charm to the Vineyard and his intelligent, likable characters.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

J.W. Jackson, the laid-back ex-cop who resides in Martha's Vineyard, sidetracks his own honeymoon when he saves an aging Boston gangster whose enemies include a number of Wampanoag Indians. Satisfying entertainment.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 288 pages
• Publisher: Scribner; First Edition edition (June 3, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0684197170
• ISBN-13: 978-0684197173
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.8 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #753,513 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Another Vineyard Case. . ., May 4, 2009

By 

Middle-aged Professor (NY'er living in Ohio) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Death on a Vineyard Beach (Mass Market Paperback)

I am a fan of this series, marching through them in order now, and this is number seven. Several points: First, you should only read these books if you know and love Martha's Vineyard. As mysteries, they are ho hum, and I don't think they really give a fair picture of the Vineyard to the uninitiated --- it is so much of an insider's perspective. Second, you should read these books if you do know and love the Vineyard. The author is so sympatico, and the Vineyard so recognizable, the books are one of the next best things to being there. Third, the books are best read in order, as the characters develop as they go.

Having said all that, this book was not my favorite. The mystery was unusually weak and slow moving. If you want to just try one, this is not THE one.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a honeymoon with a touch of danger, June 10, 2007

By 

Paul Skinner (Manassas, Virginia United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Death on a Vineyard Beach (Mass Market Paperback)

Newlyweds J.W. and Zee are off to Boston, and lo and behold, J.W. breaks up an attempted murder on the street outside the opera house. Luciano Marcus, the intended target, is greatful, and hires J.W. to track down who was after him. Could it be from his past mob ties, or somebody who will inherit his fortune if he dies? Or maybe angry Wampanoags who want the old man's cranberry bog (sacred Indian ground)?

This book has interesting side stories, and fascinating characters. And the ending scene is a thriller. A delish mystery!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Death on a Vineyard Beach, January 9, 2011

By 

msdianne (Manakin, VA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Death on a Vineyard Beach (Mass Market Paperback)

Excellent reading, holds your interest from page 1. It is an easy read, relaxing but full of content. I feel like I have been to Martha's Vineyard. He is talented author and I have read 5 of his Vineyard series, all excellent reads.