Dear Mouse: A Tale of Love, Murder and Movie-Making in the Carolina Mountains [Paperback]

Schuyler Kaufman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2001

Fallen movie idol Matt Logan writes his journal as secret letters to Michaella, the child he has lost. Ruthless Starlett Crystal Beller sells them to the tabloids. Crystal turns up dead in Matt's dressing room closet, dressed for the shower scene. Is Matt the only victim of the blackmailing actress?

Editorial Reviews

Review

"For a fresh voice in the world of cozy mysteries. . . Kaufman is edgy, fast paced, witty, and believable." -- –Patrick Bone, Award winning author of Bloody Mary and Melungeon Winter

“Kaufman weaves mystery and intrigue into a fascinating read.” -- B.J. Foster, Award Winning Author of Bayou Shadows

“Kaufman's writing has the grace of poetry and the emotional impact of a movie..." -- Scott Nicholson, Award winning author of Thank you for the Flowers

From the Publisher

Good mysteries are intriguing puzzles. Great mysteries give you the puzzles and introduce you to characters that live with you after the book is finished. Schuyler Kaufman's characters stick around like old friends.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 244 pages
• Publisher: High Country Publishers (September 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0971304521
• ISBN-13: 978-0971304529
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,229,121 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Fun and Absorbing Read, March 2, 2003

By 

Cera327 (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dear Mouse: A Tale of Love, Murder and Movie-Making in the Carolina Mountains (Paperback)

Schuyler Kaufman writes in a way that makes me feel like I was a part of each scene. I felt as if I was actually there, watching and listening to everything that was happening (from being on the movie set with everyone to being alone with only his letters to his daughter for company). Many of the scenes seemed quite familiar to me. For example, in the hospital room when the three women trash one of Matt's old movies and Matt walks in on it, I laughed and laughed as this is the type of thing I love to do with my best friend.

In addition, the way she writes dialogue, I could easily hear the differences between different people's speech. For instance, when Pike, who is retired from NYPD, works with Quin, a local inspector, the clash of dialects makes their conversations that much more interesting and fun to read. Not to mention Kaufman's dry sense of humor, which worms its way even into the darkest scenes.

When I read the book, I felt as if I were in Matt's head. Kaufman gives him his own individual expressions and ways of speaking. I love the way he exaggerates. For example, in the police interrogation scene he says, "The questions went on for several millennia;" or when the director complains that Matt doesn't act enough like a star, Matt replies, "Geez. I thought you wanted an actor, not a media event."

Another thing that I really like about the book is its realism. Coming from a family that has suffered divorces, I found the way Kaufman portrayed the children to be right on target. In addition, it was refreshing to become familiar with a caring and loving father who is not a "deadbeat dad."

The events and circumstances kept the mysteries lively, and kept me guessing throughout the book. I strongly recommend this book for anyone who likes a good mystery with terrific characters. Enjoy!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Dear Mouse, February 6, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Dear Mouse: A Tale of Love, Murder and Movie-Making in the Carolina Mountains (Paperback)

I admit that I am a biased reader. Schuyler Kaufman asked me to read her manuscript before it was published, because she knew that my favorite pastime reading is mystery novels. I did not expect this manuscript to be so absorbing. With perhaps a little leaning toward the violent side, Dear Mouse is a well-crafted, traditional "cozy," without the excessive sex, violence, and darkness that pervades much modern literature. The lead character, Matt Logan, is multidimensional; the dialogue portrays the characters vividly; the plot is intriguing; and the setting (the making of a movie) was fun to learn about. Now I'm eagerly awaiting the next Kaufman novel. (I hope I get a preview again.)

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars the conection, December 26, 2003

By 

shannon gross (salem, south dakota usa) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dear Mouse: A Tale of Love, Murder and Movie-Making in the Carolina Mountains (Paperback)

This book was amazing. Lately I haven't been reading that much on the fiction scale, but it caught my attention. Dear Mouse, has special meaning to me. Not only was it a so-called Christmas present, but one of the caractors takes on my name. I was able to connect with this book. Recently I lost my son so the emotions were there that were triggered by this mans loss. It was always my feelings that I could still write notes to him even though he couldnt read. I was also enchanted by the way Schuyler was able to give each caractor their own personality. It made the book that much more interesting. Usually I guess what is going to happen in a book, then when I find out I was right,I dont want to read anymore. Towards the end when I find out what is going on, I couldnt put it down. I HAD to find out what happened to that adorable little girl. It was a great book. There are now about four people waiting in line to read my copy. They are all itching to find out what happens. I would recomend this book to anyone looking for a little mystery that isnt too gory. Great reading material. Ms. Kaufman keep up the good work, and stop by our TA any time.
shannon