Customer Reviews

Double Forte': A Gus LeGarde Mystery

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

 

 

Double Forté, the first of the Gus LeGarde series of mysteries written by Aaron Paul Lazar, is a chilling thriller. But this book is such a far cry from the cliché thrillers of today that it is almost the start of a new genre. This book is thriller, mystery, romance, and literature all at once. I could be done by saying it is just plain good writing, but that doesn't seem fair for a review. I cannot possibly do it justice, but I will attempt to convey some of the unique majesty of this book. However, I will not be able to mention many specifics of the plot for fear of giving it all away.

This book is set neatly in its own world, a beautiful valley in upstate New York. The world is that of Professor LeGarde, a classical musical instructor. Music informs every part of this novel, from his worldview to the other characters, the scenes and escalation of action, right down to the prose itself. This is a very musical piece of literature with a varied tempo depending upon the scene, its intensity, such as its romance or fear. A very lyrical read.

But, please do not misunderstand me. This is not a fantasy or whimsical bit of fluff. This is a very serious, very intense novel about real characters. Lazar does a fantastic job getting inside the minds and exploring the emotions that drive all the characters. The world is very solid and presented in such a complete way that you become a part of it. We understand these people and why everything in this book occurs. That is a very nice and rare trick for an author to pull.

Double Forté is a refreshing work of handcrafted beauty, even given its nail biting nature. Lazar has crafted an original character in LeGarde, one which I am very glad to learn has an entire series dedicated to him. I strongly recommend this book to all fans of James Patterson, Iris Johanson, and Mary Higgins Clark. You will not be disappointed.

I've read Double Forte' and Upstaged and I'm gonna tell you they kept me extremely interested! I'm a tremendously slow reader but I finished these books quicker than I have finished a book in God knows how long. I kept reading well into the wee hours of the morning. I don't mean to be cliche' when I say I could not put the book down. I can hardly wait for the next one in the series!

"Double Forte" by Aaron Paul Lazar is a book that I found I was unable to put down. From the opening to the end it held my interest. I often find mystery writers so involved in the murder plot that they tend to write their novel about the crime, while they forget to develop their characters. That is one reason I am not overly fond of mysteries. Mr. Lazar has now made me change my mind for he is the exception and has spent considerable time in developing the characters. This allows the reader to relate to and become involved with the characters more deeply immediately. Mr. Lazar has written a novel that combines literature and mystery which has depth and a quality not usually found in a mystery writer.

The novel is well plotted and introduces the characters as well as the suspense and mystery so well that you feel compelled to read the next in this wonderful series.

Gus LeGarde is a fascinating man as the main character. Old enough to have a past and to fascinate the reader in wanting to know all about him as well as to anticipate his future. Filled with a family and friends of interesting people you want to remember and hold close, as their stories unfold and they become your friends as well.

There is murder, mystery, a love interest and suspense. A most enjoyable read, a novel I highly recommend. Of course I will order his second book and continue with the second mystery in this series.

Title: Double Forte

Author: Aaron Paul Lazar

Publisher: Publish America

ISBN: 1413728383

Genre: Mystery

Professor Gus LeGarde finds himself and his family involved in murder and missing persons after he and his brother-in-law Seigfried rescue a dog from a trap while they are skiing. When Gus goes looking for a telephone, he finds instead a mystery in an isolated cabin that results in danger to himself and his family.

Gus isn't one to leave things alone as he goes snooping back to that cabin and nearly gets himself killed. An escaped villain, a kidnapped child and threats follow, introducing chaos into his life.

Gus also has to contend with gentle Siegfreid being accused of murdering a missing lawyer who is (Harold) Gus' son-in-law's business partner. It doesn't help that Harold makes allegations against Siegfried as well. Is this to get even with Gus for his suspicions that Harold is cheating on his wife? Does the escaped villain have anything to do with the missing partner?

Lots of action and suspense in this tale by talented Aaron Paul Lazar. A fun read that will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. Recommended by this satisfied reader as a tale that will satisfy any mystery buff. Enjoy.

Double Forté is a symphony for the senses! This clever mystery involves the entire reader, as vibrant descriptions blend with appropriate dialogue and action-filled scenes.

Gus LeGarde could be anyone's next-door neighbor, and readers will instantly connect with this character. When he finds out about a child who may have been kidnapped, his grandfatherly concern steps in with a plan of action. Although he was able to rescue the child, the kidnapper escaped, which leaves a cloud of uncertainty over Gus and his own family. Will they become targets for the kidnapper's revenge?

This book takes readers from breathless chase scenes to the sighs of quiet romantic moments. First and foremost, Gus is a family man. A widower, he lives with his married daughter and her young son. These pages take an intimate and endearing look into their home, allowing readers to see inside the heart of Gus. He has a deep appreciation and talent for music, which enters into the story and provides a subtle beauty. The author's descriptive details of upstate New York, as well as some special family dinners, will give readers a feast for the mind.

This reviewer also appreciated the gentle love and care the animals received. The opening pages involve a touching rescue of a golden retriever, who had been caught in an iron-jawed trap. These first few moments of the story set the mood for the determined helpfulness of the main characters.

Double Forté gets a well-deserved "Bravo!" from this reviewer.

I read several detective novels per year and what strikes me about Double Forte' is the feeling of place. This is a comfortable and readable novel. By readable it is a page turner in which the story propels us forward. The reader wants to know where the characters will lead them next and how the mystery will be solved. The sense of place is reminiscent of a Conan-Doyle London pub or a Hillerman Southwest landscape. When LeGarde travels a byway or goes thru a village there is something tangible that transports the reader to that locale. You can feel comfortable and, when the action turns, you are readily caught up in the moment and the location. A great read that is very well done!

Double Forte' by Aaron Paul Lazar is a beautifully crafted novel vaguely reminiscent of the style of Rex Stout, yet refreshingly original. I found this book appealing on several levels; the characters are well developed and diverse, representative of people we know in real life. From the pristine innocence of young Johnny and Sadie to the unprincipled son-in-law, Harold, and the currupt and venomous Ed Baxter, we see those uniguely human traits that make life immensely pleasurable and, at times, horrific. Contrasting personalities and events create the conflict that is so important to all good works of fiction, and Mr. Lazar's novel illustrates this point very effectively indeed.

As a protagonist, Professor Gus LeGarde, in many ways, show great courage and emotional strength, but he also displays a certain vulnerability that renders him totally believable. He is a real man, but not a superman; his great passions and haunting past are cleverly revealed to the reader without hendering the pace of the novel. Also, the vivid description of New York's Genesee Valley is so engaging that the reader will feel as though he is actually there. I have absolutely no reservations in giving Double Forte' five stars, and look forward to the next installment in the series. I would strongly recommend this book to all lovers of great mysteries.

Carlton James Duncan

Author

I was a prisoner of Double Forte'! The enthralling list of characters, the vivid and picturesque setting of Upstate New York, and the electrifying storyline kept me spell-bound until I finished this book. I literally could not put it down. There were moments when I couldn't physically read fast enough to find out what was going to happen next. After I turned the last page, I was energized with excitement and satisfaction. I am anxiously awaiting the next novel in the Gus LaGarde series. Everyone needs to read this book!

In the Gus LeGarde Mystery, Double Forté, writer Aaron Paul Lazar weaves an absorbing tale of love, intrigue, and murder. Set in the snow-covered hills of Upstate New York, the story moves rapidly right from page one to the final word on the final page. Its multilayered plot pulls the reader along without unnecessary complications.

As Double Forté unfolds, we experience a range of powerful emotions-humor, passion, hatred, and fear. Lazar's erudite grasp of human nature shines through the rolling dialog and interplay of the characters. The credible personalities develop quickly and each is essential to the imaginative depth of the story.

Lazar is a master at capturing detail. Whatever the scene, from the chit chat while washing dishes at a church social, to sinking toward certain death at the bottom of an icy lake in Maine, Lazar artfully crafts imagery that vividly grows in the reader's imagination. And Lazar's use of dreams to segue is a novel and welcomed device that provides further insight into the psyche of the hero, Gus LeGarde.

Double Forté is a compelling thriller and a splendid addition to the mystery genre. We eagerly look forward to the next installment in Aaron Paul Lazar's "Gus LeGarde Mysteries."

This is a book you won't be able to put down! The characters are so real, the descriptions so vivid, it made me want more!! Luckily, according to the author's website http://www.legardemysteries.com/, there are more in the series!!!

A must read!