Manuscript for Murder (The Hartfield Mysteries) [Kindle Edition]

Chautona Havig (Author)

Book Description

Alexa Hartfield. Author, local celebrity, fashion connoisseur. She chose Fairbury for its close proximity to Rockland, its small town atmosphere, and its low crime rate.

Then someone made her life a literary cliché. A mysterious accident with a light bulb sparked an interesting idea for her latest novel—and for Fairbury’s new serial killer. The first replication infuriated her. The second left an even worse taste in her mouth. The third blasted more than her self-confidence, and the fourth beat her down so far she’s considering giving up writing completely.

Who is killing Fairbury’s citizens, and furthermore, why and how are they using her novels to do it?

Product Details

• File Size: 560 KB
• Print Length: 310 pages
• Publisher: Createspace (October 13, 2012)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B009QKN8NQ
• Text-to-Speech: Enabled
• X-Ray: Enabled
• Lending: Enabled
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #54,866 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Manuscript for Murder November 6, 2012

By Rebekah

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

Technical Details:
"Manuscript for Murder" is Mrs. Havig's latest published novel. Although not her first book, it does claim the honor of her first published mystery, as well as the first in the Hartfield Mysteries series.

The Story:
Alexa Hartfield is a successful, well-known mystery writer, living in the small town of Fairbury. Though her books tell of grisly murders and heartless killers, she spends her own days with much more tranquility. Dressed in her favorite Medieval gown, a Regency dress replete with bonnet and shawl, or perhaps clothed in a 1950's ensemble, she walks to the bookstore or the market, flies to different cities for her book tours, goes to church, and befriends her neighbor's two children. By most people, she's considered eccentric at best. Few people really know her though.

Then the unthinkable happens. After a strange experience with a broken light bulb leaves Alexa with a cut hand and a tiny real-life mystery, she decides to twist the experience to fit her newest book. When, however, a woman turns up dead within 24 hours of Alexa writing the scene, the author is angry and confused. Then a second murder follows the second murder in her book... and a third.

The victims have nothing in common, except Alexa's unpublished book. They don't even reside in the same town! The newspapers dub him (or her) the Plagiarist Killer. Who is he? What does he want? And who will he strike next?

The Writing Style:
I've seen some people comment that the beginning of "Manuscript for Murder" is slow. I have to disagree. I found the opening chapter just odd enough to be utterly intriguing. We begin by seeing into the killer's thoughts - a theme that continues throughout the book, dropping us clues to his identity, but never enough to name him.

Throughout the rest of the book, Mrs. Havig follows much the same style as in "Ready or Not" or "Noble Pursuits". She does spend considerable time describing Alexa's varied and unique wardrobe, but with one exception, it never seemed to bog down the story. Instead it gave a more defined image of the mystery author as we followed her from scene to scene.

Mrs. Havig also managed to be among the few mystery authors to announce the villain before I figured it out. I had my suspicions, but they were shallow and brief. Usually, I know who the villain is before the hero or heroine.

The Characters:
Mrs. Havig has proven before that she's good at writing believable characters. This book is no exception.

Alexa was well developed and relatable. By the end of the book, the reader was able to get to "know" her well. She's flawed like the rest of the world, but she has a kind heart and a likable personality. From her relationship with her family, to her reaction to the murders, to how she relates to other people, we see her character from all sides and angles.

Joe, the police officer that we see investigating the most, does seem less three-dimensional than Alexa. He was still well written though, as well as slightly unpredictable. His character seems to slowly emerge, almost as if from hiding.

As to my favorite character... That would be Alexa's brother, Wes. I liked his relationship with his sister, his compassion, and just his overall personality. Second favorite, is a tie between Joe and Alexa.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this book is a good mystery, with memorable characters and settings. Definitely worth reading

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Manuscript for Murder....Justice....Will want to read in one sitting! October 23, 2012

By MiMiCJWM

Format:Kindle Edition

Downloaded at 11 pm, read until 4:17 am. Not finished....You really want to read all the way, holds your interest, mystery, who did it, the pain inflicted by family, friends, Christians....Justice...God's Justice...Truth...Please take the time to read, reflect, soul searching. This book will if you are open minded, make you think and hopefully be more understanding.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Wow October 25, 2012

By Tia

Format:Kindle Edition

Another book by Chautona, and another success! Suspense, mystery, and murder, makes you not want to move around in the dark, not knowing where something may pop out and get you. Not my typical genre, but Chautona wrote it, so what could possibly be wrong? Nothing, absolutely nothing. A murder mystery with a bit of romance, a bit of suspense, and a whole lot of Chautona style. Shows you how to be yourself without worrying what others might think. Live your life to the fullest with God in charge. Even if you are not "religious", you will still appreciate this amazing book. Give it a try, you will be hooked.