Customer Reviews

A Nose for Murder

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

I read a lot of books, and as a result I'm forced to try new authors. Many are disappointing, but Lee Charles Kelley is a wonderful find. The characters are vibrant, the dog facts enlightening, and the mysteries entertaining. I can't get enough of this delightful series.

This book is not only suspenseful, there are times it's downright hilarious. It's also well-written. The author is a great storyteller and has a unique style, with an almost poetic attention to detail. Plus, it's written in a breezy, easy to read manner. In fact, I read the whole thing in one sitting! If you're like me, you'll want to sit down with this book very early in the evening so you don't lose too much sleep. Oh, and another thing -- there's a romantic angle to the story that is utterly charming and true to life. And there are dog training tips and unique ideas about canine behavior artfully woven into the story. I for one hope there will be many more books to come from Lee Charles Kelley.

This is a fun read. I really got a feel for the location (Camden, Maine) and all the while following the mystery I learned quite a bit about dog-training. Very likable (not in a saccharine way) lead character. I look forward to reading the next book.

Not only is this a great mystery, you get lots of great dog training tips as well. I found ex-cop Jack Field to be a very likeable guy. You can see with his relationship with the dogs as well as humans, that he is very caring, but he is also strong.

Jack, his dog, Frankie, and his foster son, Duke, left New York City and started a canine kennel in Maine. Duke's family had been gunned down and rather than let the gang kill Duke, Jack brought him -- with his grandmother's consent. The New York District Attorney was a different story.

Jamie Cutter is Jack's girlfriend. She's also a part-time medical examiner. She brings Jack along when Allison DeMarco is found dead in her home because Allison's dog, Ginger, had been barking and everyone was afraid to go near her. Jack knows Ginger because he helped train her.

Jack has a run in with Sam Kirby, Rockland County Sheriff Deputy. Then he meets Sheriff Horace Flynn, uncle to Jamie's soon-to-be ex-husband Oren. Sheriff Flynn doesn't like Jack, especially after he determines the relationship between Jack and Jamie.

Jack ends up bringing Ginger back to his kennel.

The local police have decided Tim Berry killed Allison. Tim and Allison's daughter, Tara, take off in a flurry of bullets.

After Jack gets shot, Mrs. Murtaugh, who helps run the kennel, has her granddaughter Audrey Stafford work at the kennels to help out. Audrey falls in love with Ginger and vice versa.

Jack is positive Tim didn't kill Allison and begins investigating. Jamie assists him.

Jack can't figure out why Sheriff Flynn is still involved in the case since Carl Staub of the Camden police is in charge of the investigation. And then there's Sam Kirby. Jack spies Kirby tailing him, among other things.

I highly recommend this book and can't wait to read the next book!

So what is it that is so very appealing about this series? Maybe for me it is the setting- my own adopted state of Maine. Or could it be the characters? Jack Field, ex New York detective, is the owner of a dog kennel/ training business. He is usually in the company of or thinking about Jamie Cutter, the Medical Examiner. Living with Jack is his foster son, 'Duke" a crime victim from NYC. A steady, well written cast of characters traveling from one book to another to make this a cohesive, fun group of books to read. The starring roles though are assigned to the various dogs that populate the scenes. Much space is also given to dog training tips- a system based on play and praise.
Kelley writes with his tongue firmly planted in his cheek. He seems to understand that Jack makes Sherlock Holmes seem dense and plots are more interesting when they appear impossible. The asides and comments to the reader draw the casual reader into his world. He cleverly admits that these are just good mystery stories that are enjoyable to read- and what more can we ask from a cozy?
(Next step would be a top rated tv show! Anyone out there know any producers..but remember it was my idea first!)

Three Hints for reading this series:
1. It is not neccesary to read them in the order written but would be more enjoyable to follow the continuing plot lines in order.
2. Just remember- the dog is always innocent ! (oops- is that a spoiler?)
3. If you do not have a dog when you start the series you probably will by the end!

Nose for Murder
This is the first book in the series. A great introduction
to the characters, setting and style. Airedale Ginger is the only
witness when Allison DiMarco dies on her kitchen floor with no obvious
signs of foul play. It is up to Jack and Jamie to prove that it was not a
natural death.
(And Kelley introduces us to the the word "sniggled" which does perfectly
describe a half snort half giggle.)

If you enjoy mysteries and are a dog person, you will love the Jack and Jamie series. Very fast moving, entertaining, and sensitive enough to make the characters believeable. I read the first three novels in a week and plan on starting no. 4 ('To collar a killer') tonight. I enjoy the dog training tips too.

I loved it! It was enjoyable, educational and easy to get hooked! I liked the characters, the story, the mystery - and the dogs! If you like Susan Conant's series, I think you'll enjoy this book too. This had better be the first in a series or I will be mightily disappointed!

Nice pacing, memorable characters. Kelley creates a real world of mystery, excitement, and humor. That's good and clever writing defined. Introducing the world of dogs and dog training refreshes the mystery novel in an absorbing way. Kelley knows writing and Kelley knows dogs. He's brought the two together here very successfully.

This is a great book. It is not only fast and funny and suspenseful, I also found the romantic interplay between Jack (the dog trainer/detective) and his girlfriend Jamie (the smart and sexy medical examiner) extremely appealing. The mystery is brilliantly written, plus Jack is full of interesting and useful information about dogs.
I can't wait for the next one to come out!

What could be better than a visually engaging writing style, complex characters, and a great murder plot? DOG TRAINING TIPS from an expert! Kelley weaves his own fasciniating theories of dog behavoir into the plot, giving this series a unique twist for dog lovers.