Customer Reviews

Papa's Problem

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

 

 

Pat Kendrick has crafted an intriguing mystery revolving around one of America's most famed writers, Ernest Hemingway! It possesses all the nasty elements of the underworld from gambling, prostitution, people smuggling, murder, Cuban dictators to Nazis. With his descriptive writing style, Kendrick transports you to 1930's Key West where you can see the sway of the palm trees and feel the South Florida sun beating down on you. An impending hurricane adds to the urgency of the main character's struggle to search out the truth, despite the negative consequences it may bring upon him. If you are reading by the pool, be sure to apply extra sunscreen because you won't be able to put it down!

This book was amazing from start to finish. I read it in one day. Couldn't put it down. What a genius story and a great history lesson. You can tell that some serious research was involved with this novel. Who is this Patrick Kendrick and where could I get more of his writting. Very character driven and action packed. LOVED IT. Thank you amazon.

Paul Snitkin

Papa's Problem got me reeled in from the start. Like any great mystery novel Kendrick set the characters in place within the first few chapters. The "placement" of Hemingway's character was especially interesting knowing how "Papa" has been whitewashed over the years.

I can see a series of these done with Emmet MacWain as the central character for an early Florida version of the reluctant detective.

The story kept me going right to the end. A excellent bit of writing by this new author. Thanks for the recommendation.

I loved this book- it truly transported me back in time, I could feel the tropical sun and smelled the sea! This book has it all, mystery, romance, history and wonderful characters. I loved the way real places and people were depicted. The writing was beautifully done, such a sense of truly knowing the protagonist, such vivid details for the senses. I passed two copies to friends and they really enjoyed it as well.

Papa's Problem

This book captured my attention right from the start. It kept me intrigued right through to the very end. Growing up in South Florida, I had heard and learned a lot about the history of the Keys during WWII and also Hemingway; however, after reading this book I realized that there was a lot I did not know. The writer, Patrick Kendrick, did an excellent job of combining truth and fiction and coming up with a thoroughly enjoyable book.

I happened across this novel while searching Amazon's site. I read the first chapter and ordered the book. The author's descriptive style of writing and the research needed to take you back into the Hemmingway era was incredible. Kendrick captures the true meaning of the depression influenced Pre World War II Key West. He blends romance, world wide politics and the seemingly global ignorance of genocide along with the exploitation of the Jews into a work of art. I'm not much of a book person, but this one captivated me and was well worth the reading! I'm going to contact the author to see if I can get signed copies for my family and friends.....nice work Kendrick.

I was intrigued by this book and its rich history. The details were beyond compare, and every line took me to even greater awareness of the scenarios unfolding. This book had a little bit of everything and many surprises. I love a good mystery and this book held nothing short of my expectations. Don't hesitate.... Enjoy!

Kendrick has been able to combine history with a murder mystery that will keep you guessing until the end. Hemingway seemed alive and as troubled as he was in real life. It was easy to imagine yourself walking around Key West and seeing the sights of the era. The accuracy of the details combined with the fiction of murder made a captivating read.

I'm sorry, but I really can't understand all these five-star reviews. Ten people got all the way through this book and didn't notice or mind all the errors?

The sad thing is that this could have been a very good book. Mr. Kendrick knows his Hemingway lore (even if he doesn't seem to like Hemingway very much), and he does spin a rip-roaring tale, but there are far too many spelling, punctuation and grammar errors. Why were they not caught and corrected? Was the book even proofread?

Mr. Kendrick, you do have talent, but you need a decent editor. Even Hemingway relied on his editors to correct his misspellings! I hope you take your work to a reputable publishing house next time.

By the way, what's with making Pauline such a saint? You conveniently left Hadley, Hemingway's first wife, out of the picture. Stealing her best friend's husband was not exactly a noble act on Pauline's part, was it? To say that "... [Emmet and Pauline] both slowly moved away from each other knowing that there was something there between them but also knowing that they were both the kind of people who, if they acted on it, could never live with the guilt of it" (and to say it so badly, I might add) is just ludicrous.

Loved the setting, loved the story. Comparable to John D McDonald & McGee. Emmet MacWain needs to come back. Story is captivating and depicts Key West,and the Keys, Floridians know & love. Loved the historical references and the period the story is set in. The characters are vividly portrayed through the Author's narrative and the character's dialogue. You can feel the tension between MacWain and Hemingway and the eventual resolution of their relationship. Would recommend this book to anyone who lives in Florida (or wishes they did!), has been to Key West or anyone who wants to visit. Continued success to Pat Kendrick & Emmet MacWain; I'll be looking for a sequel!