Theoretically Dead [Paperback]

Tinker Marks (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2001

Claire Sinclaire, professor of economics at Hammond College, wanted nothing to do with her partner, Emma Harrington`s philosophy conference. Scholars from all over the country were coming together to discuss the life and work of brilliant philosopher, Erik Weber. Claire could not remain uninvolved however, when she tripped over his body on the sidewalk. It turns out that despite their fascination with his ideas, plenty of Weber`s colleagues had reason to hate him, but which one had opportunity to kill? An amusing and intelligent mystery by new author Tinker Marks.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Tinker Marks is the pen name for two professors at Grinnell college - one a philosophy professor and the other in economics. This is their first foray into the field of fiction.

Product Details

• Paperback: 200 pages
• Publisher: New Victoria Publishers (October 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1892281163
• ISBN-13: 978-1892281166
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,554,711 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Leads the reader through a labyrinth, January 13, 2002

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Theoretically Dead (Paperback)

Tinker Marks is a nom de plume for a husband and wife professor team, Mark Montgomery and Irene Powell. Both are professors of economics at Grinnell College.

For anyone working in the field of academics, whether as an academic themselves or in a support staff capacity, there is much to make fun of. Montgomery and Powell use a Philosophy Department conference as the setting for this hilariously funny, ribald and comedic mystery. Using the name of Erik Weber (pronounced "Vee-bur" in true Teutonic form), this husband and wife team pull out all the stops to make for a delightful cosy thriller.

Set at Hammond College (all names are meticulously close to the mark while still being fictitious), Professor Claire Sinclair, professor of economics and lesbian mate of famed philosopher Emma Harrington, finds herself in the middle of a theater of the absurd murder mystery as she strives to stay as far away as possible from Emma's upcoming conference. This conference, of course, may make or break Emma's chance at a new chair, which would enable her to continue her appointment at Hammond. As the administration strive to deal with keeping public relations under control after Professor Weber's body is found, Claire finds herself pulled deeper and deeper into the quagmire:

"Claire,' Jack said, I guess that leaves you as the logical choice to talk to the media. Would you be wiling to do that?' I couldn't believe my ears. Would I be willing to run a press conference on the subject of Weber's death? Hell no, I wouldn't! I didn't have anything to do with Philosophy, I didn't have any knowledge of Weber's life, and I didn't have any experience dealing with the press. On the other hand, I didn't have tenure."

The Tinker Marks team does a first rate job of creating an enjoyable and witty mystery which plumbs the depths of the academic world. While Claire stumbles through the mess constantly created by her "adorable" partner, Emma, we find a touching love story mixed with the consternation of dealing with people who have been trained to focus on one thing...themselves. The plot thickens nicely, and the Marks team effectively lead the reader through a labyrinth.

Shelley Glodowski, Reviewer

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Theoretically Dead, March 12, 2002

By 

Beverly - See all my reviews

This review is from: Theoretically Dead (Paperback)

Tinker Mark's book happens right here in Iowa....with references to my hometown. The two main characters were real in their every day emotions and life. As a whodunit...it kept me waiting until it was almost too late. Imagine running all over town trying to keep a test tube frozen! And then the humanitarian side where they assist their elderly neighbors in coping with a gay son. It was suspenseful, funny, and heartwarming. Loved it.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The funniest mystery I ever read!!, February 4, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Theoretically Dead (Paperback)

This book is GREAT!!! Easy-to-read, and hillarious. The plot keeps you glued to the book. The character of Claire comes up with the most remarkable sayings as she tryies to find out who killed a world-famous philosopher at an Iowa college symposium. This is a must-read for anyone who likes a good mystery wrapped in a humorous style.