Joe Murray is the owner of the ‘Lazy Luncheonette’ in Sanford, a business that he inherited from his father. He is also the Chairman for the Sanford Third Age Club (STAC) supported by long time friends Sheila and Brenda.
He has a keen head for business, keeps his wallet padlocked and his pockets deep when it comes to spending any of his hard-earned cash. A point that Sheila, Brenda and any regular customers are quick to mention in jest, when the opportunity arises.
He has an eye for detail and deduction that would give ‘Holmes and Poirot’ a run for their money. Together with his trusty companions, Sheila and Brenda, he has used these attributes to solve many a crime and mystery. Not that Joe ever goes in search of trouble, but when it finds him, he is not likely to back away from it either.
When a stranger, suited and booted, walks into the Lazy Luncheonette and asks to speak to Joe’s nephew (and surrogate son) Lee, Joe’s trouble radar begins to twitch. When that same stranger, who we now know to be a Private Investigator, reduces Joe’s nephew to tears before leaving, Joe hightails it after him to get some answers. He is then stunned to learn of the death of his own brother (Lee’s father) in Australia.
Later, whilst still reeling from the news of his brother’s death, Joe receives yet another hefty blow. His nephew is arrested for murder. The victim is the Private Investigator.
More murders and intrigue follow as the STAC Investigation team set out to clear Lee’s name.
An Heir to Murder is the second offering by David Robinson in the STAC Investigates series. Having read the previous book ‘A death at the Seaside’ I was interested to see how the second book compared and I am not disappointed.
The relationships between the characters are as realistic as they can get. The banter and dialogue, all of which feels natural, the humour, the twists, plots and counter plots are all still there.
It is strong enough to stand alone as a book, so you do not need to read the other one first, but I would recommend reading both books on their individual merits any way.
I will be recommending this book to family and friends also.
A thoroughly deserved review for a masterly piece of work. :)
ReplyDeleteSeriously, thanks Laurie. You know me. I'm as confident as a politician lying through his teeth, but when I look at my work, I always feel it could have been better.
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