The Book: Fallen From Grace

The Author: John Lindermuth

The Story:  The Story: Fallen From Grace is the first of the Sheriff Sylvester Tilghman novels. (Sooner Than Gold, the sequel, is scheduled for publication this month.)

As the 19^th century winds to a close, Sheriff Tilghman of the small Pennsylvania town of Arahpot ponders his biggest problems: finding a new deputy and convincing his true love, Lydia, to marry him. Then Arahpot’s usual tranquility is shaken when two new arrivals in town are murdered. As he works through an abundance of motivated suspects, Tilghman finds himself in danger. And worse—Lydia is pushing her obnoxious cousin as a candidate for deputy.

About the Author: A retired newspaper editor, J. R. Lindermuth lives and writes in central Pennsylvania. Since his retirement he has served as librarian of his county historical society, assisting patrons with genealogy and research. He is the author of 12 novels and his short stories and articles have appeared in a variety of magazines.

Review by Wayne D. Dundee: Fallen From Grace is a leisurely-paced mystery novel, rich in characterizations, local color, and a strong sense of time and place. Set in the late 1800s in the fictional Pennsylvania town of Arahpot, the story revolves around Sheriff Sylvester Tilghman and his investigation into the stabbing death of a man only recently arrived on the scene.
Tilghman has been sheriff for a long time and is both comfortable and competent in the role.

Above all, he knows his county and its residents inside and out. His investigation takes him on a winding route that brings him in contact with several of these residents and it is here–meeting these memorable characters–that the novel achieves a texture and richness that sets it apart. Not that there aren’t some clever plot twists, deft detecting, and doses of suspense and humor also in the brew before the crimes/mysteries at the core of everything are satisfactorily concluded.
The only matter left unresolved is the question of whether or not the lovely, elusive Lydia will ever say yes to Sylvester’s recurring marriage proposals.

Review by Douglas Quinn: In order to solve the murders that have befallen his town, Sheriff Sylvester Tilghman does his best to expand the deficiency of clues to the stabbing of a stranger on his way into town. When a second suspicious death occurs, Tilghman sifts through the evidence to determine what happened.

But in 1897, the small town’s day-to-day lives of its long-time citizens don’t come to a halt because of the unfortunate events that befall strangers and newcomers.

When the sheriff declares that the telegraph is the greatest invention ever for a sheriff, this gives you an idea of the pacing of the story.

But this is a good thing, because it allows Lindermuth to spend time developing all of the interesting characters in this interesting and intriguing tale. What I enjoy about Lindermuth’s writing style is that he feels no need to spend time with detailed physical descriptions. Instead, as the characters are introduced and progress through the story, I had a perfect image in my mind of their physical appearance, who they were and what they were all about. This is the mark of an expert writer and I applaud Lindermuth for this skill.

The Book: Good Deed

The Author: Steve Christie

The Story: Good Deed by Steve Christie is a fast paced crime novel that introduces a new Scottish detective hero, DI Ronnie Buchanan. Events take Buchanan from his base in Aberdeen on a frantic journey around all the major Scottish cities as his increasingly deadly pursuit of a mysterious criminal master mind known only as Vince comes to a breath-taking climax back in Aberdeen.

“The pace of Good Deed is exceptional and unremitting. It is the kind of book that demands to be read in one sitting, but most readers will be so breathless as the saga unfolds without pause that they will need occasional rests before eagerly returning for more.”

About the Author: A Real Ale Loving Scottish Crime Writer. Originally from Aberdeen ,now residing in Edinburgh.This is his first novel. Christie is currently working on my second novel featuring Ronnie Buchanan. The working title is Cold Shot.
Good Deed is a fast paced crime novel that captures the reader from beginning to end.

Described by one reviewer as “Christopher Brookmyre on speed, with more thrills and less farce,” the gripping story of Good Deed rattles along relentlessly, leaving the reader breathless but enthralled. Good Deed introduces a new Scottish detective hero, DI Ronnie Buchanan, who is certain to quickly attract a legion of fans.

Review by Hunter S. Jones: Loved This book. Personally, I found it easy to read from the first chapter. Some British authors write with verbiage that I, as an American, can find difficult to read. Not Mr. Christie. It didn’t take long to understand and get involved in Good Deed.

So many great Scottish locations are vividly portrayed just as I remembered them from my visits to Scotland. The characters are well developed as is the storyline. You just can’t put this book down once you start it.

I thoroughly recommend Good Deed. It is very well done. I look forward to Mr. Christie’s next novel.

Review by PhantomDragon: As i started reading i was totally engrossed in what was in front of me. I couldn’t wait to see what was next i love the twists and turns this book takes.

It’s excitement from the very begging a totally awesome read.