THE BIG BRUSH-OFF - Michael Murphy

#4 in the Jake & Laura Mystery series

Great characters - 4 stars

Plot - 4 stars - Ten years after he left his job as a Pinkerton detective, Jake is asked to continue an investigation he left hanging at the time. He and Laura head to Hanover, PA, to "write" and relax, but we all know that he won't be able to resist checking things out, along with Laura's help.

Writing - 4 stars - Murphy has created a fascinating setting of time and place that provides some insight into the lives of people in the difficult 1930's in America. He, and his characters, are basically on the outside looking in, since Jake and Laura themselves are well off and don't need to worry about finances. Murphy is able to show this believable world and make it and the characters seem comfortable for the reader of today.

Characters - 4.5 stars - This is the best part of the story. Jake is a vulnerable character, feeling somewhat uncomfortable as the wife of a Hollywood star while still trying to build his own career as a successful author. He falls back on his investigative skills where he has been successful. This, in turn, helps him remember his roots and what made him popular as the creator and author of the Blackie Doyle books. Laura is a superstar of the day, but she's also the girl from the neighborhood that Jake fell in love with in school. She seems pretty down-to-earth, is friendly to everyone, and she always likes to help with Jake's investigations, even when it becomes dangerous.

Title - 2.5 stars - Not quite sure what this is. Jake mentions brushing off his old friend's hospitality, but that's about it. Maybe it refers to Jake's leaving town ten years ago before solving the murder?

Cover - 3.5 stars - It's a little cartoony, but I love the bright color that draws the eye.

Overall - 4 stars - It felt comfortable to get together with these familiar characters. They're intelligent and nice, but they have their flaws. They both have humble beginnings and recognize that they are very lucky, and they don't take advantage of the fact that they have money during the Depression when most others are struggling. They want to do the right thing by helping solve the murder, but they don't take crazy chances. I guessed the murderer well before Jake and Laura did, but it didn't take away from the story at all--I was anxious to keep reading to discover if I was right. This has been a good series.

I am reading everything I can find by this author now. The book was well paced and I enjoyed the protagonist very much. Will be looking forward to more in this series.

I didn't like it....sorry, so I have not wrote a review because it would have been bad and I have't wrote it on Goodreads or everywhere else for the same reason. Thanks anyway for giving me the opportunity to read it.

Sorry I was not able to read you book but it went to archive before I could get to it. Sorry once again.