Book Review: Palm Beach Deadly (Charlie Crawford Mystery Book #3)

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Title: Palm Beach Deadly (Charlie Crawford Mystery Book #3)
Author: Tom Turner
Genre: Fiction, Mystery, Murder
Pages: 278


Rating: 4/5


When there's a murder mystery around, I just can't wait to dive in. It is a perfect stimulant to the weary, bored mind and perks me up instantly. Palm Beach Deadly by Tom Turner is one such book. Although it is a part of a series, it is a standalone and an enjoyable one at that. After long I have come across a mystery so good, I feel I should do a mystery marathon and read all the ones in my wishlist. But, sadly, that will have to wait. Prior commitments, you see. Anyway, I think I should stop with my ramblings and get down to business. Right!

Detectives Charlie Crawford and Mort Ott are called upon when a wealthy talk show host, Knight Mulcahy from Palm Beach, is murdered. The body is found in the pool house with a bullet to his chest. Knight Mulcahy had debased so many guests through his show that putting an end to it all would have been an irresistible opportunity for anyone. Crawford and Ott, in a true homicide detective fashion, follow the leads and evidences to find the culprit. Could it be one of those whose dirty secrets Mulcahy had revealed? Or could it be someone in the family (for the money, of course!)? And then there is the mystery man who shows up at cocktail parties, uninvited - the man in the double breasted blue blazer. Meanwhile, an Arab's nephew gets killed in what looks like a car theft and Crawford and Ott are simultaneously trying to crack that case too. Through false alibis, revelations and twists, the story takes an unexpected turn and old skeletons are unearthed from the secret closets of many.

Palm Beach Deadly is a fast paced murder mystery. Right from the beginning, I was hooked on to the story. A no-nonsense, straight to the point narrative, which is highly appreciated. There isn't a dull moment in the book and the story just flows smoothly all the way till the end. It is a classic who-dun-it, with one murder and several suspects, but solved in a contemporary manner.

The main character is Charlie Crawford who is shown as a matter-of-fact guy, someone who enjoys his work. There isn't much detail into his character in this book, at least. Perhaps the earlier ones in the series brushed that part. But the absence of such a detail doesn't affect the story in any way. Mort Ott, another important character, is an older but a thorough cop. The relationship between the two results in a good partnership and makes for the light moments in the story.

As for my opinion, I thoroughly enjoy such fast paced mystery stories. And this one is no exception. A modern day mystery with the ever intriguing string of clues and suspects, what more can you ask for, eh?

Highly recommended.


*** This book was sent to me by the author in exchange for an honest review. ***