A Grand Murder
Stacy Verdick Case
Before The Fall Books
August 9,2011
207 pages
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4/5 Books
A Grand Murder is the first book in the Catherine O’Brien mystery series. When a prominent local businessman and friend of the chief of police is murdered on the front steps of his posh Grand Avenue Hill home, Catherine O’Brien a pithy, vertically challenged, St. Paul, Minnesota, homicide detective with a monstrous coffee habit and her partner Louise are given two days to find his killer. They soon discover their victim had a list of people with motives to murder him, including his fashion designer ex-wife, his mistress’s husband, and the chief of police. The only evidence they have to go on is a missing cell phone, a stolen book, the victim’s letter opener, and an ugly pair of Alpaca wool mittens.
About The Author:
Stacy Verdick Case was born in Willmar, Minnesota. After a brief stint as a military brat, where she lived in Fort Sill Oklahoma and Fort Campbell, Kentucky, her family moved back to Minnesota.
Stacy currently lives in a suburb of St. Paul with her husband and her daughter. Her Catherine O’Brien mystery, A Grand Murder, is available from Before the Fall Books. Her second Catherine O’Brien mystery Murder is a Family Affair, will be released shortly. Stacy is hard at work on her third book in the series.
Connect With The Author:
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My Review:
Stacy Verdick Case has a strong ability to create a novel that will pull the reader into the story instantly. I loved that. I loved being able to jump in to the heart of the story and become a part of the characters’ lives. I wasn’t sure what to expect, though, as I’ve seen so many different opinions on the book. However, giving it a shot myself, really proved that it’s worth the read!
Catherine O’Brien is a sassy, tough gal when it comes to her police investigations. She and her detective partner Louise Montgomery are immediately called to a case, one that has the police chief in knots. Someone he knows has been murdered, and it’s up to the two completely opposite women detectives to solve the crime. Along the way, with some terrifically placed twists and turns, the reader gets taken on a whirlwind investigative ride. Catherine and her coffee, Louise and her driving, and their sharp police skills keep the reader hooked.
I love the way the story played out. It was never dull, never boring, but instead kept the reader guessing, and best of all….laughing. Through out the story, Case added quirks here and there for the reader to laugh at, keeping the book interesting and fun. It’s the Cagney and Lacey of the here and now, and I could really image Catherine and Lousie playing the parts of Cagney and Lacey! It would make a great TV show!
So, I definitely recommend this murder mystery novel to those looking for a sassy, witty, suspenseful read. It’s filled with great characters and lots of mystery. There are a few spots within the story that could use a little doctoring up, like some of the investigation aspects were just a little off, but over all the story is captivating and fun to read. And the best part? It’s the start of a series and I am anxiously awaiting another Catherine O’Brien novel, and looking forward to another 4 Book worthy novel in the series! Well done, Ms. Case!
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