Review of The Turtle-Jack Killings
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Sonya Nicolaidis
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- Latest Review: The Turtle-Jack Killings by Glenn Ickler
Review of The Turtle-Jack Killings
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Turtle-Jack Killings" by Glenn Ickler.]
At the center of the Mitch and Al Mystery series are two reporters, Warren "Mitch" Mitchell and Alan Jeffrey, who work for the St. Paul Daily Dispatch newspaper. They are friends and colleagues who use their dubious skills as amateur detectives to solve some of the most bewildering crimes. In this latest installment, Glenn Ickler delivers yet another light-hearted crime fiction story full of unexpected twists and turns.
The Turtle-Jack Killings opens amid the planning of a contentious nickel mining operation in Northern Minnesota. The proposed site of the mine is adjacent to a Native American reservation and borders an ecologically significant turtle habitat. In an official ceremony, four intrepid journalists from the local newspaper are honored for their news coverage of this project. Their focus has been to highlight the devastating impact this project would have on the land and the sacred turtles that live there. In gratitude for their fearless reporting, the Ojibwe tribal chief presents each of the four journalists with a token: a small, wooden, carved turtle. No one could imagine the upheaval these tiny trinkets would precipitate.
When two of the four colleagues are brutally murdered, and Mitch and Al also come under threat, they find themselves compelled to step up their investigation. In a race against time, the two sleuths need to find out who is behind the murders before they become the next casualties. The little turtle figurines appear ordinary, so why are they important enough to kill for? Will Mitch and Al uncover the truth and save the reservation, the wetlands, and the endangered turtles from these unscrupulous criminals?
Looking at the title and the cover design, I knew immediately I would enjoy this book. The plot is not overly intricate and yet delivers enough of a "whodunit" mystery to maintain the reader’s interest until the end. Events progress realistically, and I cannot fault the author’s continuity and flow. There is a pleasing balance between fast and slow scenes, propelling the plot forward and making this an effortless read.
The main characters are well-developed and likable. So, too, are the unique and interesting supporting characters that lend a bit of spice and interest to the story. From a famous Hungarian television personality to the tough chief of homicide, they are all described in a way that makes them easy to picture and relate to. As a result, reading this story soon becomes an immersive experience.
For me, the overriding appeal of this book lies in the clever writing and humor that pervades each chapter. The mutual banter and play on words that Mitch and Al exchange are witty and amusing. On a serious note, they know they can rely on each other unwaveringly, and this is the basis for this successful series of books about their adventures and escapades.
It was my pleasure to have reviewed Arsenic and Old Men by the same author some years ago. Based on that experience, when another Mitch and Al Mystery presented itself, I seized the opportunity to read it. This writer deserves full praise for their outstanding literary style and acute ability to engage readers from the opening lines. The crime fiction genre is given a unique slant by incorporating wit, humor, and two very personable and endearing sleuths at the center.
I unhesitatingly award this book 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good mystery with characters who don’t take themselves too seriously. It is professionally presented with only a few grammatical errors, and the editing is almost flawless. This story would appeal widely to most adult readers, particularly those who enjoy a more light-hearted read. One caveat is that there are numerous profanities. Although some are borderline and used in context, others are not and may offend some readers. In this case, they would be well-advised to steer clear.
******
The Turtle-Jack Killings
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
At the center of the Mitch and Al Mystery series are two reporters, Warren "Mitch" Mitchell and Alan Jeffrey, who work for the St. Paul Daily Dispatch newspaper. They are friends and colleagues who use their dubious skills as amateur detectives to solve some of the most bewildering crimes. In this latest installment, Glenn Ickler delivers yet another light-hearted crime fiction story full of unexpected twists and turns.
The Turtle-Jack Killings opens amid the planning of a contentious nickel mining operation in Northern Minnesota. The proposed site of the mine is adjacent to a Native American reservation and borders an ecologically significant turtle habitat. In an official ceremony, four intrepid journalists from the local newspaper are honored for their news coverage of this project. Their focus has been to highlight the devastating impact this project would have on the land and the sacred turtles that live there. In gratitude for their fearless reporting, the Ojibwe tribal chief presents each of the four journalists with a token: a small, wooden, carved turtle. No one could imagine the upheaval these tiny trinkets would precipitate.
When two of the four colleagues are brutally murdered, and Mitch and Al also come under threat, they find themselves compelled to step up their investigation. In a race against time, the two sleuths need to find out who is behind the murders before they become the next casualties. The little turtle figurines appear ordinary, so why are they important enough to kill for? Will Mitch and Al uncover the truth and save the reservation, the wetlands, and the endangered turtles from these unscrupulous criminals?
Looking at the title and the cover design, I knew immediately I would enjoy this book. The plot is not overly intricate and yet delivers enough of a "whodunit" mystery to maintain the reader’s interest until the end. Events progress realistically, and I cannot fault the author’s continuity and flow. There is a pleasing balance between fast and slow scenes, propelling the plot forward and making this an effortless read.
The main characters are well-developed and likable. So, too, are the unique and interesting supporting characters that lend a bit of spice and interest to the story. From a famous Hungarian television personality to the tough chief of homicide, they are all described in a way that makes them easy to picture and relate to. As a result, reading this story soon becomes an immersive experience.
For me, the overriding appeal of this book lies in the clever writing and humor that pervades each chapter. The mutual banter and play on words that Mitch and Al exchange are witty and amusing. On a serious note, they know they can rely on each other unwaveringly, and this is the basis for this successful series of books about their adventures and escapades.
It was my pleasure to have reviewed Arsenic and Old Men by the same author some years ago. Based on that experience, when another Mitch and Al Mystery presented itself, I seized the opportunity to read it. This writer deserves full praise for their outstanding literary style and acute ability to engage readers from the opening lines. The crime fiction genre is given a unique slant by incorporating wit, humor, and two very personable and endearing sleuths at the center.
I unhesitatingly award this book 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good mystery with characters who don’t take themselves too seriously. It is professionally presented with only a few grammatical errors, and the editing is almost flawless. This story would appeal widely to most adult readers, particularly those who enjoy a more light-hearted read. One caveat is that there are numerous profanities. Although some are borderline and used in context, others are not and may offend some readers. In this case, they would be well-advised to steer clear.
******
The Turtle-Jack Killings
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: The Turtle-Jack Killings by Glenn Ickler
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Maria Eduarda 17
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Neste envolvente mistério policial, acompanhamos os repórteres Warren "Mitch" Mitchell e Alan Jeffrey, do jornal St. Paul Daily Dispatch. Após receberem tartarugas esculpidas em madeira como agradecimento por sua cobertura crítica a um projeto de mineração próximo à reserva indígena Ojibwe, dois colegas são assassinados e suas tartarugas roubadas. Mitch e Al se veem em uma perigosa investigação para descobrir quem está por trás dos crimes e o que torna essas pequenas esculturas tão valiosas.
O autor, Glenn Ickler, utiliza sua vasta experiência no jornalismo para criar personagens autênticos e diálogos realistas. A trama é marcada por reviravoltas inesperadas e um equilíbrio entre suspense e humor, tornando a leitura dinâmica e cativante.
Para os fãs de mistérios clássicos com um toque moderno, The Turtle-Jack Killings oferece uma narrativa intrigante que mantém o leitor envolvido até a última página.
O autor, Glenn Ickler, utiliza sua vasta experiência no jornalismo para criar personagens autênticos e diálogos realistas. A trama é marcada por reviravoltas inesperadas e um equilíbrio entre suspense e humor, tornando a leitura dinâmica e cativante.
Para os fãs de mistérios clássicos com um toque moderno, The Turtle-Jack Killings oferece uma narrativa intrigante que mantém o leitor envolvido até a última página.
