Review by MirageP -- Arsenic and Old Men by Glenn Ickler

[MirageParul]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Arsenic and Old Men" by Glenn Ickler.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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When Walter Jerome dies in his Martha's Vineyard home, his lawyer calls Dave, Walt's nephew and only living relative, for the final formalities. Dave is accompanied by his closest friends Mitch and Al, and their wives, to provide emotional support during the last rites and to enjoy a brief vacation in the remaining time. All their plans are threatened when the autopsy shows that Walt was actually murdered by arsenic poisoning. Mitch and Al, working for a newspaper as investigative journalist and photographer respectively, are asked by their editor to stay and report the story as it unfolds. Dave also stays back as they are "all for one and one for all." However, the county police have no new leads, so the trio is ordered to return to Minnesota. But before that can happen, another old man is found killed in the same manner and the three musketeers are forced to cancel their return tickets yet again. Mitch does what he explains a reporter's life consists of doing -"leaving messages and hoping for return calls." In the meantime, twin sisters-cum-financial advisers Ima and Ura Jewell have a non-business proposition for Mitch, and worse, a nor'easter is approaching the island. Will the trio be able to find the killer before the storm hits and stops all transport? Or will they turn out to be "the three stooges" instead of "the three musketeers"?

"Where does a guy dressed modestly in shorts and a T-shirt look when he's shaking hands with a naked man?" This sentence, one of the funniest opening lines I've read recently, sets the mood of the story. Arsenic and Old Men by Glenn Ickler is a light-hearted murder mystery, another in the Mitch and Al Mysteries series. It is hilarious not just with respect to the situations, but the author's writing style as well. The three main protagonists are witty, and so all their conversations are humorous. Take this exchange for example, "The wind is picking up right now." "Which means it'll be letting us down tomorrow." Puns occur frequently, which was a pleasant experience for me, but might seem excessive to some. Here's an example, "And I hope we're as sharp as their swords." "We're all in this up to the hilt," Al said. "I get your point." This book also seems to be an homage to the movie "Arsenic and Old Lace" not just because of the title, but because one of the characters, Teddy Brewster, is exactly as portrayed in the movie. However, you don't need to have seen the film to enjoy the book.

Mitch, Al, and Dave's constant efforts to do the job and go back home provide for some fun scenes. Indeed, they resemble Curly, Moe, and Larry more than Athos, Porthos, and Aramis. However, the three seemed to be lacking any individualizing characteristics. All their dialogue, thought processes, and even jokes were completely interchangeable; I couldn't tell them apart. Nevertheless, all the characters in the story, even the minor ones, are interesting. I especially loved Marty, the car rental person, and his interactions with Dave.

There were a few minor irritations in the book. Like the way Mitch always makes "kissy noises" when ending a phone call with his wife. While cute in the beginning, after the fifth time I wanted to sever their connection myself. Another was Mitch's pet peeve. He hates it when people tell him to "have a good day", because according to him, they really don't care either way. So although I empathized with him when he first mentioned it, his repetitive diatribe became jarring later on.

All things considered, I found this book entertaining. I thoroughly enjoyed the writing, especially the literary humour. I give it 4 out of 4 stars. There were no typographical or grammatical errors and the book seems to be professionally edited. I'd recommend this book to readers looking for a light-hearted, funny mystery. If you like your mysteries to be nail-biting and full of twists, or if you like your detectives macho and reticent, then you are going to be disappointed. There are a few profanities and a suggestive scene because of which I wouldn't recommend this title to young readers.

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Arsenic and Old Men
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[Corina Elena]

The title of the book seems quite amusing. I love reading these kinds of books on plane rides and at the airport, they keep me entertained. I guess I will write this one down for my next trip.

[MirageParul]

The title of the book seems quite amusing. I love reading these kinds of books on plane rides and at the airport, they keep me entertained. I guess I will write this one down for my next trip.

Yes! I should have mentioned that in my review. Perfect beach read. Thank you for your reply.