Review by Kathleen Wolfe -- Arsenic and Old Men

Kathleen Wolfe · Post by **Kathleen Wolfe** » 06 Sep 2019, 06:46

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

4 out of 4 stars

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Following the death of his Uncle Walt, cartoonist David Jerome and his buddies from St. Paul's Daily Dispatch, investigative reporter Warren "Mitch" Mitchell and photographer Alan Jeffrey head over to the island Martha's Vineyard to settle legal matters, since Dave is the next of kin. What could go wrong? Take a couple of days off just to support a friend. Quite mundane isn't it? Not for long. When the autopsy reveals the presence of arsenic in the dead man's stomach, things get tricky and what was originally meant to be only a "few days" becomes longer and venturesome. Since Uncle Walt was a former editor of the Daily Dispatch, Mitch and Alan are ordered to stay on the island and report on the proceedings of the investigations. Was it a murder? Was it suicide? If it was, why? Throw in an informal meeting with a stark naked attorney on the clothing optional side of a beach and a senile squatter on Uncle Walt's land, along with threatening letters from suspicious persons and you've got a story that could keep you guessing to the end.

The story Arsenic and Old Men, a book of about 290 odd pages, is a brilliantly written novel categorized under C/T/M/H. It's a part of the Mitch and Al mysteries but can be read as a stand alone. The author, Glen Ickler worked as a newspaper reporter, columnist, editorial writer and editor in Minnesota and Massachusetts and I feel that the he did a great job in putting the story together.

In this novel, the main characters Mitch, Al and Dave stick together in the "one for all and all for one" spirit of French writer Alexandre Dumas. The trio call themselves the Three Musketeers although better known by the people on the island as the Three Stooges. The friendship exhibited between the three is easy-going and makes the reader feel as if they were right in front of them, as if they were taking part in the investigation. It left me feeling nostalgic. Its the type of book you could read on a rainy day curled up in comfy sheets or by the window.

What I liked most about this book was that there wasn't a single moment that you could get bored with. They were either hot on the trail of a new discovery or cracking jokes and silly puns that had me trying to stifle my giggles, earning quite a few stares from people around me. (Note to reader: Never read this book in public lest you guffaw in front of total strangers.)

I am happy to say that I could not find a single typo or grammatical error in this book, which made reading it all the more enjoyable. There was one explicit scene and a few instances of profane language used. I wouldn't recommend this to children because of what I stated earlier but it would make an enjoyable read for adults. The silly antics of these adventurous young men are sure to keep the reader hooked to the very end.

Since I have no errors to report and am completely happy with the book, I give it a rating of 4 out of 4.

******
Arsenic and Old Men
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djr6090 · Post by **djr6090** » 07 Sep 2019, 08:45

I reviewed this one, too. Did you wonder whether the three stooges should have been The Three Stooges. My husband claims that any comparison of three people to The Stooges should have been capitalized. What do you think?

Kathleen Wolfe · Post by **Kathleen Wolfe** » 09 Sep 2019, 08:05

djr6090 wrote: ↑07 Sep 2019, 08:45 I reviewed this one, too. Did you wonder whether the three stooges should have been The Three Stooges. My husband claims that any comparison of three people to The Stooges should have been capitalized. What do you think?

Well the three main characters are referred to as such because of their actions. The part where they get messed up while trying to lay Uncle Walt's ashes in the pouring rain does sound like something the The Stooges would've done (it was also my favourite part)

Falconcrest · Post by **Falconcrest** » 09 Sep 2019, 12:49

Thanks for an inspiring review you did the book justice. This is an amazing book. I enjoyed reading it a lot. The plot and storyline where simple, and direct. It's a great book and an awesome read.

Kathleen Wolfe · Post by **Kathleen Wolfe** » 10 Sep 2019, 05:37

Falconcrest wrote: ↑09 Sep 2019, 12:49 Thanks for an inspiring review you did the book justice. This is an amazing book. I enjoyed reading it a lot. The plot and storyline where simple, and direct. It's a great book and an awesome read.

I agree. I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for stopping by!!

Manang Muyang · Post by **Manang Muyang** » 13 Sep 2019, 00:24

I bought this book but haven't gotten past the first chapters. You reminded me I have to read it. I liked The Three Stooges! The cat is a winner too.

Kathleen Wolfe · Post by **Kathleen Wolfe** » 13 Sep 2019, 07:06

Miriam Molina wrote: ↑13 Sep 2019, 00:24 I bought this book but haven't gotten past the first chapters. You reminded me I have to read it. I liked The Three Stooges! The cat is a winner too.

Glad I could remind you.

Sherlock Holmes was a nice touch although I usually expect a dog. Thanks for stopping by Miriam!

Gabriel Merêncio · Post by **Gabriel Merêncio** » 13 Sep 2019, 11:21

Kathleen Wolfe wrote: ↑06 Sep 2019, 06:46 (Note to reader: Never read this book in public lest you guffaw in front of total strangers.)

Duly noted. Good thing I rarely even leave home, so that's one one fewer concern to have! Anyway, I enjoy fun, light-hearted mysteries, so this novel definitely piques my interest. Thanks for the review!

Kathleen Wolfe · Post by **Kathleen Wolfe** » 14 Sep 2019, 06:51

Tomah wrote: ↑13 Sep 2019, 11:21
Kathleen Wolfe wrote: ↑06 Sep 2019, 06:46 (Note to reader: Never read this book in public lest you guffaw in front of total strangers.)
Duly noted. Good thing I rarely even leave home, so that's one one fewer concern to have! Anyway, I enjoy fun, light-hearted mysteries, so this novel definitely piques my interest. Thanks for the review!

I am glad you liked it. It would be pretty awkward if you were grinning at the computer at one moment and then turn around to see someone giving you a funny look, which would probably set you off laughing even more

. Thanks for stopping by!

Aniza Butt · Post by **Aniza Butt** » 14 Sep 2019, 10:00

A crime fiction with a lot of humour!!! Count me in! Three stooges sounds interesting

. Humour is something i love to read.
Thanks for a wonderful review kathleen

Kathleen Wolfe · Post by **Kathleen Wolfe** » 15 Sep 2019, 06:15

Aniza Butt wrote: ↑14 Sep 2019, 10:00 A crime fiction with a lot of humour!!! Count me in! Three stooges sounds interesting . Humour is something i love to read.
Thanks for a wonderful review kathleen

A little bit of humour can lighten even the most dire circumstances, it really is the best medicine!

Thanks for stopping by and commenting!

Connie Otwani · Post by **Connie Otwani** » 15 Sep 2019, 21:19

A hilarious mystery? Just what I need. The professional editing is icing on the cake! Thanks for your equally hilarious review. Wait, a stark naked lawyer?

InStoree · Post by **InStoree** » 16 Sep 2019, 02:44

"One for all and all for one!" I'm ready to join the adventure of these Three Stooges. The book seems light and entertaining read with mystery elements which will make me hold my breath for seconds. Loved your review! Thanks!

Kathleen Wolfe · Post by **Kathleen Wolfe** » 16 Sep 2019, 06:33

Cotwani wrote: ↑15 Sep 2019, 21:19 A hilarious mystery? Just what I need. The professional editing is icing on the cake! Thanks for your equally hilarious review. Wait, a stark naked lawyer?

Yes a stark naked lawyer

This is one book that had me grinning from beginning to end (apart from the murders

) Thanks for stopping by!

Kathleen Wolfe · Post by **Kathleen Wolfe** » 16 Sep 2019, 06:35

InStoree wrote: ↑16 Sep 2019, 02:44 "One for all and all for one!" I'm ready to join the adventure of these Three Stooges. The book seems light and entertaining read with mystery elements which will make me hold my breath for seconds. Loved your review! Thanks!

I'm glad you liked it! Thanks for stopping by