Book Review By Duncan L.

Dieterly

Killing the Blues by Michael Brandman

The author writes about Jesse Stone, the blunt, autonomous, police chief of Paradise, Massachusetts. A character created by the late Robert B. Parker; who has appeared in a series of Parkers previous mystery novels. Jesse is a divorced LAPD burnout who has a drinking problem, uses force when necessary and prefers justice over legal rigor. The plot follows the usual Stone moral predicaments, including the Paradise citizens concern to have a successful summer tourist season. A newly released California convicts arrival in town compounds the situation. He justifiable feels that he has a grudge to settle with Jesse. Jesse, his arresting officer, who was working in LA at the time, was under the influence and had beaten him excessively. Jesses most pressing problem however, is the sudden invasion of his community by a car boosting gang from the big city. They inadvertently kill the owners of one car during a theft creates a serious public relations problem since the towns tourist season is approaching. Jesses creativity in solving legal dilemmas goes without question but his wiliness to resolve issues by using the bad guys to assist him is not that commendable. His girlfriend is off on a long work assignment out of town. He flirts with the newly hired PR consultant to the city. She has big plans for promoting the city and is a feisty young lady equal to Jesse. Jesse has murders to solve, which he does. His shrink, a retired cop, always available, advises him indirectly. While his friend, Captain, Healy, the state homicide commander provides him professional support. Predictably, Jesse takes things into his own hands to make sure justice prevails, resolving all the towns current criminal issues. Brandman, Michael Killing the Blues, G.P. Putmans Son: New York, 2011. 274 pages. Rating: 4 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Type: Mystery Novel June 28, 2012