Help! A review is killing me . . . well, kind of . . .

My newest Mick Murphy Key West Mystery, To Beat the Devil, has been selling well and the reviews on Amazon are positive, all but one that is. So, why does the one negative review continue to bother me? It’s not a bad review, it’s a nasty review and has drawn a few comments from people who disagree with the review. They are supporting my book, but still it bothers me.

It seems, he finds the idea of a conspiracy between government agencies a farce and he mentions snipers as if they were part of the story. I do mention that the local cops may put snipers out there and let it go at that, but it seemed to distract this reader from the book’s other 360 pages.

I have to assume that the reviewer does little besides read books. If he bothered to watch TV news or read newspapers, he would be aware that government agencies are practicing, on a daily basis, much more than my plot indicates and that’s within our borders. If the idea that a handful of rogue government employees wouldn’t put their interests above the safety and lives of common citizen, seems conspiratorial, he needs to catch up on the real word – and I ain’t talking about a dumb TV reality show!

I have good reviews that should comfort me, but the one bitching and complaining is what has stuck in my craw. It’s not as if I read the review and became aware of a mistake. No, it’s a nasty review by someone who must receive enjoyment out of bitching.

My wife and friends tell me it’s because I want everyone to like my books. True, but I know that’s not realistic and won’t happen.

Okay, all you couch shrinks out there, what is my problem and how do I let go of this horse’s butt? You know, it’s kind of like getting a song you really don’t like stuck in your head all day long and you don’t know why or how to get rid of it.

Help!

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