Ketchum and Cobb: A Boston Crime Novel

by James Mullen

For nine days in October of 1990, two Boston homicide detectives, Ketchum and Cobb, investigate the brutal murder of a South Boston man in his living room. For each, the case knifes through the middle of their lives. With Cobb, it's heavy weather and high seas because he's grieving over his son's suicide from four years ago. With Ketchum, it's a chance at some sunshine - he thinks he's found the love of his life, but his heart hesitates. Will she really be attracted to a guy like me, he wonders? As they encounter characters in a South Boston bar who have tenuous connections to the dark side of Boston, they lighten the demands of the job through banter and philosophically posit important questions such as why, with three million people, you can't get a decent pizza in Chicago? Or more importantly, why are there no cheerleaders in baseball?

Genres: Mystery

296 pages, Paperback

First published April 18, 2013

Reviews

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, I really liked this book but then I'm originally from Massachusetts. I enjoyed discovering new tidbits about the Boston area. I am a fan of Quincy Market and all its food and other vendors. Don't get stuck on the ramp/bridge leading into Boston on a Friday evening while a Red Sox game is scheduled especially if you have to use the restroom!

It's true. People from Mass say tonic and not soda. I was delighted to be reminded of the way people from Mass pronounce many words, leaving out the r's. ("Pahk the cah" instead of Park the car.) If you are a long-time resident there, you don't even notice it.

I liked Ketchum and Cobb; They work well togethers. Jimmy and Bren have their flaws and that's what makes them likable. In this (in what I hope is the first in a series) Jimmy and Bren investigate the murder of a man in his South Boston home. During the investigation, much of Boston is revealed. What the homes and neighborhoods are like. You can just picture yourself taking in the sights, sounds, and smells as you travel with the detectives along Boston's busy streets.

This book is quite the delight for people who are familiar with Boston and its surrounding cities, and for those who want to learn a bit about the Bay State.

And, oh yes...The book is wicked good!

[Sharon Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very good characterization, good presentation of the camaraderie that develops between working partners and believable dialogue.

Storyline read well and the plot worked to keep me interested. Good summer entertainment.

[Bronsen Hawkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summary/First Reactions: When an older man is murdered in his home, Detectives Jimmy Ketchum and Brendan Cobb are put on the case. I have literally been laughing the entire time while reading this novel. I have never read something so engaging while at the same time being aware of itself. This fact is made true in the first couple of pages with Cobb warning us that Ketchum takes forever to get to a point. And two chapters later he finally gets there. I couldn't contain my laughter. I felt exactly what Cobb was feeling at that time and found myself agreeing with every word. And the way Boston is described makes me feel like I've actually been there. The amount of description that Mullen uses can sometimes be overbearing, but for the most part is refreshing. I loved almost everything about this work of literature, and I would recommend it to anybody.

The Good: Great dialogue between the characters themselves. Descriptions are clear and elaborate. Loved the setting and themes. Kept me addicted for some time.

The Bad: Descriptions, though elaborate, sometimes felt long winded.

Overall: Ketchum and Cobb is a hilarious mix between Murder She Wrote and Law & Order. You won't go wrong picking this up and giving it a read.

Rating: 4.5/5 Great read

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I should start this review by saying that I was fortunate to receive a free copy of this book through the Goodreads First Reads Giveaway program.

The year is 1990 and homicide detectives Jimmy Ketchum and Brendan Cobb are assigned to investigate the brutal murder of a South Boston man. Without the aid of cell phones, DNA analysis, or national crime databases, Ketchum and Cobb‘s investigation leads them around greater Boston area, as they to interview witnesses and follow up on leads.

This book gives you a real sense of being in 1990 Boston, from the clothing and cars to the attitudes and opinions of the characters. The main characters were complex and believable and the interactions between them were thoroughly entertaining. I would recommend this book to those who enjoy crime fiction/suspense novels.

[Lee Holz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ketchum and Cobb is a police procedural that blends the traditions of the genre with modern sensibilities. The action is frequent, graphic and violent, yet the characters are fully developed with the complexity and sensitivities (or lack of them) readers have come to expect in a contemporary novel. The period of the story appears to be the late 1970s or early 1980s before cell phones and when pay phones were abundant. Both detectives are fairly recent Vietnam veterans and have occasional flashbacks provoked by violent encounters with criminals. All in all, it’s a good mystery and a highly enjoyable read.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for free as part of the goodreads first reads giveaway. This book reminded me of watching the first episode of a police drama. I enjoyed the characters and the action went at a good pace. I would recommend this book to fans of police dramas and crime fiction.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ketchum And Cobb by James Mullen
Goodread author

Jimmy Ketchum and Brendan Cobb are two detectives in Boston that are investigating a murder.
The writer has a truly marvelous way of weaving humor into the detectives daily lives. I loved
the banter between the two. Great story!

[Kay · Rating 3 out of 5]

1990. Boston murder and two policemen's lives.