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Wings in the Dark

(A Jake & Laura Mystery #3)

Michael Murphy (Goodreads Author)

4.12 · Rating details · 103 ratings · 54 reviews

Witty and stylish in the classic Dashiell Hammett tradition, Michael Murphy’s latest high-flying Jake & Laura mystery features a Hawaiian honeymoon that’s interrupted when their friend Amelia Earhart is accused of murder.

Hawaii, 1935. Mystery novelist Jake Donovan and actress Laura Wilson are in gorgeous sun-soaked Hawaii, but their best-laid plans for canoodling on the b ...more

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ebook, 214 pages

Published July 14th 2015 by Alibi

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Apr 07, 2015 Magdalena aka A Bookaholic Swede rated it liked it

Shelves: read-2015

Mystery novelist Jake Donovan and actress Laura Wilson are back in Wings in the Dark, the third book in the Jake & Laura mystery series. The newly wed couple are are in Hawaii on a honeymoon when they get pulled in to investigate a murder at a hanger. Hank Kalua, a businessman has been shot and the police are suspecting Amelia Earhart and now they must find proof that she is innocent.

After reading All that Glitters, the second book in this series was I really looking forward to reading the seque Mystery novelist Jake Donovan and actress Laura Wilson are back in Wings in the Dark, the third book in the Jake & Laura mystery series. The newly wed couple are are in Hawaii on a honeymoon when they get pulled in to investigate a murder at a hanger. Hank Kalua, a businessman has been shot and the police are suspecting Amelia Earhart and now they must find proof that she is innocent.

After reading All that Glitters, the second book in this series was I really looking forward to reading the sequel and I was especially happy that Amelia Earhart that showed up in the end of All that Glitters was part of this book. Jake and Laura are a wonderful couple and they have finally tied the knot and are on a honeymoon with no planes whatsoever to get involved in a murder that is until a man dies close to Amelia Earhart plane and she was the only on there. Still Jake has promised Laura, no more dangerous cases, but Amelia husband will not take no for an answer and pressure Jake's agent to make Jake take the case. So now Jake and Laura must put their honeymoon on hold to find out who really shot Hank Kalua. Why did the man get shot, is someone trying to frame Amelia and is there a spy in Hawaii?

It was nice to read a new Jake and Laura book, but I found the case in this book less interesting and much easier to crack than the previous book. I knew from the beginning who the spy was and that in many ways ruined the books story for me. It is one thing to suspect a character in a book, it's another to be quite sure of the identity of the one everyone is looking for. For one thing, there wasn't that many people in the book to suspect, not enough red herrings and that made the identification of the spy easy to figure out.

But, I was a bit surprised in the end when Jake figured out something in the case that I hadn't though of. Also, even though the case was not the strongest part of the book is it always nice to read about a time I'm really fond of. And, the cameos of Shirley Temple and General George Patton was a nice touch. Also, the appearance of another famous person towards the end was quite interesting. Makes me wonder what the next book will be about.

So in my humble opinion, not as good and charming as All that Glitters, but a decent read. I still have the first book unread and I'm looking forward to reading that one.

I received this copy from the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review! Thank you! ...more

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Apr 07, 2015 The Shayne-Train rated it it was amazing

Shelves: netgalley

A new location, the same old brilliance.

Jake and Laura could go anywhere, anywhere, and the results would be the same. They could be in Utah, Istanbul, or goddamned Narnia. Regardless, they'll have a rollicking noir adventure that I'll be delighted to share with them.

This time, it's the beautiful and exotic Hawaii. It has three vowels next to each other at the end of the word. Exotic. Boom.

All the swell things that I've come to expect from Mr. Murphy are here: the twisty-turny murder mystery, th ...more

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Apr 10, 2015 Bill rated it it was amazing

Travel to Hawaii in 1935 to join mystery writer and former PI Jake Donovan and actress Laura Wilson as they try and help their friend Amelia Earhart take her historic flight from Hawaii to California.

In Hawaii for their honeymoon, Jake and Laura get a call from their friend, Amelia Earhart; someone has murdered one of her backers in her hanger feet from her plane.

Worried someone is out to stop her historic flight, Jake and Laura, despite their honeymoon, decide to help their friend, and begin to ...more

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Jul 10, 2015 Reading Reindeer 2021 On Proxima Centauri rated it it was amazing

Shelves: a1-i-own-books, a1-netgalley, armchair-new-england, armchair-hawaii, a1-by-author-request-reviewed, 2015_reads, tbr-challenge_2015, 2015_world_book_challenge_lp, 2015_alternate-history, july-2015_reads

Review: WINGS IN THE DARK by Michael Murphy (A Jake and Laura Mystery #3)

Prolific novelist Michael Murphy is also a research mavens, bringing past eras vividly to life. In this installment of his delightful Jake and Laura Mystery series, the dynamic couple enjoy a gorgeous tropical vacation in Hawaii. Remember, this is 1935, the height of the Great Depression, 6 years before Pearl Harbor, 2 years before pilot Amelia Earhart s disappearance. Speaking of Amelia, the female pioneer pilot is a great ...more

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Jun 06, 2015 Lynx rated it liked it

Shelves: kindle, edelweiss-netgalley, cozy-mystery

Mystery author Jake Donovan and Hollywood starlet Laura Wilson have decided to spend their honeymoon in beautiful Hawaii, lazing in the sun, going out dancing and visiting their good friend Amelia Earhart. It’s a fresh start, with Jake promising Laura he’s through with Detective work. That is until a man is murdered and the finger is pointed in Amelia’s direction. While both aren’t too happy to be thrown into the middle of things it doesn’t take long for the duo to team up Nick & Nora style and ...more

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Apr 09, 2015 Debbie rated it really liked it

Shelves: net-galley-books, ebooks

I love the Jake and Laura mysteries. There's always some parts of nonfiction mixed in with the fiction. And the name dropping is all over the place. The stories put you back in the glamorous Hollywood days and add a lot of fiction to events actually going on during that time.

Sometimes, Jake can be a little cheesy, as well as the story, but they are still both very entertaining. Jake's wisecracking thoughts are at times laugh out loud hilarious. You always know what he's thinking. I stumbled ont ...more

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Apr 16, 2015 Cindy rated it it was amazing

Once again, Mr Murphy concocts a compelling story with eminently likeable characters. The plot is wonderfully twisty, the story is multi-layered and addictive.
I personally can't wait for the next Jake & Laura story! ...more

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Apr 08, 2015 Donna Davis rated it really liked it

Shelves: historical-fiction, mystery-crime-fict-etc, reviewed, n-galley-invitation, net-galley, blogged, ya, arc-random-house-a

Michael Murphy’s Jake and Laura series is both engaging and interesting, the best blend of historical fiction and detective fiction I’ve seen in a long time. Until I got halfway through, it was headed for the land of five stars, and I am not sure how objectively I’ve been able to review it since that point. But I went with my gut, and ultimately, when it comes to fiction, that’s what every reader uses to judge a book. Thank you to Random House, Net Galley, and the author for permitting me a snea Michael Murphy’s Jake and Laura series is both engaging and interesting, the best blend of historical fiction and detective fiction I’ve seen in a long time. Until I got halfway through, it was headed for the land of five stars, and I am not sure how objectively I’ve been able to review it since that point. But I went with my gut, and ultimately, when it comes to fiction, that’s what every reader uses to judge a book. Thank you to Random House, Net Galley, and the author for permitting me a sneak peek; this title will be available to the public August 31. I rate this 3.5 stars, rounded up.

Jake Donovan, our intrepid detective-turned-novelist, is working on his latest Blackie Doyle novel, but he takes a break from work to honeymoon with his bride, the famous actress Laura Wilson. He has sworn off detective work at her insistence, and has decided he likes being a novelist better, anyway. Fate intervenes, however, when Laura’s good friend, Amelia Earhart, finds a man dead near her plane.

It’s shaping up to be a really great story. At this point, I am noticing the level of historical detail, and thinking of this as potentially great classroom material. A number of public schools teach language arts and history in a block simply titled “Literacy”, and since so many young folks have reading skills that aren’t up to snuff, sometimes the best way to teach history is by partnering it with historical fiction. The book is clean enough that no one is going to race to the nearest school board meeting to complain; no explicit sex. The possibility is exciting, for teenagers and perhaps also for the author and publisher. There are some wonderful, positive depictions of women, who were active in non-traditional roles during this time period. What a great book for teens as well as adults!

It was then that I ran into the “J” word. Here, once I got past the slapped-out-of-nowhere feeling that racist terms generally evoke, I asked myself whether the historical circumstances of the novel merited the inclusion of this term in place of the correct term, “Japanese”. I also reminded myself that the rest of the book might be free of the term, and I could just push past it, as sometimes one must, and return to an appreciation of the story’s period flavor and nicely woven plot.

The problem here is that the word kept popping up in nonessential places, as if it were a bit of window dressing, and it was accompanied by some rather nasty language about that group. And again, it was a word used commonly during the time period by Caucasians and some others. For that matter, so was a lot of racially and ethnically derogatory language; even in the early 1960’s, I can recall hearing casual conversations peppered with anti-Black, anti-Jew, anti-Italian terms when nobody was angry; it was just the way some white folks talked without even thinking. But most writers today would not choose to evoke that part of history in their writing. The harm outweighs the usefulness. In Wings in the Dark, the only place that it might have been contextually useful is when General Patton enters and leaves again, spewing his trademark xenophobic profanity behind him. But neither Patton nor his profanity is really key to the story line, either.

I think about what I like to read; here on the west coast of the USA, most cities have a fairly hefty number of Asians and Pacific Islanders, and this was true of the district in which I taught history and literature until my recent retirement. I could never put this in their hands. What a terrible thing to do to them. And it’s a shame, because they would have enjoyed reading about Amelia Earhart. In fact, there is a magnet school dedicated to aviation and partnered with Boeing. Less the anti-Japanese slurs, they might have made great use of this book; with it, I could see students looking down and away; I could see parents coming to school or to board meetings looking for an explanation.

Apart from the term—which hit me harder than it will most Caucasian readers—this is a strong piece of fiction. The pacing, dialogue, and character development are all strong. There are red herrings that I nibbled on and was fooled by, and the ending is about right; at least I think it is. Again, I struggled with objectivity. But I think without the four places that hit my ouch-button, I would have enjoyed the second half of this novel as thoroughly as I enjoyed the first half.

...more

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May 30, 2015 Daniel rated it it was amazing

Shelves: mystery, historical-fiction

This review originally published in Looking For a Good Book. Rated 4.75 of 5

Jake and Laura, who have become my favorite detecting couple, are up to their necks in another mystery in Michael Murphy's Wings in the Dark.

Now married and off to have some alone time for their honeymoon, Jake and Laura are trying to enjoy their anonymity when their friend Amelia Earhart, who is planning a record-breaking feat (which could do much to galvanize a country that's been rocked by the depression) asks for the This review originally published in Looking For a Good Book. Rated 4.75 of 5

Jake and Laura, who have become my favorite detecting couple, are up to their necks in another mystery in Michael Murphy's Wings in the Dark.

Now married and off to have some alone time for their honeymoon, Jake and Laura are trying to enjoy their anonymity when their friend Amelia Earhart, who is planning a record-breaking feat (which could do much to galvanize a country that's been rocked by the depression) asks for their help when she's surrounded by murder and sabotage. Anonymity was nice when they were trying to lie low and relax, but when they get involved in helping their friend, seeking assistance from the local police becomes a challenge.

Author Murphy does an absolutely fantastic job of taking historical moments and figures and blending in a mystery story that has all the excitement and toughness of a period detective story while appealing to the modern reader. In this book Murphy shines by placing the action in a more confined area -- the island of Hawaii -- while presenting a much broader story arc; and the savvy reader will understand the implications and how Jake and Laura have been placed at the precipice of the second world war.

It's difficult to pin-point just what it is about a Jake & Laura Mystery novel that appeals In the first book, I think I was definitely attracted to the characters -- specifically the real figures in history and how much fun Murphy had with them. Though real historical figures appear in the second book, I was definitely more attracted to the story and the development of the main characters. This third book builds on all of these things, as well as building on the historical events of the period and weaving in Jake and Laura, making them integral to history as we know it. It is fascinating, and it is fun.

I read a lot of good books, but there are very few books or authors for whom I will buy their newest release, without question. Michael Murphy and the Jake & Laura series has joined that rank of 'must buys.' The only downside? The books appear to only be released in electronic format, meaning I can't very easily share them with friends and get them hooked on the series as well.

Looking for a good book? If the Jake & Laura Mystery series isn't already on your "must have" list, it should be, and Wings in the Dark soars at the top of a crowded field of mystery series'.

I received an electronic copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
...more

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Jun 16, 2015 Crittermom rated it it was amazing

With a nod to Dashiell Hammet's iconic Thin Man, Michael Murphy's Jake & Laura mystery series are a treat for those who enjoy their mysteries with a splash of wit, a dash of old Hollywood glamor, and a large dose of chemistry. While not a screwball comedy, Wings in the Dark has many of the classic elements that made The Thin Man a beloved legend – a charming couple, a thrilling mystery, shady suspects, action, humor, and more than a touch of romance.

Hawaii, 1935. Jake Donovan is a full-time myst With a nod to Dashiell Hammet's iconic Thin Man, Michael Murphy's Jake & Laura mystery series are a treat for those who enjoy their mysteries with a splash of wit, a dash of old Hollywood glamor, and a large dose of chemistry. While not a screwball comedy, Wings in the Dark has many of the classic elements that made The Thin Man a beloved legend – a charming couple, a thrilling mystery, shady suspects, action, humor, and more than a touch of romance.

Hawaii, 1935. Jake Donovan is a full-time mystery writer, having put aside his past as a PI and Pinkerton agent. Hollywood has made Laura Wilson a household name, known for her beauty and her talent as an actress. The chemistry between these charming newlyweds is clear, as is their shared talent for landing in and getting out of sticky situations.

When Laura's friend Amelia Earhart calls asking the two for help, Laura and Jake put their honeymoon plans on hold. One of the backers for her flight, a local Hawaiian businessman, has been found dead at the foot of her plane. The murder threatens to prevent Earhart from making aviation history – a direct flight from Honolulu to Los Angeles. Jake and Laura agree to investigate. They quickly discover that the victim had more than a few secrets, and more than a few enemies – an angry mistress, a brother jealous of his inheritance, Royalists angry at his American connections, and more. Far more troubling is that he might not have been the intended victim. Not everyone wants Amelia Earhart's flight across the Pacific to be successful.

More than a few famous figures play a role in Wings in the Dark, much to my delight. The novel is a fun read, with a nice dose of history thrown in.

I highly recommend Wings in the Dark to anyone who enjoys light mysteries with a dose of humor and romance.

5/5

Wings in the Dark is the third Jake & Laura Mystery. It is available for preorder and will be released July 14, 2015.

I received a copy of Wings in the Dark from the publisher and Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.

--Crittermom ...more

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Jun 17, 2015 Elaine rated it it was amazing

Shelves: adult, contemporary, mystery, suspense, thriller, murder, adventure, authors-to-look-out-for, detective

WOW! Superb mystery story that I thoroughly enjoyed! The writing style is witty and very appropriate to the era in which the mystery is set. I loved the references to actual historical characters and events like Amelia Earhart, Patton, Hoover, the depression, Japanese expansionism, and the like which are interwoven throughout the story. I hadn’t realised that Hawaii used to have a royal family so learnt whilst enjoying the mystery. An enthralling mystery with strong characters, a complex plot an ...more

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May 20, 2015 Bree Garcia rated it really liked it

Shelves: mystery, historical-fiction

I just...I love these books so much.

Jake and Laura are in Hawaii, celebrating their honeymoon, thinking that they can get away from the glitz and glamour of their new lives. When Amelia Earhart calls them, however, they're dragged into a world of murder, seduction, and worldwide problems. Jake has to find the killer of one of Hawaii's top businessmen, all while making sure Amelia's historic flight goes off unhitched. Laura just wants to have a perfect honeymoon with her new husband, taking in th ...more

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Apr 25, 2015 Nancy Neumann rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2015-reads

Thanks to Net Galley and Ransom House for making this available for an honest review.

More great fun with Jake and Laura.

Finally married, Jake and Laura are honeymooning in Hawaii when Amelia Earhart, of all people, gets involved in a murder. Earhart reaches out to her friend Laura and her new husband to help solve the case. In the course of story, we come across Hawaiian royalists and Japanese spies. All making for a very entertaining adventure. My only complaint is that there never seems to be ...more

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May 19, 2015 Jay Williams rated it it was amazing

The fun continues s Jake and Laura tie the knot and honeymoon in Hawaii. America has not entered the war yet, and Hawaii is a mix of ethnicities. When a prominent businessman is killed in Amelia Earhart's hanger, she turns to her close friend, Laura, to get Jake on the case. There are all the twists and turns you have learned to expect from Murphy, and a palette of potential murderers. The characters are interesting and well-developed, the plot leaves doubt right up to the end, and the conclusio ...more

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May 09, 2015 Cathy rated it it was amazing

Jake and Laura are just as exciting as they were in the first novel. I love this series, Jake and Laura's banter, and how Murphy makes the reader laugh and cringe at the same time. The dips into history are fascinating, and beg the reader to learn just a bit more. Anyone who is a fan of Cussler's Isaac Bell series, will enjoy these as well. Similar history-mystery feel, yet a touch cozier. ...more

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Jun 24, 2015 Trisha Perry rated it it was amazing

This was a awesome book, it picked up right where the last book left off. I love this old style nior mixed with the suspense and debonair of the main characters. Michael Murphy has a way with word whether it be for adults or kids his books never disappoint and this one is no exception.

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Jul 25, 2015 Marlene rated it really liked it

Originally published at Reading Reality

Jake Donovan always tries to convince himself that whatever case he has walked, or in this case been strong-armed, into, it’s always going to be his last. For the good version of last, that he will have given up being a private detective and is now a full-time, and quite successful, author of hard-boiled mysteries.

His new wife Laura Winston is rightfully afraid that one of these cases will be his last, for the bad definition of last, that he’ll get himself ...more

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Jul 30, 2015 Victor Gentile rated it it was amazing

Michael Murphy in his new book, “Wings In The Dark” Book Three in the Jake & Laura Mystery Series published by Alibi gives us another adventure with Jake Donovan & Laura Wilson.

From the back cover: Witty and stylish in the classic Dashiell Hammett tradition, Michael Murphy’s latest high-flying Jake & Laura mystery features a Hawaiian honeymoon that’s interrupted when their friend Amelia Earhart is accused of murder.

Hawaii, 1935. Mystery novelist Jake Donovan and actress Laura Wilson are in gorge Michael Murphy in his new book, “Wings In The Dark” Book Three in the Jake & Laura Mystery Series published by Alibi gives us another adventure with Jake Donovan & Laura Wilson.

From the back cover: Witty and stylish in the classic Dashiell Hammett tradition, Michael Murphy’s latest high-flying Jake & Laura mystery features a Hawaiian honeymoon that’s interrupted when their friend Amelia Earhart is accused of murder.

Hawaii, 1935. Mystery novelist Jake Donovan and actress Laura Wilson are in gorgeous sun-soaked Hawaii, but their best-laid plans for canoodling on the beach are interrupted by a summons from famed aviatrix Amelia Earhart. It seems a local businessman has been gunned down next to her plane. In just days, the famous pilot intends to fly from Honolulu to Los Angeles, making aviation history over the Pacific. But now, without Jake and Laura’s help, Earhart’s flight might never take off.

Trailing a killer, the newlyweds’ sleuthing leads to a jealous pilot, a cigar-chomping female officer of the “Royalist Militia,” and a notoriously disagreeable lieutenant colonel named Patton. With a sinister killer lurking in the shadows, it’s safe to say the honeymoon is over . . . and the danger has just begun.

It is 1935 and Jake and Laura have now arrived in Hawaii for their honeymoon after the events of the second book, “All That Glitters”. Don’t worry you can read this all by itself and it will be just fine. Though I do recommend that you read the previous two books just for the sheer enjoyment of it. In terms of history there is a lot going on: they are at the height of the Great Depression, they are six years before Pearl Harbor and two years before pilot Amelia Earhart disappears. None of this matters to them so much as they are on vacation. However there is a murder and it seems that Laura’s friend Amelia Earhart is framed and the only one who can solve this is Jake. “Wings In The Dark” is a top-notch thriller filled with frame-ups, mystery and murder. Mr. Murphy really knows how to write a good story and he has the uncanny ability to transport you back in time so that you feel that you are there. Jake and Laura as well as the other characters in this book are so well done you would swear they are real. I am so glad to have found Michael Murphy and am looking forward to the next book in this series.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Enchanted Book Promotions. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” ...more

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Jul 12, 2015 Linda Baker rated it really liked it

Shelves: historical-fiction, mystery

Jake and Laura are finally married and hoping for a quiet honeymoon of sun and fun in 1935 Hawaii. Jake's background as a Pinkerton and new career as mystery writer along with Laura's acting skills make them formidable if reluctant crime solvers. Of course, the two have friends everywhere; this time it's Amelia Earhart, who is preparing for a solo flight across the Pacific. When they visit her at the hangar just a couple of nights before she is planning to take off they discover a murder victim, ...more

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Aug 05, 2015 Laura rated it really liked it

Shelves: cozy-mysteries-read

This exciting historical action mystery can easily be enjoyed as a stand alone.
I am sure that once you meet Jake and Laura you will want to dive into their other adventures.

On the surface, the story revolves around Amelia Earhart's 1935 attempt to fly solo across the Pacific Ocean. Amelia and Laura Wilson, well known, beautiful actress, have become friends. With Laura and new husband, mystery writer Jake Donovan, in Hawaii on their honeymoon at the same time as Amelia's flight, of course they wi ...more

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Jul 19, 2015 Susan Johnston rated it really liked it

I'm getting really fond of this series. The two celebrities- he a famous author and she a famous actress- are on their honeymoon in Hawaii. One of her friends, famous aviatrex, Amelia Earhart, needs her help. Amelia is set to fly from Hawaii to California, a feat so far unaccomplished, but her flight may be shot down when a local businessman is found murdered beside her plane and she is the only other known person in the hanger at the time.
Mr; Murphy likes to blend the fictional with the factual ...more

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Jul 23, 2015 Kathy rated it really liked it

I really liked this book. It is an old-fashioned mystery in the fashion of Raymond Chandler or Dashiell Hammett. A historical mystery taking place in 1935, Jake (the main character, a former Pinkerton agent, a self-described "gumshoe", and a mystery writer) and his wife (a Hollywood movie star and confidant of Amelia Earhart)get involved in a homicide investigation. The murder takes place in Amelia Earhart's hanger several days before she is to attempt to fly solo across the Pacific from Hawaii ...more

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Jul 12, 2015 Jennifer Garlen rated it really liked it

Michael Murphy brings us another fun, fast-paced mystery starring Jake and Laura, now on their honeymoon in Hawaii. Although the island setting removes the protagonists from most of the Hollywood scene, we do get Amelia Earhart as the friend who needs Jake to dust off his detective skills once again. Then as now, politics are complicated in Hawaii, and Jake and Laura get drawn into plenty of tricky situations with Royalist Hawaiians, American government agents, and mysterious Japanese spies.

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Apr 18, 2015 James rated it it was amazing

Jake and Laura take us on another thrill ride this time in the Pacific Ocean!

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Jan 15, 2019 Julia David rated it really liked it

I really like Jake and Laura and all the people they meet in their travels. Jake and Laura are in Hawaii on their honeymoon. Amelia Earhart has asked for their help when one of her backers turns up dead in her hanger. Jake keeps promising Laura that he won't do any more sleuthing, but things just happen to pull him back into that life. And she goes right along with him. As they try to find the killer, they uncover more and more intrigue. Good story. ...more

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Oct 09, 2015 OpenBookSociety.com rated it really liked it

Shelves: andra

http://openbooksociety.com/article/wi...

Wings In The Dark
A Jake & Laura Mystery, Book #3
By Michael Murphy
ISBN13: 9780553393378
Author’s Website: http://www.mjmurphy.com
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra

Synopsis:
Witty and stylish in the classic Dashiell Hammett tradition, Michael Murphy’s latest high-flying Jake & Laura mystery features a Hawaiian honeymoon that’s interrupted when their friend Amelia Earhart is accused of murder.

Hawaii, 1935. Mystery novelist Jake Donovan and actress Laura Wil ...more

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Aug 06, 2015 Peter Faur rated it it was amazing

Shelves: mystery

Over the past year and a half, Phoenix-based mystery writer Michael Murphy and his publisher, Alibi (a division of Random House), have issued three novels in Michael's Jake & Laura mystery series. I've read them all, and I gladly recommend them to you.

The latest, Wings in the Dark, incorporates all the elements that make these books such fun - exciting locations, colorful characters (including a few drawn from the pages of history), snappy dialogue, and mysteries worthy of the name.

Each novel is Over the past year and a half, Phoenix-based mystery writer Michael Murphy and his publisher, Alibi (a division of Random House), have issued three novels in Michael's Jake & Laura mystery series. I've read them all, and I gladly recommend them to you.

The latest, Wings in the Dark, incorporates all the elements that make these books such fun - exciting locations, colorful characters (including a few drawn from the pages of history), snappy dialogue, and mysteries worthy of the name.

Each novel is written from the point of view of Jake Donovan, a former private eye turned mystery writer. He's done well with a series of novels about Blackie Doyle. By the time we get to novel three, he's also persuaded the love of his life, Broadway actress and movie star Laura Wilson, to marry him. Their trip to Hawaii in 1935 was meant to be their honeymoon, but as always seems to happen to Jake, he gets pulled into a murder investigation. This time, the victim is a local businessman who's helping to bankroll Amelia Earhart's historic flight from Hawaii to the U.S. mainland.

Jake has supposedly given up sleuthing, but his work moves the case along farther and faster than anything done by the Hawaiian police. Laura's okay with Jake's involvement for two reasons. She's a bit of an amateur detective herself. More important, if the case isn't solved, her friend Amelia could be the killer's next victim, and Amelia's history-making flight will never occur.

There are plenty of suspects - Hawaiian royalists, who resent the growing prominence and power of the U.S. in the islands; the Japanese government, who believes America is building a Pacific empire that must be stopped; Amelia's female mechanic, who has aviation aspirations of her own; the victim's brother, who got short shrift in the family will; and a few more.

Amelia and her husband, publisher George Putnam, play prominent roles in the book. George Patton also makes a few appearances, and his proximity to a successful close to the case just might have contributed to his promotion from colonel to general!

If you're a fan of Nick and Nora Charles, you'll enjoy Michael's work. The fourth book in the series, The Big Brush-Off, will be published next February. Do yourself a favor. Read the first three between now and then, and you'll be salivating for the next book. ...more

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Aug 17, 2015 Zeb Kantrowitz rated it liked it

Shelves: netgalley-read

note: this was a free eBook from NetGalley
Jake and Laura have finally been married (though Jake resents being called Mr Wilson) and are able to go on a honeymoon to Hawaii. They have booked a private cottage right on the beach at Waikiki. But when they arrive at their hotel they have a request from Amelia Earhart to come see her. Earhart is planning a flight from Hawaii to Los Angeles, hoping to help show that flights across the Pacific are viable for commercial flights.

Amelia has been accused ...more

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Jul 09, 2015 Margot rated it really liked it

Shelves: mystery

My Reason For Reading This Book:

I’ve read the first two books in this great new mystery series and I had to keep going. The two main characters are worth spending time with. They are former private investigator and mystery writer, Jake Donavan, and Broadway and Hollywood actress, Laura Wilson. The stories are set in the 1930s. Each book has featured the fictional side of real (and famous) people.

What the Book Is About:

It’s 1935. Jake and Laura are finally married and are now on their honeymoon i ...more

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Sep 03, 2015 John Purvis rated it really liked it

“Wings in the Dark” eBook was published in 2015 and was written by Michael Murphy (http://mjmurphy.com). This is Mr. Murphy’s third novel in the “Jake & Laura” Mystery series.

I obtained a galley of this novel for review through https://www.netgalley.com. I would categorize this novel as ‘PG’ as there are mild instances of Mature Language and Violence. This Mystery novel is set in 1930s Hawaii and picks up only a few weeks after the second novel in the series “All That Glitters” ends. The primar ...more

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About Michael Murphy

Michael Murphy

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Journey back to the bright lights and dark alleys of Prohibition-era New York City, in the first Jake and Laura mystery, The Yankee Club. http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/boo...

If you'd like to get to know Jake and Laura better, take a sneak peak.

FACEBOOK AUTHOR PAGE
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