Dead Letter

Garth Ryland Mystery #8

by John R. Riggs

Reporter Garth Ryland probes small town life when Amel Pilkin, a deaf man, is murdered only hours after he was seen at the Corner Bar and Grill in a frantic state over a mysterious letter. Reprint.

Genres: Mystery

202 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published February 1, 1992

About the author

Since 1971, John has lived in Putnam County, Indiana, currently on a small farm southeast of Greencastle. Throughout those years he has worked as a teacher, football coach , quality control foreman, carpenter, and wood-splitter. From 1979-1997 he assisted James R. Gammon of DePauw University with Gammon's landmark research on the Wabash River. Presently, as he has done for the past twenty years John works as a researcher for the DePauw University Archives.

John is author of 13 books in the Garth Ryland mystery series, several published articles, and the Bicentennial History bulletins for the Indiana United Methodist Church. His works in progress include a Garth Ryland mystery and Me ,Darst, and Alley Oop Walking the Dog, both memoirs. River Rats, a coming of age novel, set along the Wabash River in the 1950's.

Reviews

[L Y N N · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Riggs' way of confounding the resolution of each and every book with further twists and turns beyond my imagination--and they work! There is nothing outlandish or difficult to incorporate into the "reality" of the plot and the characters' personalities and behaviors. Perhaps by being so concise in his characterization, he allows the reader to believe additional interpretations beyond their expectations for each character... I would love to see Mr. Riggs and his Garth Ryland series become much better known and receive much more attention and readership. It is truly deserving! I can fully understand why someone purchased TV rights in the past! Though I'm not a TV watcher, I believe these would work well as a series, and I bet Mr. Riggs could easily provide more!! I really liked the genealogical revelations at the foundation of this story, and as usual, Garth becomes a pawn, proving that he is no "superhero," but rather a man just doing his best... Big changes in Oakalla this time around! How will Clarkie fair with his new boss? How will Garth survive without Rupert? And does Garth finally get the woman of his dreams? Or does she get him? Great mystery and as usual with Riggs, a rather intimate study of humanity.