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A Nick Williams Mystery #12
The Excluded Exile
Monday, February 21, 1955
Nick and Carter are Down Under in Sydney at summer's end and are looking forward to finally having time to spend at the beach so Carter can get in some surfing while Nick works on his tan as a surf widow.
Everything is going to plan until they forget to make it look like they slept in both beds and are asked to leave their hotel. Fortunately, they're able to rent a house in the Eastern Suburbs atop a cliff that is two hundred feet above the Pacific. The house is perfect, with new furniture, an ocean-facing sunroom, and a housekeeper.
But then it starts to rain. And a dead body turns up in the kitchen, clobbered with a cast-iron skillet.
The questions start piling up. Who cleaned up the blood after the body was removed? Whose car is that parked at the end of the street? Will they ever make it to the beach?
In the end, it's another trans-Pacific adventure for Nick and Carter that leads home in a number of unexpected ways.
302 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 29, 2017
33 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
About the author
Frank W. Butterfield
123 books106 followersFrank W. Butterfield, not an assumed name, loves old movies, wise-cracking smart guys with hearts of gold, and writing for fun.
Although he worships San Francisco, he lives at the beach on another coast.
Born on a windy day in November of 1966, he was elected President of his high school Spanish Club in the spring of 1983.
After moving across these United States like a rapid-fire pinball, he currently makes his home in a hurricane-proof apartment with superior water pressure that was built in 1926.
While he hasn't met any dolphins personally, that invitation is always open.
Although he worships San Francisco, he lives at the beach on another coast.
Born on a windy day in November of 1966, he was elected President of his high school Spanish Club in the spring of 1983.
After moving across these United States like a rapid-fire pinball, he currently makes his home in a hurricane-proof apartment with superior water pressure that was built in 1926.
While he hasn't met any dolphins personally, that invitation is always open.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
September 30, 2017
The Excluded Exile (Nick Williams #12)
By Frank W. Butterfield
By the author 2014
Four stars
So, why is it that Frank Butterfield’s books appeal to me so much? The very idea of book twelve in a series is absurd…but this, to me, has become like a television show that I just can’t miss. Butterfield’s fertile mind keeps churning, and his attention to detail just gets better. That’s how this long storyline works…and indeed we’ve only covered two years of real time in a dozen books.
This time we’re in Australia, having accomplished the adventure in Asia (or, the Orient as it used to be called). Nick and Carter and their merry men seem to be one step ahead of the law, complicated by a mysterious shadow who, in his defense of Nick’s honor, isn’t afraid to start a body count. Our boys escape to Australia in order to have a few days of respite from the constant battle to bring truth and justice to the people about whom they care. All they want is a little vacation.
Sorry, Nick.
I confess, for the first third of “The Excluded Exile” was wasn’t quite sure what the point was, other than rather shockingly reminding us that good old Aussies were, in the 1950s, among the most homophobic people in the English-speaking world. Good grief. Even Nick Williams’ notorious millions don’t get him the kind of treatment a rich man should expect. In a world convinced that homosexuality is a chosen misbehavior, the righteous hypocrite holds a stacked deck.
At last we have a murder, although it made me a little sad. Then there was another murder, which was puzzling. So what started out seeming like an aimless travelogue about Australia ended up just as messy and complicated as the previous books in the series; and poor Nick and Carter hardly get any rest at all. Instead they end up rescuing various gay men in distress and dodging homophobic schmucks in the pursuit of justice.
I’ve been holding onto my Batman simile since I started reading this book—you know, millionaire Bruce Wayne and all; but I’ve decided there’s a Spiderman aspect to this as well. The law doesn’t really like Nick Williams (except those few liberal cops who see Nick for who he truly is). The law sees Nick and Carter as problems to be swept away. Only Nick and Carter’s money keeps them from catastrophe again and again. Perhaps it’s that comic-book fantasy that keeps me hooked. Butterfield gives me a nostalgia for the past that the past doesn’t deserve.
On to book #13!
By Frank W. Butterfield
By the author 2014
Four stars
So, why is it that Frank Butterfield’s books appeal to me so much? The very idea of book twelve in a series is absurd…but this, to me, has become like a television show that I just can’t miss. Butterfield’s fertile mind keeps churning, and his attention to detail just gets better. That’s how this long storyline works…and indeed we’ve only covered two years of real time in a dozen books.
This time we’re in Australia, having accomplished the adventure in Asia (or, the Orient as it used to be called). Nick and Carter and their merry men seem to be one step ahead of the law, complicated by a mysterious shadow who, in his defense of Nick’s honor, isn’t afraid to start a body count. Our boys escape to Australia in order to have a few days of respite from the constant battle to bring truth and justice to the people about whom they care. All they want is a little vacation.
Sorry, Nick.
I confess, for the first third of “The Excluded Exile” was wasn’t quite sure what the point was, other than rather shockingly reminding us that good old Aussies were, in the 1950s, among the most homophobic people in the English-speaking world. Good grief. Even Nick Williams’ notorious millions don’t get him the kind of treatment a rich man should expect. In a world convinced that homosexuality is a chosen misbehavior, the righteous hypocrite holds a stacked deck.
At last we have a murder, although it made me a little sad. Then there was another murder, which was puzzling. So what started out seeming like an aimless travelogue about Australia ended up just as messy and complicated as the previous books in the series; and poor Nick and Carter hardly get any rest at all. Instead they end up rescuing various gay men in distress and dodging homophobic schmucks in the pursuit of justice.
I’ve been holding onto my Batman simile since I started reading this book—you know, millionaire Bruce Wayne and all; but I’ve decided there’s a Spiderman aspect to this as well. The law doesn’t really like Nick Williams (except those few liberal cops who see Nick for who he truly is). The law sees Nick and Carter as problems to be swept away. Only Nick and Carter’s money keeps them from catastrophe again and again. Perhaps it’s that comic-book fantasy that keeps me hooked. Butterfield gives me a nostalgia for the past that the past doesn’t deserve.
On to book #13!
June 30, 2017
The next episode in the life of Nick Williams is set in Australia. He and his team have been requested to leave Hong Kong and are now staying at The Australia Hotel in Sydney although they are not made to feel very welcome. The police visit and request they leave the country as soon as possible unless they want to be arrested for unnatural acts – a reference to their homosexuality. They are warned not to do any sleuthing while in the country.
The men move out to a house along the coast which they have rented for a few weeks and during their stay the ‘housekeeper’ is murdered. A quite twisted plot ensues during which the crew have to contend with racism and a lot of homophobia making life very difficult for them.
This is an interesting and intriguing read. The book has been extremely well researched and is well thought out. A lot happens during the course of the story with a unique plot. It is interesting to see how much life has moved on from seventy years ago, a time when racism and homophobia was much worse than it is today.
The men move out to a house along the coast which they have rented for a few weeks and during their stay the ‘housekeeper’ is murdered. A quite twisted plot ensues during which the crew have to contend with racism and a lot of homophobia making life very difficult for them.
This is an interesting and intriguing read. The book has been extremely well researched and is well thought out. A lot happens during the course of the story with a unique plot. It is interesting to see how much life has moved on from seventy years ago, a time when racism and homophobia was much worse than it is today.
July 6, 2017
Another Great Read
I look forward to new Nick and Carter mysteries. They touch me with humor, romance, and suspense. Frank is so good at storytelling you can just picture the setting, San Francisco, Hawaii, France, or Australia, you can really imagine being there. I also appreciate Frank taking us to a time before modern day LGBTQ rights and giving us a glimpse into the prejudices even coming from other gays. All this is told in a very entertaining and enjoyable manner that makes you want to spend more time reading about all the characters in all the stories.
I look forward to new Nick and Carter mysteries. They touch me with humor, romance, and suspense. Frank is so good at storytelling you can just picture the setting, San Francisco, Hawaii, France, or Australia, you can really imagine being there. I also appreciate Frank taking us to a time before modern day LGBTQ rights and giving us a glimpse into the prejudices even coming from other gays. All this is told in a very entertaining and enjoyable manner that makes you want to spend more time reading about all the characters in all the stories.
September 21, 2017
Austrailia in the mid '50's - fascinating. Thanks Frank for another delightful story - love the twist about the letters - can't wait to see how that turns out...
October 23, 2018
Love this series. Nick and Carter are perfect for each other and seem to attract the best new friends.
May 17, 2022
Historical references following the story made for even more interesting reading.
January 26, 2019
I'm still enjoying the series but have a few niggling issues that I hope will be resolved as the series progresses.
1st there's really no structure in the traditional mystery or cozy mystery sense of the genres. Lots of rambling narratives which is interesting as are the scenes that act as vignettes. It takes a long time to circle back to the case at hand in most of these books and especially when the first body drops well into what should be the second act.
2nd is the names. Why is the local rich guy/pilot called Henry? Why is there another Roscoe? It was already confusing enough with everyone calling Leroy Roscoe just Roscoe like it was his first name. I get that it might be a Southern thing but it's not a very common name and to find them in this story too is just a bit confusing. When I read before bed, I pick up the book again and it takes a little while to get back into the swing of things. The series already has a huge cast of characters so doubling up on a name like Henry or Anna/Annie or Alexander/Alexandra just seems lazy and confusing. There is a built-in name generator in the Scrivener software if you don't have a phone book or cemetery nearby to poke your way through. It's even weirder that the characters don't mention Cater's ex or try to give the pilot a nickname or at least call him by his surname. I realize Nick as the narrator did mention their connection to the first Henry but while they were flying or on the island, I found it disorienting when the pilot was mentioned as just 'Henry.' This issue ruined some of the big reveal of the missing mother storyline at the end. Twelve books in, thirteen since I also read the romance, An Enchanted Beginning, and I was shocked and appalled to read that Nick's mom is called Alexandra. It made me pause to reflect back and I can't recall ever knowing her name but of course, he's the POV character who just calls her 'mom' or 'mother' but I can't recall Parnell or Lettie referring to her by name. So now Marnie is married to an Alex as is the Pilot Henry and the female version, Alexandra is in the mix = it's too much!
As I said, I'm still enjoying the series and will continue to read. These issues aren't deal breakers for me, but they are a bit annoying.
1st there's really no structure in the traditional mystery or cozy mystery sense of the genres. Lots of rambling narratives which is interesting as are the scenes that act as vignettes. It takes a long time to circle back to the case at hand in most of these books and especially when the first body drops well into what should be the second act.
2nd is the names. Why is the local rich guy/pilot called Henry? Why is there another Roscoe? It was already confusing enough with everyone calling Leroy Roscoe just Roscoe like it was his first name. I get that it might be a Southern thing but it's not a very common name and to find them in this story too is just a bit confusing. When I read before bed, I pick up the book again and it takes a little while to get back into the swing of things. The series already has a huge cast of characters so doubling up on a name like Henry or Anna/Annie or Alexander/Alexandra just seems lazy and confusing. There is a built-in name generator in the Scrivener software if you don't have a phone book or cemetery nearby to poke your way through. It's even weirder that the characters don't mention Cater's ex or try to give the pilot a nickname or at least call him by his surname. I realize Nick as the narrator did mention their connection to the first Henry but while they were flying or on the island, I found it disorienting when the pilot was mentioned as just 'Henry.' This issue ruined some of the big reveal of the missing mother storyline at the end. Twelve books in, thirteen since I also read the romance, An Enchanted Beginning, and I was shocked and appalled to read that Nick's mom is called Alexandra. It made me pause to reflect back and I can't recall ever knowing her name but of course, he's the POV character who just calls her 'mom' or 'mother' but I can't recall Parnell or Lettie referring to her by name. So now Marnie is married to an Alex as is the Pilot Henry and the female version, Alexandra is in the mix = it's too much!
As I said, I'm still enjoying the series and will continue to read. These issues aren't deal breakers for me, but they are a bit annoying.
October 5, 2021
This book wanders. Little mini stories with lots and lots of characters.
The mysteries in this series are secondary and I have to keep reminding myself that fact. Ms Tutwiler? She was a cold character and I didn’t really care about her life. Now investigating her murder was interesting for a hot minute then boom lotta leaps and case solved.
The main reason I keep reading is for Nick and Carter. I like that Carter and Nick defined their relationship before it was legal to do so. I think it’s healthy for them to speak about their attraction to others (something I would be jealous of) and even get off on doing so. But, I hope they remain monogamous.
The historical nature of this series is the second thing that propels me forward. The bad parts are the racism and homophobia. The fun parts are the sea planes! Finding out what a Holden was. The beginning of speedos! I enjoy looking up the locations and toys in Nick and Carter’s world.
Lol I’m never going to like Nick’s father. I don’t care how much he’s changed. Zelda may have hidden those letters. But Nick’s father fostered an atmosphere for her to do so. Otherwise how could she think she could get away with something so heinous? This wouldn’t be the first and only time she would feel comfortable interfering in her employer’s life. I’m thinking logically about Zelda. Because I really don’t remember the specifics of her character.
I also will never like Lettie - she’s really a busy body. I despise busy bodies. I do realize her purpose in this story. I just don’t accept her or her rehabilitation of Nick’s father. He would never marry her - the mother of Nick’s secretary. Plus plus plus Letty is given more time and position in this series than Carter’s mother and I don’t like that - at all.
So, it seems Nick’s mother is prominent in the next book. Hopefully.
The mysteries in this series are secondary and I have to keep reminding myself that fact. Ms Tutwiler? She was a cold character and I didn’t really care about her life. Now investigating her murder was interesting for a hot minute then boom lotta leaps and case solved.
The main reason I keep reading is for Nick and Carter. I like that Carter and Nick defined their relationship before it was legal to do so. I think it’s healthy for them to speak about their attraction to others (something I would be jealous of) and even get off on doing so. But, I hope they remain monogamous.
The historical nature of this series is the second thing that propels me forward. The bad parts are the racism and homophobia. The fun parts are the sea planes! Finding out what a Holden was. The beginning of speedos! I enjoy looking up the locations and toys in Nick and Carter’s world.
Lol I’m never going to like Nick’s father. I don’t care how much he’s changed. Zelda may have hidden those letters. But Nick’s father fostered an atmosphere for her to do so. Otherwise how could she think she could get away with something so heinous? This wouldn’t be the first and only time she would feel comfortable interfering in her employer’s life. I’m thinking logically about Zelda. Because I really don’t remember the specifics of her character.
I also will never like Lettie - she’s really a busy body. I despise busy bodies. I do realize her purpose in this story. I just don’t accept her or her rehabilitation of Nick’s father. He would never marry her - the mother of Nick’s secretary. Plus plus plus Letty is given more time and position in this series than Carter’s mother and I don’t like that - at all.
So, it seems Nick’s mother is prominent in the next book. Hopefully.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 29, 2020
A continuation of the previous book - Nick and Carter and team arrive in Sydney, NSW, via Darwin. They are met with a warning about 'unnatural acts' and soon move out of their hotel to a rented private house. They are quickly embroiled in murder and further matters - and are again asked to leave the country (fast becoming a habit!). We meet Henry (of Henry's Island) for the first time and one or two other past events are mentioned in passing - and Nick learns something of his mother.
In some ways this is a refreshing change to the usual narrative. Nick learns that his money does not insulate him from opprobium (he's fallen foul of the law before but never to the extent of being asked to leave a country - or two - as in the last couple of volumes. However he retains the knack of landing on his feet and somehow manages to lay the foundations for expansion into Australia and Hawaii.
In some ways this is a refreshing change to the usual narrative. Nick learns that his money does not insulate him from opprobium (he's fallen foul of the law before but never to the extent of being asked to leave a country - or two - as in the last couple of volumes. However he retains the knack of landing on his feet and somehow manages to lay the foundations for expansion into Australia and Hawaii.
December 10, 2019
Another winner
Another winner in this series. This book picks right up where the last one left off. We find the dynamic duo of Nick and Carter in Australia. They are treating themselves to some much needed r&r after the raucous time they had in Hong Kong/China plus Carter is hoping to get some surfing in. Oh boy, but trouble always seems to find them and I think I know why. Because they are good people. Their metal is constantly being tried and tested and they always pass the tests with flying colors. There is a new revelation brought to light that sucker punches Nick. Thank God Carter is by his side. As for the ending? My tears are still flowing!
Another winner in this series. This book picks right up where the last one left off. We find the dynamic duo of Nick and Carter in Australia. They are treating themselves to some much needed r&r after the raucous time they had in Hong Kong/China plus Carter is hoping to get some surfing in. Oh boy, but trouble always seems to find them and I think I know why. Because they are good people. Their metal is constantly being tried and tested and they always pass the tests with flying colors. There is a new revelation brought to light that sucker punches Nick. Thank God Carter is by his side. As for the ending? My tears are still flowing!
July 8, 2019
Nick and Carter are fresh from their escapades in Hong Kong, arriving in Australia to rest and relax. But as always they get involved in a murder case, and end up with more employees in their company, plus two wayward young men they help find a new life in San Francisco. I admire the way this book portrays the times in Australia, with its homophobia and racism against "abos" (aboriginals) and "darkies."
November 22, 2017
Historical
Love the historical viewpoints of this book , political ,social , geographical, plus plus an open window into the mindset of several cultures and people.
Love the historical viewpoints of this book , political ,social , geographical, plus plus an open window into the mindset of several cultures and people.
March 13, 2018
Really, really loved it!
May 22, 2018
currently my least favorite of the series, but I keep reading as I have enjoyed it overall.
August 21, 2018
Still an awesome series. I am more then half way through and am hoping that the books will keep coming out. I love Nick & Carter and all they gang. Well written with well developed characters.
September 21, 2018
Love following these ongoing adventures. Also, intrigued by the historical exposition at the end of each book. Nice to be educated as well as entertained.
June 9, 2024
Another amazing Nick Williams mystery. I have so much fun with this series. I love Nick and Carter. I love their adventures. It was great to have so much more story after the murders were solved. looking forward to continuing this series.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews