No Joke

Folly Beach Mystery #16

by Bill Noel

Four aging comedians deliver anything but laughs when they descend upon Folly Beach, a small, laid-back barrier island near Charleston, South Carolina. Chris Landrum’s introduction to the newcomers is when he averts disaster by escorting one of them out of the center of Folly’s busiest street, a task made even more difficult since the jokester, wearing a long, wool coat over red swim trunks, and black patent leather shoes, is flailing a fishing rod at anything that moves, be it vehicle or human. In addition to the stranger not knowing why he’s in the center of the street, he claims to have discovered a dead body at the beach. The problem is he can’t remember if he saw it that day, the previous month, or perhaps four years earlier. Jokes, lies, secrets, dead bodies, several murder suspects, and danger follow the comics. It’s up to retired bureaucrat Chris along with his cadre of quirky pals to sort out what’s going on before some of them are added to the list of victims

284 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 15, 2019

Reviews

[Teresa Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the publisher at my request and this is my honest opinion. Bill Noel has done it again! It is so much fun to visit old friends, and after reading all of the Folly series that's what it feels like. Once again Chris, Charles, and the gang are trying to get to the bottom of a murder and protect their friends in the process. What I love about Mr. Noel's books is that I'm never sure who the "bad guy" is. He throws enough red herrings in my path to keep me guessing and the reveal is usually very dangerous to Chris and company's health and exciting. I thoroughly enjoy Mr. Noel's writing and highly recommend him to anyone who enjoys a basic murder mystery with great dialogue, true-to-life characters, and plenty of action.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bill Noel's 16th book in the Folly Beach Mystery series is no laughing matter. Four aging comedians converge on quaint Folly Beach, S.C., home to more than its share of quirky characters, and a two people are found dead. Chris Landrum, the protagonist who inadvertently stumbles into crime scenes in the novels, finds himself involved in another whodunit that has baffled the law enforcement and others. His partner in solving crimes, Charles, has been in a deep funk since his girlfriend left town but appears to come out of his doldrums to lend a hand. Some of the other regulars appear as they contend with the "Legends of Comedy" and the not-so-funny business that has followed the masters of corny one-liners. Noel has created an entertaining series that reads fresh from book to book. For those interested in cozy, and often humorous murder mysteries, Noel is certainly an author to read and enjoy.

[vickie tritsch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Waiting for #17

Another great Folly Beach mystery!!! When I started to read this series, I was immediately captivated by the characters, all unique.....funny, quirky, inquisitive, determined and very kind. The plots are always creative and interesting for a small beach community. Really a very pleasant and relaxing read for any age. Rated 5 stars because it is my favorite series....ever!!! Get busy Bill Noel....waiting for #17!!!

[Phyllis Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

Chris just never fails his beloved Folly Beach friends. Love these characters and thanks Bill for another great visit to the place I love. Can't wait for my real visit there. It will be a more relaxing time than Chris and Charles.

[Patti St · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice and silly

I wouldn't rate this as my favorite book in the series, but maybe it was the subject matter that put me off. One liner comics tend to annoy me. That said, Bill Noel wove together another fun Folly mystery.

[cliff Dunne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

As always the Folly beach mysteries provide an interesting story with just enough of the quirky characters to make it interesting. Several good options for the solutions to the mystery which makes it intersting

[Mary Quire · Rating 5 out of 5]

It truly is no joke. The Folly Beach Mystery series is awesome. Set in the comfy island community of Folly, SC, Chris finds himself among some of the quirkiest friends and situations it will definitely keep you turning the pages. Yep, that almost says it all, except I need the next one.

[Maureen · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is my second Folly Beach book and it was a struggle to get through…comedians who aren’t funny, rehashing the guessing game way too many pages…the other Folly Beach I read, Ghosts, I gave a 5 stars, can’t do the same for this one

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you like Noel’s Folly Beach mysteries, stick to print. Listened to Audible while traveling; this was the worst production ever. A terrible reader and amateurish use of music resulted in an unpleasant experience. I like this series and the audio is an insult to Bill Noel and his readers

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chris manages to step in it again and it's "no joke"...

[Sandy Holmes · Rating 3 out of 5]

I always enjoy his quirky characters. I think I gave it a three because the “comedians” did not amuse me and I tired of their nonsense.

[Karen Manuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great Folly Beach mystery!!

[Karla Martinsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

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