Finding a body in a pile of hurricane debris is definitely not how criminal investigator Larry Macklin wants to start his morning. The day turns even worse when the body is found to be that of millionaire Horace McCune, who’s bankrolling a smear campaign against Ted Macklin’s reelection as sheriff.
With only weeks to go until the election, Larry and his father are suddenly suspects in a murder investigation. And if that isn’t enough to worry about, Larry also has to contend with his eccentric future in-laws, who are camped out in his front yard and discussing pagan marriage rituals.
The list of people with a motive to kill McCune is long… and getting longer. The pressure is on to find the murderer before the election… or everyone just might be out of a job.
A. E. Howe lives and writes on a farm in the wilds of north Florida with his wife, horses and more cats than he can count. He received a degree in English Education from the University of Georgia and is a produced screenwriter and playwright. His first published book was Broken State; the Larry Macklin Mysteries is his first series and he has plans for more. Howe is also the co-host of the "Guns of Hollywood" podcast, part of the Firearms Radio Network. When not writing or podcasting, Howe enjoys riding, competitive shooting and working on the farm.
Although 12th in this series, it is easily read as a stand alone. However, this is one of those series that would have you enjoying a marathon of reading when starting at the beginning. The relationships between Larry and his father, the sheriff, is well worth watching. As much as I like the characters, the one who takes my heart is Mauser, the sheriff's Great Dane weighing in 190 pounds with floppy ears and a serious drool problem.
Today, Larry is sitting at home with his fiancee ...and her parents ... when he gets a call to investigate the finding of a body in the bucket of a bulldozer on the side of the road. It's gruesome enough with just a man's hand hanging over the side.. but it's even worse when Larry knows who it is.
The wealthy victim is behind the man running against Larry's father in a bid for re-election. There have been a lot of harsh words ... and both the Sheriff and Larry are going to be prime suspects.
And then there is another death ... an accident? or was this one murder, as well? Are they connected?
I have come to expect great characters, a good story premise, and excellent writing. This one, as all the others, did not disappoint. I like how Larry's personal and professional lives merge and blend with engaging results.
As secrets of the dead men are exposed, the detectives find plenty of suspects to investigate. This will keep you guessing until the very end.
Many thanks to the author for the advanced digital copy of this appealing crime fiction. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
I just happened on this series about a month ago. I know it was wrote in 2015 or so. I'm not much for writing a review for ever book in a long series. So ill just break it all down short and sweet. Wow, what fun this has been to read. Up to this point, book 12 its been one hell of ride. These characters are so much fun to read about. They all have a flipped mouths. Then throw in the animals and you have a great mix. Grabe the first book and give it a go you can't go wrong.
Or on to a new chapter... I must have liked this series more than a little; I've read all 12 in 10 days! Some were better than others, but most started out with a body, then another, and possibly a third. Clues and puzzle pieces came up at every turn, all building up to a surprise ending on the last few pages. All in all, not a bad series! (I did enjoy finding a very few typos in each book; I'm weird that way! :)
Not bad, but not great, but as my wife will say, I’m a tough and fussy customer. So, I can see others giving it a four or possibly a five star.
I like the series for a quick read of entertainment, it’s one of the few stories, without excessive vulgarity, there is some but not to a level I get turned off. No detailed sex scenes, it’s mentioned that Larry and Cara made love. I could careless, but there are some readers who have heavy sighs when they read it.
So, if a easy, rather quick read with a whodunit plot and prefer some PG-13 and less, you will probably enjoy any of the Larry Macklin series.
I like this series of fast reading, well written mysteries infused with entertaining humor. Twists and turns with many suspects keep the reader guessing till the end. And I was very happy with the end of this book. The way the author wrote it led me to believe the outcome of the election was going to be different. All the characters are great…..except Larry’s gf/fiance Cara! She has added nothing but aggravation to this series since book 1. Larry cow tows to her whining all too often….she’s made him appear to be a weak man! Ugh! Here’s a hint Larry: if you’re afraid to call your gf, cuz you know she’s gonna be p.o’d, to tell her you’re going to be late for dinner cuz you just bumped into another dead body, you shouldn’t be with her! You’re a LEO, you’re doing your job! Man up pal!
October's Fear is another couldn't-put-it-down entertaining read from one of my favourite authors - A.E.Howe. This is number 12 in the Larry Macklin murder mysteries featuring quirky characters, a drooling Great Dane, an uppity cat and a pug named Alvin. Start at the beginning with Book #1 November's Past and binge-read you way to this most recent book. Cheers Lynda L. Lock (Isla Mujeres Mystery series).
The characters kind of ran together. Howard Johnson has characters boy oh boy does he ever. Kill loop I'm
sharp a paper cut is likely. Dean koontz keeps Me up till 3am on it 76 yrs old and have been reading since i was 5. I've read 10s of thousands of books. But the best thing is after 10 yrs or so I forget them and cam read them again with just as much enjoyment
5++++*stars. THIS IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE SERIES, I HAVE ALL AS TO DATE (about 22-23 bks). PEOPLE HAVE SECRETS BUT KEEPING THEM IS THE PROBLEM. I LIKE WHAT PETE SAID ABOUT COMPARTMENTALIZING AND PRIORITIZE, THEN TRYING TO BALANCE EVERYTHING. I DO TRY TO DO THIS ON A DAILY BASIS AND IT ISN'T ALWAYS EASY TO ACCOMPLISH. ;D
As clean-up continues after the big storm, a corpse is found amongst the rubble, and not just any ordinary bloke - it’s the body of a universally reviled fat cat industrialist.
Many threads make up the warp and woof of this tale of deception, murder, revenge and no honor among perpetrators.
It is always a pleasure to read Larry Macklin Mysteries. Each one keeps me entertained until the end. This one was no exception. Love the stories and how they are not crude! Thank you A.E. How's for another entertaining interlude!!
Another great adventure from Mr. Howe. Larry Macklin, his dad the sheriff, Mauser, Darlene, Pete and so many more terrific characters and a plot you just don't figure out until the end. Larry's love interest and her crazy parents just add more spice to the pot.
This series is like visiting friends, people you like and an adventure from the comfort of your reading chair. The author keeps us involved in this small town, and makes us enjoy the visit.
I love this series. The author never fails to entertain. The characters, the plots, the setting, all combine to keep me turning the pages. And there's Mauser, the dog, who adds a bit of humor to each story. Always look forward to the next one.
These books are entertaining reads. I’ve read every one in the series and enjoyed them all. Not brain surgery, but I’ve gotten to know the characters and look forward to the next mystery. I recommend them.
October and the entire series was excellent! Just wish it had not ended. Larry, Cara, Pete, Ted, and of course Mauser are unforgettable. Thanks for writing this series. Now is a good time to visit Florida!
I like the North Florida location, the characters and the plots aren't too predictable. The touches of humor with the Great Dane and pathos with families of victims add a feel of reality.
I have just finished reading every book in this series and, first to last, they were hard to put down! I loved the characters, flaws and all and hope to see more books by A.E. Howe in the future.
Another in a good series of police work ins and outs. With a little experience in that field the characters ring true and the events are quite plausible. I will continue to enjoy the author's work as I follow the series.
Murder! Murder! Is there one killer or two? Or more? Larry manages to deal with his personal life including his girlfriend's parents, her dog, his cat and of course the star, Mauser, while fighting crime and helping his dad.
,I am so looking forward to the next step,The marriage of the century as far as I'm concerned!This particular murder mystery also had a wonderful surprise ending that was better Then I was expecting.
really have enjoyed this series, liked getting to know all the characters, great stories. I was happy to see that there is another book in the series, hoping there will be more...
I have read all of the Macklin series and thoroughly enjoyed them. The dog is a riot and plays a big part in these series. It has moments of humor besides the serious stuff. Would recommend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.