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Jack McMorrow Mystery #4
Potshot
The strange disappearance of Bobby Mullaney, a hippie running a marijuana legalization movement in Maine, and his sidekick, Coyote, leads freelance journalist Jack McMorrow on a perilous quest to uncover the facts, a search that brings him face to face with hardcore drug traffickers and murder. Reprint.
322 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 31, 1997
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 5, 2019
Potshot is another solid entry in Gerry Boyle's excellent series featuring former New York Times reporter Jack McMorrow. Several years ago, Jack opted out of the big city rat race in favor of living in the bucolic woods of central Maine. It turned out, though, that, up close and personal, the woods weren't nearly as peaceful and bucolic as Jack might have hoped, and in three previous novels he's already had some pretty hair-raising experiences living up among the rural folks.
Potshot starts out innocently enough when Jack and his girlfriend, Roxanne, are enjoying a day at a small county fair. Jack is approached by some hippies who ask him to sign a petition urging the government to legalize marijuana. They make all the usual arguments in favor of legalization, and Jack sees the potential for a story here. He's now working as a free-lancer and figures that he can meet with these people for a few hours, crank out a story about them and their crusade, and pick up a quick three hundred bucks or so by peddling the story to the Boston Globe.
If only.
Jack drives out into the Middle of Nowhere to meet with the group's leader, Bobby Mullaney, Mullaney's wife and stepson, and Mullaney's current best friend, a creepy sort of a guy who calls himself Coyote. Mullaney and Coyote walk Jack out into the woods and proudly show him their secret marijuana patch. Then, as Jack is driving off back through the woods, someone takes a shot at his truck and the game is afoot. Before long, Jack will be mixed up with a bunch of nasty drug dealers and gangbangers, and that three hundred bucks will be pretty heard-earned, assuming that Jack can survive long enough to write the story and cash the check.
As always in Boyle's novels, the plot is very good and one of the principal strengths of these novels is the sense of place and the people who inhabit it. Boyle knows this territory very well and writes about it beautifully. The relationship between Jack and Roxanne, a social worker who daily deals with horrors of her own is also very well done, and this book should certainly appeal to a broad audience of crime fiction readers.
Potshot starts out innocently enough when Jack and his girlfriend, Roxanne, are enjoying a day at a small county fair. Jack is approached by some hippies who ask him to sign a petition urging the government to legalize marijuana. They make all the usual arguments in favor of legalization, and Jack sees the potential for a story here. He's now working as a free-lancer and figures that he can meet with these people for a few hours, crank out a story about them and their crusade, and pick up a quick three hundred bucks or so by peddling the story to the Boston Globe.
If only.
Jack drives out into the Middle of Nowhere to meet with the group's leader, Bobby Mullaney, Mullaney's wife and stepson, and Mullaney's current best friend, a creepy sort of a guy who calls himself Coyote. Mullaney and Coyote walk Jack out into the woods and proudly show him their secret marijuana patch. Then, as Jack is driving off back through the woods, someone takes a shot at his truck and the game is afoot. Before long, Jack will be mixed up with a bunch of nasty drug dealers and gangbangers, and that three hundred bucks will be pretty heard-earned, assuming that Jack can survive long enough to write the story and cash the check.
As always in Boyle's novels, the plot is very good and one of the principal strengths of these novels is the sense of place and the people who inhabit it. Boyle knows this territory very well and writes about it beautifully. The relationship between Jack and Roxanne, a social worker who daily deals with horrors of her own is also very well done, and this book should certainly appeal to a broad audience of crime fiction readers.
July 12, 2024
I discovered this series after reading about the author Gerry Boyle in The Portland Press Herald.
He has just finished this series after writing 15 books over 30 yrs. I’m not a big mystery fan but am enjoying these books! The main character is a newspaper man who has relocated to the wilder parts of Maine, not the touristy coastline or ski resorts.
I learned that author Paul Doiron has read all of this series. I live in coastal Maine near the NH border. Boyle’s characters live in rural places where many people are scraping along to make ends meet. Their problems are different but just as complicated as those living in big cities or swanky zip codes. You may want to try this series.
He has just finished this series after writing 15 books over 30 yrs. I’m not a big mystery fan but am enjoying these books! The main character is a newspaper man who has relocated to the wilder parts of Maine, not the touristy coastline or ski resorts.
I learned that author Paul Doiron has read all of this series. I live in coastal Maine near the NH border. Boyle’s characters live in rural places where many people are scraping along to make ends meet. Their problems are different but just as complicated as those living in big cities or swanky zip codes. You may want to try this series.
June 11, 2020
Following Jack the journalist into another dangerous investigation is a thrill ride of danger full of surprising twists and red herrings. It's Maine near the end of the last century, but some things have changed little and crime even less. A good read!
Michael A. Smith is a really fine narrator and easy to understand, as well.
Michael A. Smith is a really fine narrator and easy to understand, as well.
June 21, 2009
Maine author...I like that he uses familiar places in his books and describes Lewiston, Portland, and "Prosperity" well. Makes for a quick mystery read.
September 29, 2018
( Format : Audiobook )
"No questions, no answers, no nuthin' ."
A meeting at an agricultural show gives Jack McMorrow, freelance journalist, an idea for an article he could probably sell to the Boston Globe. An amiable, fast talking hippie type had approached him hoping that Jack would sign his petition to legalise cannabis in the county. Jack visits the man, Bobby, at his remote home, meeting other like minded people and being served home grown veggies and herbal tea. But when the man's wife phones him to say Bobby and his strange companion, Coyote, have gone missing, his simple story of the pros and cons of legalisation, starts to escalate into something so much more.
Written in the first person, the perspective is that of Jack's entirely, as he writes down his notes on the places and people he meets, trying to formulate his story for the paper, one which he has to constantly revise as the situation changes. It is a clever way to repeat, but still keep fresh, his ideas as the story moves forward. Conversations feel authentic, too, and the main characters are well drawn, giving them a life of their own. Additionally, there is a sub plot as social worker and lover, Roxanne, is involved in a case of two neglected children she is trying to take into care. The case for and against the right to grow a little cannabis legally is given as the story unfolds.
The book evolves with a gentle swiftness, action occuring along the way, until a very impressive and nerve tingling denouement, really cleverly scripted. Then, suddenly, it is over. A conclusion of Jack's article, as he finally submitted it, would have provided a more comprehensive ending, but it was not to be. Instead, the reader is left to assume what finally happens.
An engaging and enjoyable book made all the more pleasurable by the excellent narration of Michael A.Smith. He skilfully assumes the character of Jack McMorrow, another slick talker but sincere and, mostly, honest, who enjoys a teasing repartee with Roxanne. Mr.Smith's ability to give excellent and appropriate voicing to all of the other characters, both female as well as male, is also outstanding and this, combined with just occasional technical effects easily makes this at least a five star performance.
My thanks to the rights holder of Pot Shot, who, at my request, freely gifted me a complimentary copy of the book, via Audiobook Boom. It was a very enjoyable listen and completely stand alone. Recommended for an intriguing yet undemanding read whilst still posing some thought provoking ideas.
"No questions, no answers, no nuthin' ."
A meeting at an agricultural show gives Jack McMorrow, freelance journalist, an idea for an article he could probably sell to the Boston Globe. An amiable, fast talking hippie type had approached him hoping that Jack would sign his petition to legalise cannabis in the county. Jack visits the man, Bobby, at his remote home, meeting other like minded people and being served home grown veggies and herbal tea. But when the man's wife phones him to say Bobby and his strange companion, Coyote, have gone missing, his simple story of the pros and cons of legalisation, starts to escalate into something so much more.
Written in the first person, the perspective is that of Jack's entirely, as he writes down his notes on the places and people he meets, trying to formulate his story for the paper, one which he has to constantly revise as the situation changes. It is a clever way to repeat, but still keep fresh, his ideas as the story moves forward. Conversations feel authentic, too, and the main characters are well drawn, giving them a life of their own. Additionally, there is a sub plot as social worker and lover, Roxanne, is involved in a case of two neglected children she is trying to take into care. The case for and against the right to grow a little cannabis legally is given as the story unfolds.
The book evolves with a gentle swiftness, action occuring along the way, until a very impressive and nerve tingling denouement, really cleverly scripted. Then, suddenly, it is over. A conclusion of Jack's article, as he finally submitted it, would have provided a more comprehensive ending, but it was not to be. Instead, the reader is left to assume what finally happens.
An engaging and enjoyable book made all the more pleasurable by the excellent narration of Michael A.Smith. He skilfully assumes the character of Jack McMorrow, another slick talker but sincere and, mostly, honest, who enjoys a teasing repartee with Roxanne. Mr.Smith's ability to give excellent and appropriate voicing to all of the other characters, both female as well as male, is also outstanding and this, combined with just occasional technical effects easily makes this at least a five star performance.
My thanks to the rights holder of Pot Shot, who, at my request, freely gifted me a complimentary copy of the book, via Audiobook Boom. It was a very enjoyable listen and completely stand alone. Recommended for an intriguing yet undemanding read whilst still posing some thought provoking ideas.
February 16, 2024
Although I have loved every one of the Jack McMorrow books, I was apprehensive about reading this one. Not a subject I am interested in, but I thought, I really want to read the series. I took the plunge and boy am I glad I did! What started out as a regular run of the mill story about legalizing marijuana, turned into a wild ride taking place in both Maine and Massachusetts, in a hospital, a swamp, the woods, in a church and in Jack’s own home. No matter what the subject, the writing is superb, the sarcasm is sharp and the love story just what’s needed! Highly recommend!
April 22, 2018
Maine Reads book discussion group-Maine mystery writers and social issues- here the legalization of marijuana, drugs vs alcohol, child neglect and abuse
Portland, Unity west of Farmington and North Into woods of Somerset County
4th of Jack McMurrow series
Girlfriend/social worker Roxanne
Ex marine Clair and Mary
Bobby and Melanie and her son Stephan
Coyote/Bernard Begosian
Portland, Unity west of Farmington and North Into woods of Somerset County
4th of Jack McMurrow series
Girlfriend/social worker Roxanne
Ex marine Clair and Mary
Bobby and Melanie and her son Stephan
Coyote/Bernard Begosian
May 24, 2020
Jack as a reporter, is always looking for an angle on an article, so he could sell to a bigger newspaper. This was on the legalization of marijuana a simple thing of just signing a petition. Good narration
Given audio for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
Given audio for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
Read
December 16, 2020Always Good
Another excellent Jack Mcmorrow story. I remember the first book I read by Gerry Boyle. I was blown away and I've been a fan ever since. Each book in the series is addictive,leaving you wanting to read the next one. And I plan to !
Another excellent Jack Mcmorrow story. I remember the first book I read by Gerry Boyle. I was blown away and I've been a fan ever since. Each book in the series is addictive,leaving you wanting to read the next one. And I plan to !
July 15, 2024
McMorrow is a unique protagonist: a freelance journalist living in Maine. He's building his own house and socializing with the beautiful Roxanne. His piece about legalizing pot brings trouble all around.
April 20, 2019
Glad I don't live in Prosperity... or environs. After four of these, I'm beginning to think Maine has a lot of wack jobs. Good story! Thanks.
November 25, 2020
Good read!
June 10, 2021
Part of the Jack McMorrow series and another entertaining entry. Jack is a freelance journalist in Maine and he decides that the local legalize pot types would make a good story.
February 13, 2022
Boyle and Jack are genuine, the real deal. One of my fav series....
Read
March 17, 2024I finished, but it took me forever to get through it. Not a bad mystery novel. I would read another Jack McMorrow mystery. The writer is decent, but I just struggled to stay engaged in it.
October 25, 2008
POTSHOT - VG
Boyle, Gerry - 4th in series
Jack thought he had stumbled into an easy free-lance news story for The Boston Globe. Bobby Mullaney and his wife, Melanie, are strange but amiable hippies running a marijuana legalization movement in rural Maine. Bobby's friend and sidekick Coyote is a disturbing tough-guy and, Jack suspects, a liar, yet the three of them have an interesting argument to make, so Jack begins unfolding their tale. But the story takes an ugly turn when Bobby and Coyote disappear and Melanie, unable to go to the police, turns to Jack for help. He follows a lead that takes him to Bobby's hometown, known for its murderous traffickers in the hard-core drug trade. No one has seen Bobby, but Coyote has, apparently, been asking questions. When Bobby's charred car turns up with a body burned beyond recognition inside, Jack must find out what happened between the two men, and exactly what kind of murder has taken place.
I have really become a fan of Boyle. The Maine setting is a favorite of mine and Boyle has a strong sense of place. Jack is an interesting protagonist with strong secondary characters. the story was well-plotted with good suspense and characters about which I cared.
Boyle, Gerry - 4th in series
Jack thought he had stumbled into an easy free-lance news story for The Boston Globe. Bobby Mullaney and his wife, Melanie, are strange but amiable hippies running a marijuana legalization movement in rural Maine. Bobby's friend and sidekick Coyote is a disturbing tough-guy and, Jack suspects, a liar, yet the three of them have an interesting argument to make, so Jack begins unfolding their tale. But the story takes an ugly turn when Bobby and Coyote disappear and Melanie, unable to go to the police, turns to Jack for help. He follows a lead that takes him to Bobby's hometown, known for its murderous traffickers in the hard-core drug trade. No one has seen Bobby, but Coyote has, apparently, been asking questions. When Bobby's charred car turns up with a body burned beyond recognition inside, Jack must find out what happened between the two men, and exactly what kind of murder has taken place.
I have really become a fan of Boyle. The Maine setting is a favorite of mine and Boyle has a strong sense of place. Jack is an interesting protagonist with strong secondary characters. the story was well-plotted with good suspense and characters about which I cared.
December 26, 2022
Really good! Loved the twist, as per. Snappy dialogue. Only critique is how the hero was able to get control of the situation at the end (unarmed escape against 3 armed ppl) while drugged… must be the most productive pothead of all time!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 20, 2020
Another good story by Gerry Boyle. This time Jack gets involved in the pot world. He encounters signature gatherers at the Common Ground Fair (only it’s not called that in the book) looking to legalize marijuana. (Spoiler alert, it happens but not until 2019, well after this book.) At the same time, Roxanne is having a not-so-good time at work trying to get two children out of a bad family situation.
I really like Clare. What a great neighbor! He’s the only character that, I think, the narrator gets right.
Speaking of the narrator. I would think some simple research on the pronunciation of proper names could be done. An-tee-ee-tum? And METH’-oo-en should be Meth-OO’-en. I’ve only listened to these first four books but I have a paperback for book 5 so I’m curious about how that will play out. I’m really not fond of this reader.
But the author does a great job with the story so I will read on.
I really like Clare. What a great neighbor! He’s the only character that, I think, the narrator gets right.
Speaking of the narrator. I would think some simple research on the pronunciation of proper names could be done. An-tee-ee-tum? And METH’-oo-en should be Meth-OO’-en. I’ve only listened to these first four books but I have a paperback for book 5 so I’m curious about how that will play out. I’m really not fond of this reader.
But the author does a great job with the story so I will read on.
October 26, 2015
Good Boyle/Jack McMorrow mystery, as usual set in recognizable places in Maine.
The marijuana debate that's still fulminating...the choke of drugs and crime in rural and urban places...the strong characterization and sense of place and dialog...all good Boyle.
However, the end was too swift and convenient(and yet gripping) and a page or two was left out in the last two pages.
Thought alot about the role of good reporters and social workers. Alot.
The marijuana debate that's still fulminating...the choke of drugs and crime in rural and urban places...the strong characterization and sense of place and dialog...all good Boyle.
However, the end was too swift and convenient(and yet gripping) and a page or two was left out in the last two pages.
Thought alot about the role of good reporters and social workers. Alot.
June 16, 2013
Language. I enjoy the Jack McMorrow series and this one didn't disappoint except the left out one very important character at the end in the wrap up - I'm not giving any hints who it is. I need to know what happens to every important character at the end. Oh well, I'll make up my own fairy tale ending - they lived happily ever after and the person became a famous....
February 19, 2012
As always, Gerry Boyle did not dissapoint! I have read the first three books in his series and they all have been page turners from the very beginning!
September 15, 2016
A town's personality is often important in the outcome of characters.I liked the discussion of tea drinks versus coffee drinks.. Will look at author's website. Plan to re-read book.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews