Murder on Parade by Donald BainHaving just finished this novel, the latest I've read in this long running series of novels based on the equally long running television series of the same name I'm going to award this book the full five stars.
Set around Cabot Cove's 4th July parade, this story sees Jessica and co. investigating the murder of a rich businessman who has moved to the town and funded a rather extravagant Independence Day celebration which isn't wanted by some members of the town. I decided to read this book simply because the Cabot Cove based mysteries have always been my favourite on TV and in the book series. The writer Donald Bain who continues to do this series justice (and the character of Jessica) has captured the residents and town perfectly, we are even treated to the return of former Cabot Cove sheriff Amos Tupper who is in town for a visit. Characters such as Mort and Dr. Seth have been adapted brilliantly and the writer has found their voices and most importantly captured Jessica Fletcher's personality accurately. As these books are told in first person from Jessica we get an insight into her thoughts and reactions to things going on. We don't however get to see her put the pieces together but that would spoil the reveal wouldn't it?
This book is an easy read, I read it in about three days but it could easily be read in one or two sittings because these stories really do draw you in. Although compared to most crime and mystery fiction on the market these books take a more light-hearted and softer approach they will never bore you because they are very comfy and friendly books to read. There's no extreme violence, sexual references, bad language or overly grotesque killings in here, you will be draw in my the eclectic mix of characters lead by a likeable (if a little but delightfully nosey) heroine with a knack for putting the pieces together. But I think what is most charming about these books and the Cabot Cove ones especially is that you get unlikely, young at heart characters solving the crimes. Yes, you have to overlook the fact that no one seems to age, and presumably this book is set in 2008/09 time and the characters should all be in their eighties by now but it doesn't spoil the enjoyment you get from this.
The writing is in the same, usual, slightly quirky style that the other novels in the MSW series in wrote in. Told in a first person point of view from Jessica Fletcher we follow her as she tries to find the clues and put the pieces together. Donald Bain has got this character down pretty well, and being a man writing a woman he is doing well. There's a nostalgic feel to the writing and it does make you feel as if you are reading one of Jessica's adventures which could easily have been part of the actual show. With the book being set in Cabot Cove we get the usual mix of residents, some new some old, but each stands out and has some character development of some kind.
This novel and the others in the series which I have read; The Maine Mutiny (Murder She Wrote), Majoring in Murder (Murder She Wrote) and Dying to Retire (Murder, She Wrote) (Paperback) come highly recommended for a quick, fun and intriguing read which will have you guessing until Jessica herself reveals whodunnit.
Set around Cabot Cove's 4th July parade, this story sees Jessica and co. investigating the murder of a rich businessman who has moved to the town and funded a rather extravagant Independence Day celebration which isn't wanted by some members of the town. I decided to read this book simply because the Cabot Cove based mysteries have always been my favourite on TV and in the book series. The writer Donald Bain who continues to do this series justice (and the character of Jessica) has captured the residents and town perfectly, we are even treated to the return of former Cabot Cove sheriff Amos Tupper who is in town for a visit. Characters such as Mort and Dr. Seth have been adapted brilliantly and the writer has found their voices and most importantly captured Jessica Fletcher's personality accurately. As these books are told in first person from Jessica we get an insight into her thoughts and reactions to things going on. We don't however get to see her put the pieces together but that would spoil the reveal wouldn't it?
This book is an easy read, I read it in about three days but it could easily be read in one or two sittings because these stories really do draw you in. Although compared to most crime and mystery fiction on the market these books take a more light-hearted and softer approach they will never bore you because they are very comfy and friendly books to read. There's no extreme violence, sexual references, bad language or overly grotesque killings in here, you will be draw in my the eclectic mix of characters lead by a likeable (if a little but delightfully nosey) heroine with a knack for putting the pieces together. But I think what is most charming about these books and the Cabot Cove ones especially is that you get unlikely, young at heart characters solving the crimes. Yes, you have to overlook the fact that no one seems to age, and presumably this book is set in 2008/09 time and the characters should all be in their eighties by now but it doesn't spoil the enjoyment you get from this.
The writing is in the same, usual, slightly quirky style that the other novels in the MSW series in wrote in. Told in a first person point of view from Jessica Fletcher we follow her as she tries to find the clues and put the pieces together. Donald Bain has got this character down pretty well, and being a man writing a woman he is doing well. There's a nostalgic feel to the writing and it does make you feel as if you are reading one of Jessica's adventures which could easily have been part of the actual show. With the book being set in Cabot Cove we get the usual mix of residents, some new some old, but each stands out and has some character development of some kind.
This novel and the others in the series which I have read; The Maine Mutiny (Murder She Wrote), Majoring in Murder (Murder She Wrote) and Dying to Retire (Murder, She Wrote) (Paperback) come highly recommended for a quick, fun and intriguing read which will have you guessing until Jessica herself reveals whodunnit.
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