Matanzas Bay

Quint Mitchell Mystery #1

by Parker Francis

When PI Quint Mitchell volunteered to help with an archaeological survey in St. Augustine, he didn't count on digging up a murder victim. In the nation's oldest city, Mitchell discovers links to ancient sins, comes face to face with his own past, and unleashes powerful forces that will do anything to keep their secrets-even if it means taking his life.

In this award-winning debut mystery, author Parker Francis taps into an undercurrent of violence hidden behind the sleepy facade of the historic town. When Mitchell's friend, the City Archaeologist, is charged with a brutal murder, he must find the true killer while fighting inner demons and the corrosive residue of racial violence dating back to the Civil Rights Movement.

As he learns, St. Augustine was birthed in blood-Matanzas means "place of slaughter" in Spanish-and violence is never far from the surface.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Amazon

239 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 23, 2011

About the author

Pen name for author Victor DiGenti.

After thirty-five years in public broadcasting working as a producer, director, fundraiser, and assorted other jobs, including producer of the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Vic DiGenti turned to his first lovewriting. Finding inspiration in his household of feline critters, he wrote three adventure/fantasies with a feline protagonist. All three novels in his Windrusher saga, WINDRUSHER, WINDRUSHER AND THE CAVE OF THO-HOTH, and WINDRUSHER AND THE TRAIL OF FIRE (Ocean Publishing) have won multiple awards and attracted readers of all ages. MATANZAS BAY, a mystery/suspense novel set in St. Augustine, Florida, won the 2007 Josiah W. Bancroft, Sr. Award, and was named a Book of the Year in the 2009 Royal Palm Literary Awards Competition sponsored by the Florida Writers Association. MATANZAS BAY is now available as an ebook for Kindle and Nook, and soon to be a trade paperback. Vic and his wife live in NE Florida where they are closely scrutinized for aberrant behavior by their many rescued felines.

www.windrusher.com.

"

Reviews

[Nola Arganbright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Discoveries of the past

A strong story and plot with some darkness at times. The book is filled with suspense and action and strong characters.

[Tammy Chase · Rating 4 out of 5]

Parker Francis is a smooth operator, so is his new fictional P.I., Quint Mitchell!
Now when I say smooth, I'm not referring to the nature of a 'Ladies Man' although Quint Mitchell is one hot detective and I know Parker Francis AKA Victor DiGenti is pretty smokin' himself. The writing style Parker Francis uses is smooth. He and his character Quint Mitchell guided me into a clever mystery and before I knew it, I was immersed in the story and environment. I could not put this down.

Here is the book summary:When PI Quint Mitchell volunteered to help with an archaeological survey in St. Augustine, he didn’t count on digging up a murder victim. In the nation’s oldest city, Mitchell discovers links to ancient sins, comes face to face with his own past, and unleashes powerful forces that will do anything to keep their secrets—even if it means taking his life. In this award-winning debut mystery, author Parker Francis taps into an undercurrent of violence hidden behind the sleepy façade of the historic town. When Mitchell’s friend, the City Archaeologist, is charged with a brutal murder, he must find the true killer while fighting inner demons and the corrosive residue of racial violence dating back to the Civil Rights Movement. As he learns, St. Augustine was birthed in blood—Matanzas means “place of slaughter” in Spanish—and violence is never far from the surface.

Quint Mitchell is a complex character without trying too hard. Mr.Francis crafts his past and likable personality as smoothly as he crafted this book. I truly liked Quint and easily empathized with him as he struggles with his tragic past and faces danger as he tries to clear his friend of murder. The supporting characters were interesting and believable. The environment is rich as Francis describes the historical city of St. Augustine. All this contributed to a pleasurable read and I cannot recommend this story loudly enough to mystery lovers. I look forward to the next Quint Mitchell Mystery and, (hopefully), the many that follow!

[Chris Torretta · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting book. I got into the story but it took a minute.

Full review coming soon!

Received by author, through audiobookreviewer.com, in exchange for an honest review.

Quint is a very interesting person and he does not care about the race issues that are surrounding the case that he finds himself in. He gets that there are people out there that are living 50 years in the past, but he is not one of them. Sadly, the town where he is currently doing his investigation, acts like they are not 50 years behind but smack in the middle ages! To add to that Quint is (sort of) dating a black, strong, and independent woman. This sort of thing would not bother anyone else but it is something that bothers those that he has to work with on this case.

Maybe I watch too many cop shows, but the one thing I do not get about Quint is that he seems very easily pushed around. I am so used to a P.I. or the like being able to take charge of a situation. More often than not Quint finds himself at odds with people he is up against and gets hurt because of it. I want to yell at him to take some defense class lessons or something! Anything to help him defend himself more.

He does use his brains since he is lacking in the brawn area, so that is good, but even this does not keep him out of trouble. He also makes some choices without using his brain which really ticked me off!

The narration was done very well and I was able to really get into listening to narrator. Mike Dennis makes it sound easy and his voice makes you want to go along with the flow. Even in the more intense sense his voice is almost tranquil, even though there was an underlying intensity. The voices were easy to distinguish from one another but the main character’s voice was my favorite. Being a first person this is the most used throughout.

First person also really brought out the mystery of the story but also where Quint was within the story. He is close to the people involved and the storytelling and narration helps that come through. I may not have agreed with everything Quint said or did, he tried to be a hero without all the training to back him up. Definitely would like him to go get some defense classes before he gets beat up again, and I would love to talk to him about his love life, but other than that, he is a very interesting character.

The audio was also well done. Not one hiccup or misplaced timing that I could find!

The mystery was good and I did not figure it out by the end, however, this was missing something for me so although I did enjoy it, I was left wanting. Overall it was done very well and I would read another from Parker Francis.

This is one of those rainy Sunday reads when you don’t feel like doing anything and have the time to lay back and listen.

[Monnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was the setting - St. Augustine, Florida, the oldest city in the United States - that made me take a closer look at this book, which, when I got it, was free on the Kindle. My husband and I have friends in the Sunshine State who have taken many beautiful photos of the attractions there, like the historic lighthouse and the Alligator Farm, so I was hoping I'd be getting an enjoyable bargain.

And that I did. The first in a series featuring private investigator Quint Mitchell (the second, Bringing Down the Furies, has been published as well), it's very well written and held my interest right to the very last page. And to my special delight, some of the action actually takes place at those two landmarks I mentioned earlier.

The story begins as Mitchell is helping at an archaeological dig, where a more recent and gruesome find turns up. When the lead archaeologist and Mitchell's personal friend is charged with the murder, the PI sets out to find the real killer. In the process, he runs afoul of local law enforcement, city leaders and politicians who have irons in fires that have yet to start burning.

If I'm honest, I must say I suspected how this one would end. But at no point did I know for sure until the author (whose real name is Victor DiGenti, by the way), put it in writing. All in all, I very much enjoyed Quint Mitchell's debut - and I look forward to reading the next one (which takes place in South Carolina).

[Douglas Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice use of the city of St Augustine as a location. A very good read.


First paragraphs
People who grumble about life being unfair have it all wrong. It’s life’s alter ego, death, that isn’t fair. Pick up the paper. Turn on any of the twenty-four-hour news channels. See what I mean? Every day we hear of innocent people suffering horrible and senseless deaths. Vacationing prom queens disappear from tropical islands. Drivers rage against one another, ending their commute prematurely. Families slaughtered by homicidal misfits foraging for money, drugs or payback. And I hate to think about the god-awful things perpetrated on innocent children. Not that I don’t have personal experience in that area. I was sitting in the welcoming shade of Trinity Episcopal Church in the nation’s oldest city shaking sand from my shoe.

Francis, Parker (2011-03-23). Matanzas Bay (A Quint Mitchell Mystery) (Kindle Locations 39-44). Windrusher Hall Press. Kindle Edition.

[Lisa James · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the author of the Windrusher series, this first Quint Mitchell mystery is delightful. It was easy to read, had a lot of humor, a lot of action, & being set in St. Augustine, is a "comfort" book for me since I know exactly where all the landmarks are in the book. It's a slim book, but not a page was wasted. It's a definite page turner, with a lot of plot twists & turns, & not a few scrapes that Quint finds himself in. Highly recommended. There is a preview of the second Mitchell mystery at the back of the book, so don't miss that either :) It looks like it is going to be every bit as entertaining as the first one :)

[Randee Baty · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Quint Mitchell series but it doesn't read like a first book. The character already feels like he has a history and timeline that he is anchored in. I liked that a lot.

I'm not familiar with St. Augustine but as a setting, it was very interesting! The mystery was certainly full of a lot of twists and turns. You really don't figure it out until the author wants you to, even though all the clues are there.

All in all, this is one I would recommend to my friends. It kept me interested from the beginning, great setting, well-developed characters, puzzling mystery. I'll be continuing with this series.

[Bruce Ballister · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the past president of the Tallahassee Writers Association, I acquire a lot of books for my Mount To-Be-Read pile of yet unread books from the group's visiting authors. I'm so very glad I picked Florida author Parker Francis' Matanzas Bay from the pile. A first-rate crime noir escapade in the authors native St. Augustine. The book blends local political intrigue, family jealousies, past and present racial conflict with a dash of "yes, it could happen" in Florida. Plenty of dark stormy nights, Florida alligators, vengeful players, and even a high-speed chase. Based on this read, I'll be looking up more from Parker Francis.

[Jasmin Wheeler · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this murder mystery, and the complexities of Quint Mitchell. There were some twists I didn't see coming. Living in St. Johns County, I am very familiar with St. Augustine and I loved that the story took place here. The story also has a connection to Oxford, Mississippi, another favorite town of mine.

[Donna Wilkey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was fun to read because of all the local color. I recognized the entire setting except Ft. Matanzas at the end. The author wove a many-layered mystery and moved it to a logical yet exciting conclusion. This was light reading -a compelling mystery which is not my usual choice of genre.

[anonymousreader]

read

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

First person. Lush descriptions. Good suspense as a mystery should have. Most enjoyable.

[Marilou George · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quint Mitchel, Master-At-Arms in the Navy, exemplary service in the Gulf War, former DEA Agent now a self-employed private investigator volunteers in archaeological digs in his spare time. He calls them “mental health days” as he wrestles with his own demons from the past. While participating in a dig at St. Augustine’s Trinity Episcopal Church with his friend Dr. Jeffrey Poe, the city’s archaeologist, he uncovers a wicker container with a dead body inside. When his friend Dr. Poe is arrested and charged with the murder Quint is hired by the wife of the murder victim to find the real killer.

Quint Mitchell is a multi-dimensional character suffering from tragedies yet unresolved in his past. He is determined to help his friend find the real killer no matter the personal cost. Throughout the story Quint comes to grips with the past and learns how to move forward with his life. The supporting cast of characters is colorful, engaging, well defined and adds to the intricate background and suspense conveyed in the story.

The writing is fast paced and moves fluidly from character to character throughout the entire story. The interaction between the characters is palpable as the mystery and intrigue of this story unfolds.

The backdrop for this story is the beautiful and historic city of St. Augustine Florida painted with an accurate and stunning sense of detail. I have personally been to this city many times and the descriptive writing of the author knowledgably portrays the streets and historical locations while at the same time delivering a unique feel for the essence of this historical City in a powerful and distinctive voice.

I feel it is important to point out that the certain references to the Civil Rights movement in 1963-1964 and the role played in the City of St. Augustine in those turbulent times are historically correct as mentioned in the Author’s Note at the end of the book.

MATANZAS BAY won author Parker Francis, aka Vic DiGenti, the 2007 Josiah W. Bancroft, Sr. Award, and was named a Book of the Year in the 2009 Royal Palm Literary Awards Competition sponsored by the Florida Writers Association.

I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend this book for the intense suspense/mystery as well as the overall feel for the rich background and history of the city of St. Augustine.

[Audiothing · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quint runs his one man P.I. Agency in St. Augustine, his working day assignments are more the mundane than exciting, yet in his private life, Quint is battling the torment of tragic Personal memories. He looks upon his volunteer role as an assistant to Dr. Jeffrey Poe, St. Augustines' archeologist, as a relief from both his work and his memories.

On a dig, he uncovers a casket containing the murdered remains of Vice Mayor Bill Marrano, his brother, Buck, is one of the detectives who arrive on the scene.

All evidence of guilt point to Dr. Poe who is arrested and charged with his murder. Quint, convinced of his friends' innocence, embarks on a mission to prove it.

There plenty of twists and turns here, in fact the story becomes quite convoluted and (for me) a little difficult to follow, I got a little lost with all the characters and their many secrets. It's a difficult listen when multitasking, a multi layered mystery such as this is probably not the best choice for my style of listening. The author included a goodly amount of historical fact regarding St. Augustine and also of Civil Rights issues, some of which is quite moving. Despite getting a bit lost at times, I found this quite an exciting tale, the tension is kept high and the listener is never quite sure if he is on the right trail. Just when I thought I'd cracked it something else came along to add another layer of intrigue.

All due respect to the author for bringing all the threads of this well written story together for an exciting finish.

Narrator
Mike Dennis is new to me, I enjoyed the narration as his voice suits the role of a P.I., rough, tough and worldly! I couldn't fault his characterisations (and he had plenty to deal with) and his pace and timing are, I thought, excellent. There is a certain part of the book in which a man relates a very moving account of an incident which occurred in his younger days, Mike Dennis relays this beautifully, yet he doesn't overact. I thought he treated a particularly moving part of the story, where someone relates their suffering at the hands of others, quite beautifully.

Good sound quality and production made for a comfortable listening experience, I'd happily listen to more of Mike Dennis' work.

I received this audiobook free in return for this my honest opinion.

[Lizz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've read all of the Windrusher books (published under the author's real name Vic DiGenti) and really enjoyed them. This is the first of a new series featuring detective Quint Mitchell. Having spent a fair amount of time in St. Augustine and Jacksonville Beach where the book is set, I liked the familiarity of the book, and I thought that the mystery was well written (I'm sure the author is EXTREMELY interested in my thoughts!!). I'll be on the lookout for the next installment in the series (he's probably more interested in that fact!).

[Linda Hamonou · Rating 5 out of 5]

This detective story takes you in the middle of a sordid murder crime. Private investigator Quint Mitchell is trying to help his friend out of prison when he is accused of the crime. Is the Doctor guilty or no? Only the private investigator and his client seem to think otherwise as the proofs are pilling up.

This story is not only about a murder but also about the politics involve in the city and a strange family affair.
You'll be wondering until the end who is the murders and go from surprise to surprise.

I'll recommend this book to anyone who likes a good detective story.

[Krista Hensley · Rating 2 out of 5]

This could have been a good story. The problem here is way too may sub plots and background. Ok, if you're trying to set up a series, then I get that you want to provide some background. But there was just too much. If you can ignore about half of the extraneous stuff, then it's a quick read. Otherwise, it gets too boggled down in the background.

[Deedra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really good book.The story was tight,interesting and well thought out.The main character,a P.I. volunteering at an archeological site digs up a fresh corpse.This story is full of mystery and suspense w/just enough romance tossed in.
MIke Dennis was a wonderful narrator.His straight forward,business only rendition of Quint was great.
I was gifted this book for an honest review.

[Vince Colucci · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't know whether it is because I have spent many many hours in St Augustine as I live in Ormond Beach just to the south or the fact that Matanzas Bay is just plain fun, but I had a great time. That is all you can ask for in a book,isn't it?

[Robbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was fast-moving and a decent story. I had a problem with the fact that, although all questions were answered in the end, for the most part the people committing many of the crimes walked away and benefitted from them.

[Ken Pelham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Francis serves up a great first outing for Private Detective Quint Mitchell in a never-let-up mystery that gets deeper with each new twist. Murder, mayhem, lighthouses, and alligators...this fun novel has it all!

[Joann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Much better story than the cat series this author wrote earlier.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very good mystery. I happen to be kin to the author. The second installment will be out soon and I can't wait.

[Sarita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unpredictable and interesting. I enjoyed reading about my home state and I adore St Augustine!

[Mike · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh.

[bookbabe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad read, but I had issues with the timeline. Felt there was too much telling that could have been woven into the story instead of the info-dump done in past tense.

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

I felt like I was back in St Augustine again!

[Vito Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read, reminding me of the places I love in the oldest city of St. Augustine Fla. and the awesome times and people I met there! if you enjoy a good mystery read this one.

[bex · Rating 3 out of 5]

A weak 3 stars. Story and character good, but huge time line issues.

[Heather Hamel · Rating 2 out of 5]

I made the mistake of putting the book down because something else caught my eye - and never found the desire to finish:(