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Starlight Detective Agency #1
Murder in the 11th House
"It's a perfect afternoon read that will provoke smiles. Almost cozy, with a Mr. Monk like ensemble cast, this series debut has tremendous potential."― Library Journal Astrological detective David Lowell must use his charts and knowledge to solve the murder of a state judge in a New York City parking garage. At the urging of his daughter Melinda, a young defense attorney, Lowell tries to prove the innocence of Johnny Colbert, a loud-mouthed bartender wrongly accused of the crime. Lowell's hacker sidekick Mort, his vivacious assistant Sarah, and their bodyguard Andy join them in their race against time. With birth charts and street smarts, Lowell sorts out a cast of characters, from the judge's clerk and her lawyer boyfriend to the judge herself, and traces the reason for the crime back to a surprising source.
256 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2011
9 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
About the author
Mitchell Scott Lewis
4 books14 followersA practicing astrologer and teacher for more than twenty years. He is also an accomplished jazz pianist and singer‑songwriter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
September 19, 2013
Do not read this book. It is ridiculous and mind-numbingly dull. I was desperate for an audiobook at work, and this was available. I didn't read the description because I thought I recognized the name. I had it mixed up with another book. I want this part of my life back.
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February 28, 2020Awful. Plain stupid and a waste of time.
November 15, 2011
Had very much the feel of a first novel, and the politics were annoying (the evil Republicans find that one of their chosen ones is beginning to change her opinion- practically described as a conversion to the true way- so they have to take her out; lots of digs at conservative politicians, and while there was lots of hand-wringing over the state of the economy today, no mention was ever made of the fact that liberal politics have certainly exacerbated the situation in recent years).
I wanted the author to decide if he was going to call his main character by his first or last name, and stick with it, instead of switching back and forth.
At the beginning of the book there were several references to the main character's previous case (he's a private investigator) that felt like foreshadowing, but apparently weren't, since that case was never mentioned again.
Plus, I don't believe in astrology, so that might have colored the whole experience. :)
I wanted the author to decide if he was going to call his main character by his first or last name, and stick with it, instead of switching back and forth.
At the beginning of the book there were several references to the main character's previous case (he's a private investigator) that felt like foreshadowing, but apparently weren't, since that case was never mentioned again.
Plus, I don't believe in astrology, so that might have colored the whole experience. :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 29, 2013
Surprisingly good. I was going to abandon in the first 1/5 but hung on and grew to like the characters and story. The legal stuff is good and the astrology is intriguing, if a bit farfetched!
October 9, 2024
Pretty good! I’d love to see this as a Bones-esq TV show!
September 1, 2011
Murder, politics, hidden political agendas, and astrology are not your typical mystery components. However, Mitchell Scott Lewis successfully combines all of these and provides a unique mystery with Murder in the 11th House.
Joanna Colbert or Johnny is head-over in heels in debt due to gambling. This quick-tempered bartender has been recorded threatening the life of a state judge. Later when that same judge dies a gruesome death, Johnny is the prime suspect and is promptly arrested. Her court-appointed attorney is Melinda Lowell and she actually believes that Johnny is innocent. The hard part is going to be proving that innocence in court. Melinda promptly asks her father, David Lowell, a licensed private investigator and astrologer extra ordinaire to lend his assistance in uncovering the truth. As David delves deeper into Johnny's astrological history, he begins to believe her innocence. David, Melinda, and David's business partner, Mort Simpson – the go to computer guy, attempt to uncover the truth behind the judge's murder. The more they dig, the more they realize that there's much more going on than initially thought and regrettably this puts their lives at risk in addition to their client's life. Will they be able to uncover the truth in time to keep Johnny free, as well as keep everyone alive?
Murder in the 11th House is fast is a fast-paced read. At times it does get a little bogged down with astrological information but in the end the astrology plays a key role in unlocking the secrets to the murder and motive. The characters are likeable and realistic enough but somewhat lacking in development with the exception of David and Johnny. All things considered Murder in the 11th House was a quick and fun read. Look for Murder in the 11th House to be released on 09/06/2011 by Poisoned Pen Press.
Joanna Colbert or Johnny is head-over in heels in debt due to gambling. This quick-tempered bartender has been recorded threatening the life of a state judge. Later when that same judge dies a gruesome death, Johnny is the prime suspect and is promptly arrested. Her court-appointed attorney is Melinda Lowell and she actually believes that Johnny is innocent. The hard part is going to be proving that innocence in court. Melinda promptly asks her father, David Lowell, a licensed private investigator and astrologer extra ordinaire to lend his assistance in uncovering the truth. As David delves deeper into Johnny's astrological history, he begins to believe her innocence. David, Melinda, and David's business partner, Mort Simpson – the go to computer guy, attempt to uncover the truth behind the judge's murder. The more they dig, the more they realize that there's much more going on than initially thought and regrettably this puts their lives at risk in addition to their client's life. Will they be able to uncover the truth in time to keep Johnny free, as well as keep everyone alive?
Murder in the 11th House is fast is a fast-paced read. At times it does get a little bogged down with astrological information but in the end the astrology plays a key role in unlocking the secrets to the murder and motive. The characters are likeable and realistic enough but somewhat lacking in development with the exception of David and Johnny. All things considered Murder in the 11th House was a quick and fun read. Look for Murder in the 11th House to be released on 09/06/2011 by Poisoned Pen Press.
September 21, 2011
David Lowell is not your run of the mill detective. David is an astrological detective and is very good at his job. David has studied astrology and has become such an expert that he has used his knowledge of to buy and sell in the stock market and is now a wealthy man.
When Lowell is asked to use his skills to prove the innocence of Johnny Colbert, a woman accused of murdering Farrah Winston, a Judge in the Debit Claims Court in Lower Manhattan, Lowell’s first inclination is to decline. The fact that Johnny Colbert is represented by Melinda Lowell, David Lowell’s daughter, is a convincing enough fact to make him take the case.
Johnny proves to be loud-mouthed and a rather rough person on the exterior but further investigation proves that there is a lot more to her than meets the eye. When Johnny is attacked in the jail Melinda talks her father into posting bail and letting Johnny stay in his townhouse. Lowell is not too pleased with this arrangement but tends to do most anything his daughter asks.
Lowell is helped in the investigation by his assistant Sarah as well as Mort, a talented computer hacker. Lowell’s bodyguard is always right around the corner when Lowell needs him.
It seems that Judge Winston had big plans for her future and, as Lowell finds out, that certain people did not want her plans to become a reality.
This first book in the Starlight Detective Agency series is a good one and shows that astrology can be used in many ways.
When Lowell is asked to use his skills to prove the innocence of Johnny Colbert, a woman accused of murdering Farrah Winston, a Judge in the Debit Claims Court in Lower Manhattan, Lowell’s first inclination is to decline. The fact that Johnny Colbert is represented by Melinda Lowell, David Lowell’s daughter, is a convincing enough fact to make him take the case.
Johnny proves to be loud-mouthed and a rather rough person on the exterior but further investigation proves that there is a lot more to her than meets the eye. When Johnny is attacked in the jail Melinda talks her father into posting bail and letting Johnny stay in his townhouse. Lowell is not too pleased with this arrangement but tends to do most anything his daughter asks.
Lowell is helped in the investigation by his assistant Sarah as well as Mort, a talented computer hacker. Lowell’s bodyguard is always right around the corner when Lowell needs him.
It seems that Judge Winston had big plans for her future and, as Lowell finds out, that certain people did not want her plans to become a reality.
This first book in the Starlight Detective Agency series is a good one and shows that astrology can be used in many ways.
November 26, 2019
I wonder if this book is best read in the tradition of occult detectives, something like The X-Files or Carl Kolchak. In a way, it very much doesn't fit this subgenre, because David Lowell doesn't investigate vampires or alien conspiracies. Instead, he investigates a murder -- but he uses what some might consider the supernatural to solve the crime. Specifically, he uses astrology.
Approached this way, through, I have mixed feelings. On the plus side, it's a unique way to mix the occult with detection. On the negative side, I sense that Mitchell Scott Lewis *wants* us to believe in astrology, much as he wants us to become convinced that state lotteries and Republicans are evil.
Now, Joss Whedon didn't want us to believe that Buffy slays creatures that really exist, and J.K. Rowling doesn't expect her readers to be convinced that wizards exist. But this novel does get preachy at times, and since Lewis is an astrologer (as the book cover explains), its use of astrology doesn't seem intended to add a magical twist to the story. Instead, it seems intended to educate and almost to convert.
That said, the narrative voice is crisp, the plot moves quickly, the setting is strong (except that the melting pot that is New York City has a very curious number of Anglo surnames!), and the mix of action and humor is fun.
Approached this way, through, I have mixed feelings. On the plus side, it's a unique way to mix the occult with detection. On the negative side, I sense that Mitchell Scott Lewis *wants* us to believe in astrology, much as he wants us to become convinced that state lotteries and Republicans are evil.
Now, Joss Whedon didn't want us to believe that Buffy slays creatures that really exist, and J.K. Rowling doesn't expect her readers to be convinced that wizards exist. But this novel does get preachy at times, and since Lewis is an astrologer (as the book cover explains), its use of astrology doesn't seem intended to add a magical twist to the story. Instead, it seems intended to educate and almost to convert.
That said, the narrative voice is crisp, the plot moves quickly, the setting is strong (except that the melting pot that is New York City has a very curious number of Anglo surnames!), and the mix of action and humor is fun.
May 26, 2011
Astrology and murder …
Intriguing idea, certainly.
A couple of chapters in, the astrology is seriously getting in the way … trine this, square that, rising the other.
Now, I don't “do” astrology. I barely read the daily horoscope, but I do know my sign, and what the major characteristics are, and how I exemplify them. I am the capricorniest Capricorn as ever was. Especially the rational and critical parts. Except I'm not always that rational and will sometimes go with my gut. I know why based on my Chinese horoscope, but not on my Western. But I digress. Frequently.
Mr. Lewis, a first-time author, takes murder, mayhem, coincidence (or is it) and charts them into an engaging story. The pacing isn't always quite right, it gets a little choppy from time to time, but the story moves forward well.
The ending comes a bit from out of left field, and I don't like that in a mystery. Part of my enjoyment of mysteries comes from being able to follow the trail of clues that leads to the conclusion, rather than having the conclusion handed directly to me at the end, even, as is frequently the case, I didn't follow the trail too well myself … I like the trail to be there from the outset.
Most importantly, though, I had fun, which is why I read.
Intriguing idea, certainly.
A couple of chapters in, the astrology is seriously getting in the way … trine this, square that, rising the other.
Now, I don't “do” astrology. I barely read the daily horoscope, but I do know my sign, and what the major characteristics are, and how I exemplify them. I am the capricorniest Capricorn as ever was. Especially the rational and critical parts. Except I'm not always that rational and will sometimes go with my gut. I know why based on my Chinese horoscope, but not on my Western. But I digress. Frequently.
Mr. Lewis, a first-time author, takes murder, mayhem, coincidence (or is it) and charts them into an engaging story. The pacing isn't always quite right, it gets a little choppy from time to time, but the story moves forward well.
The ending comes a bit from out of left field, and I don't like that in a mystery. Part of my enjoyment of mysteries comes from being able to follow the trail of clues that leads to the conclusion, rather than having the conclusion handed directly to me at the end, even, as is frequently the case, I didn't follow the trail too well myself … I like the trail to be there from the outset.
Most importantly, though, I had fun, which is why I read.
October 13, 2011
The position of the Moon, Sun, and other planets can tell us so much more about people than I realized. In this novel, Lewis uses laymen’s terms to depict an extraordinary way to solve a murder.
Astrologer David Lowell is the father of Melinda, a smart, budding attorney who was given a case that appears as if it’s an open and shut situation. She calls on her father and his expertise for assistance. Johnny Colbert is accused of blowing up Farrah Winston, a federal judge. Johnny can be brash and downright rude at times, but she’s also well-versed in bombs and becomes the number one suspect.
David and Melinda and a few other friends use astrology to help determine if Johnny’s innocent. When David himself becomes a target, the question arises as to whether Johnny is behind the newest bomb scare. Armed with not much more than suspects’ birthdates, David unearths corruption that leads to the untimely death of Farrah.
You will be just as surprised as I was to find out who the guilty party is (or is that parties?). Besides the who-dun-it in this story, Lewis fascinated me with how astrology can help solve a crime. A great read.
Astrologer David Lowell is the father of Melinda, a smart, budding attorney who was given a case that appears as if it’s an open and shut situation. She calls on her father and his expertise for assistance. Johnny Colbert is accused of blowing up Farrah Winston, a federal judge. Johnny can be brash and downright rude at times, but she’s also well-versed in bombs and becomes the number one suspect.
David and Melinda and a few other friends use astrology to help determine if Johnny’s innocent. When David himself becomes a target, the question arises as to whether Johnny is behind the newest bomb scare. Armed with not much more than suspects’ birthdates, David unearths corruption that leads to the untimely death of Farrah.
You will be just as surprised as I was to find out who the guilty party is (or is that parties?). Besides the who-dun-it in this story, Lewis fascinated me with how astrology can help solve a crime. A great read.
October 2, 2011
Read by courtesy of netgalley.com
David Lowell is a respected astrologer who helps his lawyer daughter, Melinda, with a pro-bono case. Bartender Johnny Colbert has been charged with murdering Judge Winston, who had previously put her in prison. Johnny is abrasive and foul-mouthed, and Lowell at first doubts that she is innocent, even after checking her charts. However, when the same charts tell him to pay attention to details, he begins to think there is more to the judge´s murder and enlists the aid of his helpful and colorful staff to solve the crime.
Lotto gambling is very well described in the book, as are the chances on winning and the problems caused by this vice.
Overall, a reasonable start to a series, fun and quick to read.
David Lowell is a respected astrologer who helps his lawyer daughter, Melinda, with a pro-bono case. Bartender Johnny Colbert has been charged with murdering Judge Winston, who had previously put her in prison. Johnny is abrasive and foul-mouthed, and Lowell at first doubts that she is innocent, even after checking her charts. However, when the same charts tell him to pay attention to details, he begins to think there is more to the judge´s murder and enlists the aid of his helpful and colorful staff to solve the crime.
Lotto gambling is very well described in the book, as are the chances on winning and the problems caused by this vice.
Overall, a reasonable start to a series, fun and quick to read.
October 19, 2018
Well done--getting all that astrological interpretation into a story without seeming too clunky or didactic. The reader, Patrick Cullen, may take getting used to--I felt he did well with the calm parts--so, for the most part, with the main characters, David and Melinda, and some of the other bit players-but for the tense moments, and most of the time with the tough female character, the delivery felt a bit unnatural. But, like I say, perhaps it's just a matter of getting used to it. I'll be listening to the subsequent two in the series.
March 29, 2012
This is a different murder story. The Detective Agency is run by David Lowell, an astrologer/detective who uses astrological charts to find the bad guys and solve cases. With the help of everyone's birth charts, David is able to sort out the good guys from the bad guys and find the real reason for the crime that will involve an interesting surprise ending. Very well written and the cast of characters is likeable. I'm looking forward to more from this author.
March 20, 2013
This book was a great surprise. I found it by accident in the library downloads section. It included an awesome and serious portrayal of astrology and a pretty decent mystery. The characters were interesting and the narrator was spot on. Inspired me to open up my astrology program and analyze my chart...something I haven't done in a while. Looking forward to listening to the 2nd book in the series.
October 6, 2015
Financial astrologer David Lowell has made a killing on the market and can devote himself to solving crimes astrologically. Good plot along with great descriptions of NYC vistas and historical info. I often don’t relate well to male protagonists, and such was unfortunately the case here - I would’ve liked to rate it higher.
January 15, 2018
I really liked this story, regardless if I think Astrology to solve murders is a little hokey at best.
If it were possible that would be awesome!! Still pretty interesting, and at least there was an attempt to explain how they thought it worked.
I will most likely continue the series!
Good Read!
If it were possible that would be awesome!! Still pretty interesting, and at least there was an attempt to explain how they thought it worked.
I will most likely continue the series!
Good Read!
November 30, 2020
Me ha parecido un libro muy entretenido. Original por el aspecto astrológico que no había visto nunca antes y lo suficientemente complejo como para que no te huelas la resolución del misterio.
Por otro lado me ha parecido demasiado conveniente en ciertas partes, todo acaba de la manera disney sin demasiado esfuerzo.
Lo he disfrutado mucho.
Por otro lado me ha parecido demasiado conveniente en ciertas partes, todo acaba de la manera disney sin demasiado esfuerzo.
Lo he disfrutado mucho.
September 29, 2014
Although a bit heavy at times with astrological explanations this was an enjoyable listen on a long trip and while I did handwork. The mystery was predictable but the characterizations were colorful and kept my interest. A tiny bit elitist.
May 5, 2015
I enjoyed reading all three of the novels Mr. Lewis has written so far. I love the way Astrology is woven into the stories, and I like his characters, who are unique - the way that real people are unique. I really hope he writes more books.
August 7, 2017
Incredible. Lowell is fascinating, Melinda endearing, Johnny captivating.
Loved the plot, the techniques he used to solve the mystery, and all the astrological descriptions were on point. Hope there's more to come!
Loved the plot, the techniques he used to solve the mystery, and all the astrological descriptions were on point. Hope there's more to come!
February 9, 2013
I liked this book, but there were just too many parts that were amateurish. But, I think the author and the series have potential and I will give the next book in the series a try.
April 8, 2013
This was a fun read, and had gotten me quite interested in astrology.
March 8, 2017
Better than I'd expected. Not a simple cozy mystery. Over time I can see the main characters having depth and personality.
March 11, 2018
Interesting story, if a little preachy. The author likes to pause his story while his characters talk and/or ruminate on how society, or New York City neighborhoods, or the justice system are going to heck in a handbasket. But it's an interesting mystery with the detective, who actually runs a detective agency, doing most of his detecting by means of astrology. This is apparently the first in a series (?) and the hero has a computer-whiz partner, a secretary, and a seriously fancy limo with a driver-cum-bodyguard. He made a bunch of money by trading commodities according to astrology charts. He's kind of a snob as well. So he has a daughter who is a lawyer, and she hires him for her pro bono (free) client who is accused of murdering a judge. The client, Johnnie, is obnoxious, has problems with booze and gambling, and isn t very ladylike. So while the hero discovers who blew up the judge, he also fixes her life. I rolled my eyes at the Perfection of the hero, and the pauses for speeches, but overall, I enjoyed this book. The astrology was fascinating, and I kind of wish I'd had print instead of audio, because the "Mercury in Virgo in the 11th House" stuff went by so fast for this visual learner. But it's a good story, and I liked it. I'll probably go see if I can find more in the series.
March 16, 2018
This book combined two things I love (astrology and classic style mysteries) and made both of them so boring that I nearly fell off the elliptical machine while listening to the audiobook.
I don't really know how it happened. I loved hearing Lowell's methods for figuring things out. His group of coworkers and spunky daughter were skilled and very nearly entertaining. The conspiracy around the murder was complex. The suspect was truly wild.
But none of it ever gelled into something that made me care at all about the characters. When the true murderer was revealed I just went "Oh, okay" and that was it. The unnecessary preachiness of several chapters was also tedious. Lewis variously attacks the state lottery, the US legal system, swearing, and shopping without advancing the plot with any of them.
I don't really know how it happened. I loved hearing Lowell's methods for figuring things out. His group of coworkers and spunky daughter were skilled and very nearly entertaining. The conspiracy around the murder was complex. The suspect was truly wild.
But none of it ever gelled into something that made me care at all about the characters. When the true murderer was revealed I just went "Oh, okay" and that was it. The unnecessary preachiness of several chapters was also tedious. Lewis variously attacks the state lottery, the US legal system, swearing, and shopping without advancing the plot with any of them.
March 25, 2021
Oi... maybe 2 1/2 *’s bc I did want to hear how it all came out but yikes, the dialogue was badly written, the details, especially for a mystery, were not well dealt with, the main character was annoying and the others were poorly/not at all fleshed out - and really, other than constantly tugging on his ponytail, neither was he. And, well, it seemed like anti-noir, and while it’s true that genre tropes tied to sth like noir get old, it seemed either convenient or annoying in the way this flipped that, tho it’s possible it was an attempt to creatively turn it on its head - even the femme fatale who appears at the beginning very quickly turns out not to be that even a little bit, which I think was supposed to be a side chuckle
July 19, 2017
I picked this up randomly, not knowing it was an astrological mystery. This stuff is not really for me :/ I'm not necessarily doubting the science, but...I find it hard to believe that he could tell that someone's birthday was a different year based on his personality.
Other than the astrological stuff, the story was alright. Towards the end, I lost interest.
Also, they solved the case not just with astrology, but with B&E, drugging a guy (who ended up getting run over after he jumped after their car hmmm), and just...somewhat sketchy stuff. I get he's a private investigator, but...for some reason, this just seemed off to me.
Other than the astrological stuff, the story was alright. Towards the end, I lost interest.
Also, they solved the case not just with astrology, but with B&E, drugging a guy (who ended up getting run over after he jumped after their car hmmm), and just...somewhat sketchy stuff. I get he's a private investigator, but...for some reason, this just seemed off to me.
July 23, 2024
I've always had a passing interesting astrology so when this book was listed on one of my many bargain e-book list, I snapped it up.
I wasn't disappointed.
This is a really solid mystery and yes, astrology plays a large part of how the mystery is solved, but it's so much more than that. The characters are well-thought out and the plot was really well done.
I can't recommend this book any more highly.
Unfortunately, when I looked to see if there were any other books in the series, I found that there were but the price was rather more than I wish to spend. I just hope that any subsequent books find their way to being discounted.
I wasn't disappointed.
This is a really solid mystery and yes, astrology plays a large part of how the mystery is solved, but it's so much more than that. The characters are well-thought out and the plot was really well done.
I can't recommend this book any more highly.
Unfortunately, when I looked to see if there were any other books in the series, I found that there were but the price was rather more than I wish to spend. I just hope that any subsequent books find their way to being discounted.
September 3, 2024
Wow! really Good!
I just recently found Mitchell Scott Lewis through astrology teachings. I had my doubts that he would be an excellent author as well as brilliant professor and musician. But this book was incredible. It was light, to the point but included a level of complexity. The astrological references are really awesome but woven in seamlessly. The unfolding of the mystery was also well done. It wasn’t predictable but also not hard to follow. I finished the book start to finish in a long weekend and I’m looking forward to the next one.
I just recently found Mitchell Scott Lewis through astrology teachings. I had my doubts that he would be an excellent author as well as brilliant professor and musician. But this book was incredible. It was light, to the point but included a level of complexity. The astrological references are really awesome but woven in seamlessly. The unfolding of the mystery was also well done. It wasn’t predictable but also not hard to follow. I finished the book start to finish in a long weekend and I’m looking forward to the next one.
June 27, 2019
Amateurish. I very rarely use the word “boring,” yet I HAVE TO in relation to this book. IT. WAS. BORING!!! And preachy. And did I mention it was boring??
I listened to the audio version, and the narration was AWFUL.
It’s been quite a while since I’ve gotten hold of a bad book so I suppose I was overdue.
I listened to the audio version, and the narration was AWFUL.
It’s been quite a while since I’ve gotten hold of a bad book so I suppose I was overdue.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews