A Vineyard Killing : A Martha's Vineyard Mystery

Martha's Vineyard Mystery #14

by Philip R. Craig

It's March on Martha's Vineyard. Too early for bluefish, but not too early for trouble. The winds are brisk and there's still a chill coming in off the ocean. The mood is gloomy, and for good reason. Former Olympic fencing champion turned millionaire real estate developer Donald Fox has targeted the island for his newest moneymaking scheme. With land values huge and many longtime residents in possession of fuzzy deeds of sometimes dubious legal value, Fox and his team plan to force people to sell cheap. Give up now or we'll fight you in court, is the threat. Even full-time fisherman and part-time investigator J. W. Jackson and wife, Zee, have been approached to sell their house to Fox. Big mistake. Given the escalating tensions, J.W.'s not particularly surprised when Donald Fox's brother, Paul, is shot down on a Vineyard street. But was Donald really the intended victim? Both Foxes have many enemies. And could a man named John Reilley be one of them? For reasons unrelated to land disputes, J.W. finds himself probing this mysterious man's past. Bad things are happening, and John Reilley may be involved. With fascinating information about fencing, and in the certainty of a new bluefish season soon to come, A Vineyard Killing is another suspenseful, colorful entry in a critically acclaimed mystery series sure to delight both new readers and longtime fans.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Audiobook, Cozy, Cozy Mystery

240 pages, Hardcover

First published April 29, 2003

About the author

Author Philip R. Craig passed away on May 8, 2007 after a brief battle with cancer.

Phil left three completed novels, which have now all been published posthumously. Vineyard Stalker came out in June of 2007 just after Phil's death. Third Strike, co-written with Bill Tapply, came out in November of 2007. The final J.W. Jackson mystery, Vineyard Chill, is on the shelves now. Another J.W. book is partially written, and may someday be completed by his family per his instructions, so stay tuned. Delish, the cookbook co-written with Phil’s wife Shirley Prada Craig, is also still available.

The Philip R. Craig website will be maintained as a tribute to my father and his many fans. ~ Jamie Craig

Reviews

[Shrimpo · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this book a guy named J.W Jackson tries to figure out who shot somebody and who killed somebody. A company called Saborfox is trying to take over all the land on Martha's Vineyard. One day while at lunch J.W hears a shooting so he runs outside to see what happened. He finds out that the owners brother Paul Fox was shot. Then J.W tries to find out who did the shooting. A few days later a guy named Albert Kirkland who works for Saborfox is killed. Now J.W has to figure out who commited both crimes. One day while inspecting Kirkland's house a guy named Brad Hillborough who is like a bodygaurd to the owner Donald Fox tries to attack J.W. Brad attacked J.W because Brad was the one who killed Kirkland. He killed Kirkland because it was Brads idea to shoot Paul because he didnt want him to take over the business, so he had Kirkland do the shooting. Instead of taking the chance that Kirkland would tell, Brad just killed him. What I liked about this book was that it was interesting and I didnt want to put it down. What I didnt like about it was that it didnt stay on topic so it was hard to follow. I recommend this book to people who like mysterties and who just want a good book to read.

[Jack Heath · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars. More enjoyable than anticipated. I'll be returning to Martha's Vineyard, an island south of Cape Cod, if not in real life, at least through this mystery series. It's a beautiful part of America! But I was wary; in a recent review I asked whether I should read any more of my favourite genre if they include food recipes. This one does, three in fact. However, I had already started so, nothing ventured, nothing gained. Retired Boston cop J.W. Jackson and his family live on the island; they were recently visited by realtors working for Georgia developer Donald Fox. His company, Saberfox, has been making low-ball offers to many property owners across the island and stirring up a hornet's nest of opposition. When Fox's younger brother is shot, but not killed, Jackson begins to investigate the attempt on the developer's life. Indeed, he is one of the suspects. Then a murder occurs. Jackson is not a PI, just a concerned citizen but you'll like his style and perseverance. "Vineyard Killing" is light but worth it. Is it a cozy? Who knows? Surely I can pretend the recipes aren't there and pick up another Philip Craig mystery. (January 2019)

[Avid Series Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Vineyard Killing by Philip R. Craig is the 14th book of the Martha's Vineyard Mystery series set on Martha's Vineyard. J.W. Jackson lives year-round on Martha's Vineyard with his wife Zee and their beloved children. J.W. retired from big-city life, wounded in action as a Boston PD homicide detective. He's an avid fisherman, especially of bluefish. He works as a handyman for the wealthy estate owners who vacation on the island, keeping an eye on their property and opening up the homes when they visit the island. He knows most everyone who lives on the island, and he's well liked. He still has his sharp detection skills, and once again is hired to investigate a murder. The victim isn't likable, neither is his brother, a real estate tycoon trying to cheat residents of their homes. No loss at all if they're eliminated! The real enjoyment of the book is in J.W. himself, his intense love for the island and his family, and his intrepid approach. Read the series in order for best enjoyment. Recipes are included, for J.W.'s specialties. Reading J.W.'s adventures feels like going on vacation.

[Jan · Rating 2 out of 5]

A scheming real estate developer survives a murder attempt, but his brother is shot instead. J.W. Jackson hears the shots and pulls the brother to safety. Who was the intended victim?

J.W. turns down an offer of employment, but gets involved anyway when the daughter of another potential development victim asks for his help. He sorts out strange people on the Vineyard and odd behavior among the developer’s employees when one of them is brutally murdered.

As always, J.W. figures it out in the end. A satisfying installment in the series...with recipes.

Readalikes/Similar Authors:
Cynthia Riggs’ Victoria Trumbull mysteries; Elizabeth Kane Buzzelli’s Emily Kincaid mysteries; Mary Jane Behrends Clark - Footprints in the Sand; Joan Hess - Out on a Limb; Rex Stout - Over My Dead Body.

Pace: Leisurely
Characters: Well-developed over the series; quirky
Story: Plot-driven
Language: Engaging
Tone: Mildly suspenseful with clever secondary mysteries
Frame: Martha’s Vineyard; contemporary

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

The setting of Martha�s Vineyard is a nice draw in this 14 of 19 in the series featuring family man and part-time sleuth, J.W. Jackson, who likes to fish and cook makes. Despite a charming hero; however, the mystery just wasn�t very compelling to me. When the brother of a greedy real estate developer gets injured in a shooting, it is unclear who the intended target was or whether the motive relates to a personal or financial matters. Jackson�s investigations turn up some red herrings, stir up some dangers, and eventually lead to the answer, all with a sense of dogged smugness. Craig shares recipes in an appendix for some of the dishes Jackson cooks, but his writing does not convey their delight as Gardner was able to do with Nero Wolf many years ago.

[Ed · Rating 4 out of 5]

#14 in the Martha's Vineyard Mystery series.

Martha's Vineyard Mystery series - This absorbing yarn portrays an island unknown to most visitors, cold and raw with a March wind biting instead of fish. Retired Boston policeman and part-time PI J.W. Jackson and his wife, Zee, are enjoying an off-season lunch with friends at a Vineyard Haven deli when shots ring out in the street. Someone has tried to kill Paul Fox, brother of unscrupulous real-estate tycoon Donald Fox. The odd thing is, Paul was wearing a bulletproof vest, as if he were expecting serious trouble. Donald Fox, who's been buying up land with questionable titles and threatening island residents, may have been the intended target.

[George · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another in the Martha's Vineyard mystery series featuring ex Boston cop J.W. Jackson. JW again finds himself in the middle of a mystery involving the attempted murder of a man who is part of an unpopular company buying up Vineyard real estate because of the hard ball tactics used by the company. A secondary mystery has JW helping a woman find out the background of a man who her mother is romantically interested in.

Has the usual group of secondary characters who add humor to the story along with JW's usual wise cracking.

[Carol Risez · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful mystery set in Martha's Vineyard. An agent of a ruthless real estate developer is found slashed, bloodied, and dead in the parking lot of the seedy bar on the island. J.w. (Jeff) Jenkins, local do-it-all guy and house-husband, winds up enmeshed in the unfolding story. My first Philip R. Craig book -- will not be my last!! I enjoyed his laid-back writing style and his quirky characters. A lot!

[Jan · Rating 2 out of 5]

With a limited amount of real estate on Martha's Vineyard, a real estate developer and his "employees" would not be a favorite if they challenged a landowner's decades+ old land title. A killing or two ups the temperature even more. This one just didn't develop as much as was possible, in my opinion. And, maybe, my Midwestern background is too alien to believe the developer's key background talent.

But I DID like the two--2--library references in this one! Both in Chapter 23.

[Jenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't realize this book was one of many Martha's Vineyard Mysteries. It was good. As the only one I've read, it didn't make me lost or wish I had read the others. The mystery was good and until the ending I wasn't sure who the murderer was, even though it was tricky. I'm not sure I would read anymore of them, but it was a good mystery.

[Therese B · Rating 4 out of 5]

As always, Philip Craig, wrote a good book but this one wasn't quite as good as some others I have read of his. He investigates a firm that is finding fault with the deeds people have for their homes and cheat them out of their homes so that they can build a development on the island. Good read but not as exciting as usual.

[Kent Woodger · Rating 3 out of 5]

Philip Craig's Martha Vineyard mysteries always have a happy ending. Justifying the means to the end is a bit of a stretch at times. In this entertaining story A. J. Jackson commits multiple B and Es, forgery, lying to the police, and basically being sneaky while trying to pin the murder on the right suspect.

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another good one by Phillip Craig. This one was very well-written. Didn't give the ending away. I so like his charactors in this series.
I feel like they could be real, living on Martha's Vineyard. You can almost see where he is at all times.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Developers run amok with shady dealings cause disruption and murder on the Vineyard. J.W. is, of course, in the middle of it all. The developer is also an Olympic caliber Fencer. A fun quick read that kept me engrossed.

[carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it! This is the second book by this author (that I have recently read) who uses Martha's Vineyard as it's location, and where the author calls home. Easy read without too many characters, and quick to get into then finish. Author hasn't disappointed me yet!

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very good mystery, read in Mexico on Spring Break

[Rachel N. · Rating 3 out of 5]

A mystery dealing with shady real estate dealings and fencing. The killer was a bit too easy to figure out and parts of the book dealing with who the murderer might be were repetitive.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect of a quick light read.

[Sbugsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book. It is not as good as Baldacci but it was still good.

[Nancy Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

straight mystery with very little character developement. I discovered that I like character developement even in mysteries. Definetly felt the lack.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

My mom got me started on these and I'm glad she did. Thanks mom!!

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

a mystery; good summer read

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is so enjoyable.

[Joanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Listened. Seems like a fun series. Interesting people. I did figure out the "bad guy" pretty early on though.

[Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

A so-so murder mystery, set in Martha's vineyard. Not bad, not terribly impressive.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining, easy read. Somewhat predicatable but enjoyed overall. Liked the local references.

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eh. I liked it because its set in my favorite place in the country. But, other than that it wasn't anything to write home about.

[Douglas Karlson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very readable Parkeresque who-dunnit with sleuth J.W. Jackson, set on Martha's Vineyard. Interesting sub plot involving a fugitive with unusual living arrangements.

[Nancy H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another in the great vineyard series!

[Kathie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good story with a few new characters thrown in.