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The Little Matter of a Murder: A Titan McCannigan Mystery
Titan McCannigan. Beach bum. Disgraced former naval officer. Divorced single man still in love with his ex-wife. Current a Zenlike dachshund named Banca.
But Titan has finally pulled himself together. Now he lives in a lighthouse where he runs a popular beachside burger-and-shake snack bar. When he’s not making sandwiches, he operates a small private investigator business.
A young woman comes to him for help. She’s scared for her life. But before Titan can learn the details, she disappears, and he fears the worst.
Before long, he and an old shipmate are plunged into an upside-down world of crooked loans, purloined jewels, thugs, and a brilliant, illusive thief.
And the little matter of a murder.
The Little Matter of a Murder , first in a light-mystery series by award-winning author Dennis Anthony.
But Titan has finally pulled himself together. Now he lives in a lighthouse where he runs a popular beachside burger-and-shake snack bar. When he’s not making sandwiches, he operates a small private investigator business.
A young woman comes to him for help. She’s scared for her life. But before Titan can learn the details, she disappears, and he fears the worst.
Before long, he and an old shipmate are plunged into an upside-down world of crooked loans, purloined jewels, thugs, and a brilliant, illusive thief.
And the little matter of a murder.
The Little Matter of a Murder , first in a light-mystery series by award-winning author Dennis Anthony.
333 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2023
About the author
Dennis Anthony
15 books17 followersDennis Anthony has been a newspaper reporter, sailor, military officer, television news producer, public relations executive and publishing company owner.
He and his wife live in Pensacola, Florida, but try to spend as much time as possible at their cabin on Lookout Mountain in Alabama.
He is author of the Ratcatcher series; Debunker: Independence Day, and Debunker: Psychic Storm, both recipients of the B.R.A.G. Medallion.
He and his wife live in Pensacola, Florida, but try to spend as much time as possible at their cabin on Lookout Mountain in Alabama.
He is author of the Ratcatcher series; Debunker: Independence Day, and Debunker: Psychic Storm, both recipients of the B.R.A.G. Medallion.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
March 17, 2024
I’ve discovered another favorite PI. He knits he has a dachshund. I knit! I have dachshunds! It’s awesome. That’s where the similarities end, however. I don’t live near a lighthouse and I am not a PI. I am charmed by his larger than life personality and his personal history and his way with people. He’s wily and clever and he’s kind. I’m very much looking forward to future adventures with him.
January 15, 2026
found my new favorite
I loved this book! Being a mystery lover and a beach bum his book was perfect! I highly recommend for any and everyone.... beach bum or not!
I loved this book! Being a mystery lover and a beach bum his book was perfect! I highly recommend for any and everyone.... beach bum or not!
July 8, 2025
I really look for and enjoy books where dogs or cats play an integral role. I was misled by this books blurb. A passable but convoluted mystery in which Banca, the dachshund, does little more than enjoy sunsets. Needless to say I was more than a little disappointed.
May 10, 2026
Burgers, Bullets, and a Beach-Bum Sleuth: A Refreshing Coastal Noir
If you’re looking for a mystery that pairs perfectly with a cold drink and the sound of crashing waves, The Little Matter of a Murder by Dennis Anthony is your next must-read. Introducing Titan McCannigan—a man whose life is as layered as the sandwiches he serves—this series debut strikes a fantastic balance between seaside serenity and high-stakes suspense.
The Hero: From Naval Disgrace to Lighthouse Living
Titan McCannigan isn't your typical hard-boiled detective. He’s a disgraced former naval officer turned beachside entrepreneur. Living in a lighthouse and running a burger-and-shake shack, Titan seems to have found his Zen—aided by his equally Zen-like dachshund, Banca. But beneath the "beach bum" exterior is a man still reeling from a divorce and a past that won’t quite let him go.
The Plot: More Than Just a Missing Person
The story kicks off when a terrified young woman seeks Titan’s help, only to vanish before she can spill the details. What starts as a search for a missing girl quickly spirals into a chaotic underworld that Titan never expected to revisit.
The stakes include:
Crooked Loans: Predatory schemes that put everyone at risk.
Purloined Jewels: A trail of high-value theft that leads to dangerous places.
Old Alliances: The return of a former shipmate adds a layer of military camaraderie and grit.
A Mastermind: An elusive, brilliant thief who stays three steps ahead.
Why You Should Read It
Dennis Anthony crafts a "light mystery" that doesn't skimp on the tension. Titan is a deeply relatable protagonist—flawed, hopeful, and fiercely loyal. The setting is atmospheric enough that you can almost smell the salt air and the frying burgers, providing a vibrant backdrop to the darker "matter of a murder."
"Titan McCannigan is the investigator we didn't know we needed: part philosopher, part fry-cook, and all heart."
The Verdict
Whether you’re a fan of classic P.I. novels or contemporary cozy mysteries, this book offers a unique blend of both. It’s a fast-paced, witty, and engaging start to a series that promises plenty of heart and even more heat.
Pick this up if you love:
Character-driven mysteries.
Coastal settings and "island vibes."
Unlikely heroes with a loyal dog by their side.
If you’re looking for a mystery that pairs perfectly with a cold drink and the sound of crashing waves, The Little Matter of a Murder by Dennis Anthony is your next must-read. Introducing Titan McCannigan—a man whose life is as layered as the sandwiches he serves—this series debut strikes a fantastic balance between seaside serenity and high-stakes suspense.
The Hero: From Naval Disgrace to Lighthouse Living
Titan McCannigan isn't your typical hard-boiled detective. He’s a disgraced former naval officer turned beachside entrepreneur. Living in a lighthouse and running a burger-and-shake shack, Titan seems to have found his Zen—aided by his equally Zen-like dachshund, Banca. But beneath the "beach bum" exterior is a man still reeling from a divorce and a past that won’t quite let him go.
The Plot: More Than Just a Missing Person
The story kicks off when a terrified young woman seeks Titan’s help, only to vanish before she can spill the details. What starts as a search for a missing girl quickly spirals into a chaotic underworld that Titan never expected to revisit.
The stakes include:
Crooked Loans: Predatory schemes that put everyone at risk.
Purloined Jewels: A trail of high-value theft that leads to dangerous places.
Old Alliances: The return of a former shipmate adds a layer of military camaraderie and grit.
A Mastermind: An elusive, brilliant thief who stays three steps ahead.
Why You Should Read It
Dennis Anthony crafts a "light mystery" that doesn't skimp on the tension. Titan is a deeply relatable protagonist—flawed, hopeful, and fiercely loyal. The setting is atmospheric enough that you can almost smell the salt air and the frying burgers, providing a vibrant backdrop to the darker "matter of a murder."
"Titan McCannigan is the investigator we didn't know we needed: part philosopher, part fry-cook, and all heart."
The Verdict
Whether you’re a fan of classic P.I. novels or contemporary cozy mysteries, this book offers a unique blend of both. It’s a fast-paced, witty, and engaging start to a series that promises plenty of heart and even more heat.
Pick this up if you love:
Character-driven mysteries.
Coastal settings and "island vibes."
Unlikely heroes with a loyal dog by their side.
July 29, 2023
New to me author. Enjoyed the main group of characters, but the story felt all over the place and didn’t end, but stopped with openings for another book.
August 28, 2023
I found the story quite hard to follow, although it was entertaining enough. I believe the ending was left open to allow for a future sequel.
July 6, 2025
Had a hard time keeping my interest
For one the the speaker spoke in a monotone
For one the the speaker spoke in a monotone
November 6, 2025
Titan is an interesting character and the author does I good job of developing him in this first book.
November 11, 2025
The advertisement about the dachshund character got me, and should not have. Incidental. A ploy. I finished the book, but won't be reading another.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews