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Martha's Vineyard Mystery #4
By Philip R. Craig - Cliff Hanger: A Martha's Vineyard Mystery (1993-06-16) [Hardcover]
Escaping the city and its violence, ex-cop Jeff "J. W." Jackson found solace in fishing, cooking, and simplyenjoying life on Martha's Vineyard -- and nothing, he figures, will ever entice him to leave. However, suddenly there's a very real possibility that his lady love Zee will be departing the idyllic island forever. And when a young student commits suicide, and a girlfriend-abusing thug starts spewing vicious threats, J. W. seriously considers a temporary escape from paradise. But it's a failed trio of attempts on his own life that ultimately propels him off-island -- and onto the trail of a stalker that's leading Jackson to the perilous peaks of the Colorado Rockies, where he quickly learns that, thorns and all, there's no place quite like his Vineyard home.
Unknown Binding
First published January 1, 1993
111 people are currently reading
300 people want to read
About the author
Philip R. Craig
28 books103 followersAuthor 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
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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
September 10, 2020
Really love this series, so far the timeline is great and I love the characters. This was a great way to meld more than one place to Martha's Vineyard and to learn more about the various people in these books. I would highly recommend these to anyone. I'm a read it in order kind of girl, but I have take breaks between books and still kept up with everything.
February 9, 2021
Major characters:
J. W. Jackson, retired Boston cop
Zeolinda Madieras, his girlfriend
Dan Wiggins, a.k.a. "Iowa"
Geraldine Miles, Iowa's niece
Lloyd Cramer, Geraldine's abusive boyfriend
John Skye, professor
Billy Jo Skye, his sister? cousin? in Colorado - it's unclear.
Bernadette Orwell, John Skye's former student
Gordon Berkeley Orwell, Bernardette's brother
Locale: Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts; and Colorado
Synopsis: J. W. Jackson's girlfriend, Zeolinda "Zee" Madieras, is off to New Hampshire for a month long conference, so J. W. is on his own on Martha's Vineyard. First, Geraldine Miles, niece of local Dan "Iowa" Wiggins, is staying on the island to escape her abusive boyfriend, Lloyd Cramer of Iowa. Lloyd hunts her down, asks for forgiveness, and not receiving any, beats her up.
J. W. briefly meets Bernadette Orwell, a former student of professor John Skye, while she is on the island with a class. Soon after she returns to the mainland, she dies from a drug overdose. Her journal hinted at an affair with John Skye, which causes her brother, Gordon Berkeley Orwell, to seek out John Skye for revenge. However, not knowing Skye is really at the family ranch in Colorado, he mistakes caretaker J.W. for Skye, and attempts to kill him several times. J. W. heads to Colorado to warn Skye that Orwell is after him. During his visit to Colorado, he becomes enamored with Skye's (sister? cousin?) Billy Jo Skye. Orwell arrives and plays cat-and-mouse with J.W. and the Skyes.
Review: This is the best Craig mystery I have read thus far. I was not too excited initially reading the book blurb, as it puts J.W. way out of his element in Colorado. Usually when the series protagonist is off somewhere else, the story line suffers; but not here. J.W. is faced with two badly-obsessive guys: Lloyd Cramer and Gordon Berkeley Orwell. Either one alone would have made a good adventure, but we get two at once. The cat-and-mouse chase between Orwell and J.W. is well done, and depicts Orwell as a dangerous man to have after you. The tension is great.
J. W. Jackson, retired Boston cop
Zeolinda Madieras, his girlfriend
Dan Wiggins, a.k.a. "Iowa"
Geraldine Miles, Iowa's niece
Lloyd Cramer, Geraldine's abusive boyfriend
John Skye, professor
Billy Jo Skye, his sister? cousin? in Colorado - it's unclear.
Bernadette Orwell, John Skye's former student
Gordon Berkeley Orwell, Bernardette's brother
Locale: Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts; and Colorado
Synopsis: J. W. Jackson's girlfriend, Zeolinda "Zee" Madieras, is off to New Hampshire for a month long conference, so J. W. is on his own on Martha's Vineyard. First, Geraldine Miles, niece of local Dan "Iowa" Wiggins, is staying on the island to escape her abusive boyfriend, Lloyd Cramer of Iowa. Lloyd hunts her down, asks for forgiveness, and not receiving any, beats her up.
J. W. briefly meets Bernadette Orwell, a former student of professor John Skye, while she is on the island with a class. Soon after she returns to the mainland, she dies from a drug overdose. Her journal hinted at an affair with John Skye, which causes her brother, Gordon Berkeley Orwell, to seek out John Skye for revenge. However, not knowing Skye is really at the family ranch in Colorado, he mistakes caretaker J.W. for Skye, and attempts to kill him several times. J. W. heads to Colorado to warn Skye that Orwell is after him. During his visit to Colorado, he becomes enamored with Skye's (sister? cousin?) Billy Jo Skye. Orwell arrives and plays cat-and-mouse with J.W. and the Skyes.
Review: This is the best Craig mystery I have read thus far. I was not too excited initially reading the book blurb, as it puts J.W. way out of his element in Colorado. Usually when the series protagonist is off somewhere else, the story line suffers; but not here. J.W. is faced with two badly-obsessive guys: Lloyd Cramer and Gordon Berkeley Orwell. Either one alone would have made a good adventure, but we get two at once. The cat-and-mouse chase between Orwell and J.W. is well done, and depicts Orwell as a dangerous man to have after you. The tension is great.
January 9, 2020
I have been reading Philip R. Craig's JW Jackson/Martha's Vineyard series and initially skipped this one because I couldn't find it. I learned that it was also published with a different title, "Cliff Hanger" and found it in our local library. Since I read later books in the series, it was no mystery to me whether JW and Zee continued their relationship, but their separation, temporary or not, contributed to JW's relationship with characters in this episode. As other books in this series, the main plot is mixed with life on Martha's Vineyard, but this one is a bit different since JW spends time off island. I always enjoy the dry humor banter between JW and the police chief. The main plot involves JW's long time friend, Professor John Skye and his family. There is a side story concerning the niece of another of JW's friends. Both are marginally intertwined and both are well told in this satisfying "cozy mystery" novel.
August 17, 2022
J. W. Jackson's girlfriend, Zee is going to NH for a gathering, and thinks she might want to go to Medical School. Meanwhile, Professor friend John Skye is going to be gone most of the summer, and J. W. takes care of his house and boat after another professor has brought a group of students. His friend Iowa has a niece staying with him who was beaten by her boyfriend. Jackson tries to help his friends out, but suddenly finds someone is trying to kill him. A young man, Orwell, thinks J. W. caused his sister's death, and comes after Jackson, then after Skye, when the man who dropped Orwell's sister was really the man who used Skye's house. And, he tries to help Iowa keep his niece safe.
September 19, 2020
This series is as good as I remember it. With good character development and just enough suspense to keep me reading long into the night -- or morning, as it were -- it makes for the perfect summer read. Although I will probably take another break before continuing the series, it is always nice to know I can pick it up at any time and be home with my good friend J.W. Jackson. I highly recommend this series to anyone looking for a great, light book.
March 20, 2018
Attempts on J.W.'s life leads him to the Colorado Rockies while his lady love Zee leaves the island to see what she really wants in life which may include leaving the island for good. It was a refreshing change to see J.W. out of his comfort zone and as usual, a good mystery. This series came out in the nineties but I definitely recommend checking it out!
December 31, 2018
J.W. leaves the Vineyard to help a friend who is in danger in Colorado. The familiar sights of the vineyard are replaced by the beautiful surroundings of Colorado which are described in detail. A captivating mystery.
October 24, 2021
The fourth in his Vineyard series was okay, it takes place mostly in a trip to Colorado and the Rockies.
Some interesting twists but I may take a break for these stories after I finish the one I have.
Some interesting twists but I may take a break for these stories after I finish the one I have.
March 3, 2025
A fun story
This is a fun story. I like J W’s openness, honesty and directness. His ex-cop analysis of people and situations is impressive. He’s also vulnerable, which is endearing. I root for him all the way, and l learn as I read and enjoy.
This is a fun story. I like J W’s openness, honesty and directness. His ex-cop analysis of people and situations is impressive. He’s also vulnerable, which is endearing. I root for him all the way, and l learn as I read and enjoy.
November 10, 2018
I was disappointed in A.J. (Craig), I thought he was smarter. The clue to the guilty one was obvious.
July 30, 2019
Great summer time read.
March 31, 2020
I read this under a different title... Cliff Hanger
January 18, 2022
Much stronger than the previous entry, with some emotional heft.
Read
May 21, 2022JW Jackson, Martha's Vineyard, saves friend from being killed by man whom he thought seduced his sister
January 2, 2023
Excellent; Continuing character: J. W. Jackson; helping out his neighbors makes JW an enemy of two violent men while he frets about the potential loss of his girlfriend
October 28, 2023
3.5 stars
March 10, 2025
Also titled “Cliff Hanger”. Another happy ending in paradise!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 6, 2016
Cliff Hanger by Philip R. Craig is book 4 of the Martha’s Vineyard mystery series set in the 1990s. The first 3 books of the series have been set on Martha’s Vineyard, but half of this one is set in Durango Colorado.
J. W. Jackson, retired from Boston PD in his mid-thirties with a bullet near his spine, lives a vacation lifestyle on Martha’s Vineyard. Besides fishing he does handyman work, occasionally works for the police, and takes care of vacation homes for friends.
“Books, beer, fish, and fresh veggies on Martha’s Vineyard made a winning combination, one which had made an islander (howbeit a transplanted one) out of me.”
For me, a “muy simpatico” facet of J.W. is his fondness for the public library, where he checks out books by the armful:
“Libraries are some of my favorite places. They're filled with books and information and give you the good feeling that no matter how much you've read there's an endless amount of reading material still ahead of you, so you never have to worry about running out. It's a nice certainty in an uncertain world.”
I enjoy J.W.’s occasional understated humor:
“I tacked in past a crowd of people on the Edgartown town dock, waved at some waves I received, slid past the yacht club, and fetched my stake with an eggshell landing. I looked around. No one was watching. There are hundreds of observers when I come in too fast or too slow or otherwise screw up my landings, but never anyone there to see me do it right. It's a law of the sea.”
J.W. takes care of the summer home and boat belonging to a professor in New England, who suddenly and mysteriously becomes the target of a hit man. The hit man is shooting at J.W. to start with, thinking he’s the professor, clearly not knowing his target. J.W. goes out west to Durango to warn his friend, after J.W.’s address book is copied by the hit man.
J.W. is impressed by the completely different landscape and climate out West. He is somewhat mesmerized by a strong and resourceful young woman, but also pines for his ladylove, Zee. His future with Zee is completely in doubt – Zee is off to New Hampshire for the summer, to decide if and how she would like to re-invent her life.
Rather than fishing and piloting a boat, J.W. is riding a horse and hiking most days. He tries to let local law enforcement handle the case, but the killer outsmarts them. J.W. stages a dangerous confrontation in the mountains, to keep his friends safe.
Reading this pleasant series is like being on vacation. For the first time in the series, as J.W. cooks his fresh gourmet dishes he gives the quantities of ingredients as a recipe, and he first uses the exclamation “Delish!” to describe his satisfaction with his home cooking. Both foreshadow his cookbook “Delish!” containing his recipes from the series.
J. W. Jackson, retired from Boston PD in his mid-thirties with a bullet near his spine, lives a vacation lifestyle on Martha’s Vineyard. Besides fishing he does handyman work, occasionally works for the police, and takes care of vacation homes for friends.
“Books, beer, fish, and fresh veggies on Martha’s Vineyard made a winning combination, one which had made an islander (howbeit a transplanted one) out of me.”
For me, a “muy simpatico” facet of J.W. is his fondness for the public library, where he checks out books by the armful:
“Libraries are some of my favorite places. They're filled with books and information and give you the good feeling that no matter how much you've read there's an endless amount of reading material still ahead of you, so you never have to worry about running out. It's a nice certainty in an uncertain world.”
I enjoy J.W.’s occasional understated humor:
“I tacked in past a crowd of people on the Edgartown town dock, waved at some waves I received, slid past the yacht club, and fetched my stake with an eggshell landing. I looked around. No one was watching. There are hundreds of observers when I come in too fast or too slow or otherwise screw up my landings, but never anyone there to see me do it right. It's a law of the sea.”
J.W. takes care of the summer home and boat belonging to a professor in New England, who suddenly and mysteriously becomes the target of a hit man. The hit man is shooting at J.W. to start with, thinking he’s the professor, clearly not knowing his target. J.W. goes out west to Durango to warn his friend, after J.W.’s address book is copied by the hit man.
J.W. is impressed by the completely different landscape and climate out West. He is somewhat mesmerized by a strong and resourceful young woman, but also pines for his ladylove, Zee. His future with Zee is completely in doubt – Zee is off to New Hampshire for the summer, to decide if and how she would like to re-invent her life.
Rather than fishing and piloting a boat, J.W. is riding a horse and hiking most days. He tries to let local law enforcement handle the case, but the killer outsmarts them. J.W. stages a dangerous confrontation in the mountains, to keep his friends safe.
Reading this pleasant series is like being on vacation. For the first time in the series, as J.W. cooks his fresh gourmet dishes he gives the quantities of ingredients as a recipe, and he first uses the exclamation “Delish!” to describe his satisfaction with his home cooking. Both foreshadow his cookbook “Delish!” containing his recipes from the series.
January 11, 2012
VINEYARD FEAR by Philip R Craig is 237 pages in paperback form. It was also printed as CLIFF HANGER. This is #4 in A Martha's Vineyard Mystery.
Brief Description:
FISH OUT OF WATER
Escaping the city and its violence, ex-cop Jeff "J. W." Jackson found solace in fishing, cooking, and simply enjoying life on Martha's Vineyard--and nothing, he figures, will ever entice him to leave. However, suddenly there's a very real possibility that his lady love Zee will be departing the idyllic island forever. And when a young student commits suicide, and a girlfriend-abusing thug starts spewing vicious threats, J. W. seriously considers a temporary escape from paradise. But it's a failed trio of attempts on his own life that ultimately propels him off-island--and onto the trail of a stalker that's leading Jackson to the perilous peaks of the Colorado Rockies, where he quickly learns that, thorns and all, there's no place quite like his Vineyard home.
I think this is the best one I have read so far by this author. J W was very witty and seemed to be quite human in this book. Because of the two different stories that are being told, there is always something going on. Plus the fact that Zee needs some time to look at what she want to do the rest of her life. Zee was only in the first part of the book and then she was off to a class in New Hampshire. This was mostly about J W and how he was going to cope if Zee did leave and whether he would be following her or staying in Martha's Vineyard.
J W did leave the island twice in this book and I believe this is the first time that most of the action took place in other places. Mr. Craig describes the places in such detail, that you feel like you could be there at the top of the mountain in Colorado. Also, the fear of crawling on the edge of a cliff is very well written in my opinion.
There are even some interesting dishes that J W prepared in this one. There are no specific amounts but the combinations do sound very interesting and I believe he wants you to experiment to get the taste that is right for you.
I am giving this 5 out of 5 stars and have put the next one on my list of books to read this year.
BUY NOW: Conniesbookshelf.com $6.99 This is a new copy that I have not read. I also have Cliff Hanger for $19.99 that is new.
Brief Description:
FISH OUT OF WATER
Escaping the city and its violence, ex-cop Jeff "J. W." Jackson found solace in fishing, cooking, and simply enjoying life on Martha's Vineyard--and nothing, he figures, will ever entice him to leave. However, suddenly there's a very real possibility that his lady love Zee will be departing the idyllic island forever. And when a young student commits suicide, and a girlfriend-abusing thug starts spewing vicious threats, J. W. seriously considers a temporary escape from paradise. But it's a failed trio of attempts on his own life that ultimately propels him off-island--and onto the trail of a stalker that's leading Jackson to the perilous peaks of the Colorado Rockies, where he quickly learns that, thorns and all, there's no place quite like his Vineyard home.
I think this is the best one I have read so far by this author. J W was very witty and seemed to be quite human in this book. Because of the two different stories that are being told, there is always something going on. Plus the fact that Zee needs some time to look at what she want to do the rest of her life. Zee was only in the first part of the book and then she was off to a class in New Hampshire. This was mostly about J W and how he was going to cope if Zee did leave and whether he would be following her or staying in Martha's Vineyard.
J W did leave the island twice in this book and I believe this is the first time that most of the action took place in other places. Mr. Craig describes the places in such detail, that you feel like you could be there at the top of the mountain in Colorado. Also, the fear of crawling on the edge of a cliff is very well written in my opinion.
There are even some interesting dishes that J W prepared in this one. There are no specific amounts but the combinations do sound very interesting and I believe he wants you to experiment to get the taste that is right for you.
I am giving this 5 out of 5 stars and have put the next one on my list of books to read this year.
BUY NOW: Conniesbookshelf.com $6.99 This is a new copy that I have not read. I also have Cliff Hanger for $19.99 that is new.
October 20, 2008
CLIFF HANGER (aka Vineyard Fear) - VG
Craig, Philip R. - 4th in Matha's Vineyard series
Escaping the city and its violence, ex-cop Jeff "J. W." Jackson found solace in fishing, cooking, and simply enjoying life on Martha's Vineyard -- and nothing, he figures, will ever entice him to leave. However, suddenly there's a very real possibility that his lady love Zee will be departing the idyllic island forever. And when a young student commits suicide, and a girlfriend-abusing thug starts spewing vicious threats, J. W. seriously considers a temporary escape from paradise. But it's a failed trio of attempts on his own life that ultimately propels him off-island -- and onto the trail of a stalker that's leading Jackson to the perilous peaks of the Colorado Rockies, where he quickly learns that, thorns and all, there's no place quite like his Vineyard home.
Lots of action for a smallish book. This was a very good read.
Craig, Philip R. - 4th in Matha's Vineyard series
Escaping the city and its violence, ex-cop Jeff "J. W." Jackson found solace in fishing, cooking, and simply enjoying life on Martha's Vineyard -- and nothing, he figures, will ever entice him to leave. However, suddenly there's a very real possibility that his lady love Zee will be departing the idyllic island forever. And when a young student commits suicide, and a girlfriend-abusing thug starts spewing vicious threats, J. W. seriously considers a temporary escape from paradise. But it's a failed trio of attempts on his own life that ultimately propels him off-island -- and onto the trail of a stalker that's leading Jackson to the perilous peaks of the Colorado Rockies, where he quickly learns that, thorns and all, there's no place quite like his Vineyard home.
Lots of action for a smallish book. This was a very good read.
September 25, 2012
I like Philip Craig's Martha's Vineyard mysteries. J.W.'s days of fishing, clamming and generally intergrating his maritime activities with solving a crime or two reminds me of my years living on the east end of Long Island. After reading VINEYARD FEAR, I have a new favorite.
Jackson starts out on The Vineyard, gets a major disappointment in his love life, takes a trip to the mainland, and someone tries to kill him. Or was it a case of mistaken identity? This all leads our disabled ex-Boston cop to the mountains surrounding Durango, Colorado to contront a talented and deranged would-be killer.
This instalment of Craig's usually near-cozy mysteries turns into a pretty exciting thriller.
Jackson starts out on The Vineyard, gets a major disappointment in his love life, takes a trip to the mainland, and someone tries to kill him. Or was it a case of mistaken identity? This all leads our disabled ex-Boston cop to the mountains surrounding Durango, Colorado to contront a talented and deranged would-be killer.
This instalment of Craig's usually near-cozy mysteries turns into a pretty exciting thriller.
February 7, 2016
#4 in the Martha's Vineyard Mystery series.
When former cop Jeff Jackson saves Geraldine Miles from her abusive boyfriend, someone--possibly the boyfriend--makes two attempts on Jeff's life. Or is the attacker mistaking him for Weststock College professor John Skye? Skye, forsaking the Vineyard for a summer in Colorado with his family, needs to be warned. So J.W., at loose ends since his girlfriend Zee is attending some conferences for August, heads for the Rockies--with a homicidal pursuer on his trail.
When former cop Jeff Jackson saves Geraldine Miles from her abusive boyfriend, someone--possibly the boyfriend--makes two attempts on Jeff's life. Or is the attacker mistaking him for Weststock College professor John Skye? Skye, forsaking the Vineyard for a summer in Colorado with his family, needs to be warned. So J.W., at loose ends since his girlfriend Zee is attending some conferences for August, heads for the Rockies--with a homicidal pursuer on his trail.
July 8, 2010
I am so in love with series. This one was so exciting. I was on vacation when I read it, I had to squeeze it in every chance I got. I like the ending. I'm glad Zee came back. J W would be lost without her.
August 4, 2011
This was the first book of this series I have read. I liked the Martha's Vineyard venue (esp having been there before... added interest to his comings and goings). Unfortunately, the mystery itself was pretty weak. Though, I admit mystery is no longer my genre.
May 11, 2013
Great book. Change of scenery from Martha's Vineyard and lots of mountain views. Interesting mystery. JW had some big adventure but lived to survive so he can continue on in the rest of the series.
January 9, 2017
Another good book in the series. I read it out of sequence, which detracted slightly because one of the subplots was resolved in later books which I had already read. Cliff Hanger (apa Vineyard Fear) is unusual in that much of the action takes place off-island.
October 17, 2007
This series isn't exceptional, but I keep reading them when I find them. Something about the characters keep me coming back - I like the idea of living on the island and not having a real job.
September 25, 2008
I love this series. I don't like the changes the publisher (new publisher?) made to the titles. This title is the worst yet in my opinion.
January 24, 2009
Love Philip Craig's series in Martha's Vineyard. He has created a protagonist similar to Dick Francis' characters.
A touch of romance, a lot of suspense, a great setting.
A touch of romance, a lot of suspense, a great setting.
April 20, 2009
A fun read, similar to Mrs. Pollifax, not heavy, not violent, just good escapism.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews