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Matt Kile Mystery #1
Who Murdered Garson Talmadge
Matt Kile, ex-cop and ex-con, current smart-aleck, and a neighbor of Mr. and Mrs. Talmadge has built himself a comfortable career writing mysteries. Garson Talmadge sold weapons to Saddam Hussein, then moved out of France, came to America and married Clarice, a woman half his age. When Clarice is arrested for murdering her husband, Matt becomes the investigator for her defense attorney, and quickly learns there is a line of suspects stretching from the U.S. into Europe and the Middle East.
Not long after getting involved in the case Matt learns that Garson Talmadge’s weapons deals meant the FBI had an interest as well as the French Prefecture of Police. While Matt is simply trying to establish that Clarice is innocent, the FBI is trying to learn how Hussein got some of his weaponry, and powerful members of the French government and armaments industry wants to keep Matt from following the trail far enough to expose them.
Told in the first person, Matt shares his thoughts and wise remarks as he weaves his way through a mass of plot twists and turns to its conclusion, and learns Who Murdered Garson Talmadge.
Not long after getting involved in the case Matt learns that Garson Talmadge’s weapons deals meant the FBI had an interest as well as the French Prefecture of Police. While Matt is simply trying to establish that Clarice is innocent, the FBI is trying to learn how Hussein got some of his weaponry, and powerful members of the French government and armaments industry wants to keep Matt from following the trail far enough to expose them.
Told in the first person, Matt shares his thoughts and wise remarks as he weaves his way through a mass of plot twists and turns to its conclusion, and learns Who Murdered Garson Talmadge.
264 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 13, 2011
1112 people are currently reading
1388 people want to read
About the author
David Bishop
33 books140 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
I was born in Washington, D.C. From there my life likely mirrored that of a lot of my readers. We moved around. I got some education. Played some sports, and got some more education. Prior to becoming a novelist, I worked as a financial analyst determining the value of companies. But let's talk about my current and final career, writing mystery novels.
As a writer, I conjure up occurrences designed to quickly bring the story to a roiling boil. Along the way, I invent people. Victims and villains and heroes are needed, as well as a supporting cast. I make these people fun and interesting so you will welcome them and introduce them to your friends. Primary characters need habits and tics and talents, the qualities that bring them to life and make you love them or hate them. You'll want to see them humiliated or hunted down, be sucessful or seduced.
My mysteries offer you the opportunity to be challenged to find the villain from among the suspects. Clues as large as a log or as tiny as a bump thereon are salted throughout the stories. There are distractions in the form of false clues, called red herrings, which point to someone other than the real villain.
Take a journey with me. Laugh. Hold your breath. Cheer. Boo. The characters are rich and the plots are grabbers. I promise that you'll be glad you came along. Some people don't like golf or chocolate or even a hearty laugh. But I'll bet you like some of those things and I'll bet you'll like my mysteries. Yours very truly, David Bishop
I was born in Washington, D.C. From there my life likely mirrored that of a lot of my readers. We moved around. I got some education. Played some sports, and got some more education. Prior to becoming a novelist, I worked as a financial analyst determining the value of companies. But let's talk about my current and final career, writing mystery novels.
As a writer, I conjure up occurrences designed to quickly bring the story to a roiling boil. Along the way, I invent people. Victims and villains and heroes are needed, as well as a supporting cast. I make these people fun and interesting so you will welcome them and introduce them to your friends. Primary characters need habits and tics and talents, the qualities that bring them to life and make you love them or hate them. You'll want to see them humiliated or hunted down, be sucessful or seduced.
My mysteries offer you the opportunity to be challenged to find the villain from among the suspects. Clues as large as a log or as tiny as a bump thereon are salted throughout the stories. There are distractions in the form of false clues, called red herrings, which point to someone other than the real villain.
Take a journey with me. Laugh. Hold your breath. Cheer. Boo. The characters are rich and the plots are grabbers. I promise that you'll be glad you came along. Some people don't like golf or chocolate or even a hearty laugh. But I'll bet you like some of those things and I'll bet you'll like my mysteries. Yours very truly, David Bishop
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
October 28, 2018
Great words
I've read a few of this series.....clearly not in order though, but I have thoroughly enjoyed every one of them. The characters that are in each story are fantastic. Matt Kile especially. I look forward to many more words by David Bishop
I've read a few of this series.....clearly not in order though, but I have thoroughly enjoyed every one of them. The characters that are in each story are fantastic. Matt Kile especially. I look forward to many more words by David Bishop
February 21, 2012
David Bishop has written a masterful mystery, engaging his reader in conversation that offers both a story and an inside glimpse at how a former detective turned imprisoned murder turned skillful writer views life. Matthew Kile has come to grips with his own code of morality, and he lives comfortably within his own limits.
A continuing friendship with his former partner Fidgery places Matt back on the job, albeit in a different role as a private investigator. Matt's luscious neighbor and friend is accused of murdering her wealthy, elderly husband, and Matt is her alibi, for they were together during the time that her husband was killed.
Her husband, Garson Talmadge, former arms dealer in France linked speculatively with a partnership involving Saddam Hussein, has an adult son and daughter who, with Clarice, will share the millions left behind when Talmadge is killed. How much each will share creates considerable debate and provides a motive for the killing.
David Bishop draws the reader into the life and mind of Matt Kile, whose thoughts ramble freely while considering the changing scene of violent crime and the people involved in the past and current decades. Meeting with ex-cons, business lawyers, criminal defenders here in the states, and then flying to France and encountering inquisitive FBI agents, French police officers, and thugs abroad add dimensions to this mystery and the character pursuing it. Kile's persona comes across as charming, knowledgeable, and somewhat vulnerable to his own passions, and to those whom he admires.
Brief references to his former family life, with an ex-wife and children, and his comfortable relationship with Fidgery's close family are poignant thoughts the reader is allowed to share with the character/writer. The mystery of who murdered Garson Talmadge takes a number of probable twists and turns, leaving most readers wondering until the end, and leaving all of us wondering what Matt Kile will ultimately learn about the people involved, and himself.
Five Stars for David Bishop's carefully plotted and beautifully written mystery!
A continuing friendship with his former partner Fidgery places Matt back on the job, albeit in a different role as a private investigator. Matt's luscious neighbor and friend is accused of murdering her wealthy, elderly husband, and Matt is her alibi, for they were together during the time that her husband was killed.
Her husband, Garson Talmadge, former arms dealer in France linked speculatively with a partnership involving Saddam Hussein, has an adult son and daughter who, with Clarice, will share the millions left behind when Talmadge is killed. How much each will share creates considerable debate and provides a motive for the killing.
David Bishop draws the reader into the life and mind of Matt Kile, whose thoughts ramble freely while considering the changing scene of violent crime and the people involved in the past and current decades. Meeting with ex-cons, business lawyers, criminal defenders here in the states, and then flying to France and encountering inquisitive FBI agents, French police officers, and thugs abroad add dimensions to this mystery and the character pursuing it. Kile's persona comes across as charming, knowledgeable, and somewhat vulnerable to his own passions, and to those whom he admires.
Brief references to his former family life, with an ex-wife and children, and his comfortable relationship with Fidgery's close family are poignant thoughts the reader is allowed to share with the character/writer. The mystery of who murdered Garson Talmadge takes a number of probable twists and turns, leaving most readers wondering until the end, and leaving all of us wondering what Matt Kile will ultimately learn about the people involved, and himself.
Five Stars for David Bishop's carefully plotted and beautifully written mystery!
January 14, 2021
I don’t know why I took so long to read Bishop. I’ll be following his books now.
January 19, 2019
New series for me and definitely looking forward to reading more!
October 9, 2016
This is a great standalone series opener and Kindle Unlimited library read. Matt Kile is a former cop who murdered a man on the court house steps, served time and became a successful author. His wife divorced him and his two girls are grown. He has become friends with a May-December couple from down the hall in his apartment building and is surprised by a call one morning asking him to come to their apartment. Grayson Talmadge has been shot and his wife, Clarice, is looking like a good candidate for his murder. Matt doesn't think she's guilty, however, and ends up working as an investigator on her defense team. Secrets begin to come out, lies and cover-ups are revealed, and Matt doggedly keeps pulling on strings. One thing he learns fairly quickly, though, is that writing about investigating is much easier than actually doing it. And that it's much less painful, too.
This is a great KU library read.
This is a great KU library read.
January 3, 2012
I have just now "discovered" David Bishop, and finished reading Who Murdered Garson Talmadge half an hour ago. I rushed to write a review, only to find that others have already said almost all that needs to be said. I agree with all the reviews praising this unconventional mystery.
I want to add that what also struck me was that the protagonist, Matt Kile, an ex-cop and ex-con, has a constant dialogue with the reader. At times, I felt like answering him! It's a great device, and it adds a personal touch. Another ingredient that makes this work better than some other books of its genre is the sense of humor, evident in the dialogue, the actions, and also in Matt's thoughts. It was in all a great experience!
Why did I start with this particular one? I wish I knew. But I did, and it has shown me the way to all the others that David Bishop wrote and will continue writing.
I want to add that what also struck me was that the protagonist, Matt Kile, an ex-cop and ex-con, has a constant dialogue with the reader. At times, I felt like answering him! It's a great device, and it adds a personal touch. Another ingredient that makes this work better than some other books of its genre is the sense of humor, evident in the dialogue, the actions, and also in Matt's thoughts. It was in all a great experience!
Why did I start with this particular one? I wish I knew. But I did, and it has shown me the way to all the others that David Bishop wrote and will continue writing.
January 5, 2012
If you’re looking for a good mystery for a post-holiday read, I’d recommend David Bishop’s WHO MURDERED GARSON TALMADGE. I recently read the novel and thoroughly enjoyed it. This well-written tale of murder in California introduces us to Matt Kile, a former detective turned P.I. and mystery novelist. Kile’s a wise-cracking, quick-witted hero women can’t help but fall for, especially his neighbor and one-time lover, Clarice Talmadge, who’s been accused of murdering her husband. As Kile investigates, the story moves from California to Paris at a non-stop pace and mixes in the dead man’s grown children, an ex-wife’s bitter sister, International arms dealers and the FBI, all in a suspenseful plot filled with some twists you’ll never see coming. Be sure not to miss it.
May 17, 2014
My Kindle Prime Lending library book for this month.
Maybe a 3-. Bishop is a good writer, and I enjoyed his prose style. His protagonist is an interesting guy. In the minus column, there is stereotyped sex and "action" that I found to be disappointing and rather spoiled my enjoyment.
I do not think I will be interested in reading any more in the series. Given his writing, though, I might read another if he were to write in a different crime subgenre.
Maybe a 3-. Bishop is a good writer, and I enjoyed his prose style. His protagonist is an interesting guy. In the minus column, there is stereotyped sex and "action" that I found to be disappointing and rather spoiled my enjoyment.
I do not think I will be interested in reading any more in the series. Given his writing, though, I might read another if he were to write in a different crime subgenre.
June 10, 2014
Very average ... canned character .... canned language.
January 9, 2018
David Bishop's Who Murdered Garson Talmadge is a lot like dinner at a good chain restaurant. The meal is well prepared, looks good on the plate, is reasonably tasty and rather filling. In fact, you'll probably want to go back from time to time. But, by the time you get home, you'll probably forget what you ordered and, no matter how many times you go back, you'll never find that signature dish. Unlike the chain restaurant though, Who Murdered Garson Talmadge is the first novel in a series featuring PI Matt Kile, so there's room for character and plot development in the future.
Like many PI's, Matt Kile is an ex-cop, but his backstory is rather different than most. He got bounced off the force and straight into the slammer when he fatally blasted on the courthouse steps a sleazeball who managed to get off the hook on a murder charge. After doing some time, Kile decided to become a writer, until he gets involved in the Talmadge case. His involvement happens to be very direct since Talmadge was one of the neighbors in his apartment building and, in addition, Kile happened to be bedding Talmadge's much younger wife earlier on the evening he died. When the wife gets arrested, Kile, who conveniently has a PI license, agrees to help out her defense attorney.
Who Murdered Garson Talmadge is a serviceable mystery, just as Matt Kile is a serviceable PI. It turns out that Talmadge was an ex-arms dealer with a shady past, and the investigation takes Kile to Paris in search of Talmadge’s former wife. He manages to get threatened a couple of times, engage in some fisticuffs, and turn up a couple of more suspects: Talmadge’s son and daughter, the latter of whom he beds as well. I give author Bishop some credit for having his hero hop into the sack with both of the two main female suspects in the case. And, the eventual solution to the mystery is fairly decent as well.
Of course, Matt Kile wouldn’t be a bona fide, hardboiled PI if he didn’t come equipped with a ready store of snappy sarcastic comments and he gets to trot a lot of them out here. The cops in the book serve as all too convenient foils (one is even named Dick Dickson), so Kile gets to dispense a goodly dose of quips and observations, several of them good enough to elicit some chuckles from me.
Who Murdered Garson Talmadge is a decent mystery for those who enjoy this type of hardboiled PI book. There’s nothing especially innovative here, and Kile’s skills with the ladies are a bit implausible, but, although the material is highly familiar, Bishop handles it well, displaying a good sense of humor. My biggest disappointment is that after taking the time to give Kile an unusual backstory, the author really didn’t work that story into the plot. I would rate Who Murdered Garson Talmadge at 3.5 stars rounded up to 4 because the character shows some promise that isn’t fully on display in this initial volume in the series. Readers will find out who killed Talmadge and they’ll have a good time killing time as well.
Like many PI's, Matt Kile is an ex-cop, but his backstory is rather different than most. He got bounced off the force and straight into the slammer when he fatally blasted on the courthouse steps a sleazeball who managed to get off the hook on a murder charge. After doing some time, Kile decided to become a writer, until he gets involved in the Talmadge case. His involvement happens to be very direct since Talmadge was one of the neighbors in his apartment building and, in addition, Kile happened to be bedding Talmadge's much younger wife earlier on the evening he died. When the wife gets arrested, Kile, who conveniently has a PI license, agrees to help out her defense attorney.
Who Murdered Garson Talmadge is a serviceable mystery, just as Matt Kile is a serviceable PI. It turns out that Talmadge was an ex-arms dealer with a shady past, and the investigation takes Kile to Paris in search of Talmadge’s former wife. He manages to get threatened a couple of times, engage in some fisticuffs, and turn up a couple of more suspects: Talmadge’s son and daughter, the latter of whom he beds as well. I give author Bishop some credit for having his hero hop into the sack with both of the two main female suspects in the case. And, the eventual solution to the mystery is fairly decent as well.
Of course, Matt Kile wouldn’t be a bona fide, hardboiled PI if he didn’t come equipped with a ready store of snappy sarcastic comments and he gets to trot a lot of them out here. The cops in the book serve as all too convenient foils (one is even named Dick Dickson), so Kile gets to dispense a goodly dose of quips and observations, several of them good enough to elicit some chuckles from me.
Who Murdered Garson Talmadge is a decent mystery for those who enjoy this type of hardboiled PI book. There’s nothing especially innovative here, and Kile’s skills with the ladies are a bit implausible, but, although the material is highly familiar, Bishop handles it well, displaying a good sense of humor. My biggest disappointment is that after taking the time to give Kile an unusual backstory, the author really didn’t work that story into the plot. I would rate Who Murdered Garson Talmadge at 3.5 stars rounded up to 4 because the character shows some promise that isn’t fully on display in this initial volume in the series. Readers will find out who killed Talmadge and they’ll have a good time killing time as well.
February 21, 2018
Perfectly Paced
This Matt Kyle Mystery is a rich and broad introduction to a writer of mysteries (like Jessica Fletcher in Murder She Wrote) who had been a cop, then murdered a felon when he was walking out of the courthouse acquitted, and was sent to jail.
He started selling novels, but when someone he knows is accused of murder, he just has to solve it. And it is not an easy one to solve. Like Colombo, this cop studies people, character, propensity, and probability.
Matt Kyle is a man on the way up, not down.
This Matt Kyle Mystery is a rich and broad introduction to a writer of mysteries (like Jessica Fletcher in Murder She Wrote) who had been a cop, then murdered a felon when he was walking out of the courthouse acquitted, and was sent to jail.
He started selling novels, but when someone he knows is accused of murder, he just has to solve it. And it is not an easy one to solve. Like Colombo, this cop studies people, character, propensity, and probability.
Matt Kyle is a man on the way up, not down.
October 4, 2021
Great reading, looking forward to reading more!
Fast-paced, imaginative, hard-hitting. A sleuth with a bent for wry humour. Bishop writes complex characters and a well-crafted narrative that has readers on the edge of their seats. And I was no different; I read this novel in one sitting, and at the end of it, hope that our intrepid writer slash investigator doesn't hang up his P.I. license just yet.
Highly recommend!
Fast-paced, imaginative, hard-hitting. A sleuth with a bent for wry humour. Bishop writes complex characters and a well-crafted narrative that has readers on the edge of their seats. And I was no different; I read this novel in one sitting, and at the end of it, hope that our intrepid writer slash investigator doesn't hang up his P.I. license just yet.
Highly recommend!
March 2, 2019
A Good Story.
A quick fast paced read that keeps the reader entertained and engaged. Lots of threads pulled that lead to a lot of rabbit holes. The main character, Matt Kile, pulls on the threads and let's the accused cover their tracks or dispel the accusation.
I would recommend if you are looking for a light, right read.
A quick fast paced read that keeps the reader entertained and engaged. Lots of threads pulled that lead to a lot of rabbit holes. The main character, Matt Kile, pulls on the threads and let's the accused cover their tracks or dispel the accusation.
I would recommend if you are looking for a light, right read.
November 9, 2024
Good Read
A good mystery that stayed on my To Read Shelf for too long. Read it. You will like it. It is the first of a series, so the love story is short. Long lasting romances are not well fit to the mystery genre. Look at Ian Fleming's Bond series. He loves them and leaves them. So many broken broken hearts.
Thank you, Mr. Bishop, for a good read.
A good mystery that stayed on my To Read Shelf for too long. Read it. You will like it. It is the first of a series, so the love story is short. Long lasting romances are not well fit to the mystery genre. Look at Ian Fleming's Bond series. He loves them and leaves them. So many broken broken hearts.
Thank you, Mr. Bishop, for a good read.
June 20, 2018
The Case Of The Murdered Evil Man
The book was exciting to read the author knows how to write interesting plots to entice his readers. I will read his other books to prove he's an exceptional writer.
The book was exciting to read the author knows how to write interesting plots to entice his readers. I will read his other books to prove he's an exceptional writer.
August 17, 2018
Who indeed
Great wit and humour kept this book from being just another murder story with a wise mouthed detective. A must read for those who enjoy a fast paced adventure in their cosy reading place.
Great wit and humour kept this book from being just another murder story with a wise mouthed detective. A must read for those who enjoy a fast paced adventure in their cosy reading place.
February 16, 2019
WOW!!
Great dialogue, wonderful plot, good characters and an extraordinary hero. There is everything about this book to like and enjoy. Will definitely buy Mr. Bush's next book with Matt Kile.
Great dialogue, wonderful plot, good characters and an extraordinary hero. There is everything about this book to like and enjoy. Will definitely buy Mr. Bush's next book with Matt Kile.
March 21, 2019
Excellent read
Wasn't too sure, from the cover, if it would be my style of book but, as they say ... don't judge a book ... loved the style, story line, twists and turns and pace ... highly recommended it.
Wasn't too sure, from the cover, if it would be my style of book but, as they say ... don't judge a book ... loved the style, story line, twists and turns and pace ... highly recommended it.
March 23, 2019
Detect Novel
Very well written. Great cast of characters. The lead Matt Mike is a man you definitely would live. Like a dog with a bone he won't let go until he has solved his case. I loved it and will happily read another.
Very well written. Great cast of characters. The lead Matt Mike is a man you definitely would live. Like a dog with a bone he won't let go until he has solved his case. I loved it and will happily read another.
December 17, 2019
Loved it
I'm reading this Matt Kile series in order. If this 1st book in indication, it's going to be great. I really like Matt already, it's going to be fun going on these adventures with him.
I'm reading this Matt Kile series in order. If this 1st book in indication, it's going to be great. I really like Matt already, it's going to be fun going on these adventures with him.
August 4, 2020
New mystery writer for me
Well, I liked the plot and the characters, especially Matt. Loved the humor and banter that Matt used throughout his adventures, both criminal investigation and hanky-panky. Highly recommend..
Well, I liked the plot and the characters, especially Matt. Loved the humor and banter that Matt used throughout his adventures, both criminal investigation and hanky-panky. Highly recommend..
November 19, 2020
Great story
Interesting story with the hero having been in trouble for doing what a majority of people really want to do. After jail time he becomes a successful writer but is drawn into being an investigator for a lawyer in a murder case. Great reading thanks
Interesting story with the hero having been in trouble for doing what a majority of people really want to do. After jail time he becomes a successful writer but is drawn into being an investigator for a lawyer in a murder case. Great reading thanks
December 28, 2021
Good entertainment
Enough twists and turns to keep you reading. The main character, Matt Kile, has some humorous ways of explaining things. I will definitely read the following books in this series.
Enough twists and turns to keep you reading. The main character, Matt Kile, has some humorous ways of explaining things. I will definitely read the following books in this series.
October 8, 2022
Interesting Fun Read
I really enjoyed this book. It had a number of twists and turns that kept you guessing who done it. It also had good character development. I do recommend this book.
I really enjoyed this book. It had a number of twists and turns that kept you guessing who done it. It also had good character development. I do recommend this book.
October 19, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. It had great characters and a very interesting story line. The ending really surprised me but it was a good surprise. I can't wait to read something else from David Bishop.
July 11, 2017
An enjoyable read
The book kept moving and kept my interest. It had some nice plot twists that kept me guessing. I had to get the second in the series.
The book kept moving and kept my interest. It had some nice plot twists that kept me guessing. I had to get the second in the series.
May 31, 2018
Good book
You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so. Shelley MA
You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so. Shelley MA
February 1, 2019
Book #1
I was enjoying the book until sex came into it. I don’t mind a little sex but Matt was acting like a male slut to put it mildly. Otherwise I enjoyed the story line.
I was enjoying the book until sex came into it. I don’t mind a little sex but Matt was acting like a male slut to put it mildly. Otherwise I enjoyed the story line.
February 2, 2019
A fast enjoyable book. I want to read more by this author.
February 2, 2019
Wow! I was totally engrossed by this novel. I never "gush" about novels but this one is on a par with Phillip Marlowe, Mike Hammer, etc. in the way the detective is portrayed. I highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews