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LeGarde Mystery #1
Double Forté
BOOK 1 IN LEGARDE MYSTERIES, multi-award winning series:
After four lonely years, music professor Gus LeGarde is still reeling from the death of his wife Elsbeth. To deal with the loss, he plays endless Chopin etudes on his piano and lavishes love on his grandson and dog, but nothing lessens the pain.
Life spirals out of control when Gus heads for the snow-covered hills on an early morning skiing excursion to find a mute child shackled to a bedpost in a cabin. Gus rescues the child but the kidnapper, Baxter, escapes into the woods to stew in hot revenge.
Unexpectedly thrown together with Camille, a social worker who takes the child into her own home, Gus falls hard. The first woman who’s stirred his soul since his Elsbeth, Camille is polite enough toward him -- but her own dark secrets have her pulling away despite the mutual attraction.
When Gus’s little grandson goes missing, he fears the worse. Does Baxter have the little boy? Does he want to trade for the mute child? Gus braces for the fight of his life, struggling to protect Camille and his family before time runs out.
After four lonely years, music professor Gus LeGarde is still reeling from the death of his wife Elsbeth. To deal with the loss, he plays endless Chopin etudes on his piano and lavishes love on his grandson and dog, but nothing lessens the pain.
Life spirals out of control when Gus heads for the snow-covered hills on an early morning skiing excursion to find a mute child shackled to a bedpost in a cabin. Gus rescues the child but the kidnapper, Baxter, escapes into the woods to stew in hot revenge.
Unexpectedly thrown together with Camille, a social worker who takes the child into her own home, Gus falls hard. The first woman who’s stirred his soul since his Elsbeth, Camille is polite enough toward him -- but her own dark secrets have her pulling away despite the mutual attraction.
When Gus’s little grandson goes missing, he fears the worse. Does Baxter have the little boy? Does he want to trade for the mute child? Gus braces for the fight of his life, struggling to protect Camille and his family before time runs out.
264 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
340 people are currently reading
418 people want to read
About the author
Aaron Paul Lazar
42 books188 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author Aaron Paul Lazar writes to soothe his soul. Author of 28 books, including three addictive mystery series, writing books, a romantic suspense series, and a new love story series, Aaron enjoys the Genesee Valley countryside in upstate New York, where his characters embrace life, play with their dogs and grandkids, grow sumptuous gardens, and chase bad guys. Visit his website at http://www.lazarbooks.com. Aaron has won 21 book awards for his novels and finds writing to be his form of "cheap therapy." Feel free to network with him on Facebook or his website; he loves to connect with readers!
Visit his website at www.lazarbooks.com.
more about the author:
Aaron Paul Lazar wasn’t always a mystery writer. It wasn’t until eight members of his family and friends died within five years that the urge to write became overwhelming. “When my father died, I lost it. I needed an outlet, and writing provided the kind of solace I couldn’t find elsewhere.”
Lazar created the Gus LeGarde mystery series, with the founding novel, DOUBLE FORTÉ (2004), a chilling winter mystery set in the Genesee Valley of upstate New York. Like Lazar’s father, protagonist Gus LeGarde is a classical music professor. Gus, a grandfather, gardener, chef, and nature lover, plays Chopin etudes to feed his soul and thinks of himself as a “Renaissance man caught in the 21st century.”
The creation of the series lent Lazar the comfort he sought, yet in the process, a new passion was unleashed. Obsessed with his parallel universe, he now lives, breathes, and dreams about his characters, and has written eleven LeGarde mysteries.
One day while rototilling his gardens, Lazar unearthed a green cat’s eye marble, which prompted the new paranormal mystery series featuring Sam Moore, retired country doctor and zealous gardener. The green marble, a powerful talisman, connects all three of the books in the series, whisking Sam back in time to uncover his brother’s dreadful fate fifty years earlier. (THE DISAPPEARANCE OF BILLY MOORE; TERROR COMES KNOCKING, and FOR KEEPS) Lazar intends to continue both series, in addition to three contemporary new series including Tall Pines Mysteries, set in the beautiful Adirondack Mountains, Paines Creek love stories series, set on Cape Cod, and Bittersweet Hollow romantic suspense series, set in Vermont.
Lazar’s books feature breathless chase scenes, nasty villains, and taut suspense, but are also intensely human stories, replete with kids, dogs, horses, food, romance, and humor. The author calls them, “country mysteries,” although reviewers have dubbed them “literary mysteries.”
“It seems as though every image ever impressed upon my brain finds its way into my work. Whether it’s the light dancing through stained-glass windows in a Parisian chapel, curly slate-green lichen covering a boulder at the edge of a pond in Maine, or hoarfrost dangling from a cherry tree branch in mid-winter, these images burrow into my memory cells. In time they bubble back, persistently itching, until they are poured out on the page.”
Lazar lives on a ridge overlooking the Genesee Valley in upstate New York with his wife, mother-in-law, beloved Cavi-poo, Balto, Cavi-bichon, Amber, and four cats. He and his wife, Dale, now have seven grandchildren to spoil and they enjoy every second of it!
Visit his website at www.lazarbooks.com.
more about the author:
Aaron Paul Lazar wasn’t always a mystery writer. It wasn’t until eight members of his family and friends died within five years that the urge to write became overwhelming. “When my father died, I lost it. I needed an outlet, and writing provided the kind of solace I couldn’t find elsewhere.”
Lazar created the Gus LeGarde mystery series, with the founding novel, DOUBLE FORTÉ (2004), a chilling winter mystery set in the Genesee Valley of upstate New York. Like Lazar’s father, protagonist Gus LeGarde is a classical music professor. Gus, a grandfather, gardener, chef, and nature lover, plays Chopin etudes to feed his soul and thinks of himself as a “Renaissance man caught in the 21st century.”
The creation of the series lent Lazar the comfort he sought, yet in the process, a new passion was unleashed. Obsessed with his parallel universe, he now lives, breathes, and dreams about his characters, and has written eleven LeGarde mysteries.
One day while rototilling his gardens, Lazar unearthed a green cat’s eye marble, which prompted the new paranormal mystery series featuring Sam Moore, retired country doctor and zealous gardener. The green marble, a powerful talisman, connects all three of the books in the series, whisking Sam back in time to uncover his brother’s dreadful fate fifty years earlier. (THE DISAPPEARANCE OF BILLY MOORE; TERROR COMES KNOCKING, and FOR KEEPS) Lazar intends to continue both series, in addition to three contemporary new series including Tall Pines Mysteries, set in the beautiful Adirondack Mountains, Paines Creek love stories series, set on Cape Cod, and Bittersweet Hollow romantic suspense series, set in Vermont.
Lazar’s books feature breathless chase scenes, nasty villains, and taut suspense, but are also intensely human stories, replete with kids, dogs, horses, food, romance, and humor. The author calls them, “country mysteries,” although reviewers have dubbed them “literary mysteries.”
“It seems as though every image ever impressed upon my brain finds its way into my work. Whether it’s the light dancing through stained-glass windows in a Parisian chapel, curly slate-green lichen covering a boulder at the edge of a pond in Maine, or hoarfrost dangling from a cherry tree branch in mid-winter, these images burrow into my memory cells. In time they bubble back, persistently itching, until they are poured out on the page.”
Lazar lives on a ridge overlooking the Genesee Valley in upstate New York with his wife, mother-in-law, beloved Cavi-poo, Balto, Cavi-bichon, Amber, and four cats. He and his wife, Dale, now have seven grandchildren to spoil and they enjoy every second of it!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
December 23, 2020
The best thing about “Double Forté’ is the number of really warm and lovable characters, both two and four-legged, we find inside its covers. You just like everything about them from page one. The not so good thing about the book is the pretty weak mystery that just seems to get in the way of the real intention of the novel — that feel good factor. It's a nice and easy read.
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October 24, 2013
I have recently been reading a number of "heavy" books, and this was en enjoyable relief—a cozy, fun story to curl up with on a rainy day with a hot cup of tea.
This is the first in a series of Gus Legarde mysteries. Gus is in his fifties and lives in a big old house in upper New York State with his daughter, his grandson, his dog, a cat, and a part-time live-in housekeeper who is an excellent cook, as is Gus. Gus also plays Chopin and teaches classical music (and opera), and grows a huge garden. In this story he has lost his beloved wife four years earlier, meets a new love interest and must save a little girl from her psychotic, murdering father.
Oh, and I mustn't forget Gus's giant, yet sweet-natured brother-in-law who lives in the carriage house.
Wonderful characters here and, if you like to cook and eat, you will be drooling. The plot line is a bit typical but well-written and fun, with enough foreshadowing that little is too surprising. If you like the good guys to win and the bad guys to get their just desserts, this is the book for you.
There were a couple editing problems. Perhaps they are in the Kindle edition only.
I did not care for the endnotes added every time the brother-in-law spoke German. Endnotes are meant for nonfiction, not fiction. Their presence takes the reader out of the story.
One other flaw: Every character used the back of his or her hand to stroke the other in affection. This is likely an action of the author's and puts the author into the story. Characters should be different. Perhaps one character would behave this way, but certainly not every character.
Still, this was an enjoyable read, a light bit of escapism.
This is the first in a series of Gus Legarde mysteries. Gus is in his fifties and lives in a big old house in upper New York State with his daughter, his grandson, his dog, a cat, and a part-time live-in housekeeper who is an excellent cook, as is Gus. Gus also plays Chopin and teaches classical music (and opera), and grows a huge garden. In this story he has lost his beloved wife four years earlier, meets a new love interest and must save a little girl from her psychotic, murdering father.
Oh, and I mustn't forget Gus's giant, yet sweet-natured brother-in-law who lives in the carriage house.
Wonderful characters here and, if you like to cook and eat, you will be drooling. The plot line is a bit typical but well-written and fun, with enough foreshadowing that little is too surprising. If you like the good guys to win and the bad guys to get their just desserts, this is the book for you.
There were a couple editing problems. Perhaps they are in the Kindle edition only.
I did not care for the endnotes added every time the brother-in-law spoke German. Endnotes are meant for nonfiction, not fiction. Their presence takes the reader out of the story.
One other flaw: Every character used the back of his or her hand to stroke the other in affection. This is likely an action of the author's and puts the author into the story. Characters should be different. Perhaps one character would behave this way, but certainly not every character.
Still, this was an enjoyable read, a light bit of escapism.
March 26, 2023
I really liked the main characters in this book. They were people I would like to know and spend time with. I'll be reading more of this series.
September 12, 2013
"Double Forté" is the first book of the Gus LeGarde series; “Upstaged”, “Tremolo” and “Mazurka” being the other three. "Double Forté" is a story about a man who relentlessly searches for a killer. Romance entails and the ending is a surprise. As the adventure and mystery unfolds, savvy twists become a realization towards who the killer is.
“I thoroughly enjoyed reading Lazar's book from its beginning to the end; laughing and crying along the way. All my senses gathered for a picnic of non-stop adventure and mystery; emotions spilled from each anticipated page. Every character came to life! Siegfried was my favourite. I was born in Germany, while my parents served in the Army. I told mother about Siegfried’s role and how he shined in my eyes; she said, “While stationed in Germany, I met and encountered many people like Siegfried." After hearing my review of "Double Forté", mother instantly started reading the book for herself."
I highly recommend "Double Forté" to anyone who has a desperate thirst for adventure and mystery. Upstate New York, Genesee Valley, was gorgeously depicted during the winter by Lazar. You will definitely want to put it first on your list of places to visit.
Aaron Paul Lazar is one of the best authors I’ve had the pleasure of becoming acquainted with; a prolific writer, with the tenacity to keep his audience captivated from beginning to end. Aaron Paul Lazar possesses the talent to write in detail and bring his stories to life in the blink of an eye.
I definitely became a part of the story of “Double Forté”. His intricate use and knowledge of another language is superb. Still in awe I am! I must say, Lazar’s savvy way of blowing the reader’s mind with this jewel of a tale was worth all its weight in gold.
Eagerly, I plan to purchase the rest of Gus LeGarde Mysteries. Each book, I can visualize becoming a movie of its own. Mother and I look forward to, hopefully, viewing each one.
“I thoroughly enjoyed reading Lazar's book from its beginning to the end; laughing and crying along the way. All my senses gathered for a picnic of non-stop adventure and mystery; emotions spilled from each anticipated page. Every character came to life! Siegfried was my favourite. I was born in Germany, while my parents served in the Army. I told mother about Siegfried’s role and how he shined in my eyes; she said, “While stationed in Germany, I met and encountered many people like Siegfried." After hearing my review of "Double Forté", mother instantly started reading the book for herself."
I highly recommend "Double Forté" to anyone who has a desperate thirst for adventure and mystery. Upstate New York, Genesee Valley, was gorgeously depicted during the winter by Lazar. You will definitely want to put it first on your list of places to visit.
Aaron Paul Lazar is one of the best authors I’ve had the pleasure of becoming acquainted with; a prolific writer, with the tenacity to keep his audience captivated from beginning to end. Aaron Paul Lazar possesses the talent to write in detail and bring his stories to life in the blink of an eye.
I definitely became a part of the story of “Double Forté”. His intricate use and knowledge of another language is superb. Still in awe I am! I must say, Lazar’s savvy way of blowing the reader’s mind with this jewel of a tale was worth all its weight in gold.
Eagerly, I plan to purchase the rest of Gus LeGarde Mysteries. Each book, I can visualize becoming a movie of its own. Mother and I look forward to, hopefully, viewing each one.
March 7, 2017
If Double Forte, Aaron Paul Lazar’s first volume in his mystery series starring college professor Gus Legarde, is representative of the other ten books (so far) in the series, I have many hours of fine entertainment ahead of me.
Gus is a normal guy living in upstate New York. He has no special ops skills or advanced deductive abilities. Instead, he’s a family man who has a special relationship with his grandchildren, his animals, his neighbors, and his mentally-challenged brother-in-law, Siegfried. It is these very relationships that make Double Forte a deep character-driven mystery. In particular, Siegfried’s kindness, dedication, and wisdom are a special treat, and he very quickly became my favorite character.
When Gus thinks he hears a child crying in a house deep in the woods occupied by an anti-social ex-cop, his concern for the child overrides his caution. In a thrilling snowmobile chase through the deep snow, Gus is able to save the child. But his troubles are only beginning when the ex-cop—who is actually the child’s deranged father—vows vengeance against Gus and is determined to get the child back.
In a book filled with secondary mysteries—including the death years earlier of Gus’s wife, and the disappearance of his surly son-in-law’s business partner—the full-bodied characterizations are what bring the story to life.
There is romance as well, but even that comes with a mystery. Gus is falling in love with Camille, the woman who is temporarily caring for the child Gus rescued, but she keeps him at arm's length. Why?
Lazar is a superb writer, able to create suspense, tension, and exciting action, while creating a bevy of characters and situations the reader can care deeply about. Reading Double Forte was a treat, and I look forward to making my way through Gus’s world.
Gus is a normal guy living in upstate New York. He has no special ops skills or advanced deductive abilities. Instead, he’s a family man who has a special relationship with his grandchildren, his animals, his neighbors, and his mentally-challenged brother-in-law, Siegfried. It is these very relationships that make Double Forte a deep character-driven mystery. In particular, Siegfried’s kindness, dedication, and wisdom are a special treat, and he very quickly became my favorite character.
When Gus thinks he hears a child crying in a house deep in the woods occupied by an anti-social ex-cop, his concern for the child overrides his caution. In a thrilling snowmobile chase through the deep snow, Gus is able to save the child. But his troubles are only beginning when the ex-cop—who is actually the child’s deranged father—vows vengeance against Gus and is determined to get the child back.
In a book filled with secondary mysteries—including the death years earlier of Gus’s wife, and the disappearance of his surly son-in-law’s business partner—the full-bodied characterizations are what bring the story to life.
There is romance as well, but even that comes with a mystery. Gus is falling in love with Camille, the woman who is temporarily caring for the child Gus rescued, but she keeps him at arm's length. Why?
Lazar is a superb writer, able to create suspense, tension, and exciting action, while creating a bevy of characters and situations the reader can care deeply about. Reading Double Forte was a treat, and I look forward to making my way through Gus’s world.
June 2, 2015
SIDE BAR,
This is not the cover on Amazon, this is a far better one than the one I am writing about in this review.
The title, the irony is supreme.
I love good titles, very few turn out to be good, they may look good but fall flat in the plot or sub plot. Not so this title. The title alone needs to get a 5 start review but you will only get why I say this if I write a bunch of spoilers or if you take my word for it. I suggest, take my word for it and read this book for yourself.
The cover. Not one I would choose off the rack in a book store. And after reading this book I know what a horrible mistake that would be but still, the cover does not work for me. So for the cover a 2 star.
Plot, sub plot and flow.
Superb enough to force up the cover to a 3 star since the flow is a 6 star all on it's own. The plot is fast and a mix between a thriller, a mystery and a romance, light on romance heavy on the thriller as I like my romances. The sub plot is rich and runs throughout the plot hardly noticeable until the very end.
The story itself, a grandad, one who loves his grandson to bits, adores his daughter misses his wife, a real life hero who does not know how to drop kick an assaillant, one who does not know how to short out an alarm system but can play Chopin like it is nobodies business and then with love fly his cape accross the landscape of so many peoples lives that the story full of hidden gems.
The end. Oh my gimme another 5 stars.
I will be reading more by this author, I suggest you get a copy yourself.
WaAr
This is not the cover on Amazon, this is a far better one than the one I am writing about in this review.
The title, the irony is supreme.
I love good titles, very few turn out to be good, they may look good but fall flat in the plot or sub plot. Not so this title. The title alone needs to get a 5 start review but you will only get why I say this if I write a bunch of spoilers or if you take my word for it. I suggest, take my word for it and read this book for yourself.
The cover. Not one I would choose off the rack in a book store. And after reading this book I know what a horrible mistake that would be but still, the cover does not work for me. So for the cover a 2 star.
Plot, sub plot and flow.
Superb enough to force up the cover to a 3 star since the flow is a 6 star all on it's own. The plot is fast and a mix between a thriller, a mystery and a romance, light on romance heavy on the thriller as I like my romances. The sub plot is rich and runs throughout the plot hardly noticeable until the very end.
The story itself, a grandad, one who loves his grandson to bits, adores his daughter misses his wife, a real life hero who does not know how to drop kick an assaillant, one who does not know how to short out an alarm system but can play Chopin like it is nobodies business and then with love fly his cape accross the landscape of so many peoples lives that the story full of hidden gems.
The end. Oh my gimme another 5 stars.
I will be reading more by this author, I suggest you get a copy yourself.
WaAr
March 25, 2015
Gus LeGarde is one of my favorite fictional characters, a generous grandfather, good friend, grower of fine things, wonderful cook, and doggedly determined solver of mysteries. I’ve met him in several books now and enjoyed each adventure. But this one particularly pleases me because I finally learn how his wonderful brother-in-law came to lose his words, what happened to his first wife, and who his daughter was married to – which makes sense since this is a reissue of the first book in the series! Everything grows naturally from a deceptively quiet beginning where Sig carries a hungry dog out from the snow, to danger and terror when Gus gets drawn into a mystery at a neighbor’s home.
Rich with the scents of garden herbs, perfectly spiced and seasoned, filled with warmly three-dimensional characters, honest affection and dawning love, Double Forte builds on nicely told history and sociology, wonderful family relationships, and evocative scenery, carrying cozy mystery across into cozy romance and family drama. With a wonderful small boy rushing to great his grandfather, a wounded little girl hiding from everyone around her, a trusting daughter, wise friends and counsellors, great dogs and great dialog, Double Forte is a treat for readers who want to relax over a good book, enjoy a good drink, and feel inspired to try out some cooking when all’s said and saved.
Disclosure: I’d been meaning to read this for ages!
Rich with the scents of garden herbs, perfectly spiced and seasoned, filled with warmly three-dimensional characters, honest affection and dawning love, Double Forte builds on nicely told history and sociology, wonderful family relationships, and evocative scenery, carrying cozy mystery across into cozy romance and family drama. With a wonderful small boy rushing to great his grandfather, a wounded little girl hiding from everyone around her, a trusting daughter, wise friends and counsellors, great dogs and great dialog, Double Forte is a treat for readers who want to relax over a good book, enjoy a good drink, and feel inspired to try out some cooking when all’s said and saved.
Disclosure: I’d been meaning to read this for ages!
February 23, 2014
Double Forté is an extremely well-written book. The storyline, which I never give away, encompasses all the human emotions: fear, anxiety, happiness, and especially love.
The hero, Gus LaGarde, is one of the most romantic male characters I’ve read in a long time. He expresses his feelings, unusual in this day of tough, tight-lipped male protagonists. Don’t misunderstand, Gus is tough when he needs to be, but you know being macho for macho sake is not his nature. He rises to the occasion when those he loves are threatened, and he does so with all his heart and strength.
What Mr. Lazar does so well in Double Forté is create an overwhelming sense of impending calamity, then he lets the reader breathe, waiting for something that doesn’t happen until he sets the fear gears in motion again. The bad guy is deliciously rotten, and we root for his demise. This was a five-star read for me. I highly recommend it.
The hero, Gus LaGarde, is one of the most romantic male characters I’ve read in a long time. He expresses his feelings, unusual in this day of tough, tight-lipped male protagonists. Don’t misunderstand, Gus is tough when he needs to be, but you know being macho for macho sake is not his nature. He rises to the occasion when those he loves are threatened, and he does so with all his heart and strength.
What Mr. Lazar does so well in Double Forté is create an overwhelming sense of impending calamity, then he lets the reader breathe, waiting for something that doesn’t happen until he sets the fear gears in motion again. The bad guy is deliciously rotten, and we root for his demise. This was a five-star read for me. I highly recommend it.
June 18, 2014
DOUBLE FORTE AARON PAUL LAZAR
Gus LeGarde and his friend/brother in law are out skiing when they run into a medical emergency. Having gone to get help Gus runs into a surly character with something to hide and is quickly thrust onto the mans radar and all hell breaks loose in the quiet little town. Meanwhile Gus’ secretary Maddy is on a match making mission. Something dark and mysterious is going on with Gus’ son in-law Harold.
The story is full of interesting twists and turns. I found myself staying up late to keep reading. Mr. Lazar has created a fantastic suspense novel and the main characters are as loveable as the villains are nasty.
Double Forte is one of those books that is so hard to put down and is a definite page turner. I give it 5 stars for fantastic story-telling.
Gus LeGarde and his friend/brother in law are out skiing when they run into a medical emergency. Having gone to get help Gus runs into a surly character with something to hide and is quickly thrust onto the mans radar and all hell breaks loose in the quiet little town. Meanwhile Gus’ secretary Maddy is on a match making mission. Something dark and mysterious is going on with Gus’ son in-law Harold.
The story is full of interesting twists and turns. I found myself staying up late to keep reading. Mr. Lazar has created a fantastic suspense novel and the main characters are as loveable as the villains are nasty.
Double Forte is one of those books that is so hard to put down and is a definite page turner. I give it 5 stars for fantastic story-telling.
December 6, 2013
I "accidentally" met Aaron Lazar on line through an author's blog party. I discovered that the LeGarde mysteries are set near the area where I grew up, and that he an I have a few interests in common, so I decided to read one of his books. I was completely swept away with the perfect sense of place. Lazar has captured the things that make upstate New York a unique locale, and made me long for the good parts of my childhood. The mystery plot line is interspersed with family scenes and homey tasks, making me fall in love with the characters. I don't give five stars lightly. I suspect that most books, even good ones, should only get four. And yet... I was entranced with this book. The complex mystery was no disappointment either. If you love a heart-warming who-dun-it, read this book.
January 20, 2014
Double Forte' by Aaron Paul Lazar is not your typical mystery. There are so many more elements and life lessons. I was hooked after the first meeting Sheba in the first chapter. As the first book in a mystery series, there is a lot of background and history, but it was presented using such strong methods, that it never felt like flashbacks. Nor did I feel left out prior to knowing this. I have relearned lessons about life, love, prejudice, animal devotion, music, drama and our infinite connection to this wonderful planet. I was touch and terrified. Double mysteries made for a terrific novel. I cannot wait to see where this series goes next.
December 16, 2011
This was the first book I have read by this author I could not put it down. I almost burnt my house down, started to boil water and then forgot about until the alarm went off and burnt my pot.Geez. So for the rest of day I didn't go back into the kitchen. 5 star book if I ever read one. Thank you for sharing your remarkable talent. Looking forward in reading more with Gus LeGarde's adventures
June 12, 2018
Romance Adventure.
I prefer mystery, thriller, adventures, with a dash of romance and not the other way around. The mystery scenes were good. When they came around. For my taste, though, they were a bit thin, on the ground. Some parts of the plot were a bit predictable and had a few holes in them. Also, the fight scenes were badly choreographed.
Double Forte' was a pleasant read. Nice and cosy. A little more grit wouldn't go astray.
I prefer mystery, thriller, adventures, with a dash of romance and not the other way around. The mystery scenes were good. When they came around. For my taste, though, they were a bit thin, on the ground. Some parts of the plot were a bit predictable and had a few holes in them. Also, the fight scenes were badly choreographed.
Double Forte' was a pleasant read. Nice and cosy. A little more grit wouldn't go astray.
July 1, 2011
Back to an early Lazar. Very enjoyable. Review coming shortly
July 19, 2015
Double Forte and More!
How fun, I finished the book in less then a day and am looking forward to the next one. I hope they are all as awesome.
How fun, I finished the book in less then a day and am looking forward to the next one. I hope they are all as awesome.
December 5, 2020
Pretty Fun Read
I thought this was a fun mystery and I do like happy endings. I actually cared about the characters in this book.
I thought this was a fun mystery and I do like happy endings. I actually cared about the characters in this book.
January 3, 2016
OK! This is where it started, but still missing back story. On to next book.
September 11, 2020
Sobs?
Gus LeGarde and ,his brother-in -law, Siegfried Marggrander are skiing in the fields around where they live when they here the anguished howl of an animal in pain. Both are animal lovers, so they instantly head into the woods in search of the source of the sound. They quickly locate an obviously injured, pregnant female dog who is too weak and injured to walk!
Siegfried who is 6’8” and very strong lifts the animal easily and begins to carry her out to their car. But the way is through deep snow and uphill, and even for Siegfried it is a tough go! Gus spies a nearby tenant house and goes to see if he can telephone for his daughter to meet them at the bridge. Their car is too far away.
When he gets to the house he encounters an unfriendly man who refuses to open the door at first, telling him to leave. When he finally opens the door he shoves a phone at Gus and barely lets him out of the cold. While he’s in the dwelling Gus sees a pair of red children’s tennis shoes and hears sobs coming from another room! When his call ends he’s unceremoniously shoved out the door!
Gus wonders who’s crying? Is it a child, an adult, or did he imagine the sobs? Is someone being abused by the unfriendly man? What is he hiding?
Read Double Forte to find the answer to the mysteries!
♥️✝️🐑✡️♥️
Gus LeGarde and ,his brother-in -law, Siegfried Marggrander are skiing in the fields around where they live when they here the anguished howl of an animal in pain. Both are animal lovers, so they instantly head into the woods in search of the source of the sound. They quickly locate an obviously injured, pregnant female dog who is too weak and injured to walk!
Siegfried who is 6’8” and very strong lifts the animal easily and begins to carry her out to their car. But the way is through deep snow and uphill, and even for Siegfried it is a tough go! Gus spies a nearby tenant house and goes to see if he can telephone for his daughter to meet them at the bridge. Their car is too far away.
When he gets to the house he encounters an unfriendly man who refuses to open the door at first, telling him to leave. When he finally opens the door he shoves a phone at Gus and barely lets him out of the cold. While he’s in the dwelling Gus sees a pair of red children’s tennis shoes and hears sobs coming from another room! When his call ends he’s unceremoniously shoved out the door!
Gus wonders who’s crying? Is it a child, an adult, or did he imagine the sobs? Is someone being abused by the unfriendly man? What is he hiding?
Read Double Forte to find the answer to the mysteries!
♥️✝️🐑✡️♥️
June 10, 2019
Double Forté is a gripping mystery, written with a romantic, heart-rending touch in the signature style of Aaron Paul Lazar. Music professor Gus LeGarde cannot find any consolation for the death of his wife Elsbeth, despite playing Chopin etudes on his piano and the company of his grandson and dog. Then, on an early morning skiing excursion, he finds a mute child shackled to a bedpost in a cabin, in the snow. His kidnapper, Baxter, manages to escape into the woods, which opens the mystery to the real possibility of his revenge.
And sure enough, Gus’s little grandson disappears. Was he kidnapped by Baxter? Can Gus protect Camille and his family against a bitter criminal?
Camille, a social worker takes the mute child into her own home, and for the first time in four years, Gus finds himself falling in love. Her own dark secrets seem to be in the way of their love. “I just want to be with her, to touch her hand, to kiss her soft lips.”
In addition to the riveting plot and the well-defined characters, I love the time and place, lovingly delivered in words. “The Hatfield barn loomed out of the thick fog… The temperature had risen after the cold rain drizzled throughout the morning, and a heavy gray cloud blanketed the hill.”
Highly recommended. Five stars.
And sure enough, Gus’s little grandson disappears. Was he kidnapped by Baxter? Can Gus protect Camille and his family against a bitter criminal?
Camille, a social worker takes the mute child into her own home, and for the first time in four years, Gus finds himself falling in love. Her own dark secrets seem to be in the way of their love. “I just want to be with her, to touch her hand, to kiss her soft lips.”
In addition to the riveting plot and the well-defined characters, I love the time and place, lovingly delivered in words. “The Hatfield barn loomed out of the thick fog… The temperature had risen after the cold rain drizzled throughout the morning, and a heavy gray cloud blanketed the hill.”
Highly recommended. Five stars.
November 23, 2019
DOUBLE WOW!!
What a great book! This is not the kind of book I normally read. I'm more a fan of cops, assassins, political shenanigans, and hard-core thrillers! That said, this book drew me in and hooked me almost immediately. It is so well written, and the characters so well defined that they come to life as you read. And their relationships are real and not just one dimensional. They have joy, and stress, and love and fear. They live.
And not only do the characters have depth, but their whole environment is so richly described, you can almost feel and smell their surroundings! The garden isn't just planted with peas and tomatoes and lettuce, but with a variety of each. And you can see how much pleasure they get from their everyday lives.
But to satisfy my desire for action and dangerous deeds, there is plenty of that! It's woven through the book almost from beginning to end, with enough twists to completely hold my interest.
Again, this is a very satisfying and beautifully written book. I can't wait to start the next one!
What a great book! This is not the kind of book I normally read. I'm more a fan of cops, assassins, political shenanigans, and hard-core thrillers! That said, this book drew me in and hooked me almost immediately. It is so well written, and the characters so well defined that they come to life as you read. And their relationships are real and not just one dimensional. They have joy, and stress, and love and fear. They live.
And not only do the characters have depth, but their whole environment is so richly described, you can almost feel and smell their surroundings! The garden isn't just planted with peas and tomatoes and lettuce, but with a variety of each. And you can see how much pleasure they get from their everyday lives.
But to satisfy my desire for action and dangerous deeds, there is plenty of that! It's woven through the book almost from beginning to end, with enough twists to completely hold my interest.
Again, this is a very satisfying and beautifully written book. I can't wait to start the next one!
November 11, 2020
'Double Forte' is an unusual read - while billed as a Mystery - it is more about family, location and life in general. I've complained in the past about books with too little depth, this time round I can mentally run through Gus LeGarde's day, including the ingredients for each meal.
Gus, and his brain-damaged brother-in-law Siegfried, are out skiing when they rescue a badly injured dog. While the giant Siegfried struggles through the snow with the dog, Gus goes for help. At the nearest house he finds a shackled child, Sadie.
Her captor, Baxter, escapes swearing to wreak revenge and havoc until he has his daughter back.
Meanwhile Gus's daughter Freddie, is having marital troubles with her deadbeat hubbie Harold.
Sadie is cared for by local social worker Camille and Gus gradually falls for her - it's a slow process for both as their baggage stands between them.
As a mystery it is just ok but combined with the other elements of life, love and family it becomes something better than the sum of the individual parts.
It's a 3.5 Star book but I am happy to give it 4 Stars.
Gus, and his brain-damaged brother-in-law Siegfried, are out skiing when they rescue a badly injured dog. While the giant Siegfried struggles through the snow with the dog, Gus goes for help. At the nearest house he finds a shackled child, Sadie.
Her captor, Baxter, escapes swearing to wreak revenge and havoc until he has his daughter back.
Meanwhile Gus's daughter Freddie, is having marital troubles with her deadbeat hubbie Harold.
Sadie is cared for by local social worker Camille and Gus gradually falls for her - it's a slow process for both as their baggage stands between them.
As a mystery it is just ok but combined with the other elements of life, love and family it becomes something better than the sum of the individual parts.
It's a 3.5 Star book but I am happy to give it 4 Stars.
September 23, 2017
Double Forte is wonderful and full of suspense. Gus is a music professor and a loving father, grandfather, and friend. He is grieving for his wife, who died four years ago. Like a Dick Francis character, he is gentle with iron strength inside. He is as at home in the kitchen or garden as he is laying a trap for the bad guy, who has threatened Gus's loved ones -- and we totally believe he will follow through on the threats. Gus is also human, making mistakes, but fighting to protect his extended family. The characters include good friends, a potential love interest, mostly good cops, delightful children, and loyal pets. Gus's best friend, Siegfried, is all that is good, while Gus's son-in-law, Harold, is a jerk who doesn't deserve his wife and son. This is a spectacularly written book, with many levels of plot, all of which keep you reading to find out what happens next.
March 30, 2018
"A Stellar Mystery Story"
It's been four years now since music professor Gus La Garde has lost his wife. He's still depressed over Elsbeth's death. He enjoys playing the piano for his grandson and dog, but it doesn't make the pain go away. He heads to the mountains to ski. He finds a mute child shackled to a bedpost in a cabin. Gus rescues the child but the kidnapper, Baxter, escapes. Camille, a social worker, takes the child into her home, and Gus soon comes back to life with his heart warming. This is a riveting story you'll not put down. Lazar is a very prolific author who has a talent of what he calls country living mysteries. He's passionate about writing humane stories featuring chase scenes, nasty villains, and taut suspense. I loved this warm story and will be reading more of he wonderful novels.
It's been four years now since music professor Gus La Garde has lost his wife. He's still depressed over Elsbeth's death. He enjoys playing the piano for his grandson and dog, but it doesn't make the pain go away. He heads to the mountains to ski. He finds a mute child shackled to a bedpost in a cabin. Gus rescues the child but the kidnapper, Baxter, escapes. Camille, a social worker, takes the child into her home, and Gus soon comes back to life with his heart warming. This is a riveting story you'll not put down. Lazar is a very prolific author who has a talent of what he calls country living mysteries. He's passionate about writing humane stories featuring chase scenes, nasty villains, and taut suspense. I loved this warm story and will be reading more of he wonderful novels.
January 23, 2019
"Double Forté " was a very good novel with double mystery and some romance. The characters were very well developed and some are extremely likable. The main character, albeit being a bit sappy, managed to get into and out of some serious predicaments. The book abounds in details, from the description of the surroundings, clothes the characters wear, vegetables they grow or food meals they are cooking (the later would actually make many readers hungry).
On the whole, the novel is an enjoyable read and a great beginning of a series.
On the whole, the novel is an enjoyable read and a great beginning of a series.
January 26, 2018
I liked that it was a wholesome family mystery with characters of substance, a great story line and excellently paced. The characters were your ordinary people you could identify with. I enjoyed reading how the family and the town dealt with the crisis at hand. It was a book that you could identify with the characters and want to keep reading to see how the situation resolves itself. IOveralk, a nicely written book.
June 18, 2018
NOTE: I read this book not as a standalone but as part of a boxed set of other novels, At Odds with Destiny.
It's my first exposure to Aaron Paul Lazar and it won't be my last. While Gus LeGarde is an unlikely hero of a mystery thriller, as a music professor, Lazar does a good job of developing his character. There's plenty of family drama and some surprising twists (well, twists should be, right?). I will be moving on to some more in the series about Gus LeGarde.
It's my first exposure to Aaron Paul Lazar and it won't be my last. While Gus LeGarde is an unlikely hero of a mystery thriller, as a music professor, Lazar does a good job of developing his character. There's plenty of family drama and some surprising twists (well, twists should be, right?). I will be moving on to some more in the series about Gus LeGarde.
June 13, 2020
Good beginning to this series, the emotion of Gus draws the reader in. Losing his wife, the music consoles him. With love of a grandson and dog. A skiing excersiin leds him to a child, chained, and now danger has entered his life. A social worker for the child, and a killer who seeks revenge by taking his grandson. Emotions, tension and they are not trained, can they do anything, or trade to stop the nightmare. Well written, the characters worked well together.
October 14, 2020
I found the book engaging and couldn't put it down until it was done. The characters seemed "real" and were so likeable. The book dragged periodically, but the suspense was entertaining. The writing style really touched me. I will definitely read this author again, and I'm looking forward to picking up the next book in the series.
"I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review."
"I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review."
October 1, 2018
Double Forte is a wonderful beginning to this series! I read a few of the newer books before reading the older ones, and I am in love with all of them, and am planning to read everything Aaron Lazar has written. His style is captivating and his books are simply impossible to put down. Highly recommended!
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