The Shooting Script

Diagnosis Murder #3

by Lee Goldberg

Dr. Mark Sloan and his son investigate the brutal murder of an aspiring actress and a Hollywood producer, a crime that has rocked their Malibu community, and when all clues point to the producer's wife, the case takes on a new twist involving the mafia. Original. (Based on the hit series, now appearing on the PAX network, starring Dick Van Dyke) (Mystery)

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Mystery Thriller

256 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

Lee Goldberg is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of over forty novels, including Malibu Burning, Calico, Lost Hills (the first novel in his acclaimed "Eve Ronin" series), 15 "Monk" mysteries, five "Fox & O'Hare" adventures (co-written with Janet Evanovich), and the new thriller Ashes Never Lie, the second in his "Sharpe & Walker" series.. He's written and/or produced many TV shows, including Diagnosis Murder, SeaQuest, and Monk and he co-created the Hallmark movie series Mystery 101.

Reviews

[Jennifer Oberth · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not care for this story. It was pretty well written. There were a bunch of errors throughout that distracted me a bit - not the least of which was referring to a character (who was speaking) by the wrong name during an intense scene. The name used was a character that had died previously so it was jarring and confusing and tossed me out of the story until I deduced it was a mistake.

It was fun to pick up a clue to the point I figured out a huge part of the murder plot right away. And more than 120 pages before Dr. Sloan, who kept lamenting he couldn't figure something out, and I'm yelling at him in my head how it was done. But it did not detract from my enjoyment and probably enhanced it.

I didn't like the mention of possible harm to animals not on the page. Thank goodness they weren't on the page, but I still didn't care for the mentions. It was completely unnecessary. A lot of readers (like me) are sensitive to it and when there's no reason (you'll never convince me there's an okay reason at all) you just have to wonder why an author would include it at all because they're turning off a portion of their audience.

This book reads much harsher than I remember the series being. I'm not saying that as a bad thing, just mentioning it.

I found myself irritated toward the middle and the end of the story. Too many things were against the Sloans - it seemed contrived and unrealistic, but maybe I'm too optimistic a person. Not that you can be too optimistic, can you? But as I've noticed with Lee Goldberg books, there's often a negative atmosphere coloring everyone's view of life. It seeps into you sometimes and I, for one, turn it right back to the book and then can't wait to finish it, not because it's exciting or I'm in suspense, but just to be done with it.

Lee Goldberg's writing is good, but the content and focus in some of his stories doesn't work for me.

[Teri-K · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok, so the solution was pretty obvious and Amanda hardly showed up at all, still this was a fun walk down memory lane, as I used to love watching the show when it was on TV. Lots of Mark and Steve, drama with a new hospital administrator, and Jesse and Susan, too. Definitely worth the 10 cents it cost at the local used bookstore. I'm passing it on to a friend who also enjoyed the show. :)

[Andy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Shooting Script ended up being a fairly interesting read. The mystery in this one was different in the fact that everyone was pretty certain who did it and it was in trying to prove how they could've done it that was the real struggle. I also liked that it was acknowledged that Mark Sloan being an amateur detective would negatively affect any legal case a prosecutor would bring against a criminal. I did think this one was the weakest of the bunch I have read so far. Having said that it was still good and it makes me want to rewatch the show.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Diagnosis Murder #3 The Shooting Script by Lee Goldberg

This is the 3rd novel in the Diagnosis Murder series.Diagnosis Murder novels are great reads.Intricate plots and engaging characters makes for a page turning journey.

Dr. Mark Sloan discovers the dead bodies of an aspiring actress and Rick Kershaw, a Hollywood mega-producer at his neighbor's Malibu beach house.The police suspect Kershaw's wife. But when Sloan and his son investigate a local mob kingpin's involvement, Mark soon finds himself a prime suspect-while the real murderer is about to kill again.



A very enjoyable read.

[Pam Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a lover of the television show, I wanted to read all the books based on the show. This is the third installment and involves Mark Sloan hearing gunshots at the house of one of his neighbors. When he goes to investigate, he finds a movie producer and his lover in bed dead from multiple gunshot wounds. The obvious suspect is the man's wife, but she has the perfect alibi, or so it seems. Mark still feels she is guilty even though his police detective son, Steve, does not. Is she or isn't she? Having seen the series numerous times, these books are fun reads, especially since I can picture all the characters. I recommend them to anyone who is a fan of the show.

[Janet Mahlum · Rating 1 out of 5]

didn't finish. Too many good books out there waiting to be read. This was in a secret grab bag entitled "TV Mysteries." I was hoping for Masterpiece Mysteries but no such luck.

[Stephanie Cohen · Rating 5 out of 5]

great mystery...with twists and turns

[Jonathan Waugh · Rating 3 out of 5]

The characters are excellent - it is like watching the TV show. However, the pacing is a bit slow, particularly as a few aspects of plot development can be seen coming from a distance.

[Teresa · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am very excited to be starting this book, I hope it is as promising as the Death Merchant! I am in Chapter 8, on page 64. So far this book is rather slow and not going any where, I am a little disappointed. I feel by the time I get to chapter 8, it should be a page turner. I want to read all the series so I am forcing myself to get through the book, but it is rather dry. Hopefully it will pick up soon, not till I get to the last chapter :( So ok I just finished the book and I cannot believe I actually did not enjoy reading one of Lee Goldberg's books? This book was so boring it has taken me a month to read it, and I could only read a chapter at a time. I actually had to force myself to finish this book! It was predictably, the plot was not good at all!

This book was so boring, I am not looking forward to moving to book #4, The Waking Nightmare. I feel I need a break. Sorry Lee, just wasn't feeling this one at all!

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I miss this show. I really do. I realize that I’m not in the expected demographic for Diagnosis Murder viewers, but they’re always such good mysteries. And who doesn’t love Dick Van Dyke?

This particular mystery takes us to Hawaii, where Dr. Sloan is supposed to be on vacation. But he can’t take a vacation, he continues to work and solve mysteries. I like the new locale and the opportunity for bickering between Steve and Mark. Unlike Mark, Steve wanted to relax on his vacation - not work. The mystery didn’t disappoint and I’m glad I can still experience the series through new (to me) books!

[Jackie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Unlike the last two, this book didn't do it for me. The story line was slow and at times boring. Right away Mark knows who it is but takes forever to get the murder(s). Also I wasn't s huge fan of the second lesser mystery story line. It could have been done better. I recently watched the episode and there's more to the story than they tell and all of the involving characters would know about the TWO murders committed in the past. I'll still read the rest of this series as the first two books are by far much better

[Mark Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Mark hears a gunshot at a neighbor's house, he investigates to find two dead bodies who have been dead for more than a couple of minutes. He's certain the killer is the person with the perfect alibi. Can he prove it? Lots of twists and turns with characters who live up to their TV show persona. Another great read.

Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.

[Jen Timmerman]

I am really enjoying this book so far. The storyline has many twist and turns that you do not expect but that keep you on your toes.

[Lollyletsgo · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun read. Goldberg, you did it again!! (in a good way!)
Really intricate murder plot and interesting characters! Good Job!

[Monica Mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you think it's over, it's not. A good mystery focusing on celebrity.