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Austin Starr Mysteries #1
Desolation Row
A bride from Texas uses her CIA-honed skills to catch the real killer when her husband lands in a Canadian jail.
Amazon: "Remarkable dialog & subplots result in a wholly satisfying read. Packs a considerable punch. Readers will look forward to more of Kendall, with her formidable intellect, tart sense of humor, & resolute sense of justice. Unexpectedly magnificent."
Award winning author Hank Phillippi Ryan: "Deception, intrigue and authentic sixties nostalgia. The passionately anti-war generation hoped to give peace a chance, but in this entertaining mystery would up with murder instead."
" A great heroine, authentic period details, and a satisfying conclusion!" says author James Ziskin
Best-selling thriller writer Norb Vonnegut: "A brutal murder, a woman fighting to prove her husband's innocence--DESOLATION ROW hooked me on page one. Author Kay Kendall knows how to burrow into your heart."
Amazon: "Remarkable dialog & subplots result in a wholly satisfying read. Packs a considerable punch. Readers will look forward to more of Kendall, with her formidable intellect, tart sense of humor, & resolute sense of justice. Unexpectedly magnificent."
Award winning author Hank Phillippi Ryan: "Deception, intrigue and authentic sixties nostalgia. The passionately anti-war generation hoped to give peace a chance, but in this entertaining mystery would up with murder instead."
" A great heroine, authentic period details, and a satisfying conclusion!" says author James Ziskin
Best-selling thriller writer Norb Vonnegut: "A brutal murder, a woman fighting to prove her husband's innocence--DESOLATION ROW hooked me on page one. Author Kay Kendall knows how to burrow into your heart."
258 pages, Paperback
First published February 12, 2013
4 people are currently reading
836 people want to read
About the author
Kay Kendall
11 books121 followersBefore Kay Kendall began to write books, she was an award-winning international public relations executive, working in the US, Canada, the Soviet Union, and Europe. Ask her about working in Moscow during the Cold War—and turning down a job with the CIA in order to attend grad school at Harvard. Because of her degrees in Russian history, Kay often brings Cold War elements into her tales. She takes great pains in her books to get historical settings and details right—no anachronisms allowed.
Kay is president of the Southwest Chapter of the Mystery Writers of America and is a member of the national board of MWA. She and her Canadian husband live in Houston, Texas, and have rescued abandoned pet rabbits for 20 years. They have a tolerant spaniel who co-habits with the three bunnies that currently reside with them. Over the years they have rescued 14 rabbits.
Other URLs
http://austinstarr.com
https://www.facebook.com/KayKendallAu...
http://www.amazon.com/Kay-Kendall/e/B...
https://twitter.com/kaylee_kendall
Kay is president of the Southwest Chapter of the Mystery Writers of America and is a member of the national board of MWA. She and her Canadian husband live in Houston, Texas, and have rescued abandoned pet rabbits for 20 years. They have a tolerant spaniel who co-habits with the three bunnies that currently reside with them. Over the years they have rescued 14 rabbits.
Other URLs
http://austinstarr.com
https://www.facebook.com/KayKendallAu...
http://www.amazon.com/Kay-Kendall/e/B...
https://twitter.com/kaylee_kendall
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
October 4, 2016
We are introduced to graduate student Austin Starr. It is 1968, during the Vietnam War era. She has moved to Toronto with her draft dodging husband David. Their friends consist of transplants from the United States who also oppose the war.
One evening, Austin stumbles across a dead body. The victim is her husband’s frenemy and incriminating information lands her husband in jail for the murder. With little or no help from the police for a thorough investigation, she must take matters in her own hands to clear her husband’s name.
This mystery is fast paced and has a good flow to it. While reading this period in time, I am reminded how difficult life was without cell phones, computers, or google.
The book is in Austin’s voice, so we really do not get her husband perspective on the murder. Other characters are introduced into the story, and their relationships with Austin are well executed. I can best describe Austin Starr as Nancy Drew for adults.
Kay Kendall is also the author of Rainy Day Women which includes the protagonist, Austin Starr. I look forward to reading her next adventure!
One evening, Austin stumbles across a dead body. The victim is her husband’s frenemy and incriminating information lands her husband in jail for the murder. With little or no help from the police for a thorough investigation, she must take matters in her own hands to clear her husband’s name.
This mystery is fast paced and has a good flow to it. While reading this period in time, I am reminded how difficult life was without cell phones, computers, or google.
The book is in Austin’s voice, so we really do not get her husband perspective on the murder. Other characters are introduced into the story, and their relationships with Austin are well executed. I can best describe Austin Starr as Nancy Drew for adults.
Kay Kendall is also the author of Rainy Day Women which includes the protagonist, Austin Starr. I look forward to reading her next adventure!
March 25, 2013
I received an advance copy of this book, and finished it in two days. I loved the characters, the plot, the setting. Vivid. Realistic. Gripping. I'm not a huge mystery reader, but I think I get it now after reading Desolation Row. Can't wait for more from this author! --Kathy Lynn Harris, bestselling author of Blue Straggler and A Good Kind of Knowing
April 19, 2013
Austin Starr’s husband David is a “draft dodger” (term used for those without refused to fight in the Vietnam War) and has taken her to live in Canada where they are both pursuing academic careers. Austin isn’t completely happy there, is rather homesick and finds the culture in Canada very different from America. Things are about to get even more difficult for her and her husband. Even though they’re living outside America, they are still part of the protest movement which is actually picking up steam in both countries. Murder suddenly alters their world!
One of the protest leaders, Reginald Simpson, the son of an American Senator, has been great for the movement but has earned a few enemies as well. When Austin one night stumbles over his dead body, she is totally traumatized but quickly has to recover when David is accused of the murder. Having spent some brief time being trained to work for the CIA, albeit never pursuing that career, she knows with every fiber of her being that David is innocent and sets her course to find the killer. This drive doesn’t exactly endear her to the Canadian Mounties, who don’t know about her background and see her as meddlesome. However, she does make a somewhat strange semi-friendship with one of the officers and manages to share her findings with him.
At the same time she comes under the protection of her university mentor, a Professor of Russian history, and his daughter. They help her examine her questions: Who hated Reg so much to kill him? Why was Reg so out of sync with his father and why is there something shady about Reg’s father? What’s the difference between hating the system that turns to war in times of conflict and just not wanting to fight in a war? Other questions appear on so many pages but the most important is who is now threatening Austin?
The ending will be quite a surprise and another point of view that really most will realize we don’t think of too often. Desolation Row is a good read, an engaging mystery, and a satire of the anti-war movement in some ways. Interesting read!
One of the protest leaders, Reginald Simpson, the son of an American Senator, has been great for the movement but has earned a few enemies as well. When Austin one night stumbles over his dead body, she is totally traumatized but quickly has to recover when David is accused of the murder. Having spent some brief time being trained to work for the CIA, albeit never pursuing that career, she knows with every fiber of her being that David is innocent and sets her course to find the killer. This drive doesn’t exactly endear her to the Canadian Mounties, who don’t know about her background and see her as meddlesome. However, she does make a somewhat strange semi-friendship with one of the officers and manages to share her findings with him.
At the same time she comes under the protection of her university mentor, a Professor of Russian history, and his daughter. They help her examine her questions: Who hated Reg so much to kill him? Why was Reg so out of sync with his father and why is there something shady about Reg’s father? What’s the difference between hating the system that turns to war in times of conflict and just not wanting to fight in a war? Other questions appear on so many pages but the most important is who is now threatening Austin?
The ending will be quite a surprise and another point of view that really most will realize we don’t think of too often. Desolation Row is a good read, an engaging mystery, and a satire of the anti-war movement in some ways. Interesting read!
July 26, 2013
First of all I want to thank Goodreads and Kay Kendall for chosing me for this book in the contest I am very thankful for being able to read stories from different authors. At first it was hard to read this story as it wasn't making much sense to me even though I knew what the story was about however by chapter 5 the story started taking off and then it was a very good story. I have mixed feelings what the story is actually about as to whether or not a person should avoid the draft, however from what happened back in the 60's and 70's that the Vietnom war I understand why lots of people went to Canada. War is not a good thing even though it happens every so many years. My father was in time of the Korean war and I know it was hard for him and my son also was in the military during the Iraq war so that is why I had so many mixed feelings about the story. Overall it was a good story to hear the other side as this book does not glorify war yet it also gives thanks to the people whose life was severely affected by war. I was glad that the writer wrote about both sides that made the story more important. I am anxious to see what the next book will be about
December 16, 2013
Kay Kendall’s Desolation Row is a fast-paced murder mystery that engages the reader. While filled with popular culture references and solidly grounded in the late Sixties, it accessible to readers of all ages. Those more familiar with the period may find an extra smile or two, but setting will not be an obstacle to the reader’s enjoyment.
I very much enjoyed that the Kendall based her plot and solution to the murder on the lead protagonist’s persistence rather than a brilliant Sherlock Holmes observation of a tiny detail that others overlooked. Investigators rarely solve real crimes through such arcane clues. Similarly, many mysteries have the astute sleuth able to sum up everything about a suspect based on an initial meeting. Uh-uh. Austin Starr, the protagonist, is a young wife who has set aside a possible CIA career for marriage and is thrown into the mystery when her husband is accused of the crime. She is not the hyper-talented, long-time pro able to leap to astounding solutions at a single bound (even if such persons actually exist). In keeping with her youth and experience, she allows herself to follow up first impressions with an open mind. Austin’s persistence and avoidance of snap judgments is thus much more authentic than most plots. The setting of the murder among a small community of Vietnam War draft resisters having fled to Canada might have tempted the author toward a politically motivated revenge scenario – over-used and not very authentic. Without revealing any spoilers, she does not succumb to such a formula plot but develops a realistic chain of events keyed to the personalities of the victim and perpetrator.
I give Desolation Row four stars, noting that this is a debut novel intended to be the first in a series developed around the Austin Starr character. Kendall is writing in America’s most popular fiction genre with a constellation of established best-selling mystery writers turning out dozens and dozens of mysteries a year, many with protagonists refined through several tales. A mystery novel will be judged among that competition, not just first-time Indie mystery authors. In that light, four stars for a debut novel in a continuing series is a high complement. Kendall has created a character with the depth to take her series and Austin in many different directions. I’ll look forward Austin’s evolution in the next installment.
I very much enjoyed that the Kendall based her plot and solution to the murder on the lead protagonist’s persistence rather than a brilliant Sherlock Holmes observation of a tiny detail that others overlooked. Investigators rarely solve real crimes through such arcane clues. Similarly, many mysteries have the astute sleuth able to sum up everything about a suspect based on an initial meeting. Uh-uh. Austin Starr, the protagonist, is a young wife who has set aside a possible CIA career for marriage and is thrown into the mystery when her husband is accused of the crime. She is not the hyper-talented, long-time pro able to leap to astounding solutions at a single bound (even if such persons actually exist). In keeping with her youth and experience, she allows herself to follow up first impressions with an open mind. Austin’s persistence and avoidance of snap judgments is thus much more authentic than most plots. The setting of the murder among a small community of Vietnam War draft resisters having fled to Canada might have tempted the author toward a politically motivated revenge scenario – over-used and not very authentic. Without revealing any spoilers, she does not succumb to such a formula plot but develops a realistic chain of events keyed to the personalities of the victim and perpetrator.
I give Desolation Row four stars, noting that this is a debut novel intended to be the first in a series developed around the Austin Starr character. Kendall is writing in America’s most popular fiction genre with a constellation of established best-selling mystery writers turning out dozens and dozens of mysteries a year, many with protagonists refined through several tales. A mystery novel will be judged among that competition, not just first-time Indie mystery authors. In that light, four stars for a debut novel in a continuing series is a high complement. Kendall has created a character with the depth to take her series and Austin in many different directions. I’ll look forward Austin’s evolution in the next installment.
May 24, 2013
I was attracted to this book by the cover. It appeared to be a girl resembling Janis Joplin. While Janis was not in the book, it was written in her era. The days of a war no one wanted and no one wanted to serve. The story highlights the resistance of men and their families and their fleeing to Canada. A network is made with others who have done the same. The arguments of what their renounced country is and is not doing evolves into a deadly one. Austin Starr's (the wife of one such draft dodger who is accused of such murder) finds herself alone and not convinced her new found home is doing everything they can to prove her husband's innocence.
Against everyone's protests she sets out to absolve her husband and prove his innocence. The story takes on a fearful plot when Austin starts to receive anonymous threatening letters. I can honestly say that I did not see the ending of this book as I silently accused several people throughout the story.
This book was very well written with likeable characters and a fast paced plot. It really gave off the air of living in those times when America was at war with itself.
I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading more from this author!!
Against everyone's protests she sets out to absolve her husband and prove his innocence. The story takes on a fearful plot when Austin starts to receive anonymous threatening letters. I can honestly say that I did not see the ending of this book as I silently accused several people throughout the story.
This book was very well written with likeable characters and a fast paced plot. It really gave off the air of living in those times when America was at war with itself.
I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading more from this author!!
May 20, 2014
I really liked this book and was sorry to finish it. Kendall does a brilliant job of evoking the atmosphere of the Vietnam War era and the dislocation her young heroine feels after moving to Canada with her husband, a conscientious objector. Canada is our friendly North American neighbor, but it's easy to forget that it's still a foreign country, with an English-speaking culture that is sometimes very different from our own. Its justice system may treat defendants less harshly than ours, but that's of little comfort to protagonist Austin Starr when her husband is jailed for murder and all the evidence seemed stacked against him. Austin is an very appealing character, young and occasionally naive, but also spirited, stubborn and smart. The writing in this debut novel is top-notch and the story moves along quickly to a surprising and satisfying conclusion. I'm very much looking forward to the next Austin Starr novel.
August 6, 2013
This book spoke to me on many levels. I love the parts about the freezing Southerner in Canada ("banana belt" lol), and about the homesickness of being an American in Canada. The whole era was captured in a way that reminded me of my parents' stories, bringing the sixties to life. "Three mile rule," love it. Really enjoyed the political intrigue and interplay. The only criticism I have is that I was surprised by the villain's identity, and would have liked to know more about what sparked the crime. The identity of the killer seemed to come sort of out of the blue. This is a minor criticism, only applicable to the end of a book... and it's really hard to end a mystery. Definitely a must-read for Americans in Canada or anyone looking for a peek into the Vietnam War era.
August 31, 2013
I was in high school at the time of this book. The author nailed her characters in terms of how they act, talk, dress and what their concerns are in terms of politics with protests and avoiding drafts by going to Canada as well as the music of the time. It was like a time capsule. That's tough to do looking back. So many period pieces are infused with too much modern sensibilities. In this setting, Kay crafted a richly thought out and intelligent mystery. I look forward to the second book in the series.
March 27, 2013
This gripping mystery took me back to a really tense time when I witnessed so many Americans flooding up to Canada. Many of us in Canadian universities were riled up over the war—and sex, drugs and rock and roll—even in usually sedate Manitoba. Desolation Row shows you what it was all like if you weren’t alive back then as I was…kind of like my reading a WWII book to see what it was like for my parents. Highly recommended.
November 3, 2014
This fast-paced mystery recalls a chaotic and tragic time in American history, when too many young men faced the choice of fighting a war they didn't believe in, or leaving their homeland to avoid it. I love the way this author uses her own wit, skill and personal experience to flesh out her characters. This is an exceptional debut mystery.
December 16, 2013
I received this from First Reads Giveaways.
Wow. Just wow. I loved this book. It was simply amazing from beginning to end. I have not ONE. SINGLE. complaint about it. It was just... Wow. It is one of those books that I can't really write a review about because once I started talking about it, I wouldn't be able to stop. It's just... I'm sorry to say it again, but Wow.
Wow. Just wow. I loved this book. It was simply amazing from beginning to end. I have not ONE. SINGLE. complaint about it. It was just... Wow. It is one of those books that I can't really write a review about because once I started talking about it, I wouldn't be able to stop. It's just... I'm sorry to say it again, but Wow.
June 25, 2015
Author Kay Kendall pulls us back into a time of polarization and change--the 1960s--and spins a captivating mystery novel out of it. Transplanted student Austin Starr follows her husband to the draft-resister community in Toronto, and becomes embroiled in a murder mystery.
My estimation is that fans of Nevada Barr's heroine, Anna Pigeon, will find Austin Starr much to their liking.
My estimation is that fans of Nevada Barr's heroine, Anna Pigeon, will find Austin Starr much to their liking.
March 13, 2015
When Austin Starr's husband is accused of murder, the young sleuth sets out to find the killer herself. Fast-paced, smart-plotting, and a rich, historical setting during the Vietnam War, if you enjoy mysteries, you're bound to love Austin Starr.
April 13, 2013
I enjoyed the debut Austin Starr mystery from Houston author Kay Kendall. I especially liked the depiction of the 60's and viewpoint of US refugees in Canada, which was new to me. I look forward to more from Kay and Austin!
July 27, 2015
The story flows easily and the characters are distinct in this throwback to the 60s. The female protagonist, Austin, is gutsy and likeable. I enjoy a mystery where loose ends are tied up neatly and this was one of them.
August 4, 2017
MY REVIEW OF “DESOLATION ROW’ by Kay Kendall
I have to blame author Kay Kendall, author of ” DESOLATION ROW’ for the sleepless night I had, so that I could finish reading her novel. I just couldn’t stop reading until I discovered “Who Did It?” so to speak. The genres for “DESOLATION ROW’ are Mystery, Fiction, and in my opinion, Historical Fiction. This novel brought me back to the end of the sixties, and reminded me of so many things.
The year is 1968, and you are living in a foreign country that is supposed to be friendly to Americans. Although the times are turbulent and there is a lot of tension. Many American citizens have come to Canada as Draft Resistors for different reasons. Even within the resistors are factions that are split on how to handle the protests. The war in Vietnam is not like any war in history. Then you have a different political agenda, that of older men that fought during World War Two, and were proud to fight for America.
Now, can you imagine that your nerdy, kind, gentle husband is arrested on suspicion of murder? You really can’t afford an attorney. You don’t have much of a support system. Your parents are in Texas, and not pleased at all that you left with your husband to go to Canada. Well, meet Austin Starr, a 22 young married student who came to Canada with her husband, who was her college boyfriend. Austin seems to have a major problem.
The author describes the characters as complex and complicated. Some characters are angry, unbalanced, jealous, have strong convictions, and some characters have secrets important to protect. There are a number of characters who could be suspect in murdering a Draft Resistor that was not really well liked. What is the motivation and why?
Austin turns to her Russian Professor and his daughter for help in finding who the “real killer is. Visiting her husband in the desolate jail spurs her on to look for clues.There are twists and turns and threats and danger. Then there is another murder.
I appreciate the way Kay Kendall describes the history, the characters, and the intriguing plot. Having lived during this era, I felt like I was revisiting the past. There is the discussion of corrupt politicians, and the upcoming election, when Richard Nixon was running for president.
The author also discusses how any war changes the lives of the people who come home and their families. To quote Kay Kendall,” While the past was set in stone the future was framed by hope and possibility.” The author describes the importance of family, peace love, hope and faith.
I really tried to follow the clues, but I was surprised to find who the murderer is.
I highly recommend this intriguing and thought-provoking novel for readers who have a passion for life in the sixties and for anyone who loves a mystery with suspense and intrigue. I received a copy for my honest opinion.
January 4, 2017
It was autumn in 1968 when their friend from the draft resister’s group was murdered in a church, the very place where they were supposed to gather for a meeting. The others had left, but Reg Simpson had gone back for his jacket. And that is when it happened.
David and Austin Starr had relocated to Toronto when they began to fear that David would soon be drafted. Not willing to actually dodge the draft, the two of them transferred to the University of Toronto and joined other resisters.
But life had a way of changing their plans for them when David was arrested for Reg’s murder. Austin believed that the police evidence was flimsy at best, so she set out to find answers. But soon she became the target of someone sending threatening letters and warning her to stop investigating.
Desolation Row was a story that intrigued me, mostly because of the times. I remember them well, being in university when young men were being drafted for the War in Vietnam that many strongly opposed. I also enjoyed recalling what life was like before technology, as Austin’s search for a pay phone on the night of the murder kept her from arriving at the church on time. And throughout her investigation, the absence of readily available phones added to the intensity.
Austin was not yet comfortable in Canada, not sure if their adopted country could ever feel like home. Especially since she had started to distrust law enforcement for rushing to judgment. By the end of the story, however, and as Austin stumbled upon various clues that led to solving the murder, she began to feel as if she could finally adjust.
I was pleased to learn that this book was the first in a series, so I’m off to find Book 2. 4.5 stars.
David and Austin Starr had relocated to Toronto when they began to fear that David would soon be drafted. Not willing to actually dodge the draft, the two of them transferred to the University of Toronto and joined other resisters.
But life had a way of changing their plans for them when David was arrested for Reg’s murder. Austin believed that the police evidence was flimsy at best, so she set out to find answers. But soon she became the target of someone sending threatening letters and warning her to stop investigating.
Desolation Row was a story that intrigued me, mostly because of the times. I remember them well, being in university when young men were being drafted for the War in Vietnam that many strongly opposed. I also enjoyed recalling what life was like before technology, as Austin’s search for a pay phone on the night of the murder kept her from arriving at the church on time. And throughout her investigation, the absence of readily available phones added to the intensity.
Austin was not yet comfortable in Canada, not sure if their adopted country could ever feel like home. Especially since she had started to distrust law enforcement for rushing to judgment. By the end of the story, however, and as Austin stumbled upon various clues that led to solving the murder, she began to feel as if she could finally adjust.
I was pleased to learn that this book was the first in a series, so I’m off to find Book 2. 4.5 stars.
July 28, 2014
This story is set at the 1960’s during the Vietnam War, at the time when Richard Nixon became president and the hippy, ‘peace and love’ scene was in full swing.
Newly married Austin Starr, and her husband David, have fled Texas. David is a draft resistor and they are living, with others who are like minded in Canada.
Settling down in a strange country, so different from her home is hard enough for Austin, however she is determined to be a good wife and supportive of her husband. Then, suddenly her life is turned upside down when she makes a discovery which leads to her husband being accused of murder.
Frustrated, she is determined to discover the truth, in what the police feel is an open and shut case. With a flair for investigating that even the CIA have noticed, Austin decides that she must uncover the truth herself about who murdered fellow draft resistor, Reginald a Senator’s son.
This is a heart-warming tale of one woman’s determination to clear her husband’s name. Passionately determined, the resolutely unflinching Austin delves into dark corners and discovers deeply buried secrets, which open cans of worms, and put her very life in danger.
I found this an engaging story and a brilliant mystery with plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing, set in a very controversial period of modern history.
Newly married Austin Starr, and her husband David, have fled Texas. David is a draft resistor and they are living, with others who are like minded in Canada.
Settling down in a strange country, so different from her home is hard enough for Austin, however she is determined to be a good wife and supportive of her husband. Then, suddenly her life is turned upside down when she makes a discovery which leads to her husband being accused of murder.
Frustrated, she is determined to discover the truth, in what the police feel is an open and shut case. With a flair for investigating that even the CIA have noticed, Austin decides that she must uncover the truth herself about who murdered fellow draft resistor, Reginald a Senator’s son.
This is a heart-warming tale of one woman’s determination to clear her husband’s name. Passionately determined, the resolutely unflinching Austin delves into dark corners and discovers deeply buried secrets, which open cans of worms, and put her very life in danger.
I found this an engaging story and a brilliant mystery with plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing, set in a very controversial period of modern history.
October 7, 2014
Back in the Vietnam War Era (and yes it was a war-no matter that the powers that be never declared it as such) many young Americans left for Canada to avoid the draft, never knowing whether they would ever be able to walk on American soil again. It was a tumultuous time. Bob Dylan wrote a song called Desolation Row back then-the words to that song can be found here . None of the guys I knew ever went to Canada-some went to Vietnam and came back but were never the same, others didn't make it back. Some were just plain lucky and their number never came up.
This is the story of a young couple who went to Canada as graduate students before his number came up, knowing they would never return. The young man got involved in the anti war movement with other ex-patriots. Then the unthinkable happened--one of the movements leaders was murdered and the young man was accused of it and sent to jail. Austin, his wife knows he is innocent and goes about proving it--collecting facts and very interesting people along the way. I have to admit I was caught off guard until the killer's identity was revealed! This is the first book in the Austin Starr mysteries and I really want to know where this series is headed. 5 Star for this authors first book!
Desolation Row
This is the story of a young couple who went to Canada as graduate students before his number came up, knowing they would never return. The young man got involved in the anti war movement with other ex-patriots. Then the unthinkable happened--one of the movements leaders was murdered and the young man was accused of it and sent to jail. Austin, his wife knows he is innocent and goes about proving it--collecting facts and very interesting people along the way. I have to admit I was caught off guard until the killer's identity was revealed! This is the first book in the Austin Starr mysteries and I really want to know where this series is headed. 5 Star for this authors first book!
Desolation Row
September 20, 2013
For starters, it took me 4 days to read it. With my current schedule, it usually takes me about a week, week and a half to read a book. I couldn't put this one down though. The first 200 pages make you want to keep turning the page. Austin is a great character, one I could relate to, one I could see myself through because I would be doing exactly what she did in that situation. That gave the book the "I cannot put this book down!" quality. Not only does she go sleuthing around, but she doesn't know much about how to start, so she ends up stumbling and crashing into things that just keep her going in the right direction. Kay Kendall does a great job of making us feel like we're in the sixties but not throwing us so much into that time that it alienates the reader from being able to connect.
December 28, 2014
I want to first start off that I got to meet the author at Houston author bash earlier this year. I was immediately drawn to the cover of this book. I just think it's a beautiful cover. This was the only physical book that I bought at the event even though I'm not a big reader of mystery novels. Again the cover is what drew me in. It did take me a while to actually read the book, but I'm really glad I go to it this year. The story is set in Canada during the anti-war movement in the 60s. The time period and the setting made this story unique and different. My only complaint was the ending of story but I don't want to give away spoilers. I just didn't "buy it" so much. Overall, I did like story and do plan on reading the sequel.
June 28, 2015
DESOLATION ROW immediately plunged me into the 60's and the adventure began! This mystery was a fun read and kept my interest throughout, wanting to see what happens next. I am looking forward to Austin Starr gaining more confidence as the series progresses. She is only 22, recently married with her husband accused of murder and living far from Texas where she is from, so she does have a few things on her plate. Austin is a smart everyday woman and is a highly relatable character. DESOLATION ROW was a fresh premise and different perspective than I have read in the past. The sixties were an interesting time for sure! Getting ready to start the 2nd book in the Austin Starr series, RAINY DAY WOMEN!
October 20, 2014
Desolation Row will keep you interested from page one because it is so cleverly written and the story pulls you in. I loved the characters of Austin Starr and Larissa the professor's daughter and the older police officer who liked words. I didn't get a real feel for Austin's husband, but Austin was the "star" here after all and she is gold. The time period was well drawn. I didn't know much about Canada at the time but I remember enough about the Vietnam war era to know the language and the music (Bob Dylan).
March 28, 2013
DESOLATION ROW—AN AUSTIN STARR MYSTERY, set in 1968, in Toronto, Canada, during the Vietnam War. American expatriates are enveloped in murder and suspense involving one of their own. Homesick bride of an anti-war activist must prove her husband did not murder a fellow draft resister, the black-sheep son of a U.S. Senator. Debut novel by Texas author Kay Kendall, now writing the sequel RAINY DAY WOMEN.
December 29, 2013
This was a very evocative historical mystery set in the 60's. I don't recall going to Canada during this time, but the references to the United States culture and political sensibilities was true to my memories. I was a bit disappointed in the heroine traveling to a place against her better judgement. Aside from that I truly enjoyed this book and I thank the author, Kay Kendall, for sending me a copy.
June 10, 2016
Couldn't decide between a 3 and 4 star. Basically Austin the main character does a great job sleuthing to try to find the true killer and free her husband from jail when he is accused of the crime. Good mystery and the killers for the murders (yes multiple of both) is unexpected until the final chapters.
Looking forward to meeting the author at our book club when she visits!
Looking forward to meeting the author at our book club when she visits!
August 30, 2013
Has a strong female protagonist, and a thrilling story.
Kay Kendall is a wonderful author and I'll be looking forward to reading more of her works.
I recommend this to anyone who likes a crime thriller.
Received as part of a goodreads givaway
Kay Kendall is a wonderful author and I'll be looking forward to reading more of her works.
I recommend this to anyone who likes a crime thriller.
Received as part of a goodreads givaway
February 16, 2015
Loved the story of 1960s Toronto - hippies, draft dodgers, murder!
August 11, 2017
I tried so hard to sleep last night, but kept getting up to read more of Kay Kendall's DESOLATION ROW. It resonates powerfully in these troubled times, reminding me of friends in Canada keeping guest rooms at the ready. I found Bob Dylan’s “Desolation Row” on YouTube, a version with Spanish subtitles, a reminder that there is also refuge to the south.
A friend who was a young woman in Germany after WWII told me that there are so many single women in my age group because, "You sent your husbands to Vietnam." So much loss, so much damage . . . .
It's becoming a timely book, unfortunately, but it’s good that the book is ready to help us through tough times.
Bits/bytes of take-away wisdom . . .
Often thinking this: “Damn it! When will there be women leaders who’ll stop these dumb wars? War is nothing but senseless waste and tragedy.”
“the damage that war does, even to people who never fight a battle.”
Still pondering this line, thinking I may have missed some lessons along the way: She deployed the heavy feminine artillery traditionally used in campaigns to win husbands . . .
Warning I’ve heard elsewhere, including self-defense classes: Good manners could lead to servility, into not standing up for your own best interests.
The past was set in stone, the future was framed by hope and possibility . . .
A friend who was a young woman in Germany after WWII told me that there are so many single women in my age group because, "You sent your husbands to Vietnam." So much loss, so much damage . . . .
It's becoming a timely book, unfortunately, but it’s good that the book is ready to help us through tough times.
Bits/bytes of take-away wisdom . . .
Often thinking this: “Damn it! When will there be women leaders who’ll stop these dumb wars? War is nothing but senseless waste and tragedy.”
“the damage that war does, even to people who never fight a battle.”
Still pondering this line, thinking I may have missed some lessons along the way: She deployed the heavy feminine artillery traditionally used in campaigns to win husbands . . .
Warning I’ve heard elsewhere, including self-defense classes: Good manners could lead to servility, into not standing up for your own best interests.
The past was set in stone, the future was framed by hope and possibility . . .
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