Murder on the Front Nine

by Steve McMillen

If you enjoy a good mystery/thriller adventure and a travel story, Steve McMillen's first novel, "Murder on the Front Nine", set in the Myrtle Beach area of South Carolina, offers both. It's a wild ride with a charismatic, soon to be crime solving Realtor/Architect/Golf Pro, who also just happens to be an ex-Green Beret. It is a tale of assassinations, black ops, corrupt politicians, big oil, the Columbian cocaine cartel and a treasure hunt, with a twist, off the South Carolina coast. You can read Steve's book on two levels. Simply as a good mystery/thriller, whodunit yarn, in a southern beach setting, which is how the majority of the readers will percieve it. The other level is with a local's and visitor's delight in recognizing familiar resorts, restaurants, golf courses and other local features. Many a reader will be able to say, "Been there, done that." The tale begins on Bald Head Island, North Carolina, a remote, upscale Golf Resort Island along the Cape Fear River and the Atlantic Ocean. Mickke D allows himself to be drawn into an assassination investigation by three of his old army buddies, who he has not seen in fifteen years. Mickke D soon discovers that maybe one of his old army buddies may not be as much of a friend as he once thought. The story meanders down the coast to Little River, SC; Myrtle Beach, SC and makes a stop during the playing of the World Amateur Golf Tournament in Myrtle Beach. It makes side trips to Charleston, SC, Panama City Beach, Fl, Las Vegas and Washington, DC. There are plots within plots and the reader will have to figure out the bad guys from the good guys; who they like and who they dislike. And will Mickke D be able to face his past demons head-on and make a transition from a rather mundane way of life "at the beach", back to investigator and highly trained soldier without meeting his demise along the way. If you enjoy golf, the beach or just a good mystery/thriller; this book is for you. It is an entertaining, easy, fun read. You will just want to continue turning pages.

Genres: Fiction

267 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 4, 2012

Reviews

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a great read. So many twists and turns to keep the plot interesting. Can't wait to read the next two!!

[Patrick Quinn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Epitome of the Good Beach Read ...

especially if you frequent the Grand Strand like I do. The book is good enough for another installment. I’m looking forward to the next one.

[Megan]

This book mostly takes place in my county, so I recognize a lot of the neighborhoods, restaurants, streets, etc. So that is the main reason I liked it. Otherwise, it was just ok.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mickke D has “retired” to Myrtle Beach, where he maintains several odds-and-ends jobs, in order to enjoy his favorite hobby, golf. He has had lots of bad luck with women, but that is nothing compared to the mess he falls into when his old, top-secret friends stop by for a friendly visit. Thanks to the favor he granted, he gets to travel to several golf courses to get-to-know a few persons of interest. But when explosions and gun fire start happening, Mickke D must choose between his friends and saving his own life.

From the suspenseful prologue to the short chapters, this book is a fast page turner. Chocked full of golf terminology and hilarious quips, there is something in it for everyone to enjoy. With each new point-of-view change, there is another layer of intrigue added to the several plot twists. Readers will be chuckling and guessing up until the very end. Fans of pirates, sunken treasures, golf and mysteries should take note of this author.

Notes:
This review was written for My Sister's Books.
This review was originally posted on the Ariesgrl Book Reviews website.

[Jo Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this quick read. Plots and sub plots galore. Even a new one just when you think the book is over. The bonus is that it takes place on the Grans Strand in Myrtle Beach.