Third Person Singular

Mars Bahr #1

by K.J. Erickson

Set against the black backdrop of a ruthless Minnesota winter, KJ Erickson's debut novel is bursting with masterfully plotted suspense and intricately rendered characters.

Prickly but gifted Minneapolis Special Detective Marshall "Mars" Bahr is a man whose devotion to his eight-year-old son is eclipsed only by his love of the hunt. Mars hasn't won any popularity contests among his fellow officers, but his commitment to his job and his investigative talents have gotten him a plumb assignment: Special Detective in charge of the First Response Unit, reporting directly to the chief.

On a winter morning, when Mars is called to the scene of a homicide near the outskirts of town, his first thought is that a homeless drunk passed out in the wrong place on a freezing cold night. What he finds turns out to be much more menacing, a nightmare case involving a teenage girl from the right side of the tracks.

With few clues and increasing pressure from the mayor on down to apprehend the killer, Mars is forced to turn away from the details of the crime on the bluffs and instead focus on the victim herself. Mary Pat Fitzgerald seemed to have a storybook lifestyle, at least from the outside. With a little digging, however, it becomes clear that appearances can be deceiving. Mars and his partner, Nettie Frisch, turn up some provocative clues in the search to uncover the truth about the young woman's lonely death-- but can they trust them?

Third Person Singular is a multilayered screamer of a debut that will have readers breathlessly awaiting KJ Erickson's next effort.

Genres: Mystery, Mystery Thriller

305 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2001

Reviews

[Darlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book one in the Mars Bahr series and it was very good. Being from the Minneapolis area, and that’s where the book takes place, definitely kept my interest. I really liked Mars as the homicide detective, a very well respected detective with the MPD. His assistant, Heddie, had a very humorous personality and was on top of everything that Mars needed in the investigation. Mars son, Chris, was a fun addition to the story. I hope both will be in the next book, and I plan on reading all the books in the series.

[Deidre · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like it but didn't know if I could read books with a detective named Mars Bahr....

[Marshall Bahr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marshall Bahr review. K.J. Erickson's "Third Person Singular" is an enthralling, brilliantly written mystery that keeps you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. As the first installment in the Detective Mars Bahr series, this captivating novel sets the stage for a thrilling journey through the complex and often dark world of crime investigation.

The story revolves around Detective Mars Bahr, a tenacious and seasoned Minneapolis investigator, who is tasked with solving the chilling murder of a young woman found on a snowy field. The case takes numerous twists and turns, with well-crafted suspense that keeps you guessing until the final pages.

Erickson's writing style is sharp and engaging, effortlessly weaving a multi-layered narrative that keeps readers invested in Mars Bahr's personal struggles as well as his professional determination to bring justice to the victim. The characters are richly drawn and genuinely believable, making it easy to connect with them on a deeper level. The dialogue is crisp, and the pacing is perfect, ensuring that the story never loses momentum.

The author masterfully captures the essence of a police procedural while simultaneously delving into the complexities of human emotions, relationships, and the impact that crime can have on a community. The vivid descriptions of the Minneapolis setting add another layer of authenticity to the story, making it easy to visualize the harsh winter landscapes and bustling city life.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked up this book after reading an entertaining short story by K.J. Erickson, “Noir Neige,” in the anthology Twin Cities Noir. The novel’s action takes place in one of my favorite Minneapolis riverfront locales, that of the Pillsbury A Mill, St. Anthony Falls and the Stone Arch Bridge.

I know this is a debut novel, but I was far less impressed with it than I was with the short story, whose plot turns on some wonderfully dorky characters. The novel’s plot relies too much on serendipity, and the characters aren’t very believable (although there’s an enraged mom with a stroller at the end who rings true and made me laugh). And I can just imagine what real Minneapolis cops would do with “Mars” Bahr’s favored treatment within the department and his title of “Special Detective.” But I’ll give the rest of the series another chance in hopes that it will capture more of the flavor of the Twin Cities and some of its colorful denizens.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I have found a new series to read. Mars Bahr is a police detective who is given a job by the new police chief where he can be independent and has a administrative assistant named Nettie who is great with paper work and computers. Together they solve cases. Mars also adores his son name Chris. Mars is divorced and in the divorce gave his wife everything so his son would have a good life. When Mary Pat Fitzgerald is found dead, everyone is shocked. She is the homecoming queen, beautiful, smart, athletic, the all American girl. Of course, they suspect the boyfriend first, but Mars doesn't think he is guilty. As they dig into Mary Pat's life they find clues, but the case does not come together. The author gives just enough twists and clues to allow the reader to figure out the case. Mars is a good man and father, as well as a great detective so we see his human side.

[Maddy · Rating 3 out of 5]

PROTAGONIST: Detec. Mars Bahr
SETTING: Minneapolis
SERIES: #1
RATING: 3.25
WHY: Detective Mars Bahr is in charge of investigating the death of a teenaged girl whose lifestyle is not the virginal one that it seems. He's hampered by the local police chief's relationship with her family. The plot gets pretty complex, with connections to a family in England with too much time being spent in their dysfunctions. The conclusion is highly improbably. What really bugged me was Mars' relationship with his 8-year-old son, Chris. Chris often accompanied him to crime scenes and other police business. Huh???

[Eddie Tucker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This 2002 novel is the first in Erickson's Mars Bahr series and it rings pretty much true all the way through. Light on the procedural, heavier on the personal, she draws believable characters and the story compels, though it is somewhat predictable. Picky me, I was quite annoyed by the repeated use of Bahr's full rank, Special Detective, in dialogue. Real people would just use "Detective" most of the time. And his precocious little son being taken to crime scenes, not so sure about that, either. But Erickson's creation is interesting enough for me to order up the next in the series.

[ahava · Rating 4 out of 5]

It felt kind of slow progressing but I have to say I really loved the twists and turns of solving the mystery. I feel like it might’ve been missing a faster paced vibe but I was also being unfair and comparing it other mysteries that I have read. I really loved and appreciated the character stories and how they intertwined to become resolved.

[S.E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've just discovered K. J. Erickson, another Minnesota author. Looking forward to reading another Mars Bahr mysteries.

[Mike Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

For being her first novel, I feel Ms. Erickson did a very good job. Kept my interest and had a good ending. Never guessed it was that person.

[Jessica Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked it, just wish it had more Ace Attorney-esque pun names.. I was captivated nonetheless by Erickson's writing style and her ability to make sure the book doesn't take itself too seriously.

[Jenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the best debut novels I've read!

Third Person Singular is an outstanding first novel and an engrossing mystery. I highly recommend it.

Brief overview:
A smart, talented, beautiful teenager from a wealthy suburban family turns up dead in a scuzzy part of Minneapolis. Special Detective Marshall "Mars" Bahr (yep, pun is definitely intended) catches the case. Bahr has the sort of 'roving inspector' assignment that makes for great tv and murder mysteries but probably doesn't exist in real police departments -- he operates outside the regular detective's bureaucracy, reports only to the chief of police, and gets to investigate just the juicy high-profile murders. Not many cops like him all that much, but they do respect him and the quality of his police work.

Bahr's investigation leads the reader through an intricate plot that reveals the seamy secrets of "respectable" society and wide array of possible suspects. Of course, only one of them is actually guilty, though by the time Bahr finishes airing the dirty laundry you'll wish more of them could go to jail.

Bahr occasionally teeters on the edge of being a Mary Sue -- he's an awesome cop with an awesome job, an awesome partner, an awesome kid, and an awesome divorce (seriously) -- but for my money doesn't actually fall over that particular brink. The number of things Bahr gets wrong in the course of investigating the case is realistic (theories change as the evidence changes), and puts the character firmly in "very, very good cop" territory rather than "superman" territory.

Bottom line: I'm totally sold on Mars Bahr as a detective whose investigations I want to read. I'm off to the library to find more of K.J. Erickson's work!

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Themes: crime, father-son relationship, police work, relationships
Setting: Minnesota, present day

Special Detective Marshall Bahr of the Minneapolis police force is assigned to a new case. A pretty blond cheerleader type is found dead in a nasty part of town. Her family have no idea how or why she got down there. Bahr and his partner Nettie dive into all the secrets of the victim Mary Pat Fitzgerald and finds plenty of dirt to go around; however, none of it seems to lead to a suspect. Just when the case is almost cold, a surprisingly lead turns up a new line of investigation.

I liked this one. It was a good story, and I liked the main character. He is a good cop and a good dad with a passion for movies. And I liked that there were a few twists in the story. Thanks to cbl_tn for the recommendation

[LJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Third Person Singular - G+
K.J. Erickson
Detective Marshall "Mars" Bahr, known to co-workers as "Candy Man" (but not because of his name), reports directly to the Minneapolis police chief, especially when a young woman of impeccable background is murdered near the newly renovated waterfront. Suspicion falls first on her supposedly out-of-state boyfriend, then on an unknown "pick-up," and finally on a serial killer. Despite media pressure, Mars and partner Nellie ultimately prevail in this talented and exciting first novel.

Two women murdered, MN cop with an exceptional, but not annoying, 8-year-old daughter.

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good police-procedural whodunnit. While I wasn't altogether thrilled with the solution to the crime(s), once revealed I rather liked the pursuit of the killer. Some interesting characters not typical of the genre. The setting was a nice change of pace. An entertaining, easy-flowing read.

Best moment: when you discover the reason for the title of the book.

I'd read another one. Three and a half stars.

(UCBC rating 3.5)

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in a series featuring Mars Bahr, lead homicide detective in Minneapolis. I REALLY liked this book. Well written, kept the suspense until the end, likable characters. I will definitely read more!

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lost a point because of all the slams about the Edina PD (especially its chief). I know it's fiction, but it left a bad taste. People who know me will know why I found this offensive.

[Deb Mj · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting enough, I suppose, but I won't make a point of looking for any other books by the author.

[Dawn]

Minnesota author - takes place in mpls

[Patsy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Based in the twin cities a Mpls detective eventually solves the murder of an Edina homecoming queen within the city.

[Dave Dalbey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed the first in the series especially being based here in the Twin Cities. Good story telling and character development of Mars Bahr.

[Karen Wenz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite K J Erickson book. Love the Minnesota landmarks and setting, and the pace of the story.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Looking forward to the next book in Mars Bahr series.