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Martha's Vineyard Mystery #13
Vineyard Enigma
With the arrival of warm weather and good fishing, life should be great for J. W. Jackson and his wife, Zee. Martha's Vineyard may be no Eden, but J.W. wouldn't trade it for any other place on earth.
Something's wrong, though. The morning newspaper brings an update on the case of the Headless Horseman, a headless and handless corpse found on a local bridle path six months ago. Such murders are rare on the Vineyard, and J.W. can't help but wonder if a killer is still wandering free on the island.
Something's wrong at home, too. Zee does her usual efficient job at the emergency room but with J.W. and the two kids she seems curiously distant. If she's going through the seven-year itch, J.W. will give her time. He loves her and hopes she'll soon remember that she loves him.
Meanwhile, J.W. gets a distraction in the form of Abraham Mahsimba, a mysterious man from Zimbabwe in East Africa. Mahsimba enlists J.W.'s help in the search for two ancient soapstone eagles, carved seven hundred years ago and spirited out of Africa in the 1960s. Mahsimba has followed their trail to the Vineyard. He'll pay what it takes to bring them home.
J.W. agrees to assist, though he doesn't know much about art. And he certainly doesn't anticipate what will happen when Zee meets Mahsimba. The man has a charisma that's hard to resist.
Nor can J.W. know that his search for the eagles will pit him against some of the most powerful figures in the Vineyard's art world, including some who would stop at nothing to add forbidden objects to their collections. And there's still the unsolved case of the Headless Horseman. Could the Horseman's death have anything to do with the eagles?
With the author's usual rich blend of suspense, fishing, food, and family, set against the invigorating backdrop of beautiful Martha's Vineyard, Vineyard Enigma is the perfect summer read from an acclaimed and much-loved author.
Something's wrong, though. The morning newspaper brings an update on the case of the Headless Horseman, a headless and handless corpse found on a local bridle path six months ago. Such murders are rare on the Vineyard, and J.W. can't help but wonder if a killer is still wandering free on the island.
Something's wrong at home, too. Zee does her usual efficient job at the emergency room but with J.W. and the two kids she seems curiously distant. If she's going through the seven-year itch, J.W. will give her time. He loves her and hopes she'll soon remember that she loves him.
Meanwhile, J.W. gets a distraction in the form of Abraham Mahsimba, a mysterious man from Zimbabwe in East Africa. Mahsimba enlists J.W.'s help in the search for two ancient soapstone eagles, carved seven hundred years ago and spirited out of Africa in the 1960s. Mahsimba has followed their trail to the Vineyard. He'll pay what it takes to bring them home.
J.W. agrees to assist, though he doesn't know much about art. And he certainly doesn't anticipate what will happen when Zee meets Mahsimba. The man has a charisma that's hard to resist.
Nor can J.W. know that his search for the eagles will pit him against some of the most powerful figures in the Vineyard's art world, including some who would stop at nothing to add forbidden objects to their collections. And there's still the unsolved case of the Headless Horseman. Could the Horseman's death have anything to do with the eagles?
With the author's usual rich blend of suspense, fishing, food, and family, set against the invigorating backdrop of beautiful Martha's Vineyard, Vineyard Enigma is the perfect summer read from an acclaimed and much-loved author.
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 28, 2002
64 people are currently reading
242 people want to read
About the author
Philip R. Craig
27 books102 followersAuthor Philip R. Craig passed away on May 8, 2007 after a brief battle with cancer.
Phil left three completed novels, which have now all been published posthumously. Vineyard Stalker came out in June of 2007 just after Phil's death. Third Strike, co-written with Bill Tapply, came out in November of 2007. The final J.W. Jackson mystery, Vineyard Chill, is on the shelves now. Another J.W. book is partially written, and may someday be completed by his family per his instructions, so stay tuned. Delish, the cookbook co-written with Phil’s wife Shirley Prada Craig, is also still available.
The Philip R. Craig website will be maintained as a tribute to my father and his many fans. ~ Jamie Craig
Phil left three completed novels, which have now all been published posthumously. Vineyard Stalker came out in June of 2007 just after Phil's death. Third Strike, co-written with Bill Tapply, came out in November of 2007. The final J.W. Jackson mystery, Vineyard Chill, is on the shelves now. Another J.W. book is partially written, and may someday be completed by his family per his instructions, so stay tuned. Delish, the cookbook co-written with Phil’s wife Shirley Prada Craig, is also still available.
The Philip R. Craig website will be maintained as a tribute to my father and his many fans. ~ Jamie Craig
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
October 5, 2018
Another enjoyable Vineyard mystery.
I'm having New England Clam Chowder for supper.
I'm having New England Clam Chowder for supper.
July 29, 2020
Major characters:
Abraham Mahsimba, of Zizbabwe, seeking two carved eagles
Matthew Duarte, art dealer
Connie Duarte, his estranged wife
Rose Abrams, his girlfriend
Same Hopewell, his accountant
David Brownington, the 'Headless Horseman'
Charles Mauch, art collector
Miguel Periera, food deliverer
J. W. Jackson, ex-cop
Zeolinda "Zee" Jackson, his wife
Locale: Martha's Vineyard, island off Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Synopsis: Abraham Mahsimba, of Zimbabwe, comes to Martha's Vineyard (MV) in his search to find two historic carved eagles and return them to the government of Zimbabwe. He hire J. W. Jackson as his local guide and investigator. Together, they make the rounds of the art galleries seeking anyone with any knowledge of them. J.W. is also concerned about the attraction building between his wife, Zee Jackson, and Mahsimba.
The eagles are rumored to be on MV as local Matthew Duarte was the agent for their sale. J.W. and Mahsimba so to see him, but find him dead.
Investigation reveals a tie to David Brownington, who was seeking the eagles at one point. He has not been seen for years, and J.W. wonders if he could be the 'Headless Horseman', a name given to a still-unidentified headless body found years ago. Brownington knew Matthew's father, Daniel Duarte, who - maybe - died in a car accident.
Review:
This is #13 in the series of 20 and now I find it is best they be read in order, as the characters and incidents seem to build, with references to incidents in previous books. The series was published 1989-2008 so finding other copies in the series may be a challenge, although they are frequently available on paperbackswap.com.
A good missing-artifact mystery, although the holder of the missing-artifact is a bit obvious. The character of Abraham Mahsimba is well done. I suspected he was not as he seemed, but he turned out sincere for the most part.
J.W. has become a good father but as a husband is a bit too laid-back for me, he doesn't seem to care about his wife getting involved with another man, hey, there's enough love to go around, right? The hinted-at affair never gets off the ground, but still... In his interviews of Rose Abrams (former girlfriend), J.W. comes off as a bully.
The fishing episodes are recounted in too much length and detail, not of interest to non-fishermen, and do not add to the plot.
Surprise: Recipes in the back!
Peeves:
1. We don't find out who killed David Brownington.
2. We don't find out who killed Daniel Duarte. Or was it an accident?
3. We don't find out any more about the possibly related dead woman on the cape, that story line is dropped.
4. Repeated misuse of "bridal trail" for"bridle trail"! It is for horses, not for brides!
Abraham Mahsimba, of Zizbabwe, seeking two carved eagles
Matthew Duarte, art dealer
Connie Duarte, his estranged wife
Rose Abrams, his girlfriend
Same Hopewell, his accountant
David Brownington, the 'Headless Horseman'
Charles Mauch, art collector
Miguel Periera, food deliverer
J. W. Jackson, ex-cop
Zeolinda "Zee" Jackson, his wife
Locale: Martha's Vineyard, island off Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Synopsis: Abraham Mahsimba, of Zimbabwe, comes to Martha's Vineyard (MV) in his search to find two historic carved eagles and return them to the government of Zimbabwe. He hire J. W. Jackson as his local guide and investigator. Together, they make the rounds of the art galleries seeking anyone with any knowledge of them. J.W. is also concerned about the attraction building between his wife, Zee Jackson, and Mahsimba.
The eagles are rumored to be on MV as local Matthew Duarte was the agent for their sale. J.W. and Mahsimba so to see him, but find him dead.
Investigation reveals a tie to David Brownington, who was seeking the eagles at one point. He has not been seen for years, and J.W. wonders if he could be the 'Headless Horseman', a name given to a still-unidentified headless body found years ago. Brownington knew Matthew's father, Daniel Duarte, who - maybe - died in a car accident.
Review:
This is #13 in the series of 20 and now I find it is best they be read in order, as the characters and incidents seem to build, with references to incidents in previous books. The series was published 1989-2008 so finding other copies in the series may be a challenge, although they are frequently available on paperbackswap.com.
A good missing-artifact mystery, although the holder of the missing-artifact is a bit obvious. The character of Abraham Mahsimba is well done. I suspected he was not as he seemed, but he turned out sincere for the most part.
J.W. has become a good father but as a husband is a bit too laid-back for me, he doesn't seem to care about his wife getting involved with another man, hey, there's enough love to go around, right? The hinted-at affair never gets off the ground, but still... In his interviews of Rose Abrams (former girlfriend), J.W. comes off as a bully.
The fishing episodes are recounted in too much length and detail, not of interest to non-fishermen, and do not add to the plot.
Surprise: Recipes in the back!
Peeves:
1. We don't find out who killed David Brownington.
2. We don't find out who killed Daniel Duarte. Or was it an accident?
3. We don't find out any more about the possibly related dead woman on the cape, that story line is dropped.
4. Repeated misuse of "bridal trail" for"bridle trail"! It is for horses, not for brides!
February 21, 2022
Three and a half stars for emphasizing the murder mystery plot line which is like THE MALTESE FALCON in the search for stolen African art pieces and dead bodies found seemingly associated with the theft. JW is totally involved with investigating the mystery, but he seems strangely distant and uninvolved with Zee and the kids in his book. Zee is also different in that she readily accepts the attentions of a handsome visitor to the island, which is not like her. Meanwhile JW goes off on his own to interview suspects and burglarize their properties in the search for clues. All of this is not like the JW and Zee we are used to from other books in the series. Only in the last 30 pages when the mystery is unraveled do things go back to normal - fishing, clamming, clambakes, and family fun on the beach.
January 8, 2022
Not terribly interesting. It was easy to guess very early on in the story who the probable killer would be. There is a continual repetition by the author for each character in the story that requires investigation which makes the story rather boring to read. It was also pretty easy to guess who the logical person would be who had the stolen items. This is definitely not a page turner kind of book. Rather, it is the kind of book that lulls you to sleep reading it as the process involved by the ex-policeman doing the investigation just plods on and on and on. I do not recommend this book, and I do not plan to read any more of this author's books based upon his boring writing style.
May 8, 2018
3.5 stars. I enjoyed this book a lot more than the last few of Craig's Martha's Vineyard series. Being in the history field, I found the main story line about recovering lost artifacts, repatriation, and the illegal art trade to be really interesting. I wish Craig wouldn't have included the side plot regarding Zee though. Not only was it unnecessary, it also made me really dislike her character. Zee has always been one of my favorites and I know she's still dealing with the aftermath of the events of the last book, but that story line was frustrating.
August 26, 2025
A reasonably entertaining murder mystery, although I suspect this may not be the best in the series, & it may suffer from me not having read any of the previous books. I didn't engage with any of the characters, nor was I invested in J.W. & Zee's relationship. I'm not particularly interested in Martha's Vineyard or fishing, but if you are, this is the book for you.
Zimbabwean artefacts, crumbling relationships & murder: a good mix for an enjoyable read. I think it would be worth following ex-Boston cop, Jeff "J. W." Jackson, from the beginning but I have too many other books to read.
Zimbabwean artefacts, crumbling relationships & murder: a good mix for an enjoyable read. I think it would be worth following ex-Boston cop, Jeff "J. W." Jackson, from the beginning but I have too many other books to read.
July 5, 2019
Another in the Vineyard series by Philip Craig. This one concerns the search for two ancient sculptures from Zimbabwe that an African investigator is trying to get repatriated. He enlists J.W. in the search, who gets involved with a couple of related murders along the way. The story is bogged down with a completely unnecessary bit of filler concerning the relationship between J.W. and Zee, which adds nothing at all. Clearly not the strongest in this otherwise good series.
September 8, 2019
This is one a several I have read, and liked them all. Love the local color of the Vineyard, and the map for reference. I did pick up extras at the August library book sales, so I do have others to read.
March 26, 2023
Very Good; Continuing character: J. W. Jackson; a man from Africa searching for ancient artifacts from his country enlists JW for assistance while charming Zee; when a local art dealer is killed, things escalate
March 10, 2017
VINEYARD ENIGMA by Philip R. Craig…..
After reading the cover summary and first chapter I thought Philip Craig intended to turn J.W. Jackson into the Martha’s Vineyard Indiana Jones. But it didn’t turn out that way.
J.W. is asked by a couple of friends to help a charismatic African find two antique, carved soapstone eagles once stolen from the “Great Zimbabwe” historical site. The assignment isn’t too farfetched or difficult, except J.W. knows nothing about the world of collectible African artifacts and those on the Island who qualify as experts (and apparently there are many) aren’t in the mood to cooperate with an unofficial private investigator.
Soon he links the statues with an unsolved homicide which occurred on the Island, but the police won’t give his theory credence.
Toss in J.W.’s wife getting the hots for the aforementioned charismatic African and our hero’s work is cut out for him.
But in a roundabout way the obnoxious art collectors come around in the end, the homicide get’s “exceptionally cleared” and J.W. and wife, Zee, are again free to fish the surf, smoke the bluefish and be parents to their two rug-rats who, thankfully, weren’t taken along on any of J.W.’s field investigations in this novel.
After reading a couple of Craig’s Vineyard Mysteries that I didn’t think were up to snuff, this one really pleased me. Fast paced and exciting in a “cozy” sort of way. 4.5 stars.
After reading the cover summary and first chapter I thought Philip Craig intended to turn J.W. Jackson into the Martha’s Vineyard Indiana Jones. But it didn’t turn out that way.
J.W. is asked by a couple of friends to help a charismatic African find two antique, carved soapstone eagles once stolen from the “Great Zimbabwe” historical site. The assignment isn’t too farfetched or difficult, except J.W. knows nothing about the world of collectible African artifacts and those on the Island who qualify as experts (and apparently there are many) aren’t in the mood to cooperate with an unofficial private investigator.
Soon he links the statues with an unsolved homicide which occurred on the Island, but the police won’t give his theory credence.
Toss in J.W.’s wife getting the hots for the aforementioned charismatic African and our hero’s work is cut out for him.
But in a roundabout way the obnoxious art collectors come around in the end, the homicide get’s “exceptionally cleared” and J.W. and wife, Zee, are again free to fish the surf, smoke the bluefish and be parents to their two rug-rats who, thankfully, weren’t taken along on any of J.W.’s field investigations in this novel.
After reading a couple of Craig’s Vineyard Mysteries that I didn’t think were up to snuff, this one really pleased me. Fast paced and exciting in a “cozy” sort of way. 4.5 stars.
August 4, 2017
Fine mystery. Loved the Martha Vineyard's setting; wasn't as enthusiastic about the main character.
November 5, 2017
The weakest of the first 13
April 12, 2018
Heavens -- I guess in order to continue with the recipe section, the family is now eating PORK!
October 27, 2019
Second book I’ve read by this author. It wasn’t nearly as good. Quite disappointed.
September 13, 2022
August 2022. Another JW mystery. The format is quite predictable. Lots of fishing and lots of driving all over here he island.
January 16, 2023
Good read-great setting
March 22, 2023
This was my first Philip Craig book, and it was interesting and kept my attention and a book you could read quickly. The story was good.
January 22, 2024
Eh, it was okay. The side plot with Zee made her look like an idiot. The mystery itself seemed very obvious.
July 27, 2025
Another visit to the vinyard
March 28, 2009
In this book a guy named J.W Jackson who lives on Matha's Vineyard is asked by a friend to help a guy named Mahsimba from Zimbabwe find two stoned birds. The birds were stolen from Zimbabwe and they want them back. Once Mahsimba gets to the Vineyard J.W and him go around and start talking to other art dealers. The first person they go to see is a guy named Matthew Duarte, but when they get to his house they find him dead. After many days of searching for the birds J.W realized who killed Matt and another guy that was conected to the birds. Duarte killed a guy named Brownington who tried to take the birds from him. He then had a guy named Miguel to the guys head and hands over to America so nobody could figure out who he was. Since Miguel runs his own food service Matt thought that would be an easy way for him to get rid of part of the body and for him to transfer art products. But Miguel got mad at Matt because he was having an affair with his wife so he killed him. In the end a guy named Charles Mauch had the birds and gave them back. What I liked about this book was that it was very interesting because I learned alot of new stuuff. What I didnt like about it was that it is very confusing because alot of things are happening in it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 14, 2016
Philip Craig always writes an enjoyable mystery with the great Martha's Vineyard setting, wonderful fishing and great food (he includes many recipes). JW Jackson and his lovely family are always fun to 'visit' but there's a true mystery with plenty of danger. This time JW is asked by a friend to help Abraham Mahsimba find a stolen African artifact. Mahsimba is a from Zimbabwe and studied in England. JW has a great deal on his mind, he's been worried about Zee who was involved in a shooting in the last book. He thinks the work might help him distract him. Zee has not herself but she's quite taken with the charismatic Mahsimba. The way JW handles this is perfect.
Craig's research and this story have enlightened me greatly about Zimbabwe and has also sent me to do some of my own research. I love it when a book does that. I'm glad I've gotten back to reading the series since I dropped it way too soon and for no good reason other than "too many books, too little time."
Craig's research and this story have enlightened me greatly about Zimbabwe and has also sent me to do some of my own research. I love it when a book does that. I'm glad I've gotten back to reading the series since I dropped it way too soon and for no good reason other than "too many books, too little time."
August 21, 2015
#13 in the Martha's Vineyard Mystery series.
Martha's Vineyard Mystery series - Former Boston cop J.W. Jackson searches for two ancient soapstone eagles allegedly stolen from African ruins, as well as for clues to his wife Zee's sudden detachment. Abraham Mahsimba, a cultivated and attractive African, may have given J.W. a fresh mission (and a new interest in priceless artifacts), but he's also struck Zee's fancy. A naked, headless and unidentified body and the murder of an art dealer complicate life on the island, and J.W. soon finds himself amid a thriving trade of stolen artifacts, a personal rivalry between collectors and a potential revenge plot. Eccentric locals a Native American couple, a distinguished art collector, a reluctant accountant and assorted nouveau riche islanders add zest. Does Mahsimba really work for Interpol, or is he after the eagles for selfish reasons?
Martha's Vineyard Mystery series - Former Boston cop J.W. Jackson searches for two ancient soapstone eagles allegedly stolen from African ruins, as well as for clues to his wife Zee's sudden detachment. Abraham Mahsimba, a cultivated and attractive African, may have given J.W. a fresh mission (and a new interest in priceless artifacts), but he's also struck Zee's fancy. A naked, headless and unidentified body and the murder of an art dealer complicate life on the island, and J.W. soon finds himself amid a thriving trade of stolen artifacts, a personal rivalry between collectors and a potential revenge plot. Eccentric locals a Native American couple, a distinguished art collector, a reluctant accountant and assorted nouveau riche islanders add zest. Does Mahsimba really work for Interpol, or is he after the eagles for selfish reasons?
May 14, 2021
This quick read was a pleasant way to distract myself during lockdown. If you are at least somewhat familiar with Martha's Vineyard, you will enjoy this nice bit of armchair travel. The most riveting part of the book was when the main character, JW, plunged into a bit of fascinating art history research. I enjoyed learning about it through the character's eyes, and the reading just zipped during those parts. (Not so zippy during the exposition of the mystery, unfortunately.) There were a couple of moments where the mystery aspect intrigued me, but in the end I just didn't really care too much about whodunit or why. Fortunately, and surprisingly, that didn't bother me too much. Overall, a pleasant, light murder mystery. Easy reading. Comfort food- especially for those who love New England.
April 1, 2019
Vineyard Enigma by Philip R. Craig is the 13th book of the Martha's Vineyard mystery series, set on Martha's Vineyard in the late 20th century. The author's love for the island comes through loud and clear. As usual, the mystery plot itself holds less charm than J.W. and his family's activities on the island they love. Carved stone eagles, historic relics from Africa, were stolen and sold by shady dealers; murders result from treachery and double-dealing. J.W. is hired to assist with a private investigation, due to his knowledge of the island and its residents. A unique twist: Zee is infatuated with a stranger at first sight. J.W. is tortured by jealousy, yet handles himself admirably. Bluefish are caught by all.
Recipes: Paella a la Valenciana, Chicken Enchiladas, Flan
Recipes: Paella a la Valenciana, Chicken Enchiladas, Flan
January 19, 2019
J W Jackson is hired to locate two ancient stone eagles from Africa that may have been illegally shipped to someone on the island. He is joined in the search by a representative from Zimbabwe. He wants to help but can't help but worry when his beloved Zee seems to be falling in love with the visitor. But a body has turned up with no head and no hands and he needs to make sure his family is safe . Good series. Good characters.
February 6, 2020
Tying in with the previous entry, but focuses on the wealthy art collectors on the Vineyard. J.W. has to do background research to get himself up to speed. And, where does he go? To his local public library! (Does a retired librarian's heart good!) The peon to libraries is at the start of Chapter 5. Life has even more complications--murders maybe or maybe not connected to his missing art objects. The biggest complication is Dee's strange emotional detachment and re-attachment.
July 12, 2008
Read this on vacation and on the plane. It was a pretty good read. I'm not much into mysteries, but this is the alumni book club book and since I'm free the night they are meeting to discuss it I thought I would read it. Pretty good, but not sure how we are going to discuss a mystery. I'll update you after the book group meets.
August 9, 2009
these are one of my college professors books and I thorougly enjoy them.His protaganist is wonderful and the recipes in his books are divine.I absolutely loved this one. I have not read him in a while and need to finish this series off. His protaganist JW is so wonderful his narative description makes you want to run off to Martha's Vineyard.
December 26, 2014
Pretty good read. This is especially good if you like a lot of history about art, different cultures, and Martha's Vineyard. It wasn't really my style, but it was done well enough you could skip over if you don't care for it. I'd check out another Craig book.
Very little cursing, not sexual content.
Very little cursing, not sexual content.
January 4, 2024
A good cozy read
While I greatly enjoy reading this series, I did not particularly care for this book. In the last book I thought Zee had found closure and then she spends this whole book apparently finding closure again. I didn't much care for the character development, but I did like the storyline in general.
While I greatly enjoy reading this series, I did not particularly care for this book. In the last book I thought Zee had found closure and then she spends this whole book apparently finding closure again. I didn't much care for the character development, but I did like the storyline in general.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews