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Tyler Cunningham #2
Caretakers
Dee Crocker vanished nearly 60 years ago, and only one man can sift through the decades of secrets and ciphers to uncover the truth behind a shocking Adirondack mystery that will astound everyone ... except for Tyler.
Tyler Cunningham is a detective like no other. He can mimic humanity, but in most cases fails utterly to understand people, why they do the things they do, or act in the ways that they do. His saving grace is an insatiable hunger for knowledge that combines with an ability to make connections from a series of seemingly unrelated data-points that other people miss. This pulls him into other peoples' problems, where his focus and unique perceptual abilities allow him to solve puzzles that others cannot see in ways that nobody else could conceive.
In the tradition of Carl Hiaasen, Lawrence Block, and John Sandford comes the next installment in the continuing adventures of Tyler Cunningham, first introduced to readers in "Here Be Monsters" by author Jamie Sheffield who resides in the Adirondack Park in upstate NY.
Reviewers have said that Sheffield's knowledge of, and familiarity with the Adirondack Park turns the region into a supporting character in his books and that the character of Tyler Cunningham forces readers to view life from an alternative perspective. Tyler's strange life, quirky ways of thinking, and obsession with minutiae draw the reader in, and the situations in which he finds himself make the stories hard to put down.
Tyler Cunningham is a detective like no other. He can mimic humanity, but in most cases fails utterly to understand people, why they do the things they do, or act in the ways that they do. His saving grace is an insatiable hunger for knowledge that combines with an ability to make connections from a series of seemingly unrelated data-points that other people miss. This pulls him into other peoples' problems, where his focus and unique perceptual abilities allow him to solve puzzles that others cannot see in ways that nobody else could conceive.
In the tradition of Carl Hiaasen, Lawrence Block, and John Sandford comes the next installment in the continuing adventures of Tyler Cunningham, first introduced to readers in "Here Be Monsters" by author Jamie Sheffield who resides in the Adirondack Park in upstate NY.
Reviewers have said that Sheffield's knowledge of, and familiarity with the Adirondack Park turns the region into a supporting character in his books and that the character of Tyler Cunningham forces readers to view life from an alternative perspective. Tyler's strange life, quirky ways of thinking, and obsession with minutiae draw the reader in, and the situations in which he finds himself make the stories hard to put down.
346 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 4, 2014
About the author
Jamie Sheffield
21 books43 followersNEWS: Jamie won the 2014 Adirondack Literary Award for Best Novel of 2013 with "Here Be Monsters"!
Jamie Sheffield lives with his wife, son, two dogs, and seven tortoises in a pretty spot in the woods of New Hampshire, writing about the people and places and things that poke him in the brain. When he's not writing, he's probably camping or exploring wild places all over the Northeast.
Besides writing, Jamie loves cooking and reading and dogs and numerous outdoor pursuits that his friends and family classify variously as dangerous, foolish, nerdy, stupid, and likely to get the attention of Homeland Security.
He worked as a Special Education teacher in the Lake Placid Central School District for nearly 20 years before deciding to try his hand at writing just about full-time (he still works with students some of the time).
Here Be Monsters was his debut novel, in 2013. In the years since this best-selling and award-winning novel was published, he's published four more books in that series as well as numerous other books in print and ebook formats.
Most recently, Jamie published a pair of collections of short fiction and, in July of 2021, his first children's book, Chili, the Grumpy Tortoise.
Jamie Sheffield lives with his wife, son, two dogs, and seven tortoises in a pretty spot in the woods of New Hampshire, writing about the people and places and things that poke him in the brain. When he's not writing, he's probably camping or exploring wild places all over the Northeast.
Besides writing, Jamie loves cooking and reading and dogs and numerous outdoor pursuits that his friends and family classify variously as dangerous, foolish, nerdy, stupid, and likely to get the attention of Homeland Security.
He worked as a Special Education teacher in the Lake Placid Central School District for nearly 20 years before deciding to try his hand at writing just about full-time (he still works with students some of the time).
Here Be Monsters was his debut novel, in 2013. In the years since this best-selling and award-winning novel was published, he's published four more books in that series as well as numerous other books in print and ebook formats.
Most recently, Jamie published a pair of collections of short fiction and, in July of 2021, his first children's book, Chili, the Grumpy Tortoise.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
March 19, 2014
When Stieg Larsson introduced the world to Lisbeth Salander in his terrific MILLENIUM TRILOGY he single-handedly created a new sub-genre of thriller fiction in the process. Larsson, who achieved much of his literary success posthumously, opened the door to a siege of Scandinavian crime thrillers. Books from authors like Jo Nesbo, Hakan Nesser, Camilla Lackberg flood the international best-seller list and television series based on Scandinavian shows like The Killing, The Bridge and most recently Those Who Kill are thrilling audiences each week in their living-rooms.
I humbly issue a challenge to these domestic U.S. fans of Scandinavian fiction. This challenge is to go out of your way to discover the same bleak, cold and stark settings within the continental U.S. borders. I'm not just talking about Steve Hamilton's terrific Alex McKnight series but the wealth of stellar crime thrillers set in my own home state of New York.
Upstate New York is home to more than just the Hudson Valley region that inspired Washington Irving to create The Legend Of Sleepy Hollow. As you continue northward you hit the mysterious and magical Adirondack Mountains region. This territory is steeped in history and the acres of forest and unchartered land make for the perfect back-drop to stage a murder mystery.
Author Jamie Sheffield of the Lake Placid region has been doing his part as one of the brightest authors in the 'new' thriller sub-genre entitled Adirondack Noir. Of course, this is my own invention --- but it might just catch on. Sheffield's latest entry in his incredibly imaginative and unique Tyler Cunningham Adirondack Mystery series is entitled CARETAKERS.
Tyler is not your typical resident of the Adirondacks Mountains region. He is technically an outsider. He grew up in a family of means down-state and tragically lost both his parents on 9/11. The money left to him was enough to live out three lifetimes and he chose to take up residence in Saranac Lake, NY. He defies typical aspects of someone of wealth and is, for all practical reasons, homeless. Tyler elects to live off the land and enjoys being in the wild and camping out most of the year.
His days are spent in a small office for his own company he calls Smart Pig. Because he lacks empathy and has difficulty forming emotional ties with nearly anyone he has created a life for himself doing what he does best --- research and solving puzzles. His obsession has led to him take side gigs as an unlicensed private investigator. Since he does not need money he trades his unique services and research skills for favors. These favors could be the use of a fancy automobile or a stay at a vacation home.
CARETAKERS poses an interesting case for Tyler and the opportunity to work on a missing persons mystery over 50 years old. When one of the wealthiest families in the area, the Crocker's, contact him he goes to meet with the elderly family matriarch at the campsite her family owns. Kitty Crocker cannot die peacefully until she learns the truth surrounding the disappearance of her young daughter, Deirdre, nearly 60 years earlier.
Tyler takes on the case and it leads him through decades of Adirondack history --- some of which take him down dark corridor and put him in the crosshairs of pretty dangerous people. He knows all about this --- a dangerous guy named Barry, who he killed in the previous novel, HERE BE MONSTERS, still exists for Tyler as ghost/conscience and tries to steer him straight. The caretakers that are referenced in the title may be part of a dark agenda and Deirdre Crocker's disappearance may only be the tip of the iceberg.
Extremely entertaining, Tyler Cunningham continues to evolve as a protagonist (if you can get your hands on HERE BE MONSTERS --- do so!). CARETAKERS never fails to surprise and takes the reader on a literary travelogue of the beautiful Adirondacks and part of their rich history and tradition. Yes --- cold, stark, atmospheric thrillers do exist stateside!
So, next time you wish to take a literary escape there is no need to travel to unfamiliar territory on the other side of the world --- come to the beautiful and spacious Upstate New York Region that is filled to the brim with great tales--- I guarantee you won't want to leave!
Reviewed by Ray Palen for New Mystery Reader
I humbly issue a challenge to these domestic U.S. fans of Scandinavian fiction. This challenge is to go out of your way to discover the same bleak, cold and stark settings within the continental U.S. borders. I'm not just talking about Steve Hamilton's terrific Alex McKnight series but the wealth of stellar crime thrillers set in my own home state of New York.
Upstate New York is home to more than just the Hudson Valley region that inspired Washington Irving to create The Legend Of Sleepy Hollow. As you continue northward you hit the mysterious and magical Adirondack Mountains region. This territory is steeped in history and the acres of forest and unchartered land make for the perfect back-drop to stage a murder mystery.
Author Jamie Sheffield of the Lake Placid region has been doing his part as one of the brightest authors in the 'new' thriller sub-genre entitled Adirondack Noir. Of course, this is my own invention --- but it might just catch on. Sheffield's latest entry in his incredibly imaginative and unique Tyler Cunningham Adirondack Mystery series is entitled CARETAKERS.
Tyler is not your typical resident of the Adirondacks Mountains region. He is technically an outsider. He grew up in a family of means down-state and tragically lost both his parents on 9/11. The money left to him was enough to live out three lifetimes and he chose to take up residence in Saranac Lake, NY. He defies typical aspects of someone of wealth and is, for all practical reasons, homeless. Tyler elects to live off the land and enjoys being in the wild and camping out most of the year.
His days are spent in a small office for his own company he calls Smart Pig. Because he lacks empathy and has difficulty forming emotional ties with nearly anyone he has created a life for himself doing what he does best --- research and solving puzzles. His obsession has led to him take side gigs as an unlicensed private investigator. Since he does not need money he trades his unique services and research skills for favors. These favors could be the use of a fancy automobile or a stay at a vacation home.
CARETAKERS poses an interesting case for Tyler and the opportunity to work on a missing persons mystery over 50 years old. When one of the wealthiest families in the area, the Crocker's, contact him he goes to meet with the elderly family matriarch at the campsite her family owns. Kitty Crocker cannot die peacefully until she learns the truth surrounding the disappearance of her young daughter, Deirdre, nearly 60 years earlier.
Tyler takes on the case and it leads him through decades of Adirondack history --- some of which take him down dark corridor and put him in the crosshairs of pretty dangerous people. He knows all about this --- a dangerous guy named Barry, who he killed in the previous novel, HERE BE MONSTERS, still exists for Tyler as ghost/conscience and tries to steer him straight. The caretakers that are referenced in the title may be part of a dark agenda and Deirdre Crocker's disappearance may only be the tip of the iceberg.
Extremely entertaining, Tyler Cunningham continues to evolve as a protagonist (if you can get your hands on HERE BE MONSTERS --- do so!). CARETAKERS never fails to surprise and takes the reader on a literary travelogue of the beautiful Adirondacks and part of their rich history and tradition. Yes --- cold, stark, atmospheric thrillers do exist stateside!
So, next time you wish to take a literary escape there is no need to travel to unfamiliar territory on the other side of the world --- come to the beautiful and spacious Upstate New York Region that is filled to the brim with great tales--- I guarantee you won't want to leave!
Reviewed by Ray Palen for New Mystery Reader
February 27, 2014
Caretakers was a really fun read for many reasons. I love the Adirondacks and can picture places that Tyler was camping on or driving through during his travels. I am also a teacher who has had students with many of the characteristics of Tyler and his insatiable quest to answer all the questions correctly and search out the answers, with such creativity. The suspense was relentless and intriguing! Now we wait for book three of Tyler's adventures
July 29, 2017
Fun Read
This is the second Tyler Cunningham book i have read. Tyler is strange, funny and.sweet. I really enjoy this character i also found the story interesting and a fun read.
This is the second Tyler Cunningham book i have read. Tyler is strange, funny and.sweet. I really enjoy this character i also found the story interesting and a fun read.
June 5, 2018
New favorite author!
I thoroughly enjoyed Here There Be Monsters and Caretakers. I have already downloaded his third book, so please write a bit faster.
I thoroughly enjoyed Here There Be Monsters and Caretakers. I have already downloaded his third book, so please write a bit faster.
April 9, 2014
You know you're in the hands of a skilled author when he can persuade you to eagerly devour a book in a genre you normally detest. As a general literary rule of thumb, I intensely dislike mystery novels ... but Jamie Sheffield has created an utterly fascinating character in Tyler Cunningham that has made me a believer. Not in the mystery genre as a whole ... but definitely in any mysteries that Sheffield writes with Tyler as the protagonist.
I mean, what other sleuth fuels their deductive prowess with ice-cold Coke, Twinkies, and Chinese food (of both great and mediocre quality)? Tyler is unlike anyone else, does not think/act/socialize like anyone else, and the pleasure of this series is not so much in watching the plot twists unfold, but in observing how Tyler's weird (in a non-derogatory sense) mind employs various abnormal methods to unravel the problem.
Sheffield's debut novel, "Here Be Monsters," was good, but "Caretakers" finds the author even more firmly in control of his writing, which is stronger/tighter and infused with the confidence of a bona fide professional. And as always, the Adirondack Park of upstate NY is not just a setting, but a character ... a character that Sheffield knows with the intimacy of a long-time lover. If you live in this neck of the woods (no pun intended) you'll appreciate all the references to familiar (and some not so familiar) locales. If you don't reside in the Adirondacks, by the time you complete this book, you'll wish you did.
The mystery market is mobbed with detectives and private detectives and wannabe detectives, but despite this glut of characters, Tyler Cunningham stands uniquely alone (and that's just the way he likes it) and it is this uniqueness that should ensure this series of mystery-adventures not only continues, but continues to gain more and more fans.
I mean, what other sleuth fuels their deductive prowess with ice-cold Coke, Twinkies, and Chinese food (of both great and mediocre quality)? Tyler is unlike anyone else, does not think/act/socialize like anyone else, and the pleasure of this series is not so much in watching the plot twists unfold, but in observing how Tyler's weird (in a non-derogatory sense) mind employs various abnormal methods to unravel the problem.
Sheffield's debut novel, "Here Be Monsters," was good, but "Caretakers" finds the author even more firmly in control of his writing, which is stronger/tighter and infused with the confidence of a bona fide professional. And as always, the Adirondack Park of upstate NY is not just a setting, but a character ... a character that Sheffield knows with the intimacy of a long-time lover. If you live in this neck of the woods (no pun intended) you'll appreciate all the references to familiar (and some not so familiar) locales. If you don't reside in the Adirondacks, by the time you complete this book, you'll wish you did.
The mystery market is mobbed with detectives and private detectives and wannabe detectives, but despite this glut of characters, Tyler Cunningham stands uniquely alone (and that's just the way he likes it) and it is this uniqueness that should ensure this series of mystery-adventures not only continues, but continues to gain more and more fans.
January 31, 2015
If you enjoy a good crime/murder/mystery novel, then you have to read Caretakers (the second in this series). Tyler Cunningham (the main character) is not your normal investigator, and you will like him for it. The name of his office is Smart Pig (if you don't get it, then you have to think a little harder and then you will start to think like Tyler). From the moment you pick up this book, you will not want to put it down because author Jamie Sheffield has a knack for drawing you into a story right from the beginning. Some people may be confused by Tyler's strange take on the world as he sees it, his odd interaction with other people, and his obsessive behaviors...but that is what makes him so special. He is a character you will not be able to forget (or ever want to).
Caretakers once again brings you into Tyler's big back yard, the Adirondack Park of Northern NY (3 hours further north than upstate, Albany area, for all those keeping track). You get to ride along in this twisting and turning mystery as he gets the chance to use a loaned out, gently used, classic Porshe as he drives throughout the Adirondacks searching for clues/facts/tidbit details and does his best to avoid bad confrontations from locals. His way of dealing with bullies is not typical, but noteworthy as you will not see it coming (just like the bullies). In the end, Tyler is able to do something no one had been able to do with this "cold case".
Make sure you grab Coke from your fridge to help you focus (Tyler fans will get that) and settle in for a fast paced, intelligent and uniquely written novel. You will be glad you did
Caretakers once again brings you into Tyler's big back yard, the Adirondack Park of Northern NY (3 hours further north than upstate, Albany area, for all those keeping track). You get to ride along in this twisting and turning mystery as he gets the chance to use a loaned out, gently used, classic Porshe as he drives throughout the Adirondacks searching for clues/facts/tidbit details and does his best to avoid bad confrontations from locals. His way of dealing with bullies is not typical, but noteworthy as you will not see it coming (just like the bullies). In the end, Tyler is able to do something no one had been able to do with this "cold case".
Make sure you grab Coke from your fridge to help you focus (Tyler fans will get that) and settle in for a fast paced, intelligent and uniquely written novel. You will be glad you did
March 29, 2015
I know, like and admire the author, and also well know the region and the terrain he describes with pin-point accuracy in this series. Perhaps oddly, I read the middle book in the series first, probably because it was the first to come to hand, though I have all three. It presents a wonderful description of the area around Upper Saranac Lake in the Saranac Lake - Tupper Lake area of upstate New York, this imaginative and unusual murder mystery fascinated me. The sleuth is already dead, but partially restored in a manner of speaking. The fascinating theme underlying the plot line is the uneasy relationship, extant since the 19th Century Golden Age of "camp" ownership by wealthy bankers, business folk and professionals, and the townspeople, handymen, shop keepers and caretakers who look after their properties. Marked by swings between trust, loyalty, envy, dismissive hauteur and outright jealous hatred, this enduring symbiotic relationship is never entirely easy, especially when a girl from one group goes out dancing and drinking with some people from another group, and then disappears. Nobody wants to talk about it, for 50 years...
Well done, Jamie, thanks for the good memories and for your gift of storytelling and of seeing and describing the beautiful scenes in the northern Adirondacks.
Well done, Jamie, thanks for the good memories and for your gift of storytelling and of seeing and describing the beautiful scenes in the northern Adirondacks.
February 21, 2014
I put some books off until my schedule can allow a few late nights, and I correctly placed Caretakers in that category. Tyler Cunningham keeps me reading into the night! Jamie Sheffield writes incredible detective stories, and he beautifully illustrates the interesting and even brilliant thought patterns of one who thinks and acts outside social norms.
I sometimes get a little weary of Tyler's extra verbiage/descriptions/verboseness, but at the same time those things provide insight into his character. The other people in Tyler's world take on more dimension in this book, which I like. Barry certainly provides interest, and I love the character of Kitty. I also enjoyed zooming around in a Porsche. But now if you will excuse me, I think I need a nap.
I sometimes get a little weary of Tyler's extra verbiage/descriptions/verboseness, but at the same time those things provide insight into his character. The other people in Tyler's world take on more dimension in this book, which I like. Barry certainly provides interest, and I love the character of Kitty. I also enjoyed zooming around in a Porsche. But now if you will excuse me, I think I need a nap.
December 2, 2014
This is my favorite Tyler Cunningham adventure. The mystery grabs the reader in the first pages and doesn't let go. I loved the new characters and depth of interaction between them. As always, the Adirondack Park is a character itself, and this time that character has a history and a back story that goes beyond picturesque descriptions. Bravo Jamie Sheffield... Now when will the next adventure be ready!
February 1, 2014
Another great mystery solved by the quirky and intelligent Tyler Cunningham. Tyler takes us to many areas in the beautiful Adirondack Park as he goes about answering the questions lingering in an elderly woman's heart and mind. I am anxiously awaiting Mr. Sheffield's next story!
October 24, 2015
I liked the first one better, but I will read the next in the series also. Lots of detail about Saranac Lake/ upper Adirondacks, interesting protagonist. This one had a promising beginning but I wasn't crazy about how things evolved. Oh well.
December 21, 2014
An enjoyable mystery set in Saranac Lake in upstate NY. The lead character does not reveal how he solves the mystery until the very end.
March 31, 2017
Fun book
Interesting ply and development. I recommend it to anyone who likes a good mystery. It has a lot of interesting twists
Interesting ply and development. I recommend it to anyone who likes a good mystery. It has a lot of interesting twists
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews