A Killing Fair

by Glenn Ickler

The Minnesota State Fair is famous for its endless variety of foods on a stick, so reporter Warren “Mitch” Mitchell and his photographer buddy Alan Jeffrey are surprised when they’re sent to the fairgrounds to cover the introduction of still another stick-bound treat. The new novelty, called Square Meal on a Stick, is introduced by its celebrity inventor, Vinnie Luciano, owner of one of St. Paul’s most successful restaurants. The program is held at Heritage Square, backed by square dancers and their handsome caller. The square is broken when Vinnie falls dead after taking three bites from his concoction. Will Mitch and Al square-off against the killer who poisoned the Square Meal?

Genres: Mystery

260 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2014

About the author

Worked as newspaper reporter, columnist, editorial writer and editor in Minnesota and Massachusetts.

Reviews

[Betsy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I can't remember where I heard about the book, but the author is local, the story is set at the Minnesota State Fair and the main character is a reporter.

I'm three pages in and I believe that there could be no more appropriate name for the author than "Ickler," although "Ick" would also work.

So far, he has described a TV reporter wearing a "sleeveless electric-pink blouse ... open deep into her cleavage" and a "snug white skirt with its visible bikini panty line (ending) above mid-thigh," and the fair's PR rep this way: "Lorrie, a tall, slender brunette, looked patriotic in a red tank top that stopped half way (sic) down her back, a pair of blue shorts that barely covered the cheeky territory south of the border and white boots that came to mid-calf. Part of a tramp stamp that looked like the crown of a devil's head peeked out over the top of her shorts."

This author not only never met an adjective he didn't like, he's a sexist creep on the level of a current political figure who shall remain nameless.

If I could, I'd break into the library tonight in my haste to return this thing.

[Diane Close · Rating 2 out of 5]

After finishing this, it's really difficult to believe the jacket blurb about the author being nominated for a Pulitzer Prize, let alone winning several awards. This pun-filled, name-dropping, lackluster mystery wasn't fulfilling or fresh. In fact, I had to check the imprint date several times to be sure it wasn't a reprint of sexist 70's trash, but it really was written in 2014! I picked this up because it appeared on a list of "16 Minnesota Mystery Reads", but I can't help wonder why they bothered to scrape the bottom rather than highlight better local mystery authors. I won't be investigating this series further.

[Brenden Schaaf · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book because it is from a Minnesota author and it features one of my favorite events: the Minnesota State Fair. This earned three stars only because I finished it. 2.5 stars is probably more appropriate. The story is very linear and feels like it is need off the skills of a strong editor. Also many of the Minnesota details are off. The Saint Paul Daily Dispatch? Nope, not for a long time now. Heritage Square? Gone. Based in this book I'm unlikely to sample more books from this author.

[Sherry · Rating 2 out of 5]

Was a Minnesota author so I had to give him a chance. Story was OK, but writing was very choppy.