What do you think?
Rate this book
Corpus Delectable
Marcy Pantano, a former hard-charging cop reporter who is now a consultant, finds herself trying to prove a friend's innocence. It's a job made harder by the fact that her friend is lying about where he was when his ex-wife, a former fashion model turned food critic, was stabbed to death on his kitchen floor. Complicating Marcy's life is her hunky boyfriend Quinn Bowman, a freelance photographer who is considerably younger than her. He wants to take their relationship farther than she is willing to go. Set in a Delaware beach town, "Corpus Delectable" mixes humor, crackling dialogue and enough twists and turns to keep readers guessing.
- GenresMysteryCozy MysteryCrime
318 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 30, 2013
2 people are currently reading
13 people want to read
About the author
Mike Billington
5 books41 followers I'm the son of a Protestant minister and an engineer who spent nearly 50 years as a journalist before retiring. Since retirement I've continued writing and currently have seven books on Kindle and am working on a couple more.
As a reporter I covered a wide variety of stories ranging from the Love Canal environmental disaster to the Rwandan civil war, unrest in Haiti, the invasion of Panama, Operation Desert Storm, hurricanes Andrew, Hugo, Gilbert, Katrina and Rita as well as immigration issues in Mexico and drug trafficking in Florida. With two other colleagues I investigated police abuse of the Florida Contraband Forfeiture Act for which we received the Southern Journalism Award for Investigative Reporting. I am the recipient of more than 40 other awards including the National Conference of Christians and Jews Brotherhood Medal for an undercover investigation of white-power extremists and the Mark Twain Award from the Associated Press for a lengthy series that forced Delaware officials to institute prenatal care programs for low-income women.
I am a Vietnam veteran (two tours, first as a rifleman in the 9th Infantry Division and the second as a light weapons infantry adviser to the Vietnamese Army's 46th Regiment.) My awards and decorations include the Bronze Star, Purple Heart and Combat Infantryman's Badge. I was also twice decorated by the Vietnamese government.
I live in Spain where I write daily and manage to squeeze in a few hours a week to paint (watercolors, acrylics and oils.)
You can find my books at http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B001KCABGK
As a reporter I covered a wide variety of stories ranging from the Love Canal environmental disaster to the Rwandan civil war, unrest in Haiti, the invasion of Panama, Operation Desert Storm, hurricanes Andrew, Hugo, Gilbert, Katrina and Rita as well as immigration issues in Mexico and drug trafficking in Florida. With two other colleagues I investigated police abuse of the Florida Contraband Forfeiture Act for which we received the Southern Journalism Award for Investigative Reporting. I am the recipient of more than 40 other awards including the National Conference of Christians and Jews Brotherhood Medal for an undercover investigation of white-power extremists and the Mark Twain Award from the Associated Press for a lengthy series that forced Delaware officials to institute prenatal care programs for low-income women.
I am a Vietnam veteran (two tours, first as a rifleman in the 9th Infantry Division and the second as a light weapons infantry adviser to the Vietnamese Army's 46th Regiment.) My awards and decorations include the Bronze Star, Purple Heart and Combat Infantryman's Badge. I was also twice decorated by the Vietnamese government.
I live in Spain where I write daily and manage to squeeze in a few hours a week to paint (watercolors, acrylics and oils.)
You can find my books at http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B001KCABGK
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
June 17, 2019
A grizzly murder wrapped up in side-splitting humour and larger-than-life characters.
I’m not usually a fan of full-length novels written from a first-person perspective, but Corpus Delectable is a rare exception. Two of my favourite genres are murder and humour, and so I was delighted to get a double treat of both here. Written from the viewpoint of the lead character, Marcy Pantano, a reporter with a real talent for digging up the dirt and secrets people like to think they’ve hidden from scrutiny, the reader not only gets a fantastic account of a murder enquiry but also a side-splittingly funny insight into Marcy herself; she certainly isn’t afraid to reveal her every insecurity stemming from her Italian/Catholic upbringing and having being dumped and left without a penny by her ex-husband.
When Athelia, a hot-shot defence lawyer whom Marcy’s worked with before asks her to look into the background and circumstances of her latest client accused of a particularly horrific murder, given that he is a personal and mutual friend to them both, Marcy immediately sets to work. Her task isn’t going to be easy though given that the accused, Paul, doesn’t seem willing to cooperate, even to the point of risking a death sentence. She can’t help but wonder who he might be protecting, and why? When her investigations lead to further violence and the emergence of another almost as heinous a crime, Marcy becomes even more determined, not only to prove Paul’s innocence but to bring the real murderer to justice too.
Quite often in a murder mystery it’s easy to get bogged down in the procedural detail and chronology of the investigation, but in this case, both are wonderfully interwoven, as is what else is going on in Marcy’s life i.e. an investigation into the affairs of ex-husband, Dr Jack the jerk (among other colourful names), whose life and medical studies she financed while they were married, and the blossoming relationship with her younger hunk of a boyfriend. Another thing that I absolutely loved about this book was the characterisation, filled with hilarious anecdotes, witty conversation, references to the past; some of Marcy’s sisters, particularly the hilarious, larger-than-life Ro (Rosemarie, Child of Satan), could easily warrant novels of their own.
The fact that I’ve highlighted the humorous side of this book shouldn’t put off die-hard fans of the murder-mystery genre as this definitely fits that category to perfection. Marcy Pantano is a tenacious reporter and investigator, and while incredibly funny and self-deprecating, she’s also quite bitchy when she feels entitled or when circumstances demand it and ultimately proves to be one tough lady.
My easiest five stars in a long time.
I’m not usually a fan of full-length novels written from a first-person perspective, but Corpus Delectable is a rare exception. Two of my favourite genres are murder and humour, and so I was delighted to get a double treat of both here. Written from the viewpoint of the lead character, Marcy Pantano, a reporter with a real talent for digging up the dirt and secrets people like to think they’ve hidden from scrutiny, the reader not only gets a fantastic account of a murder enquiry but also a side-splittingly funny insight into Marcy herself; she certainly isn’t afraid to reveal her every insecurity stemming from her Italian/Catholic upbringing and having being dumped and left without a penny by her ex-husband.
When Athelia, a hot-shot defence lawyer whom Marcy’s worked with before asks her to look into the background and circumstances of her latest client accused of a particularly horrific murder, given that he is a personal and mutual friend to them both, Marcy immediately sets to work. Her task isn’t going to be easy though given that the accused, Paul, doesn’t seem willing to cooperate, even to the point of risking a death sentence. She can’t help but wonder who he might be protecting, and why? When her investigations lead to further violence and the emergence of another almost as heinous a crime, Marcy becomes even more determined, not only to prove Paul’s innocence but to bring the real murderer to justice too.
Quite often in a murder mystery it’s easy to get bogged down in the procedural detail and chronology of the investigation, but in this case, both are wonderfully interwoven, as is what else is going on in Marcy’s life i.e. an investigation into the affairs of ex-husband, Dr Jack the jerk (among other colourful names), whose life and medical studies she financed while they were married, and the blossoming relationship with her younger hunk of a boyfriend. Another thing that I absolutely loved about this book was the characterisation, filled with hilarious anecdotes, witty conversation, references to the past; some of Marcy’s sisters, particularly the hilarious, larger-than-life Ro (Rosemarie, Child of Satan), could easily warrant novels of their own.
The fact that I’ve highlighted the humorous side of this book shouldn’t put off die-hard fans of the murder-mystery genre as this definitely fits that category to perfection. Marcy Pantano is a tenacious reporter and investigator, and while incredibly funny and self-deprecating, she’s also quite bitchy when she feels entitled or when circumstances demand it and ultimately proves to be one tough lady.
My easiest five stars in a long time.
December 21, 2014
I’m ashamed to say that my love of this book and this author may be slightly narcissistic in nature, as he has the same penchant for writing mysteries and thrillers with the sparkling, snarky wit I like to infuse into my own stories. Humor has always been my coping mechanism of choice, so finding writers and characters that rely on it is a double bonus. Of course, the lead in this story is a hardboiled detective, and comedic mysteries are a well-established genre, so he isn’t exactly reinventing the wheel here. That said, this reads like one of the best examples of this genre, something I can say with some confidence and expertise, as I read heavily in it, if only to keep my sharp tongue in shape for my own prose. For all the whip-cracking humor, however, the story remains a comedy drama with the emphasis solidly on the drama. Never once do the jokes deter from the gravity of the investigation underway, or the sense that our lead character is dealing with all the obstacles stacked against her like Sisyphus pushing a ball uphill.
Okay, onwards to some of the other standouts for me. This story is every bit as character driven as it is plot driven, with the author expertly developing our central heroine with each line and turn of the page, always keeping the emotional components of the story and plot in balance, both proceeding in lockstep without one running away from the other. You might be tempted to compare this to a Janet Evanovich book, as the structure is similar; we’re entirely in the head of our central heroine the entire way through the book, privy to every thought, which is far more than what she’s willing to express in her line of work. But Janet’s writing is dry, and I personally could never connect with it or her heroine all that much. (Clearly, I’m in a minority.) On the other hand, as far as I’m concerned, the only crime that would be bigger than the one this mystery revolves around is not doing a sequel, hell, not doing quite a lot of sequels.
One of the pitfalls of writing from the first person perspective is it’s much harder to make other characters as poignant. You’re just not in their heads AT ALL. This is why most writers choose limited 3rd person, p.o.v. Way easier to produce well-rounded characters all around. Which is why when this approach overcomes its own shortcomings, and gives you a rich bouquet of entirely believable and memorable characters, that I have no choice but to be that much more impressed.
Anyone who reads my reviews knows that for the most part I try to avoid gushing, and to find at least one or two nitpicks, even if I’m going with a five star rating as I’m doing here. But, honest to God, I can’t think of one in this instance. In fact, this is not just a great mystery; it has rocketed into first place as my all-time favorite mystery. I’m going back to reread it now to see what I can steal for MY next novel, um, excuse me, I mean I’m going to scout for tips and tricks and master class lessons that are suitable for an “homage.”
Okay, onwards to some of the other standouts for me. This story is every bit as character driven as it is plot driven, with the author expertly developing our central heroine with each line and turn of the page, always keeping the emotional components of the story and plot in balance, both proceeding in lockstep without one running away from the other. You might be tempted to compare this to a Janet Evanovich book, as the structure is similar; we’re entirely in the head of our central heroine the entire way through the book, privy to every thought, which is far more than what she’s willing to express in her line of work. But Janet’s writing is dry, and I personally could never connect with it or her heroine all that much. (Clearly, I’m in a minority.) On the other hand, as far as I’m concerned, the only crime that would be bigger than the one this mystery revolves around is not doing a sequel, hell, not doing quite a lot of sequels.
One of the pitfalls of writing from the first person perspective is it’s much harder to make other characters as poignant. You’re just not in their heads AT ALL. This is why most writers choose limited 3rd person, p.o.v. Way easier to produce well-rounded characters all around. Which is why when this approach overcomes its own shortcomings, and gives you a rich bouquet of entirely believable and memorable characters, that I have no choice but to be that much more impressed.
Anyone who reads my reviews knows that for the most part I try to avoid gushing, and to find at least one or two nitpicks, even if I’m going with a five star rating as I’m doing here. But, honest to God, I can’t think of one in this instance. In fact, this is not just a great mystery; it has rocketed into first place as my all-time favorite mystery. I’m going back to reread it now to see what I can steal for MY next novel, um, excuse me, I mean I’m going to scout for tips and tricks and master class lessons that are suitable for an “homage.”
October 23, 2014
Super crime mystery! Marcy Pantano is on the hunt to find out where Paul had been during the crime of his ex-wife’s horrific murder. We see Marcy digging around to get to the bottom of it by researching, interviewing, and placing herself in the right place at the right time. Was Colleen brutally murdered for writing a bad review? Wait - there has to be more to it than that, but I won't give it away. Interesting main character: a former police reporter in Delaware with a Catholic background, Marcy Anna Maria Madonna Pantano (don’t call her by her real name, Marcella). She has all the qualities of Charlie’s (three) Angels plus a whole lot more spice and nerve. Marcy is committed to solving the case as much as her boyfriend, Quinn, is dedicated to his photography career. How can they tie the knot when there is so much work to do? I like how we get to know Marcy and the people in her life. Marcy’s angry, bitter feelings toward her ex-husband, Dr. Jack the Jerk (also known as Psycho-jerk and many other creative names) surface from time to time when she digs around and learns more about his shocking, despicable life. Entertaining dialogue, even humorous at times. Marcy considers many possible scenarios for "Who murdered the food critic and why?" Marcy keeps digging around, investigates, and finds more information about Colleen Murchison. Marcy's persistence pays off; she seeks justice, follows her instincts of doing what needs to be done, and finally finds out who stabbed Colleen to death and why.
Mature content: language, rape, abortion. For ages 18 and up.
Mike Billington wrote a brilliant, believable crime mystery!
Mature content: language, rape, abortion. For ages 18 and up.
Mike Billington wrote a brilliant, believable crime mystery!
July 12, 2015
Marcy Pantano works hard to solve a murder case that her friend, Paul, has been charged with. She is sure he is innocent and is determined to find the true killer. In a separate investigation she is asked to look into her ex-husbands affairs by his new wife.
The two investigations work well together and allow you find out more about Marcy’s life and what has led her to be where she is. The author adds in some wit and humour – Marcy is frequently sarcastic about her ex, and this adds to the development of her personality.
Marcy is a great lead character. She sometimes makes mistakes, but that just makes her more believable. The other characters have a mix of personalities and flaws that work well together. The author uses humour well, and it doesn’t distract from the cases being solved. This is a great mystery thriller that keeps you guessing right until the end. I hope there’ll be more from Marcy.
The two investigations work well together and allow you find out more about Marcy’s life and what has led her to be where she is. The author adds in some wit and humour – Marcy is frequently sarcastic about her ex, and this adds to the development of her personality.
Marcy is a great lead character. She sometimes makes mistakes, but that just makes her more believable. The other characters have a mix of personalities and flaws that work well together. The author uses humour well, and it doesn’t distract from the cases being solved. This is a great mystery thriller that keeps you guessing right until the end. I hope there’ll be more from Marcy.
November 8, 2014
She’s a crime reporter turned consultant. Lives in a seaside condominium and dresses in khaki pants when her boyfriend’s out of town. Of course, when he’s around she’s wearing something sheer but not for long. After all, he’s a very busy, good-looking photographer who can skip out in a heartbeat. Thank God, he’s in love. Meanwhile, Marcy is the coolest chick in literature—kind of a female and very perceptive, Clint Eastwood. Billington writes this character as if he knows women inside and out--not just any woman-- but the tough and beautiful kind that get things done.
If you enjoy exciting stories with mounting suspense then you’ll love Corpus Delectable. Reminded me of those puzzles where you connect all the dots. There’s a lot going on and a lot of dots but Marcy plans on stringing everything together so she can figure things out. When her friend, a restaurateur by the name of Paul, goes to jail for a crime he couldn't possibly have committed, Marcy becomes ‘Dirty Harry in a dress.’ Well almost. She’s asking a lot of questions and getting deeper and deeper into a dangerous situation. Will she figure out what happened? Will she live through this ordeal? Billington pulls you into this mystery until you’re worried sick about Marcy. I loved the author’s smooth and easy writing style and dragged it out as long as I could, but alas, the book ended and now I know what happened and since you don’t, I recommend you order your copy today!
If you enjoy exciting stories with mounting suspense then you’ll love Corpus Delectable. Reminded me of those puzzles where you connect all the dots. There’s a lot going on and a lot of dots but Marcy plans on stringing everything together so she can figure things out. When her friend, a restaurateur by the name of Paul, goes to jail for a crime he couldn't possibly have committed, Marcy becomes ‘Dirty Harry in a dress.’ Well almost. She’s asking a lot of questions and getting deeper and deeper into a dangerous situation. Will she figure out what happened? Will she live through this ordeal? Billington pulls you into this mystery until you’re worried sick about Marcy. I loved the author’s smooth and easy writing style and dragged it out as long as I could, but alas, the book ended and now I know what happened and since you don’t, I recommend you order your copy today!
January 22, 2018
The main character in this story is so believable you would expect to meet her in the flesh. How she gets through a good day or a bad day, how she dresses and why. A thought process which is unmistakably female. The tale is told in first person point of view, so we see the world through the eyes of Marcy, the lead character.
What makes all this so incredible? The author is a man, and though I’ve read and been impressed by his historic novel ‘The Third Servant’, I would not have had him down to write a character such as Marcy.
A friend of Marcy’s, a man, is jailed for a murder he most likely did not commit and off we go into the world of ‘small town’ America. Everybody knows everybody else’s business, or think they do, and the local cops are more concerned about closing a case than finding out the truth.
Marcy is an ex-reporter and no slouch when it comes to putting her ass on the line to discover the truth. Unfortunately even the good guys are keeping back information. The suspense is superb.
The dialogue is sharp, witty and natural and the tale unfolds like a movie screenplay. Mike Billington knows how to draw in a reader, tease, feed and tease again. Great storytelling.
What makes all this so incredible? The author is a man, and though I’ve read and been impressed by his historic novel ‘The Third Servant’, I would not have had him down to write a character such as Marcy.
A friend of Marcy’s, a man, is jailed for a murder he most likely did not commit and off we go into the world of ‘small town’ America. Everybody knows everybody else’s business, or think they do, and the local cops are more concerned about closing a case than finding out the truth.
Marcy is an ex-reporter and no slouch when it comes to putting her ass on the line to discover the truth. Unfortunately even the good guys are keeping back information. The suspense is superb.
The dialogue is sharp, witty and natural and the tale unfolds like a movie screenplay. Mike Billington knows how to draw in a reader, tease, feed and tease again. Great storytelling.
October 20, 2014
I just spent part of the afternoon reading Mike Billington's Corpus Delectable. The writing is clear, crisp and to the point. He keeps the action moving along at a good pace with likable characters. It reminds me of John Locke's work but MB's writing and thinking is more complex.The main character is a consultant named Marcy Pantano. She's a rather tough little cookie who's been put through the ringer by her ex. Marcy also has a very clear sense of ethics, (right and wrong, good and bad) and she lets you know it. In no uncertain terms. In this first book of the series, she works as a consultant who manages to pull together a complicated web of crimes and clues in a manner that showcases her creativity and legal acumen. The resolution of the primary crime felt more than satisfying. This read was quick but very entertaining and well done. It's time and money well spent.
September 30, 2014
5.0 out of 5 stars Very Good Read, September 30, 2014
By KAREN INGALLS
Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Corpus Delectable (Marcy Pantano Mysteries Book 1) (Kindle Edition)
An enjoyable mystery with believable and interesting characters, especially Marcy. For me a good mystery is when I cannot figure out who "dun nit" until almost the end. The author describes the characters and scenes well so that I felt I knew each character and could "see" the surroundings. Well done.
By KAREN INGALLS
Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Corpus Delectable (Marcy Pantano Mysteries Book 1) (Kindle Edition)
An enjoyable mystery with believable and interesting characters, especially Marcy. For me a good mystery is when I cannot figure out who "dun nit" until almost the end. The author describes the characters and scenes well so that I felt I knew each character and could "see" the surroundings. Well done.
October 13, 2014
This is a fun murder mystery. It reminds me of classic TV shows, with the cops standing around the dead body in the kitchen. While you follow the clues, you can have fun following the humor. This mystery has a woman as the lead character. Marcy knows people are lying to her and she has to cut through the lies to find the truth. She has some romance in her life that distracts her at times, but she finds her way. She's a good lead character. I'll be interested in seeing her in future books.
November 15, 2014
Corpus Delectable is a well written book that Mike Billington has written. This storyline is thrilling, exciting and kept me on the edge of my seat as I read. I didn't want to put the book down. I suggest you buy it and I assure you that you will not be disappointed. Great job Mike!
Pattimari Sheets Cacciolfi, Owner of PnPAuthors, author and therapist.
Pattimari Sheets Cacciolfi, Owner of PnPAuthors, author and therapist.
April 10, 2019
A fun murder mystery written in the first person.
As with previous books I've read by this author, his experience as a journalist gives the read credibility and authenticity.
The central character is quirky and realistic. A good mystery although I would have liked a few hidden clues earlier in the read.
Recommend.
As with previous books I've read by this author, his experience as a journalist gives the read credibility and authenticity.
The central character is quirky and realistic. A good mystery although I would have liked a few hidden clues earlier in the read.
Recommend.
January 19, 2018
Great read
This book has it all mystery, revenge, humor, and suspense. Paul was a friend to a high school girl and kept her secret while almost letting it destroy him. Mike Billington did a fantastic job writing this hope to read a lot more of his books
This book has it all mystery, revenge, humor, and suspense. Paul was a friend to a high school girl and kept her secret while almost letting it destroy him. Mike Billington did a fantastic job writing this hope to read a lot more of his books
January 19, 2018
Great read. Loved the characters and the ending had a great twist.
December 30, 2014
I did not find myself attracted to the book at first for several reasons--the cover on Amazon was garish (and the one on Goodreads an interesting background pattern but not compelling), the title confusing, and I'm not a big reader of murder mysteries, although with the right one, I can easily be as hooked as any reader. But I found myself trying to sneak in extra time, so I could keep turning the pages. And that, my friend, is a sign of a darn good book.
Let's start with the main character, Marcella Anna Maria Madonna Pantano, otherwise known as "Marcy." Her name (in this time and age) says it all: she's Italian American, she's Catholic, and she's dealing with all the issues of having grown up Catholic in an age of freedom of choices, but can't quite make the break from her religion.
She is a very fascinating character. She could be investigating the disappearance of her hairbrush from her bathroom and she would still interest me. While at first I thought she was pondering too much about where she was in life, where she was going in terms of her goals, and obsessing over her relationships with family, friends, ex-husbands, and lovers, I'd admit I just loved reading about her. I definitely forgave her prattling and her musings. It's sure fun! The fact that she is a regular, normal woman who just happens to be investigating a murder shows how skilful the author was in building up her character, and even more so when the author is a man, and his name doesn't sound Catholic or Italian.
The mechanics of the murder were very well laid-out. Just the right amount of detail, and not too little. Everything sounded plausible, which is important in a murder book. In many murder books, the murder is set up to be so complicated and contrived, just to make a book, but this did not happen here.
One of the only drawbacks I saw was the cover, the one on Amazon with superimposed images of an attractive but normal-looking young woman, a bloodied knife, and close-up of a sink. It looked like a low-budget cover for a low-budget slasher book. Given that I abhor slasher plots, I would not have picked up this book if I didn't agree to a review. Now I'm very glad I read it.
Another drawback was the title. I couldn't figure out what "corpus delectable" would mean. I figured it must be a play on words, so I checked it out on the Internet. I believe it means "corpus delicti," which is not a familiar legal term to me. Also, "corpus delicti" means there must be proof a crime was committed before one is convicted of that crime. In a murder case, this refers to a person who disappeared, and the suspect is convicted of murder even though the body has not been produced. This didn't happen here. There is a dead body with evidence of foul play. So the title doesn't seem to fit. I know how hard it is to change a title, so this may not be advisable, but just rambling.
The ending was a bit gruesome and hard to stomach (although it is recounted after-the-fact as part of the investigation rather than happening to the main character), but it didn't take away from the credibility of the facts of the mystery and from my overall enjoyment of the book.
A darn good, crackling book with a main character that you just can't help but want to meet someday.
Let's start with the main character, Marcella Anna Maria Madonna Pantano, otherwise known as "Marcy." Her name (in this time and age) says it all: she's Italian American, she's Catholic, and she's dealing with all the issues of having grown up Catholic in an age of freedom of choices, but can't quite make the break from her religion.
She is a very fascinating character. She could be investigating the disappearance of her hairbrush from her bathroom and she would still interest me. While at first I thought she was pondering too much about where she was in life, where she was going in terms of her goals, and obsessing over her relationships with family, friends, ex-husbands, and lovers, I'd admit I just loved reading about her. I definitely forgave her prattling and her musings. It's sure fun! The fact that she is a regular, normal woman who just happens to be investigating a murder shows how skilful the author was in building up her character, and even more so when the author is a man, and his name doesn't sound Catholic or Italian.
The mechanics of the murder were very well laid-out. Just the right amount of detail, and not too little. Everything sounded plausible, which is important in a murder book. In many murder books, the murder is set up to be so complicated and contrived, just to make a book, but this did not happen here.
One of the only drawbacks I saw was the cover, the one on Amazon with superimposed images of an attractive but normal-looking young woman, a bloodied knife, and close-up of a sink. It looked like a low-budget cover for a low-budget slasher book. Given that I abhor slasher plots, I would not have picked up this book if I didn't agree to a review. Now I'm very glad I read it.
Another drawback was the title. I couldn't figure out what "corpus delectable" would mean. I figured it must be a play on words, so I checked it out on the Internet. I believe it means "corpus delicti," which is not a familiar legal term to me. Also, "corpus delicti" means there must be proof a crime was committed before one is convicted of that crime. In a murder case, this refers to a person who disappeared, and the suspect is convicted of murder even though the body has not been produced. This didn't happen here. There is a dead body with evidence of foul play. So the title doesn't seem to fit. I know how hard it is to change a title, so this may not be advisable, but just rambling.
The ending was a bit gruesome and hard to stomach (although it is recounted after-the-fact as part of the investigation rather than happening to the main character), but it didn't take away from the credibility of the facts of the mystery and from my overall enjoyment of the book.
A darn good, crackling book with a main character that you just can't help but want to meet someday.
September 25, 2015
They say a great actor is one that excels at drama as well as comedy. I believe the same is true for writers. Here we have a writer who is as comfortable writing an epic story set in biblical times (The Third Servant) as he is writing this sassy crime thriller. In Marcy Pantano he has created a woman after my own heart; sassy, intelligent, independent but not without her flaws. She has overcome a bad marriage and a nasty divorce that left her penniless, but Marcy picked herself up, started her own consultancy and now dates a hot young photographer. Her help is being sought by the public prosecutor when a mutual friend is being accused of murder. He is lying about his whereabouts to the authorities. Is he protecting someone even though the truth might clear him? The story is mainly character driven and there is an interesting sub-plot involving the ex-husband. The actual solving of the crime is a bit sudden, but this didn’t take away from the fun read this is; there is plenty of other things besides the murder going on. The best bit about this book is the depth to which the author explores his main character. We get to know this woman intimately; what makes her tick, what ticks her off and what gets her hot under her bib overalls. I would love to have Marcy along for a girl’s night out. This is the first of a series of books and I would certainly like to read what Ms. Pantano gets up to next. I would like to read more in general of this author, as I have no doubt that whatever genre he tackles next, he will do it well.
November 14, 2014
Corpus Delectable (Marcy Pantano Mysteries) by Mike Billington is an enthralling crime mystery in a bold style that makes this author one to watch out for. The lead character, Marcy, helps her lawyer friend figure out why the prime suspect in a murder case is lying about his whereabouts at the time. Marcy knows Paul is innocent of killing his ex wife and food critic, even though she trolled his restaurant with a bad review. And the deeper Marcy delves, the more complicated the case gets.
This is a brilliant crime thriller full of sharp dialogue and sharped characters. Narrative is to the point and so well written, this reader is hooked from page 1. An absolute must read for all fans of detective thrillers.
FIVE STARS for this detective thriller and very highly recommended.
This is a brilliant crime thriller full of sharp dialogue and sharped characters. Narrative is to the point and so well written, this reader is hooked from page 1. An absolute must read for all fans of detective thrillers.
FIVE STARS for this detective thriller and very highly recommended.
August 11, 2015
A well-crafted story with an articulate, funny, charming narrator. When a restaurateur in her small Delaware beach town is arrested for his ex-wife's murder -- she was found dead in his apartment, & he won't say where he was -- Marcy Pantano can see why the local cops think they've got this case sewn up. A former reporter turned investigator, Marcy sweeps us along as she sets out to free her friend. Just enough sex, family, & background to keep things interesting; maybe a little too much commentary about "women." Although I was distracted by the e-book's need for proofreading (commas & paragraph indents that are all over the place, & obvious mistakes like a character being called by another character's name), it's a well-written, amusing, suspenseful, enjoyable read.
November 17, 2014
Marcy Pantano, a former cop reporter, has a difficult task in hands. She is supposed to help a friend in trouble by proving him innocent to a crime while he is throwing rocks on her path by lying and holding back the truth of his whereabouts during the murder of his ex-wife.
Like in real life the decisions made in the story are not always wise. Mike Billington has managed to create a very believable crime mystery with interesting characters and an unexpected plot twists that keeps the reader guessing until the very last page. Great read for a mystery lovers!
Like in real life the decisions made in the story are not always wise. Mike Billington has managed to create a very believable crime mystery with interesting characters and an unexpected plot twists that keeps the reader guessing until the very last page. Great read for a mystery lovers!
February 22, 2014
Good mystery. Although I personally dislike the amateur sleuth meets killer to get confession scenario, this one was at least a little less stupid than typical. I liked the main character Marcy and the subplot about her ex-husband allowed the author to introduce a lot of background information -- I like the fact that it came to a conclusion that indicates that it won't be a recurring theme.
August 11, 2015
I had a little problem with my Kindle version having some grammatical errors throughout. It stunted the flow of the prose several times.
The character was mostly likeable, but some of the situations seemed forced, and not quite believable. I do not think I will read further in this series.
The character was mostly likeable, but some of the situations seemed forced, and not quite believable. I do not think I will read further in this series.
August 31, 2015
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and would highly recommend it to all who enjoy and exciting, pacey read!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews