Pike's Plaque

by Stephen J. McInerny

Karl Ketterman, fresh out of college, is hired as manager of the Zebulon Pike Golf Course, an aging, slightly decrepit muni in a small Midwestern city. Things, however, are not what they seem, as Karl quickly discovers. Soon he’s up to his eyeballs in political intrigue, romance, and the ZPGC’s murky history. A ruthless developer, an eccentric greenskeeper, a mysterious interloper, a forgotten grave, and an unforgettable collection of oddballs and eccentrics add to the mystery, and keep you guessing what’s going to happen next. So turn in at the weather-beaten sign and join them at the Zebulon Pike. The grill is open and Cybil’s got the coffee on.

284 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 11, 2014

Reviews

[Mat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Municipal Course

Later found to be designed by Donald Ross (in a time capsule).

Charles Lumley - old pro (formerly romantic with Cypil who runs the food counter)
Karl Letterman - 23 year old cause manager out of college

Parks/Rec guy has political ambitions, and scheme to develop golf course into homes
Karl (23 year old riteous young protagonist) gets his heart broken by a tall college golfer driving the golf cart for the summer.
Time capsule found. Photo of early Founders with the Hagen.

Basically a public course, a clubhouse that is a brick treasure, great characters all wanting something, and Stephen weaves it altogether in a well written prose, and a fun and expansive vocabulary word collection. Grateful to Stephen for having written it, and now have an even stronger affection for brick structured, old muni clubhouses (some I've seen and some have been described to me), like the one my friend described to me just a few blocks outside of downtown Buffalo. Or, Rackham in Detroit, and most importantly to me, Audubon and Fox Meadows here in Memphis.

If you love golf, and if you love old muni's read this - it is a treat.

Proud of McInerny

PS - The greenskeeper character, Dunn(?) and his love affair with a well groomed woman comes in a little later in the plot - Loved it.

[Caleb Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great character development and depth of conversation on topics aside from golf. Loved it

[Jennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not much of a golfer, I didn't expect to connect with this book. Instead, I found it hard to put down, thoroughly enjoying the well-written story and it's great characters. I read parts of it aloud, emailed people about it, recommended it to a few, and ordered four more copies to give as gifts.

I enjoyed the hell out of this book.

[joel newman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nicely told, smooth flowing story.

A crisply told story about a small but proud run down mini golf course and some of the small but proud run down characters who work and play there. Nicely told and smooth flowing with a surprising and satisfying twist at the end. You don't have to be a golfer to enjoy this book but it certainly couldn't hurt.

[Steven M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Golf Novel

I usually read mysteries but wanted a change of pace. Being a lifelong hacker I thought I’d try this. It was super entertaining I laughed out loud a lot. It also got me more excited to play golf. Really a good fun quick read. If you’re a golfer you’ll get a big kick out of Pike’s Plaque.

[Robert Franzoi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting. Pretty funny in parts. Actually a pretty fun read. Good summer beach book.

[Blair Hatch · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great characters, fun read. Write another one!

[clrly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Woo Minnesota! Write another!