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Henry Kennis Mystery #2

Nantucket Five-Spot

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"Axelrod crafts an enjoyable, fast-paced read." ― Publishers Weekly Henry Kennis, Nantucket island's poetry-writing police chief who will remind readers of Robert B. Parker's Jesse Stone and Spenser, works a second challenging case in Nantucket Five-spot . At the height of the summer tourist season, a threat to bomb the annual Boston Pops Concert could destroy the island's economy, along with its cachet as a safe, if mostly summertime, haven for America's ruling class. The threat of terrorism brings The Department of Homeland Security to the island, along with prospects for a rekindled love affair―Henry's lost love works for the DHS now. The "terrorism" aspects of the attack prove to be a red herring. The truth lies much closer to home. At first suspicion falls on local carpenter Billy Delavane, but Henry investigates the case and proves that Billy is being framed. Then it turns out that Henry's new suspect is also being framed―for the bizarre and almost undetectable crime of framing someone else. Every piece of evidence works three ways in the investigation of a crime rooted in betrayed friendship, infidelity, and the quiet poisonous feuds of small town life. Henry traces the origin of the attacks back almost twenty years and uncovers an obsessive revenge conspiracy that he must unravel―now alone, discredited and on the run―before further disaster strikes.

296 pages, Hardcover

First published January 6, 2015

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About the author

Steven Axelrod

15 books15 followers
Steven Axelrod holds an MFA in writing from Vermont College of the Fine Arts and as a former Hollywood screenwriter is still a member of the Writers Guild of America. A father of two, he lives on Nantucket Island, Massachusetts, where he paints houses and writes.

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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Profile Image for Harry Lane.
940 reviews16 followers
August 18, 2017
This police procedural/thriller had lots to offer. The plot was convoluted, a femme fatale or two, a very capable villain, another who was not what he seemed manipulating events behind the scene, a local yokel police chief who was better than he was given credit for. Even so, it failed in creating a sense of place. Also, the events driving the plot were, taken as a whole, just a quarter inch beyond easy suspension of disbelief.
Profile Image for A Reader's Heaven.
1,592 reviews28 followers
June 11, 2016
(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)

Henry Kennis, Nantucket island’s poetry-writing police chief who will remind readers of Robert B. Parker’s Jesse Stone and Spenser, works a second challenging case in Nantucket Five-Spot. At the height of the summer tourist season, a threat to bomb the annual Boston Pops Concert could destroy the island’s economy, along with its cachet as a safe, if mostly summer-time, haven for America’s ruling class. The threat of terrorism brings The Department of Homeland Security to the island, along with prospects for a rekindled love affair—Henry’s lost love works for the DHS now. The “terrorism” aspects of the attack prove to be a red herring. The truth lies much closer to home. At first suspicion falls on local carpenter Billy Delavane, but Henry investigates the case and proves that Billy is being framed. Then it turns out that Henry’s new suspect is also being framed—for the bizarre and almost undetectable crime of framing someone else. Every piece of evidence works three ways in the investigation of a crime rooted in betrayed friendship, infidelity, and the quiet poisonous feuds of small town life. Henry traces the origin of the attacks back almost twenty years and uncovers an obsessive revenge conspiracy that he must unravel—now alone, discredited and on the run—before further disaster strikes.

This was a decent mystery novel set in Nantucket. While the story moved along at a decent pace and the characters were pretty well developed, I just really had a hard time connecting with the story. I am not sure why. Nothing really grabbed me about it, I guess - but, as I said, it was a good enough book, well enough written.


Paul
ARH
1,354 reviews16 followers
January 22, 2015
Terrorism and bombings hit the small resort town of Nantucket and its police chief Henry Kennis's job to ferret out what is going on. Homeland Security is brought into town reconnecting him with a woman (he likes) and a man (he doesn't Like) that is has worked with in the past. There is always more than meets the eye in this mystery full of possible suspects. The events culminate at a holiday weekend celebration where numerous dignitaries are attending and have their lives put at risk. Well constructed and methodical - worth reading.
Profile Image for Ann.
6,016 reviews82 followers
December 29, 2016
This is a well written mystery that features Henry Kennis. This is book two in his series. I didn't read book one and had no problems following this story. Henry is police chief of a small island near Cape Cod. The islanders depend on the tourism industry and when a terror plot is uncovered their island is in crisis. An old girlfriend of Henry shows up with Homeland Security and together they discover not a terrorist plot but revenge 20 years in the making. Every clue seems to support three suspects and it takes a keen mind to solve this one.
216 reviews2 followers
May 13, 2021
This is the second book in the Henry Kennis series. I already have the third one ready to read. The plot line is a bit convoluted, but it is fiction. Again, the editing is less than perfect but much better than the first. The characters are beginning to come to life more. And I like endings that are more real like this one. Happily ever after is a fairy tale. Summary, enjoyable!
291 reviews
December 21, 2025
Enjoyable read; I liked the main character and details about Nantucket
Profile Image for Victor Gentile.
2,035 reviews65 followers
March 4, 2015
Steven Axelrod in his new book, “Nantucket Five-Spot” Book Two in the Henry Kennis Mystery series published by Poisoned Pen Press gives us another adventure with Henry Kennis.

From the back cover: Henry Kennis, Nantucket island’s poetry-writing police chief who will remind readers of Robert B. Parker’s Jesse Stone and Spenser, works a second challenging case in Nantucket Five-spot.

At the height of the summer tourist season, a threat to bomb the annual Boston Pops Concert could destroy the island’s economy, along with its cachet as a safe, if mostly summer-time, haven for America’s ruling class. The threat of terrorism brings The Department of Homeland Security to the island, along with prospects for a rekindled love affair—Henry’s lost love works for the DHS now.

The “terrorism” aspects of the attack prove to be a red herring. The truth lies much closer to home. At first suspicion falls on local carpenter Billy Delavane, but Henry investigates the case and proves that Billy is being framed. Then it turns out that Henry’s new suspect is also being framed—for the bizarre and almost undetectable crime of framing someone else. Every piece of evidence works three ways in the investigation of a crime rooted in betrayed friendship, infidelity, and the quiet poisonous feuds of small town life. Henry traces the origin of the attacks back almost twenty years and uncovers an obsessive revenge conspiracy that he must unravel—now alone, discredited and on the run—before further disaster strikes.

At the height of tourist season over a long fourth of July weekend someone is making bomb threats against the annual Boston Pops Concert. That is a major no-no as this concert is one of the best on Earth. Because of its significance it has to be investigated as a terrorist threat which brings the Dept. of Homeland Security. Then it kicks into high gear as a police procedural as Henry is investigating the who, the why and the what of what is going on. Just when you think you have a handle on the events it takes a sudden left turn and you are back to asking questions again. It almost seems as though everyone has something to hide in this town and none of them want Henry to discover what it is. The story hums along at a fast pace as Henry is working to figure out just what is going on. “Nantucket Five-Spot” is loaded with twists and turns and red herrings that will leave you guessing all the while you are flipping pages to find out what happens next. Mr. Axelrod has provided us with a marvelous character in Henry Kennis and I look forward to reading about more of his adventures.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Partners In Crime. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Profile Image for Ted Lehmann.
230 reviews21 followers
January 4, 2015
Nantucket Fivespot:A Henry Kensitt Mystery by Steven Axelrod (Poisoned Pen Press/Ingram, January 2015, $18.27/10.85) the second in the Henry Kensitt series of mysteries set in on Nantucket Island over a long fourth of July weekend, at the height of tourist season. This police procedural shows great promise and contains several strong and interesting characters, a wonderful feel for the tensions and relationships between a summer community and the indigenous population of a resort area, and strong plotting, as well as a cross country love story that promises to somehow continue. The book has particular appeal as beach (and front porch mountain) reading for denizens of such places.

Henry Kensitt has come to Nantucket Island, an old and well-known summer community on an island off the coast of Massachusetts, which is often the preferred summer destination for the cream of American politicians, publishers, and celebrities, and artists, making it a good destination for tourists and terrorists. Kensitt has established himself with the local business and artistic community (he dabbles in poetry) and is generally well-liked and accepted, despite having only arrived on the island within the past few years despite something of a career changing experience on the west coast. As the novel begins, a bomb explodes killing several people and alerting Homeland Security to a major threat. Former associates from the west coast, antagonist Jack Tournavitch and Franny Tate, with whom he enjoys an unconsummated but happily remembered almost relationship. The convoluted plot also includes a shadowy character named Zeke Beaumont who first appears in an army brig and who comes increasingly into focus and proximity as the novel progresses. Axelrod successfully captures the locals/off-island antagonisms as well as the pervasive sense of government intrusion that our current terrorist environment produces. His set pieces are well-structured and develop both dramatic tension and continued interest. He successfully negotiates the current trend towards gender equity and the tensions between job pulls, tensions and dangers with the family orientation I'm beginning to see increasingly in the detective mysteries I'm reading. His children are lively and believable, as are the tensions between characters and their exes. The remainder of my review can be read on my blog at http://tedlehmann.blogspot.com/2015/0... Please consider purchasing it through the Amazon portal there.
Profile Image for Tammy-&-Michelle.
28 reviews1 follower
March 15, 2015
Nantucket is small island 14 miles long by 3 ½ miles wide about 26 miles south of Cape Cod. There is no bridge leaving the only way on or off the island to ferry, boat or airplane. It does have a population of about 11,000 however in the summer that number can swell to 50,000 or more. This makes it the perfect setting for Steven Axelrod’s thriller. He allows the small town associations to play out perfectly from the sense of community because everyone knows everyone to the politics of everyone knowing everyone.

Police Chief Henry Kennis is a former LA officer looking to find his own forgiveness for several things including his relationship with a former officer Frances “Franny” Tate. He knows and loves the island that has become his home. Summer is under way and the population begins to swell just as it does every year. Things are running smoothly until little Debbie shows up and a bomb threat is called in. Believing that it is the work of local kids Kennis goes through the motions not putting any heavy stock into the threat until after an actual bomb goes off. The JTTF is now on the way to the island bringing Jack Tornovitch, Kennis’ rival, to head up the investigation. The JTTF, Joint Terrorism Task Force, is comprised of The Department of Homeland Security, the FBI, the Coast Guard, the CIA, the National Guard, and FEMA. With all of these extra bodies Kennis finds himself thrust to the sidelines of the investigation. It’s a good thing though because it gets directed first at local Billy Delavane, then Officer Haden Krakauer, and finally himself, Kennis needs all the time he has to defuse this ticking time bomb.

I was excited to read this book because I love the idea of a thriller set on a beach. The idea for the island setting was perfect. It increased the panic especially because of the size of island. With the right amount of ammunition the killer could cause lots of damage in a very short period of time. It also helped with the insider/local portions of the book. I won’t spoil it but when you read it you’ll understand. There were a few times when the details given felt a little extreme yet it wasn’t so much that it destroyed the storyline. I enjoyed the fact that you could tell that Steven did his research regarding the island, small towns, the military, and computers. There was a twists that even I didn’t see coming. Overall it was a great fast read and I was extremely satisfied with the way it played out. Now I just need to read book one and then on to book three!
Profile Image for Carl Brookins.
Author 26 books79 followers
October 28, 2016

This publisher continues to acquire and distribute firmly constructed, logical enjoyable crime fiction from a variety of writers. Though modest in comparison with some of the major and older publishers, Poisoned Pen Press, with its dedicated staff of well-vetted and careful editors and designers, persists in the promulgation of excellent crime writing.
Steven Axelrod is an excellent writer
Nantucket Island is the setting for this full speed ahead thriller and it stars. Axelrod is adept at inserting appropriate descriptive language in his manuscript and the location of his stories about the adventures of poetry writing police chief Henry Kennis trying to maintain law and order on a restless, tourist-driven island off the Massachusetts coast.
His characters, and there are many, are weird, strange, excellent, upstanding, careful, bright, thoughtful and good-looking specimens. Some of them are patient, evil, criminal and inept. When this author feels the need to bump up the action, he just inserts a new character who may or may not have anything significant to do with the central. So there are small side plots dealing with immigration, smuggling, fighting in the Middle East and so on.
The Chief of Police, a central character in the novel, is beset on all sides by criminal elements and by law enforcement who are often portrayed as rigid and impatient. A possible terrorist bomb attack on a holiday concert by the Boston Pops Orchestra is the apparent target. Law enforcement agencies from every level descend on the poor police chief who must struggle against their incompetence, short-sightedness, and his personal romantic feelings about one of the federal agents.
Plots within counter-plots and world-wide maneuvering infest the pages of this novel. What saves it is the almost relentless action and there is plenty of that, however unlikely in a few places. There’s even an occasional funny bit.
If I was vacationing in a place like Nantucket and wanted some relaxing light-weight down time, this novel would definitely fill the bill.

Profile Image for Carol.
1,844 reviews21 followers
March 20, 2015
Nantucket Five-Spot: Henry Kennis Mystery by Steven Axelrod is a well-built mystery and has you rooting right away for the poetry writing Chief of Police on Nantucket. He has a failed marriage, two wonderful children with opposite personalities and is very appreciative of the island’s scenery and history. I haven’t read the other books in this series but this book works well as a standalone and I have been charmed by Hank Ennis, the chief. I may go back and read the rest of the series. The reason that I chose this book to read was of Nantucket in the title. I spent a whole long wonderful day there and would love to return.

Zeke Beaumont is the evil doer and planner for what happens. We learn about his past and over time see how people are connected with his illegal drug business. This man wants revenge for something that happened in his past and unfortunately he has a great memory. He is a manipulator and picks up information and stores it away in his brain until a use for it becomes apparent. I thought that the author is very good at developing the character of both the good and bad. The pacing seems a little slow at the beginning but picks up as the story proceeds.

There is a lot of action in the windup and a super exciting ending with the Boston Pops Orchestra and an old flame of Hank Ennis, both beautiful and smart, Homeland Security and a complicated plot for revenge. I preferred the characters to the plot in this mystery.

I received an Advance Nantucket Five Spot by Steven Axelrod in exchange for a fair review from the Partners in Crime but that in no way influenced my thoughts or feelings in my review.
614 reviews9 followers
October 22, 2014
A terror plot that frames not two, but three, people, two of them Nantucket policemen, and especially, the narrator of this extraordinary mystery, the police chief, Henry Kennis; a full body onslaught on a tiny island by Homeland Security, the FBI, and the state police; a touch of old romance freshly renewed; suspense to keep you up all night, along with characters you’d expect to sit down over coffee and chew over the town news, make this one unforgettable novel you shouldn’t miss.

Revenge is best served cold, the old adage states, and that is exactly what is served up to make this mystery so rich in plot and tension along with characters you might recognize from your own town help make this a one in a thousand mysteries – one you well deserve!

Why not make yourself some coffee or tea or something stronger, fill a dish with your favorite snacks, and settle down for one terrific read! You know you deserve it!

Profile Image for Kathleen Kelly.
1,379 reviews129 followers
March 17, 2015
Nantucket Five Spot is the second in a series of books by Steven Axelrod and is about a mystery surrounding Nantucket during tourist season. Henry Kennis is Police Chief of this small community who must solve the 'terrorist bombing'. There are people being framed for this crime and it is up to Henry to figure out what has happened. The only thing is, The Department of Homeland Security gets involved and Henry is stymied in his investigation by a gung ho agent. Along with solving the crime, Henry hopes to rekindle a romance between him and Franny Tate, another agent in the DHS. I found it interesting that the title refers to the $50 bills that the rich tourists love leaving for the 'help'. 

In this character driven and atmospheric setting, the author does a great job of keeping the narrative and plot flowing. I love a good mystery, especially one that keeps me turning the pages, so I recommend this book! I look forward to reading the next in the series!

Profile Image for Betty.
2,004 reviews73 followers
January 6, 2015
Action a plenty is found in this good police procedural that became interesting enough to keep me reading until I finished. I had trouble getting into the as the format is hard for me. The action moved fast from one event to the next. Henry Kennis is Chief Police in Nantucket and he knows his town. He receives a bomb threat and Homeland Security, the FBI and other Agencies are call and they take over the investigation. The evidence points to Bily Delavane as guilty. As he is arrested a bomb goes off. The twists and turns keep changing. Henry against great odds must solve the case before major disaster occurs. I recommend this book.

Full Disclosure: I received a free copy from Poison Pen Press through Netgalley for an honest review. I want to thank them for an honest review. The opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Michelle.
111 reviews7 followers
March 1, 2015
This is a smart savvy mystery. Just light enough for a summer read by the pool while being well paced enough to keep you turning the pages. This book part of a series. It was a great stand alone but made me want to go find the other books in the series and read them. Henry Kennis is a well drawn and believable character with just the right amount of humanity to make him loveable.

Having never been to Nantucket, this book makes me want to join the hoards of tourists descending on the quaint town each summer. It actually made me feel almost as if I had joined the hoards but as an invited guest to the party. The women is this story are smart and I like that in a story. It makes me feel like the author appreciates women in general.

There are some great twits and turns in the story keeping you guessing right up to the end. If you are planning an escape pack this book.
Profile Image for Paul Franco.
1,374 reviews12 followers
January 12, 2015
An okay detective story with a terrorism plot that really isn’t about that at all. Though I’ve been to Rhode Island I definitely haven’t visited Nantucket–and I don’t keep my false teeth in a bucket–so the geography of events, as well as the psychology of this millionaire tourist trap, was a little tough to picture. More to the point, I thought the antagonist made a few mistakes that he shouldn’t have, considering how the author had painted him earlier on, especially with him being an exert hacker. It also had the Feds being jerks as usual. . . except for the one that got away from the sheriff when they were in Los Angeles, presumably a previous book in a series. In the end I thought it was okay but no big deal.
Profile Image for Mary .
76 reviews5 followers
January 26, 2015
In this second book in the Henry Kennis mystery series, agents from Homeland Security come to town to try to stop the Boston Pops concert on Nantucket from being blown up by a terrorist. Henry Kennis is Nantucket’s new poetry-writing Chief of Police from California who finds himself faced with trying to save the concert in which the island’s summer economy is based on while dealing with his ex-love interest who now works for Homeland Security. Kennis unravels a bizarre conspiracy rooted in the complicated relationships of small town life.
1,417 reviews2 followers
May 16, 2016
+Bomb threats on Nantucket! DHS take over of all law enforcement. Chief Henry (Hank?) Kennis relegated to minor roles but reunited with lost love Fran. Assistant Chief becomes prime suspect. Kids & realtors provide clues. City overrun with not only tourists, but National Guard troops. FBI, Staties, Secret Service and other law enforcement involved. Villains include just plain greedy locals, Bulgarians, drug dealers, and decade old service acquaintances from Afghanistan.+
93 reviews4 followers
September 7, 2016
I kept saying to myself that this wasn't a very well written book. But I kept staying up to read just one more chapter. The idea that a framer is framed and that the person doing the framing is also framed - three framers, unless I lost track - is a little far out. But a good way to pass some time without too much effort. I'd probably read others in the series.

This was an ARC that I am finally reading.
Profile Image for Robin.
377 reviews9 followers
February 13, 2015
Very creative, fast-paced thriller/mystery. The story really pulled you in and kept you turning the pages to see what the next twist in the narrative was going to be. If you happen to be vacationing in Nantucket this summer or anytime, this is a book to take along as a great vacation read.
Profile Image for David.
565 reviews11 followers
December 22, 2014
A well crafted mystery. Fans of Jesse Stone will really enjoy Steven Axelrod's Nantucket police chief Hank Kennis. Settle in during a winter's afternoon and imagine yourself spending a summer in New England - but watch out for the bad guys!
Profile Image for Ann.
1,436 reviews
April 13, 2018
Police Chief Henry Kennis must rescue his beloved island from a terrorist bomber. The conspiracy brings Federal agents from off island to investigate but Henry knows the people and the ways of the island better than they do and knows the bombing is a cover of something more sinister.
80 reviews2 followers
September 11, 2015
Liked this one better than the first in the series. Hope to read more soon!
1 review
October 31, 2015
Five Star Read

This was my 1st Steven Axelrod and I found it very enjoyable and readable. I will definitely look for more.
51 reviews
May 24, 2018
Steven Axelrod delivers a rollicking ride of a mystery. A bomb threat is made to the annual Fourth of July Boston Pops concert taking place on Nantucket island. The Chief of Police, Henry Kennis is relegated to the background by Homeland Security, the FBI, the Secret Service, and the State Police who are convinced that a terrorist plot is in play. Nevertheless, Chief Kennis follows the convoluted trail of evidence that leads back to the war in Iraq and straight to someone who is least expected.I thoroughly enjoyed this book and intend to read more of this series.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews

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