What do you think?
Rate this book
Lt. Dekker Mystery #8
Murder at the Book Fair
When an aging coroner says a wealthy author died of natural causes and sees no need to do an autopsy, the county sheriff calls an old friend, retired homicide detective Cy Dekker, to see if the man was murdered. Cy gets a medical examiner friend to do an autopsy and finds that the man was poisoned and the time of death was probably when that author was at a book fair. Cy and his retired partner Lou look at who might have poisoned the man. Suspects include other authors, the author's brother and sister, and his neighbors.
193 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 15, 2014
267 people are currently reading
698 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
January 13, 2015
easy read for tired brains
It's kind of silly but clean and not disturbing. I enjoy his books to relax with
Recommend them for those reasons
It's kind of silly but clean and not disturbing. I enjoy his books to relax with
Recommend them for those reasons
February 7, 2017
Former detectives investigating the murder of a mystery author at a book convention--right up the alley of an author and life-time mystery lover. One of the detectives receives daily "clues" from God that help them zero in on the killer. Humorous, faith elements. All the ingredients are there, but it lacks the special zing that make it a favorite.
Especially when, after they've caught the murder, they dismiss the "mysterious visitor" as unimportant and not needing explanation. IMO, that's not playing fair with the reader
Especially when, after they've caught the murder, they dismiss the "mysterious visitor" as unimportant and not needing explanation. IMO, that's not playing fair with the reader
February 27, 2020
A fun and easy reading murder mystery. I've read a few of these by Demaree and find his conversational style refreshing. I'll probably read more as time allows. His two detectives are a hoot. One does all the talking and is the narrator while the other usually remains silent and receives clues from God (yes- the big guy upstairs) that help solve the crime.
June 5, 2017
Murder at the Book Fair: Book 8 Dekker Cozy Mystery Series which is written by Steve Demaree. This series takes two detectives who have retired and have managed to get themselves involved in solving mysteries as civilians.
One thing the men both like to do is read. The lady who owns the book store they go to stacks up books they might like. When they come in, they look over the books and buy the ones they want. They usually leave with a stack each.
This time, the book store owner told them about a book fair in Kentucky. There they could find authors to sign their books. The two decided to go check out this fair. One of their favorite authors is there and they enjoy his getting his autograph. Later, a friend call to tell them that the author is dead. He doesn’t think it was suicide but murder. Now they have to prove it and find the murderer.
Can they find the murderer? The book is hard for me to read. The jokes they play on each other are corny and not the least bit funny to me. In fact, I had a hard time staying awake to finish the book.
One thing the men both like to do is read. The lady who owns the book store they go to stacks up books they might like. When they come in, they look over the books and buy the ones they want. They usually leave with a stack each.
This time, the book store owner told them about a book fair in Kentucky. There they could find authors to sign their books. The two decided to go check out this fair. One of their favorite authors is there and they enjoy his getting his autograph. Later, a friend call to tell them that the author is dead. He doesn’t think it was suicide but murder. Now they have to prove it and find the murderer.
Can they find the murderer? The book is hard for me to read. The jokes they play on each other are corny and not the least bit funny to me. In fact, I had a hard time staying awake to finish the book.
July 13, 2017
Fair
Kept you guessing who did it until the end. I like the humorous exchanges between the two men. The author makes charade seem like ordinary people who you could meet in your own life.
Kept you guessing who did it until the end. I like the humorous exchanges between the two men. The author makes charade seem like ordinary people who you could meet in your own life.
January 24, 2024
Cy and Lou had hard work to solve this one. Love this series it never fails to make me smile with their quips.
August 26, 2018
Cy and Lou are two retired detectives. They live in Kentucky and enjoy their retirement very much. They spend their time with their lady friends and playing miniature golf. In other words, life is good.
They are both avid readers of mysteries. So, when their favorite book seller tells them they need to go to the Kentucky Book Fair they jump at the opportunity.
While there they meet several authors and they each buy many books. There is a lot of discussion about mysteries and mystery authors. It is terrific.
Later, they receive a call from an old friend. One of the authors they met has been found dead. There was no autopsy done because it was determined to be an accidental death. But the the sheriff believes the death was not accidental, but murder.
From there, Cy and Lou begin to investigate. The investigation takes them to several small towns and they interview many people. There is a great deal of money involved, a brother and sister who are enemies of the dead man and neighbors who each have possible motives.
In many ways this is a fun book. Cy and Lou are humorous. Well, actually Cy is humorous, Lou is barely verbal throughout the book.
The plot was interesting. But, there were a few events which seemed to end up with little or now reason for being. A very few things were left hanging. Generally, the reader is brought along as the investigation is happening.
I enjoyed Mr Demaree's writing. I loved the fact that this book discusses books and authors. I am a book addict and mysteries are one of my favorite genres, so this was a wonderful atmosphere for me.
The characters of Cy and Lou are well developed and the reader gets to know them very well.
I enjoyed this book. If you are a reader of cozies, this is a book you may also enjoy.
They are both avid readers of mysteries. So, when their favorite book seller tells them they need to go to the Kentucky Book Fair they jump at the opportunity.
While there they meet several authors and they each buy many books. There is a lot of discussion about mysteries and mystery authors. It is terrific.
Later, they receive a call from an old friend. One of the authors they met has been found dead. There was no autopsy done because it was determined to be an accidental death. But the the sheriff believes the death was not accidental, but murder.
From there, Cy and Lou begin to investigate. The investigation takes them to several small towns and they interview many people. There is a great deal of money involved, a brother and sister who are enemies of the dead man and neighbors who each have possible motives.
In many ways this is a fun book. Cy and Lou are humorous. Well, actually Cy is humorous, Lou is barely verbal throughout the book.
The plot was interesting. But, there were a few events which seemed to end up with little or now reason for being. A very few things were left hanging. Generally, the reader is brought along as the investigation is happening.
I enjoyed Mr Demaree's writing. I loved the fact that this book discusses books and authors. I am a book addict and mysteries are one of my favorite genres, so this was a wonderful atmosphere for me.
The characters of Cy and Lou are well developed and the reader gets to know them very well.
I enjoyed this book. If you are a reader of cozies, this is a book you may also enjoy.
July 24, 2017
Two older retired policeman who used to be partners vaguely reminded me of Laurel & Hardy (remember them?) occasionally will help old friends out if they need a murder investigated. They really prefer their life of miniature golf and reading murder mysteries! They each have their own living abode as do their respective women friends. There are quite a few Bible quotes in here as both these gentlemen read portions of the Bible every morning.
They have a favorite bookstore in town where the owner knows them so well that she has books ready for them when they come in. They were told about the Kentucky Book Fair which neither had heard of before and decided to go. So off they went---bought lots of books--then returned home. Cy Dekker's phone rang-it was an old friend--seems like one of the author's was now dead--the coroner said suicide--the sheriff wasn't so sure--could Cy ask his coroner friend to preform an autopsy and check out the body--it was murder!! And the mad cap adventures begin as these two old friends Cy and Lou methodically attempt to find the killer.
There are parts that will make you laugh or shake your head and Elmer--well you will just have to read this to find out who the murderer was--I doubt you will guess-I didn't--but I thoroughly enjoyed the read.
Murder at the Book Fair
They have a favorite bookstore in town where the owner knows them so well that she has books ready for them when they come in. They were told about the Kentucky Book Fair which neither had heard of before and decided to go. So off they went---bought lots of books--then returned home. Cy Dekker's phone rang-it was an old friend--seems like one of the author's was now dead--the coroner said suicide--the sheriff wasn't so sure--could Cy ask his coroner friend to preform an autopsy and check out the body--it was murder!! And the mad cap adventures begin as these two old friends Cy and Lou methodically attempt to find the killer.
There are parts that will make you laugh or shake your head and Elmer--well you will just have to read this to find out who the murderer was--I doubt you will guess-I didn't--but I thoroughly enjoyed the read.
Murder at the Book Fair
May 17, 2017
E-Reader. Cozy Mystery
Retired Detective Cy Dekker & Sgt. Lou Murdock received a call from Sheriff Herb Wainscott, La Grange, Ky. He needed their help in getting the coroner's permission where they used to work to preform another autopsy.
A famous author, Col. Cyril Portwood died & felt it had been murder & would they help with this case.
Cy & Lou had attended the big Kentucky book fair the same day that possibly was when something happened involving the murder. Originally thought to be accidental death by car fumes because he fell asleep in his car. But it was also slow acting poison.
Now you need to be patient as the leads keep ending in a dead end. Lou receives clues from God almost daily. They are both avid readers of the bible & believers.
So much happens & so many characters involved in this book. You'll enjoy it to if you like music from 40's, 50' & 69's. And you'll get some good laughs too. Read it to find out who did it! And enjoy this book.
Retired Detective Cy Dekker & Sgt. Lou Murdock received a call from Sheriff Herb Wainscott, La Grange, Ky. He needed their help in getting the coroner's permission where they used to work to preform another autopsy.
A famous author, Col. Cyril Portwood died & felt it had been murder & would they help with this case.
Cy & Lou had attended the big Kentucky book fair the same day that possibly was when something happened involving the murder. Originally thought to be accidental death by car fumes because he fell asleep in his car. But it was also slow acting poison.
Now you need to be patient as the leads keep ending in a dead end. Lou receives clues from God almost daily. They are both avid readers of the bible & believers.
So much happens & so many characters involved in this book. You'll enjoy it to if you like music from 40's, 50' & 69's. And you'll get some good laughs too. Read it to find out who did it! And enjoy this book.
June 5, 2017
Easy pace, funny characters
Love meandering mysteries with memorable characters? Then you'll love this one! I thoroughly relished the interaction between the two main characters, especially after they discover satellite radio. The questionings read probably like most investigations do, with many of them proving to be dead ends. Only criticism is that the author could have early on explained the fact that Lou gets a "clue a day" from GOD. Favorite parts ate Lou dating Thelma Lou, the what-to-eat-where decisions, and BULL! Be prepared to chuckle all the way through. And to be hungry. BRAVO
Love meandering mysteries with memorable characters? Then you'll love this one! I thoroughly relished the interaction between the two main characters, especially after they discover satellite radio. The questionings read probably like most investigations do, with many of them proving to be dead ends. Only criticism is that the author could have early on explained the fact that Lou gets a "clue a day" from GOD. Favorite parts ate Lou dating Thelma Lou, the what-to-eat-where decisions, and BULL! Be prepared to chuckle all the way through. And to be hungry. BRAVO
September 11, 2021
I really enjoy the humorous writing style of Steve Demaree… I’m reading through all of his books (again) as I acquired them over a period of years and see how the characters (Cy & Lou) have developed. This book is #8 in the series and I’ve got a dozen yet to go… I can imagine that at some future date, perhaps when Cy & Lou get married, Helouise Humphert and her sister will re-emerge to create chaos for the detectives, possibly kidnapping them and forcing Jennifer & Thelma to unravel the mystery??? (We’ll see what’s in the creative imagination of Demaree…)
June 28, 2017
I couldn't really get into this book until about halfway through. While I did like that the book had clean language and elements of Christianity, it just seemed sloppy to me. There were several grammatical errors and a word that was repeatedly misspelled. The banter between the two main characters was kind of funny, and I didn't figure out who the killer was, but I don't think I will read any others in the series. I just didn't like the style in which the book was written.
May 9, 2020
A wonderful cozy mystery
I loved this book. I love all of Steve Demaree's books. This is a very clean and very humorous book. Almost every sentence is humorous. I love how Cy always reads his Bible and has a devotional when he gets up in the morning. I also like how Lou always gets a clue from God that helps them solve the case. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading a good clean cozy mystery.
I loved this book. I love all of Steve Demaree's books. This is a very clean and very humorous book. Almost every sentence is humorous. I love how Cy always reads his Bible and has a devotional when he gets up in the morning. I also like how Lou always gets a clue from God that helps them solve the case. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading a good clean cozy mystery.
June 3, 2022
Devine clues
Cy and Lou, retired detectives, help investigate the mysterious death of an author after they met him at the Kentucky Book Fair. The banter between Cy and Lou was entertaining, but tedious when almost every other character engaged in the same banter. The many suspects made for some interesting assumptions by Cy and Lou. Their devotion to their faith and the 'clues' that God gave them was an interesting aspect to a police/murder mystery.
Cy and Lou, retired detectives, help investigate the mysterious death of an author after they met him at the Kentucky Book Fair. The banter between Cy and Lou was entertaining, but tedious when almost every other character engaged in the same banter. The many suspects made for some interesting assumptions by Cy and Lou. Their devotion to their faith and the 'clues' that God gave them was an interesting aspect to a police/murder mystery.
May 8, 2017
Murder is no joke
Fast and sarcastic repartee solves the murder in time. Not so retired former homicide detectives meet many obstacles including Elmer. Clues from God are sometimes confusing but lead to the truth. Great series
Fast and sarcastic repartee solves the murder in time. Not so retired former homicide detectives meet many obstacles including Elmer. Clues from God are sometimes confusing but lead to the truth. Great series
May 22, 2017
,Fun Reading
At first I wasn't too sure, but after the murder, the feeling of the book changed. I enjoyed the older gentlemen who battered back and forth, the clean language and the way they respected their girlfriends thanks
At first I wasn't too sure, but after the murder, the feeling of the book changed. I enjoyed the older gentlemen who battered back and forth, the clean language and the way they respected their girlfriends thanks
May 23, 2017
Good
Fun book. Many light, humorous comments by lead character. The side with his introduction to Sirios music, waiting on his car to hear the top 10 songs in 1965-- I often want to do hear the week's top 10 CW song. Elmer is good comic relief.
Fun book. Many light, humorous comments by lead character. The side with his introduction to Sirios music, waiting on his car to hear the top 10 songs in 1965-- I often want to do hear the week's top 10 CW song. Elmer is good comic relief.
May 23, 2017
.I liked the way the story meanders through the realistic hunt for answers and in finding the killer. The banter between the two detectives is silly some times but humorous which lightens up the story.
June 6, 2017
Good story...
I enjoyed this story, the author did a great job of telling the story. Steve Demaee made the story a lot more fun and interesting to read by using humor to spice up his tale of mystery.
I enjoyed this story, the author did a great job of telling the story. Steve Demaee made the story a lot more fun and interesting to read by using humor to spice up his tale of mystery.
June 16, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. Cy who narrates this series started in his first book as a policeman with his partner, Lou. This book, #8 in the series, they are retired and asked by a friend to look into a death of a popular author.
August 3, 2017
What a fun read! Two retired homicide detectives, Cy & Lou, are called to help a friend solve a murder in his district. A clean story with some Bible teaching as both men are Christians. Would read this author again!
September 1, 2017
Murder at the Book Fair
This is a delightful mystery with many unexpected twists and turns. At times this story was extremely funny. Will read more by this author. I would give it 5 stars..
This is a delightful mystery with many unexpected twists and turns. At times this story was extremely funny. Will read more by this author. I would give it 5 stars..
September 18, 2017
Reads easily (no hard thinking is requiered). Reads like a detective story on television. One can almost "see" de persons, the surroundings etc.
For people who love the "whodunnit" books, this is absolutely a great book
For people who love the "whodunnit" books, this is absolutely a great book
October 15, 2017
Easy Read
I enjoyed the book and could visualize the story as I read it. I appreciated the language was clean and the people sounded like real people who had a strong relationship with God.
I enjoyed the book and could visualize the story as I read it. I appreciated the language was clean and the people sounded like real people who had a strong relationship with God.
October 29, 2017
A lot of humor used in this mystery with two retired cops as the main characters... entertaining but nothing grand about this story. I would consider still reading some more of this series though, just for fun...
March 3, 2018
Almost the perfect murder
Almost but not quite! Lt. Decker steps in along with his side kick Sgt. Lou and catches the murderer with the goods who finally confesses. A real spin at the end.
Almost but not quite! Lt. Decker steps in along with his side kick Sgt. Lou and catches the murderer with the goods who finally confesses. A real spin at the end.
June 11, 2018
Disappointed
I didn’t like the ending. It was anticlimactic. The characters were so one dimensional. I didn’t care who was guilty. I wish there were suspects that I really liked -even hated.
I didn’t like the ending. It was anticlimactic. The characters were so one dimensional. I didn’t care who was guilty. I wish there were suspects that I really liked -even hated.
October 13, 2018
Enjoyable read!!
I always enjoy the banter that is communicated between Cy and Lou, the retired detectives who can't stay retired. I also enjoy the fact that they make it known they are church going, Bible readers. This is a good mystery and not a thriller suspense.
I always enjoy the banter that is communicated between Cy and Lou, the retired detectives who can't stay retired. I also enjoy the fact that they make it known they are church going, Bible readers. This is a good mystery and not a thriller suspense.
December 7, 2018
This author just isn't for me. I like the banter, but then it got to be old. I like the premise, but then it seemed to be drawn out. I tried a second story by this author, and I really wasn't a huge fan of that either. Sorry, but this author just doesn't work for me.
April 17, 2020
Dekker series gets better and better
Steve Demaree has written another great book which had me trying to guess who the murderer was throughout. Although I didn't figure it out before the last page the mystery all came together nicely at the end. Ready to start reading Book #9.
Steve Demaree has written another great book which had me trying to guess who the murderer was throughout. Although I didn't figure it out before the last page the mystery all came together nicely at the end. Ready to start reading Book #9.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews