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Jack McMorrow Mystery #11
Straw Man
In this, the eleventh installment of the bestselling Jack McMorrow Mystery Series, McMorrow's nose for trouble sets him on the trail of an illegal gun sale pipeline linking private gun owners in Maine with a rash of homicides in Boston. Caught up in the action is a young Mennonite farm boy, who, while questioning his faith and his future, falls in with the wrong crowd. Add to this potent mix a run-in with a gang of local thugs, which leaves Roxanne the target of a violent sex offender intent on exacting his revenge. Never before has Jack faced so many threats on so many fronts, with the most destructive being his own tendency for violence and the havoc it wreaks on those he loves most. In this nonstop page turner, Boyle is at his best and most provocative. Straw Man asks the ultimate How far would you go to protect a way of life you love?
375 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 17, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
August 9, 2016
First sentence: The sun slipped behind the ridgetop to the West, the woods darkening at midday like Waldo County, Maine, was Alaska in winter.
Reporter Jack McMorrow has a lot on his plate; perhaps too much. A story he is writing about private gun sales becomes much more complex than he anticipated, and results in a death. Joining his friends Claire and Lewis in doing a good deed for a neighbor results in a vicious stalker targeting his wife and child. Can Jack be who he is and not destroy his marriage?
What a perfect first chapter. Not only do we meet the primary characters of Jack, Lewis, and Claire, but we know what kind of men they are, a bit about their background, and what motivates them to take the action they do. Boyle doesn't waste any time, but immediately takes the reader into danger and high action, which is quickly contrasted by a light moment of our protagonist correcting the grammar on a sign. Claire, in particular, is the kind of friend one would like to have, but whose skills one would hope never to need—“I'm all for pacifism,” Claire said. “but I'm not going to die for it.” Lewis, a Marine veteran, is emotionally scarred by his time in Afghanistan and trying to figure out who are the good guys and who are the bad guys. Boyle writes Lewis with sympathy and understanding making him very real.
The characters are real and recognizable. It's nice to see a married couple whose relationship is not perfect and yet one for which we can root. Boyle is very good at presenting the conflict in a relationship; the insecurities, the differences between attitudes and viewpoints the lack of communication at times, the desire of two very different people to find a common ground, and to not let jealousy destroy a relationship.
The topic of the book couldn't be more timely. We learn fascinating information on the older order of Mennonites which adds depth to the story. Boyle is excellent at creating seemingly separate threads and tying them together neatly maximizing the tension; Sam Abrams the young Mennonite, the three thugs, private gun sales, and the violence of man.
Boyle provides us an interesting moral dilemma; when you know there's something bad and yet you know trying to work through the system won't really be productive and could do more harm to those who are innocent than good, is it morally right to take justice into your own hands. It is a very difficult question to ask, and even harder to answer. He is also represents an ethical dilemma--"I figured he'd been buying guns. For the two guys you busted." "Were you planning on telling anyone about this?" O'Day ask. "I was going to tell thousands of people," I said. "When I wrote about it." "And in the meantime, how many people get killed with those guns?"
The way in which Boyle employs his daughter and her friend adds a wonderful balance to the story. It's nice to be reminded that there are people who believe—“it's the principle." "People don't do stuff like this out of principle." " I do," I said. "and my friends do, too." And what a classic line--"Non violence," I said. "It isn't for the faint of heart."
“Straw Man” is one very good story; engrossing and exciting, yet filled with things that make you think. Don't be surprised to find yourself looking each year for Boyle's newest book. He tends to be a must-read author.
Straw Man (Unl Inv/Journ-JackMcMorrow-Maine-Cont) - VG
Boyle, Gerry – 11th in series
Islandport Press- May 2016
Reporter Jack McMorrow has a lot on his plate; perhaps too much. A story he is writing about private gun sales becomes much more complex than he anticipated, and results in a death. Joining his friends Claire and Lewis in doing a good deed for a neighbor results in a vicious stalker targeting his wife and child. Can Jack be who he is and not destroy his marriage?
What a perfect first chapter. Not only do we meet the primary characters of Jack, Lewis, and Claire, but we know what kind of men they are, a bit about their background, and what motivates them to take the action they do. Boyle doesn't waste any time, but immediately takes the reader into danger and high action, which is quickly contrasted by a light moment of our protagonist correcting the grammar on a sign. Claire, in particular, is the kind of friend one would like to have, but whose skills one would hope never to need—“I'm all for pacifism,” Claire said. “but I'm not going to die for it.” Lewis, a Marine veteran, is emotionally scarred by his time in Afghanistan and trying to figure out who are the good guys and who are the bad guys. Boyle writes Lewis with sympathy and understanding making him very real.
The characters are real and recognizable. It's nice to see a married couple whose relationship is not perfect and yet one for which we can root. Boyle is very good at presenting the conflict in a relationship; the insecurities, the differences between attitudes and viewpoints the lack of communication at times, the desire of two very different people to find a common ground, and to not let jealousy destroy a relationship.
The topic of the book couldn't be more timely. We learn fascinating information on the older order of Mennonites which adds depth to the story. Boyle is excellent at creating seemingly separate threads and tying them together neatly maximizing the tension; Sam Abrams the young Mennonite, the three thugs, private gun sales, and the violence of man.
Boyle provides us an interesting moral dilemma; when you know there's something bad and yet you know trying to work through the system won't really be productive and could do more harm to those who are innocent than good, is it morally right to take justice into your own hands. It is a very difficult question to ask, and even harder to answer. He is also represents an ethical dilemma--"I figured he'd been buying guns. For the two guys you busted." "Were you planning on telling anyone about this?" O'Day ask. "I was going to tell thousands of people," I said. "When I wrote about it." "And in the meantime, how many people get killed with those guns?"
The way in which Boyle employs his daughter and her friend adds a wonderful balance to the story. It's nice to be reminded that there are people who believe—“it's the principle." "People don't do stuff like this out of principle." " I do," I said. "and my friends do, too." And what a classic line--"Non violence," I said. "It isn't for the faint of heart."
“Straw Man” is one very good story; engrossing and exciting, yet filled with things that make you think. Don't be surprised to find yourself looking each year for Boyle's newest book. He tends to be a must-read author.
Straw Man (Unl Inv/Journ-JackMcMorrow-Maine-Cont) - VG
Boyle, Gerry – 11th in series
Islandport Press- May 2016
August 24, 2016
A compelling mystery set in the back-woods of Maine. The strange mix of logging, journalism, Mennonite farming and gun-running collide, just as the family life of protagonist Jack McMorrow threatens to spin out of control. This is the eleventh book in Gerry Boyle's excellent series, and a great addition to your late summer reading list.
Read
February 8, 2017I just finished reading "Straw Man" by Gerry Boyle. Jack McMorrow, a crime reporter, has two stories to follow up on---the influence of the Mennonites in Maine and the unlawful selling of guns. His buddies, Clair and Louis help him. This is more than a murder-mystery, as you are also shown relationships between husband and wife; father and young daughter; and what cybercrime looks like. It is very well told, and it is a hard book to put down. I enjoyed it. The ending may surprise you, as this is a true whodunit.
– Bob K.
– Bob K.
December 16, 2016
(3) This book is edgy from about page 5 until about 5 from the finish. It gets a little dark at times as well, but it really hums. Somehow, Boyle is able to give us a whole ensemble of terrific characters. Big parts, small parts, they all are memorable. That is the real strength of this book, as the plot gets a little out of whack and all over the place several times. The big cast brings it all back together. It is hard to put down. I sure won't say it is a fun read because so much of what goes on isn't fun, but it is a keeper.
June 21, 2020
Gerry Boyle, in the guise of Jack Morrow, holds up to the light some of the most unpleasant aspects of today's society no holds barred. It's not all dark, but the main theme is the dark rot that has invaded lives and one man working to keep it out in the open where it dies in the sunlight. Well written and presented.
Michael A. Smith really knows how to differentiate characters and infuse emotions into his narrations.
Michael A. Smith really knows how to differentiate characters and infuse emotions into his narrations.
June 12, 2019
Once again Gerry Boyle's Jack McMorrow kept my attention from page 1 to the end. In this series entry (#11) Jack and his buddy Clair have added Louis, a traumatized veteran who first appeared in the previous book. Jack is a crime reporter living in rural Maine where he finds all kinds of trouble as he hunts for material for his latest stories. This title included searches into gun sales and a Mennonite community. If you enjoy books in the mystery genre I urge you to give Gerry Boyle a try.
January 26, 2020
”Guy making the rounds looking at handguns. Has connections to New York and is carrying a loaded glock. Decides somebody’s following him, so he lures them into the woods and then blocks the road so they can’t get out. What Kind of reporter is that?”
“Thorough?” I said.
Jack McMorrow rambles across Waldo County, but Straw Man adds pressure from new angles. I always appreciate a Gerry Boyle mystery, and this was I exception.
“Thorough?” I said.
Jack McMorrow rambles across Waldo County, but Straw Man adds pressure from new angles. I always appreciate a Gerry Boyle mystery, and this was I exception.
June 5, 2022
This book was not bad, but it was not great. The nmain character is Jack McMorrowand he is a report who writes on spec. He lives in a small town of Prosperity, Maine. He and two friends who are war heros trained in extreme self defense. They get envolved with a family of thugs who are trying to steal wood of a plot of land they are logging for an old lady who needs the money to take care of her husband. This leads to discovering gun running and drug running.
May 3, 2020
Having quarantined a month in Maine in our camper, I must say I haven't met the deadbeat Mainers from all of Gerry Boyle's books. I did like this caste of characters, always love Clair and happy to have Lewis back! I must agree that Jack would be a tough person to be married to. I think my favorite line in the book was the last, I laughed out loud.
July 16, 2024
McMorrow is on top of several stories: Mennonite community, gun running, and drugs. While he deals with the stories and the research, he also has angered his wife who objects to his penchant for violence that is until violence enters her life and threatens he daughter.
January 9, 2020
Disappointed. A testament to self-righteous violence, with the voices of pacifism either naive religionists or cowardly elitists. And the occasional "Oh, it changes you" ring hollow.
May 24, 2020
Backwoods of Maine, illegal sale of guns and murder round out another good plot from the author, enjoyable to the last page.
Given audio for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
Given audio for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
September 12, 2025
True to form, great read. Truly entertaining.
December 29, 2020
It’s tough when they start out real good but each one is better than the last.
December 14, 2016
I received an uncorrected proof of this novel and had placed it in my to-read pile months ago. I pulled it out as I was looking for a good thriller. And I'm glad I did.
This is #11 in the Jack McMorrow series but my first. The theme of blackmarket guns, cyberbullying, and culture clashes between old and new felt incredibly relevant considering the current political environment.
Jack is a no nonsense kinda guy, he fights for the underdog. When Jack and his friends confront land poachers and are forced to take violent actions to inform said poachers that they need to leave, Jack could not have anticipated how this event would come back to haunt his family. Jack's a reporter working on two stories, one about the Mennonites and another and about private gun sales in Maine. Soon these two stories would intersect and take Jack to a place where violence is the only option.
Mr. Boyle creates Jack's world so vividly, I felt I was in the darkened woods listening for someone who shouldn't be there. You felt the strain the situation had on Jack's wife and daughter and the loyalty between Jack and his friends. These are the friends I'd love to have, protecting me from bumps in the night. Mr. Boyle keeps the tension high and provides a solid story resolution.
This is #11 in the Jack McMorrow series but my first. The theme of blackmarket guns, cyberbullying, and culture clashes between old and new felt incredibly relevant considering the current political environment.
Jack is a no nonsense kinda guy, he fights for the underdog. When Jack and his friends confront land poachers and are forced to take violent actions to inform said poachers that they need to leave, Jack could not have anticipated how this event would come back to haunt his family. Jack's a reporter working on two stories, one about the Mennonites and another and about private gun sales in Maine. Soon these two stories would intersect and take Jack to a place where violence is the only option.
Mr. Boyle creates Jack's world so vividly, I felt I was in the darkened woods listening for someone who shouldn't be there. You felt the strain the situation had on Jack's wife and daughter and the loyalty between Jack and his friends. These are the friends I'd love to have, protecting me from bumps in the night. Mr. Boyle keeps the tension high and provides a solid story resolution.
December 10, 2016
Gerry Boyle's Jack Mcmorrow series never disappoints the reader! Straw Man is his newest novel. I bought it when it was released and have been milking it. I'm reading it agin, I know I missed some details (like watching a great movie the second time!) If I didn't, it'd be done in 2 days. Between buying guns at the back door, thieving woodcutters, a young Menonite man and all that links them all together....you'll not be disappointed. It always amazes me how Boyle can weave together so many events and folks with different backgrounds and values, into a tale that holds your interest, chapter to chapter, always leaving me waiting for the next installment in McMorrow's life. There's a lot of choices Jack has to make in 'Straw Man'. His job as a writer not only brings together current events, it tests the boundaries of family relationships, and the dangers that both he and Roxanne deal with because of them.I highly recommend it. If you've never read a McMorrow novel, begin at the beginning , "Deadline". You WON'T be disappointed!
August 18, 2016
Because its themes are so timely (gun running, sexual predation, extents to which you'd go to protect your family, losing common ground in a marriage, false prophets and profits), I liked this recent addition to the McMorrow books.
Boyle does capture Maine well, its scabs and beauties, its hardscrabble base, even amid wealth. I thought a lot about the responsibilities of journalists, the dearth of incisive thinking and writing in this horrific 2016 election season, the "belly up" attitude of so many. Mennonite or Afghani or Iranian or Mexican or Muslim or black or white or chartreuse - here, too, the "discussion" is often fraught with fear and ignorance.
But...if you and yours were clearly threatened, would you buy a gun?
Boyle does capture Maine well, its scabs and beauties, its hardscrabble base, even amid wealth. I thought a lot about the responsibilities of journalists, the dearth of incisive thinking and writing in this horrific 2016 election season, the "belly up" attitude of so many. Mennonite or Afghani or Iranian or Mexican or Muslim or black or white or chartreuse - here, too, the "discussion" is often fraught with fear and ignorance.
But...if you and yours were clearly threatened, would you buy a gun?
July 26, 2016
In Straw Man the storytelling is superb, the pacing taut and the emotions elicited by events very real. Several times found myself reacting along with Jack as these outlaws threatened his family's peaceful life and that of his friends. The right to arms and to protect oneself is deeply entrenched in the American psyche, and in the light of recent shootings in the U.S. Straw Man gives one some food for thought in that area.
Full review here: http://wp.me/p60sTD-Fw
Full review here: http://wp.me/p60sTD-Fw
October 24, 2016
The unbelievable thing for me in this novel was the willingness of all of McMorow's informants to speak to him. The main characters and plot were interesting and well-designed, and the writing was occasionally inspired. I did guess the ending, though, which is possibly a bad sign, as I never get them in other mystery stories.
Read
June 11, 2016Excellent writing as usual, but very dark from page one.
August 8, 2016
This is a new author for me. Lots of action, good strong characters and fast paced. I didn't want to put it down. The end will shock the heck out of you. I won this book from Goodreads.
Read
January 8, 2017Fun. A page turner. I like his characters and story
Ine
Ine
October 28, 2017
This is the 11th in Gerry Boyle's series of reporter Jack McMorrow and Maine. It's the fifth book I've read, and the first one I've read out of order.
I love mystery series where the protagonist shows some growth and development throughout the series. Bonus points awarded when the setting (in this case western Maine) is a critical component -- and in fact, is another character of the story. Thus, Boyle's Jack McMorrow in Maine, joins John Lescroart's Dismas Hardy in San Francisco, Lawrence Block's Matthew Scudder in NYC, and Michael Connelly's Harry Bosch in LA as favorites that are hard to pass by.
Throughout the McMorrow series, I've wondered if Jack and Roxanne's relationship would grow and which part of Maine they'd end up living -- Portland? Prosperity? (Spoiler alert: they do and it's not Portland.)
This was the toughest in the series for me with regard to Jack and Roxanne. All of a sudden, they take on the challenges of real-life couples. Their relationship is tested as their individual values around violence, loyalty, and family protection conflict. Roxanne is working with an attractive single father to develop a school-based program emphasizing nonviolence. At the same time, Jack finds himself responding to violent threats against his family while coming to terms with Roxanne's relationship with the single dad.
There are also cultural conflicts: around the culture of open gun sales in Maine and the cultural blending of Old Order Mennonites into rural Maine. Jack is thrust into the middle of all of this while, as always, under the wise guidance of his friend Clair.
A more complex story than the previous McMorrow books, but one worth the time.
I love mystery series where the protagonist shows some growth and development throughout the series. Bonus points awarded when the setting (in this case western Maine) is a critical component -- and in fact, is another character of the story. Thus, Boyle's Jack McMorrow in Maine, joins John Lescroart's Dismas Hardy in San Francisco, Lawrence Block's Matthew Scudder in NYC, and Michael Connelly's Harry Bosch in LA as favorites that are hard to pass by.
Throughout the McMorrow series, I've wondered if Jack and Roxanne's relationship would grow and which part of Maine they'd end up living -- Portland? Prosperity? (Spoiler alert: they do and it's not Portland.)
This was the toughest in the series for me with regard to Jack and Roxanne. All of a sudden, they take on the challenges of real-life couples. Their relationship is tested as their individual values around violence, loyalty, and family protection conflict. Roxanne is working with an attractive single father to develop a school-based program emphasizing nonviolence. At the same time, Jack finds himself responding to violent threats against his family while coming to terms with Roxanne's relationship with the single dad.
There are also cultural conflicts: around the culture of open gun sales in Maine and the cultural blending of Old Order Mennonites into rural Maine. Jack is thrust into the middle of all of this while, as always, under the wise guidance of his friend Clair.
A more complex story than the previous McMorrow books, but one worth the time.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews