What do you think?
Rate this book
Nick Steele #2
A Grand Murder
When a body lands on the porch of the legendary Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, news reporter Nick Steele is pulled into a mysterious death at one of America's great summer resorts. Nick tracks the killer from the magical island through the neighborhoods of Bay City and a Flint auto assembly plant, unlocking the truth behind a horrifying secret of the past.
252 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 21, 2015
61 people are currently reading
777 people want to read
About the author
Dave Vizard
8 books71 followersDave is a former award-winning newspaper reporter, editor, and columnist. He also edited a Northern Michigan life style magazine called True North. He is a founding member of the Huron Area Writers Group, and is a licensed Realtor to keep slobbering, drooling wolves away from his door while continuing to write and edit from his home near Lake Huron in the Thumb of Michigan.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
January 27, 2016
A great story about a murder investigation by reporter Nick Steele and his companions from the Blade. When a man falls to his death from an fancy hotel on a Michigan Island he is initially misidentified. Nick carries the story as masterfully develops into investigations into three seemingly unrelated deaths. Well worth the read for the armchair detective. This was a free review copy through Goodreads.com.
August 29, 2017
A Grand Murder
Thank you for the autographed copy from the author through the Goodreads giveaway. This novel is intriguing and very interesting. It is a twisting murder mystery with the theme of seeking revenge. The difference between this novel and others is that the hired killer/assassin is a woman who uses uncommon methods of killing. The Entire story's background is related to Michigan which is very personal to me since I am a native Michigander.
Thank you for the autographed copy from the author through the Goodreads giveaway. This novel is intriguing and very interesting. It is a twisting murder mystery with the theme of seeking revenge. The difference between this novel and others is that the hired killer/assassin is a woman who uses uncommon methods of killing. The Entire story's background is related to Michigan which is very personal to me since I am a native Michigander.
January 14, 2022
An interesting read.
March 9, 2016
I received this book from a Goodreads giveaway.
A Grand Murder initially starts out on the beautiful Mackinac Island and follows Nick Steele, a journalist from Bay City. Nick gets called to Mackinac Island to dig further into a strange death at the Grand Hotel.
This is the second book in the Nick Steele series, and Vizard’s second novel. Even though I haven’t read the first book, A Formula for Murder, I still found this book enjoyable. I am hoping to see a third installment to this series and the way it left off at the end, I’m thinking there will be.
I liked that this was a mystery novel from the journalist’s point of view. I’m so used to reading from the point of view of the investigators, so it was interesting to see what it takes for a journalist to bring a story together.
In the background, Tanya and Nick’s relationship was a constant up and down but I really found myself rooting for them. I wanted Nick’s walls to come down because I felt bad for Tanya sometimes. In the end though, I was satisfied with the way things turned out for them.
Overall, I thought this was a good book and I look forward to going back to read the first in the series. I felt that it could have been a little more fast paced in the beginning, but the end made it worthwhile.
A Grand Murder initially starts out on the beautiful Mackinac Island and follows Nick Steele, a journalist from Bay City. Nick gets called to Mackinac Island to dig further into a strange death at the Grand Hotel.
This is the second book in the Nick Steele series, and Vizard’s second novel. Even though I haven’t read the first book, A Formula for Murder, I still found this book enjoyable. I am hoping to see a third installment to this series and the way it left off at the end, I’m thinking there will be.
I liked that this was a mystery novel from the journalist’s point of view. I’m so used to reading from the point of view of the investigators, so it was interesting to see what it takes for a journalist to bring a story together.
“Chase the smoke, find the fire.”Nick was an upstanding character. He managed to have such a professionally respectful relationship with the Chief of Mackinac Police. I admired that a lot. He was incredibly dedicated to his job and made a great team with Dave and Greta. He really wanted to get to the bottom of things, and save more people from getting hurt. Digging deep into a dark past, a tragedy was uncovered and everything started to make sense for him.
In the background, Tanya and Nick’s relationship was a constant up and down but I really found myself rooting for them. I wanted Nick’s walls to come down because I felt bad for Tanya sometimes. In the end though, I was satisfied with the way things turned out for them.
Overall, I thought this was a good book and I look forward to going back to read the first in the series. I felt that it could have been a little more fast paced in the beginning, but the end made it worthwhile.
“Everything we do that’s worthwhile comes with a risk.”
March 10, 2016
Much better continuity wise for the editing than the first. Its been a bit maybe six months since the last book. A man falls to his death from the balcony at the Grand Hotel and it is believed to be a local man Nick profiled the year before. On arrival with the brother to ID the body, it is not him. Nick gets real interested and uncovers a big story. I like how this one resolved so differently from the other as it fit with the crime involved. Lots of spoiler on the first if you haven't read it and some forward progress with the unresolved bits of that book.
Interesting things promise in the next book if it comes to fruition.
Interesting things promise in the next book if it comes to fruition.
April 16, 2016
I can't help thinking that this story is semi-autobiographical to Mr. Vizard. The protagonist's thought processes and emotions are very clear and show a depth of feeling that are quite intimate. The setting of the Grand Hotel on Michigan's Mackinac Island is well detailed with vivid descriptions. The plot is credible, but I was able to figure things out a little early (probably because I've read so many mysteries.) This is a good read, and I'll look forward to the next book in the series. This book was provided via a giveaway.
July 11, 2016
A great read; especially if you are familiar or want to be familiar with Mackinac Island and/or Michigan. The book mixes real life events with fictional characters in a fictional story. The characters feel like they could be your neighbors; they are well developed and believable. I really enjoyed this story and cannot wait for the third book in this series to be released.
April 2, 2016
Like the characters and a good story. Better editing than the first. Really like the new young girl reporter fresh out of J school. Enjoy the Michigan settings and well described and fitting amount of detail. Will happily read the next
March 6, 2016
I loved this book. I recommend it to anyone that loves a good mystery. Will read more of this author's books in the future.
October 3, 2025
During the recent spotlight session with Dave Vizard, I was struck by the way he explained the story behind A Grand Murder. He spoke with such energy about Mackinac Island, the Grand Hotel, and why he chose the iconic porch as the place where the mystery begins. Hearing him describe the blend of beauty and tragedy in that setting gave me a vivid picture before I even opened the book, and it made the opening scene feel even more powerful.
As I read, I could see how his passion for Michigan shaped every chapter. Nick Steele’s investigation takes us from the elegance of Mackinac Island to the neighborhoods of Bay City and the grit of Flint’s auto plant just as Vizard described in our session. The pacing kept me hooked, but what stayed with me most was how the past and present collide in the final reveal. That “horrifying secret” he hinted at during the spotlight delivered a twist that was both chilling and memorable.
The author’s explanation deepened my appreciation, but the story itself delivered all the suspense and atmosphere I hoped for. This was a compelling read, and I’m excited to continue with the Nick Steele series.
As I read, I could see how his passion for Michigan shaped every chapter. Nick Steele’s investigation takes us from the elegance of Mackinac Island to the neighborhoods of Bay City and the grit of Flint’s auto plant just as Vizard described in our session. The pacing kept me hooked, but what stayed with me most was how the past and present collide in the final reveal. That “horrifying secret” he hinted at during the spotlight delivered a twist that was both chilling and memorable.
The author’s explanation deepened my appreciation, but the story itself delivered all the suspense and atmosphere I hoped for. This was a compelling read, and I’m excited to continue with the Nick Steele series.
October 4, 2025
What I loved most about reading A Grand Murder was how it connected directly to the spotlight session we had with Dave Vizard. He walked us through the origins of the story, and when I opened the book, I immediately saw those details spring to life. The body on the Grand Hotel porch an image he described so passionately became a powerful opening scene that hooked me instantly.
Nick Steele’s role as a journalist brought a refreshing approach to solving the mystery. His persistence and curiosity felt authentic, almost as though he was channeling the same drive Vizard spoke of when describing his craft. The movement between Mackinac Island, Bay City, and Flint wasn’t just geographical it added tension, texture, and realism. The spotlight gave me the framework; the book gave me the thrill.
Nick Steele’s role as a journalist brought a refreshing approach to solving the mystery. His persistence and curiosity felt authentic, almost as though he was channeling the same drive Vizard spoke of when describing his craft. The movement between Mackinac Island, Bay City, and Flint wasn’t just geographical it added tension, texture, and realism. The spotlight gave me the framework; the book gave me the thrill.
October 5, 2025
What impressed me most about A Grand Murder was the way the story balanced setting, suspense, and history. From the opening scene on Mackinac Island to the unfolding events across Bay City and Flint, each place carried a mood that deepened the mystery. The contrasts between elegance, industry, and hidden darkness gave the novel a layered quality that pulled me in.
By the time the truth surfaced, the connection to the past felt haunting and inevitable. The story isn’t just about solving a crime, it’s about uncovering what time tries to bury and how the past continues to echo into the present.
By the time the truth surfaced, the connection to the past felt haunting and inevitable. The story isn’t just about solving a crime, it’s about uncovering what time tries to bury and how the past continues to echo into the present.
July 13, 2020
Another fun read from Vizard! The novel takes place in Michigan and is an interesting story about a supposed accident taking place at the Grand Hotel on Mackinaw Island. Because the person that fell off the hotel's balcony is said to be from Bay City, Nick Steele goes to the island with the man's brother and they find out the body has been misidentified. Nick continues to follow the story because the man supposedly killed has a bad reputation and Nick needs to find out what really happened. Lots of fun characters plus some of the old ones appear in this book as they have in others.
October 6, 2025
A Grand Murder unfolds like a storm brewing beneath calm waters. The beauty of Mackinac Island and the grandeur of the hotel setting contrast brilliantly with the darkness that soon emerges. Each chapter pulls you deeper into a web of secrets that stretch across Michigan, from tranquil resorts to industrial cityscapes.
The story’s greatest strength lies in how the past bleeds into the present, revealing that no secret stays buried forever. The tension, pacing, and atmosphere combine to create a mystery that feels hauntingly real and deeply human.
The story’s greatest strength lies in how the past bleeds into the present, revealing that no secret stays buried forever. The tension, pacing, and atmosphere combine to create a mystery that feels hauntingly real and deeply human.
October 7, 2025
What begins as a mystery grounded in one iconic setting grows into something much larger in A Grand Murder. The story moves through landscapes filled with history and emotion, uncovering how the past can shape everything it touches. The writing feels intimate yet cinematic, full of detail that pulls you into the moment.
When the truth comes to light, it lands not just as a twist but as a reckoning. The novel blends suspense and humanity in a way that feels both thoughtful and haunting.
When the truth comes to light, it lands not just as a twist but as a reckoning. The novel blends suspense and humanity in a way that feels both thoughtful and haunting.
October 7, 2025
What struck me most about A Grand Murder was how human it felt. Beneath the layers of suspense and tension lies a quiet reflection on how time and memory shape us. The settings are beautifully rendered, but it’s the emotional honesty that gives the story its strength.
It’s rare for a mystery to balance intrigue and empathy so well. This one does it effortlessly, leaving you both satisfied and deeply moved.
It’s rare for a mystery to balance intrigue and empathy so well. This one does it effortlessly, leaving you both satisfied and deeply moved.
October 7, 2025
Closing A Grand Murder felt like saying goodbye to a place I had really been. The story’s tension is gripping, but what struck me most was its emotional honesty. It’s a story about how beauty and darkness coexist, and how uncovering the truth can bring both pain and peace.
Long after finishing it, I found myself thinking about its ending and what it really meant. That’s when you know a book has truly done its job.
Long after finishing it, I found myself thinking about its ending and what it really meant. That’s when you know a book has truly done its job.
October 7, 2025
A Grand Murder is more than just a crime story, it’s a journey through the soul of a place and the ghosts of its past. Every page feels steeped in emotion and memory, and the writing carries a quiet kind of poetry.
When the mystery resolves, it’s not just the case that’s closed; it’s a wound that finally finds peace. I loved how deeply it made me feel, not just think.
When the mystery resolves, it’s not just the case that’s closed; it’s a wound that finally finds peace. I loved how deeply it made me feel, not just think.
October 11, 2020
Great thriller
Loved the main character Nick. The book gave insight into newspaper reporting. Too bad the killer got away. Liked the ending and can't wait to see what happens w them next.
Loved the main character Nick. The book gave insight into newspaper reporting. Too bad the killer got away. Liked the ending and can't wait to see what happens w them next.
August 9, 2022
Loved it!
Nice change of pace from my normal murder mysteries. And having visited the Grand Hotel made it so much more fun. I liked the journalist aspect, the risque and little bit of trouble they get into.. Fun read!
Nice change of pace from my normal murder mysteries. And having visited the Grand Hotel made it so much more fun. I liked the journalist aspect, the risque and little bit of trouble they get into.. Fun read!
May 10, 2018
I enjoyed this book. Loved the mystery plot. The best part of this book is the setting. Very local with Bay City references and Mackinaw Island.
May 19, 2019
Vizard
Awesome author, was recommended by a friend. Nice to read something that contains places that are very well known by all Michiganders
Awesome author, was recommended by a friend. Nice to read something that contains places that are very well known by all Michiganders
May 18, 2025
Good plotting and pacing. I wish the writer's female characters were less stereotypical. Will keep reading the series, though.
August 26, 2025
Loved reading about Mackinac Island and Bay City! I love when I can really see where everything is taking place from being in those places.
March 19, 2017
Thanks to Dave Vizard and Goodreads, I was lucky enough to win a copy of this excellent novel. I really like the relentless reporter and investigator Nick Steele. His co-workers Dave and Greta help him solve this murder mystery. The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island is the setting for the murder. I watched the movie Somewhere in Time to see more of the hotel and the island. I just ordered the first Nick Steele novel, A Formula for Murder, and I am hoping there will be more books to come in this series.
March 20, 2016
The second book I finished today. One in hardcover, this on my Kindle. This is the second novel by an old friend of ours. He and my husband used to work together. Dave has done an even better job with this than with his first. Nick Steele is a reporter from Bay City, Michigan. He gets sent to the Mackinac Island's Grand Hotel to cover a murder. A very good mystery, even more fun for us to read since so much takes place on home territory and some of the people's names even ring bells. Hope Dave continues with the Nick Steele stories.
Want to read
March 2, 2022Goodreads win. I never received the book, therefore, no review at this time. I did purchase this one.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews