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Burr Lafayette Mystery #1
The Pink Pony
In Charles Cutter’s debut novel, The Pink Pony, sailors finishing a well-known race from Port Huron to Mackinac Island celebrate at the local bar, The Pink Pony. Following a night of raucous drinking, one of the skippers sits upright in a chair by the bar with a string of Christmas tree lights wrapped around his neck. He is murdered. Burr Lafayette, disposed head of litigation of a Detroit law firm and reluctant litigator, was at the Pink Pony that night and is drawn into investigating and defending the accused.This novel has action, clever dialog, interesting characters and a killer plot. It takes place on Michigan’s gem of an island, which the author describes as the investigation takes place.
379 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 4, 2015
377 people are currently reading
589 people want to read
About the author
Charles Cutter
4 books63 followersCharles Cutter is the author of the highly acclaimed Burr Lafayette legal thriller series, screenplays and short stories.
He is a cum laude graduate of the University of Michigan Law School.
Formerly a practicing attorney, Mr. Cutter has been in the media business for the past thirty years.
He lives with his wife, two dogs and four cats in East Lansing. He has a leaky sailboat in Harbor Springs and a leakier duck boat on Saginaw Bay.
He is at work on his next Burr Lafayette mystery.
For additional information, please go to www.CharlesCutter.com
He is a cum laude graduate of the University of Michigan Law School.
Formerly a practicing attorney, Mr. Cutter has been in the media business for the past thirty years.
He lives with his wife, two dogs and four cats in East Lansing. He has a leaky sailboat in Harbor Springs and a leakier duck boat on Saginaw Bay.
He is at work on his next Burr Lafayette mystery.
For additional information, please go to www.CharlesCutter.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
November 11, 2019
A charming story about a murder on Mackinac Island, Michigan. If you have never been to Mackinac it is a historic Island located in the Straits of Mackinac between Lake Huron and Lack Michigan. It is an island that does not allow cars. If you have seen the movie "Somewhere it Time" with Christopher Reeves, you have seen the island, as the movie was filmed there. The story line points out many of the interesting places and features of the island. The Pink Pony is a bar located in one of Mackinaw's oldest buildings. This is a charming story, well told, with a detective sense of style. There is plenty of intrigue, as well as, a very human protagonist. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good mystery. A great summer read, or one read in just a few sittings in front of a nice fire.
September 3, 2020
The Pink Pony is a favorite bar of many and the morning after the famed Port Huron-Mackinac sailboat race, poor Jimmy Lyons is found strangled to death there. Mackinac Island has never before had a murder and it's all anyone can talk about. Burr Lafayette is vacationing on the island after participating in the sailboat race, and in no time at all he is pressured to take on the defendant despite never been involved in a murder trial. Burr is an excellent litigator, despite having a problem hanging on to money (especially after his divorce); without any other cash prospects he agrees to try and clear Murdo of murder charges. The first step is trying to find other suspects (of which their is no shortage as Jimmy owed everyone money) but he's having a damned hard time getting any evidence. His loyal dog Zeke, his two dependable co-workers, and a lot gin martinis are needed if he's going to turn from litigator to lawyer - but what if Murdo did do it? Filled with island life, boating, booze, regional food, and a cast of quirky characters - this is a book readers won't soon forget. Lots of twists and turns will leave readers puzzling over the case themselves. An excellent start to a new mystery series!
August 8, 2022
This new mystery series is set on the historic Mackinac Island. It is famous for its fudge and the fact that there are no cars on the island - only bicycles and horse-drawn carriages. However, that doesn't stop someone from killing Jimmy Lyons, and the answer might surprise you.
Burr Lafayette is on vacation but is roped into helping his aunt's friend's son stay out of jail for supposedly killing someone. The evidence is sparse, yet the D.A. decides to prosecute, and the judge lets him. That was just bizarre, but I suppose that is how Burr will unravel the truth while defending his client with assistance from his staff.
I found this an intriguing tale and loved Zeke, the dog. There is also Zeke, the son, but he has a very minor role in this novel. I didn't realize that this book was set in the past but wondered why there were no cell phones or other modern technology. I think I read in another review that it is supposed to be set in the 1980s, which is very possible.
Burr bumbles along in trying to uncover the true murderer since the police don't seem to know what they are doing, and the judge doesn't help when Burr wants to seek out other potential killers. Of course, Burr doesn't even practice criminal law yet decides to stick with it for the money, which he desperately needs since his office was just shut down because of the non-working elevator.
Several scenes cover a sailboat race; you will appreciate the finer details if you understand things like tacking. If not, just enjoy those scenes. The story does flip back and forth in time, which threw me off, but it was flashing back to this race that might have something to do with the murder.
This wasn't a bad first installment in this series (and I assume there will be more to follow). The characters were interesting, and I found myself engaged in the plot, wondering if Murdo did kill Jimmy or if it was someone else. There were just too many possibilities.
We give this book 3 1/2 paws.
Burr Lafayette is on vacation but is roped into helping his aunt's friend's son stay out of jail for supposedly killing someone. The evidence is sparse, yet the D.A. decides to prosecute, and the judge lets him. That was just bizarre, but I suppose that is how Burr will unravel the truth while defending his client with assistance from his staff.
I found this an intriguing tale and loved Zeke, the dog. There is also Zeke, the son, but he has a very minor role in this novel. I didn't realize that this book was set in the past but wondered why there were no cell phones or other modern technology. I think I read in another review that it is supposed to be set in the 1980s, which is very possible.
Burr bumbles along in trying to uncover the true murderer since the police don't seem to know what they are doing, and the judge doesn't help when Burr wants to seek out other potential killers. Of course, Burr doesn't even practice criminal law yet decides to stick with it for the money, which he desperately needs since his office was just shut down because of the non-working elevator.
Several scenes cover a sailboat race; you will appreciate the finer details if you understand things like tacking. If not, just enjoy those scenes. The story does flip back and forth in time, which threw me off, but it was flashing back to this race that might have something to do with the murder.
This wasn't a bad first installment in this series (and I assume there will be more to follow). The characters were interesting, and I found myself engaged in the plot, wondering if Murdo did kill Jimmy or if it was someone else. There were just too many possibilities.
We give this book 3 1/2 paws.
July 16, 2021
An interesting cozy mystery that takes place on Mackinaw Island.
December 28, 2021
As a practicing attorney I find reading 60+ pages of trial testimony tedious. The same devices are used in his other books: Gee they asked me to represent the defendant in a murder trial. But I’m not a criminal lawyer. Hey I really need money so I’ll do it. I hope he called his malpractice carrier.
Maybe the author is writing to create the next Perry Mason character and get a movie or television deal.
Non lawyers might not have issues with my observations.
Maybe the author is writing to create the next Perry Mason character and get a movie or television deal.
Non lawyers might not have issues with my observations.
June 29, 2022
3.5 stars. While the story was entertaining and a good little mystery, I just could not rate it higher due to the way that the dialogue was written. There were times when it was very difficult to determine who was speaking and two lines of dialogue were back to back from the same speaker, separated line to line, without a speaker definition, if that makes sense. I had to reread several passages of dialogue to figure out what was happening.
June 6, 2021
Enjoyed the court room banter and really liked the local flare of Mackinac Island and the various places mentioned. Heading to the island soon so wanted a novel to read before our visit! Hope to read some of author’s others books.
August 23, 2015
Really an interesting read. It needs a little proof reading.
October 25, 2020
Entertaining a little local fun read
January 17, 2021
Fun read, nice location, interesting story. Liked the characters, liked the pace, good writing.Dialog was amusing, and I flew through the book!
April 1, 2021
This was an excellent novel. I particularly enjoyed the courtroom scenes. Well done!
March 12, 2025
Burr Lafayette Mystery Series, Bk 1, EBK-M, Kindle, @ 8/4/2015, Read 3/11/25. Fiction, Mystery, Michigan.
This book was a complete romp for me. Many of the places mentioned in the book are very well known to me, such as Mackinaw Island, Mackinaw City, Harbor Springs, Grosse Pointe Park, Troy, Detroit. A few others I know, but not as well, such as West Bloomfield, and St. Ignacio. The story starts with the Port Huron to Mackinaw Sailboat Race just finishing at Mackinaw Island. The sailors ready to celebrate their wins or their loses take comfort at the Pink Pony, a well-known bar on the Island. The party gets rowdy and one sailor is found dead in the bar the next morning.
Lots of twists and turns, dead ends, and loads of lying witnesses during the trial before the jury decides the fate of the accused. 3☆'s = Good, but that's probably because I know about sailing, about life on the Island, and about so many places mentioned in the story.
This book was a complete romp for me. Many of the places mentioned in the book are very well known to me, such as Mackinaw Island, Mackinaw City, Harbor Springs, Grosse Pointe Park, Troy, Detroit. A few others I know, but not as well, such as West Bloomfield, and St. Ignacio. The story starts with the Port Huron to Mackinaw Sailboat Race just finishing at Mackinaw Island. The sailors ready to celebrate their wins or their loses take comfort at the Pink Pony, a well-known bar on the Island. The party gets rowdy and one sailor is found dead in the bar the next morning.
Lots of twists and turns, dead ends, and loads of lying witnesses during the trial before the jury decides the fate of the accused. 3☆'s = Good, but that's probably because I know about sailing, about life on the Island, and about so many places mentioned in the story.
June 29, 2022
A real who done it......
I really enjoyed this book - there was lots of suspense, I laughed out loud in parts & a real who done it. I have read so many mysteries & watched lots of murder and cop shows; that I make my husband upset when I figure out the murderer before the end of the show. After all these years I no longer let him think I have it figured out but with the 'Pink Pony' by Charles Cutter, the main character Burr Lafayette,who is a lawyer visiting Mackinac Island kinda falls into a crime that he ends up being lead council for the suspected murderer. With many money problems and his dog Zeke
as his side kick, many more unique "friends &family", the suspect list gets ever longer. Clues kept changing and with an unusual to say the least Upper Michigan judge & prosecutor, I was no where near who the real murderer was or why they did it. I basically started the series because it is mostly located at Michigan's beautiful famous Mackinaw Island and also other well known areas in Michigan but will keep on with the series because it is an excellent read. Don't miss out!!!!
I really enjoyed this book - there was lots of suspense, I laughed out loud in parts & a real who done it. I have read so many mysteries & watched lots of murder and cop shows; that I make my husband upset when I figure out the murderer before the end of the show. After all these years I no longer let him think I have it figured out but with the 'Pink Pony' by Charles Cutter, the main character Burr Lafayette,who is a lawyer visiting Mackinac Island kinda falls into a crime that he ends up being lead council for the suspected murderer. With many money problems and his dog Zeke
as his side kick, many more unique "friends &family", the suspect list gets ever longer. Clues kept changing and with an unusual to say the least Upper Michigan judge & prosecutor, I was no where near who the real murderer was or why they did it. I basically started the series because it is mostly located at Michigan's beautiful famous Mackinaw Island and also other well known areas in Michigan but will keep on with the series because it is an excellent read. Don't miss out!!!!
March 27, 2023
I really wanted to love this book. We have a cabin in the UP so very familiar with the locale and love it up there. Just couldn’t get into this book. I have to have a character I at least “like” in a book and did not find one in this book. Really wanted to like Burr but he gave me nothing to like about him. Although I did like his dog Zeke but he was not featured nearly enough.
Basically gave it three stars for setting. Probably should take away one cause they mentioned the world famous fudge and I just happened to have some down in my freezer so had to eat some. Horrible for my diet!
Basically gave it three stars for setting. Probably should take away one cause they mentioned the world famous fudge and I just happened to have some down in my freezer so had to eat some. Horrible for my diet!
May 30, 2025
A Murder at the Pink Pony?
As a fellow Michigander, it's always fun to read about places that are so familiar to me. The plot moves fast with lots of twists and turns with somewhat of a surprise ending. Characters are interesting to say the least and many true to life of the UP personalities. Loved the descriptions of sailing in the annual Bayview Port Huron to Mackinac race- always an exciting time whether you're in Port Huron as they leave or at Mackinac Island as they arrive!
As a fellow Michigander, it's always fun to read about places that are so familiar to me. The plot moves fast with lots of twists and turns with somewhat of a surprise ending. Characters are interesting to say the least and many true to life of the UP personalities. Loved the descriptions of sailing in the annual Bayview Port Huron to Mackinac race- always an exciting time whether you're in Port Huron as they leave or at Mackinac Island as they arrive!
February 3, 2023
Cute local read, has me wanting to spend a weekend up on the island. Overall it is a standard murder mystery story. Some pieces felt awkward, do lawyers just jump in and do things that they are not necessarily trained to do? And the character development was minimal, I didn't really feel like I got to know anyone. Plus all the driving down state and back to the island was a bit much.
April 20, 2024
Part of the charm of reading this novel is that it's set on Mackinac Island, with cameos by East Lansing and Detroit. The author is clearly familiar with these locations.
The story is a courtroom drama, with much of the drama coming from Burr Lafayette's attempts to get information from unwilling witnesses. It becomes a page-turner as the action heats up.
The story is a courtroom drama, with much of the drama coming from Burr Lafayette's attempts to get information from unwilling witnesses. It becomes a page-turner as the action heats up.
May 23, 2025
I’m having a hard time getting through this book. The sailing references are way over my head, the courtroom drama is tedious and the main character is a bumbler. As a Michigander born and raised in East Lansing by a family of relocated Yoopers and a frequent visitor of Mackinac Island I looked forward to reading this. Unfortunately for me, beyond the scenery of the island and my beloved St. Iggy, this novel is just meh for me. Will read to the end because I’m not a quitter but it’s been putting me to sleep.
June 4, 2025
this is not the first review from a cawthorne (see back cover, thanks uncle dennis). but this was so incredibly hard to understand. i really disliked the writing style of this author.
and a cawthorne was also only mentioned once in this book (great job uncle dennis for letting his dog inside the village inn.)
and a cawthorne was also only mentioned once in this book (great job uncle dennis for letting his dog inside the village inn.)
June 29, 2025
Being from Northern Michigan, I know Mackinac Island well. The Pink Pony is a must when visiting the island. It was fun reading about places that I have been and feel like I am part of the story. After reading the Pink Pony, I immediately ordered the rest of the series. I can’t wait to till the next one comes out.
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October 8, 2021I loved the Pink Pony. Living in Michigan my whole life and having traveled to Mackinaw several times as well as the UP it was a very interesting read. Loved not only the humor but the suspense. Good read.
December 7, 2021
As a Michigander, I found this book full of local details in places that I have been many times. Some may enjoy the humor and antics but I got tired of it before the end of the book. If you're wealthy and into sailing, go for it.
August 25, 2022
I never thought I would be interested in a courtroom drama, but I really liked it. I was in The Pink Pony shopping and figured I would give this book a try. The book is entertaining if you have been to Mackinac island because you gave a better understanding of life there.
October 1, 2022
who done it.
That is the question chased throughout this book. There are all kinds of twists and turns in trying to figure out the answer. Story takes place on Mackinac Island, wonderful place to visit if you’ve never been.
That is the question chased throughout this book. There are all kinds of twists and turns in trying to figure out the answer. Story takes place on Mackinac Island, wonderful place to visit if you’ve never been.
June 15, 2023
I liked the book. I was drawn in by the familiarity of the places and boat race. The lawyer lives in the neighborhood I grew up in. I got a kick out of what he was thinking but not saying along the way. As usual, I was a little disappointed in the ending, but it was a surprise.
August 15, 2023
i feel like part of the reason i gave this 3 stars was because it takes place on mackinac island/the U.P. which made me really happy! it was an okay mystery but some of the writing bothered me and i really had to force myself to stay engaged. 🤷🏻♀️
November 4, 2023
Intriguing
I'm from the UP as a transplant, I frequent St. Ignace, I live 26 miles from there, so I was excited to read this mystery, involving a very popular establishment on the Mackinac Island! It does not disappoint! However, I had to keep guessing until the end. Well written!
I'm from the UP as a transplant, I frequent St. Ignace, I live 26 miles from there, so I was excited to read this mystery, involving a very popular establishment on the Mackinac Island! It does not disappoint! However, I had to keep guessing until the end. Well written!
January 8, 2024
This was an entertaining read and I quickly returned to the library to get the second in the series - The Gray Drake. Cutter's words create incredible descriptions of the places and characters in his books. I look forward to picking up the third book in the series.
January 17, 2024
Being a Michigander and familiar with Mackinaw Island made this book quite appealing to me. Not generally a fan of this genre but the dialogue and descriptions kept me interested to see how the murder would be solved.
July 8, 2024
Just one case
I didn't realize the book was going to be one court case. I have watched enough TV to understand how ridiculous the judges rulings were. I didn't find it really interesting and definitely not funny. Think I will stay away from Charles Cutter books.
I didn't realize the book was going to be one court case. I have watched enough TV to understand how ridiculous the judges rulings were. I didn't find it really interesting and definitely not funny. Think I will stay away from Charles Cutter books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews