November's Past

Larry Macklin Mysteries #1

by A.E. Howe

Book #1 from the series: Larry Macklin Mysteries
🎧Listening Length = 5 hours and 58 minutes

Rural Florida investigator Larry Macklin finds an unusual link between two cases — a circle of old high school friends that includes his own father. And when one of them is murdered, Larry’s hunt for the truth grows even more urgent. Can he unravel the mystery before another life is taken?

The job of criminal investigator in a rural Florida county is never easy, but it’s even harder when your father is the sheriff.

When Larry Macklin investigates the murder of a mutilated stranger, the search for the victim’s identity intersects with an arson investigation. The common thread is a small group of people who were in high school together in the ’70s, including Larry’s own father. Before Larry can rule any of them out as the killer, one of them turns up dead.

Why is the murderer targeting this particular group? What past secrets could be worth killing for now? Larry is running out of time and suspects, and his search for the truth may make him the next victim.

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Fiction, Crime, Mystery Thriller, Detective, Procedural

206 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 7, 2016

About the author

A. E. Howe lives and writes on a farm in the wilds of north Florida with his wife, horses and more cats than he can count. He received a degree in English Education from the University of Georgia and is a produced screenwriter and playwright. His first published book was Broken State; the Larry Macklin Mysteries is his first series and he has plans for more. Howe is also the co-host of the "Guns of Hollywood" podcast, part of the Firearms Radio Network. When not writing or podcasting, Howe enjoys riding, competitive shooting and working on the farm.

Reviews

[Tulay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining mystery.

Loved Larry Macklin character and this author's writing style. Grabbed me from the beginning, couldn't put it down. Back in the 70's life was really hard for the certain groups, we came to understand and except them now. Story has a good twists. Can't wait Ivy's veterinarian visit, I'm sure I will be reading the next book.

[Laurie (barksbooks)]

This was my IRL book meeting book choice for Monday's meeting. Not next Monday, the Monday that just passed us by. Oops, I forgot to buy and read it in time and now we're on to the 2nd one! I'll get going on it soon(ish).

[Marleen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Altogether not a bad read, but not an outstanding one either. My main takeaway is that this is a story about grown men with Daddy issues - albeit being a mystery, more or less. Even the protagonist, Deputy Larry Macklin, investigating the case, has issues since he only took this deputy job because he wanted to be close to his father, the sheriff, after the death of his mother.
The plot itself is rather meager, as we learn that innocent people get killed because they might know of a recently disclosed family secret (no spoilers, but again, daddy issue). I wasn’t impressed with that particular motive, I have to say.
Don’t get me wrong, I think deputy Larry Macklin is a very sympathetic young man, who doesn’t know if he’s the right man for the job. He has a good sense of humor and a sense of loyalty and friendship that I appreciate. It was more the depth of the story that was lacking. As a fan of mystery stories, I expected more gravitas. **2,5**

[Linda Strong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Larry Macklin is a criminal investigator in a small rural Florida county. This is not what he wants to do the rest of his life … but his father is the Sheriff. And daddy wants son to follow his footsteps.

The crime in this small town is usually small-time stuff. But then a man is
found brutally murdered. And a couple of blocks away a house is burned to the
ground.

Larry and his partner, Pete, plus another investigator, at first consider this an accidental fire.. but then Larry finds threads that connect the arson to his murdered man. And then more threads lead him to a group of people who used to hang around together some 30 years earlier …. A group that includes Larry’s father.

And then there’s another body. Before the body count gets any bigger, Larry must determine why this group of people are now being targeted. What happened all those years ago? And who is next on the killer’s list?

Larry‘s running out of time but then everyone has secrets.

The book is well written, the characters are finely drawn. I like Larry Macklin .. he has a sense of humor, although it comes across as somewhat sarcastic. He doesn’t like his job particularly, but he hasn’t decided what he wants to be when he grows up. And he loves his daddy.

The suspense is not over the top, but there is enough combined with the mystery to keep the reader turning pages.

Many thanks to A. E. Howe and NetGalley, who provided a digital copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Note to Self: (another kindle unlimited offering not for me)
very simple...father is the sheriff in FL, son investigator under him....series of murders/arson in small community - connection to when his father was young - small rays of humour but written at a very low cognitive level...not motivated to follow series

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Adams County (near Tallahassee) Deputy Sheriff Larry Macklin begins , "November's Past", describing himself as "A crappy detective, no a crappy investigator". Really a weird way to start out a crime thriller novel. Author A.E. Howe's first book in his Larry Macklin series has an odd protagonist to say the least. The sheriff of Adams County is Ted Macklin. Ted is Larry's father. Along with his out of shape and unmotivated partner Pete Henley, the bored Larry seems to be just going through the motions day by day. Late one night on patrol the pair come across the body of Mark Kemper laying in a ditch the victim of a really gruesome murder. Kemper 51, seems to be an enigma to this small town. Larry runs into dead end after dead end researching Kemper's past. However Larry does seem to discover a pattern when he discovers Mark was gay and went to high school in Adams back in the 1970's. A recent 70's class reunion has also seemed to be a clue to Kemper's murder. Sheriff Ted also attended the reunion but doesn't see the pattern starting to arise from the late 70's in Adams County. At time I thought this was a pretty good read. Then at times it really frustrated me. The plot twists thrown in to confuse the reader just didn't work . Also I thought the characters needed more substance. The supporting characters didn't support very much. Ted's great dane "Mauser" and Larry's inept ability to chat up a girl he has a crush on do seem to get annoying in this tale. Overall I gave, "November's Past", three stars out of a possible five stars. Author A.E. Howe has several of these Larry Macklin mysteries. I think I would really like to read another to see if he grows on me.

[Marcia Witherspoon · Rating 4 out of 5]

My kind of crime novel

I enjoyed this book, it got right to the action and jumped right into the investigation without all the descriptive stuff I've been forced to endure trying to get through some of the crime novels I've chosen lately. I liked the characters and the humorous banter between the father and son as well, refreshing. I also like the fact that there was just a hint of romance. I even took a liking to the newly acquired snitch and his surprised role in saving Macklin's life. Would definitely recommend.

[Mariya · Rating 3 out of 5]

+ Well written, ok plot, likable protagonist that have some issues but very self aware, characters have some depth.
- Writing a little bit dry, not enough descriptions. Main character sounds a lot older then he supposed to be.
Female characters: Larry's new girlfriend, two murder suspects that are total "B" words. Two "nice, good" women that metioned in the book are dead.
P.S. I don't like when people say "blah, blah, blah", it's annoying in real life and it's annoying in a book.

[Scott Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good debut

Very good story. Deputy Macklin is a very likable and smart cop. Good mystery, characters are interesting and believable. Bring on book 3!!!

[Elizabeth Edwards · Rating 4 out of 5]

oh my goodness, 11 books in this series, wow wee that is awesome for folks like me who loved this book!! i am a newbie to A.E. Howe, i love me a great mystery! such an amazing group of characters. Mauser steals the show, don't most dogs in books do that??! will read more from this author very very soon. ( :

[Wende · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful start to a series!

[Alexandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 for this one. My first book was February, which I enjoyed more than this one. Whilst not necessarily bad, it feels meh and somewhat incomplete. Yet, I liked it enough to continue with the series. I'm in the mood for some light reading and this feels perfect.

[P. · Rating 3 out of 5]

November started out fine: plain, simple writing, decent main character, ok ensemble, not great but ok. There were a few quirks early that dragged me away from the story as the somewhere in his late 20's hero reminisced about the 60s music etc as if he remembered it and mentions how much easier the internet makes things. Yes it does!!! Now the whole plot build up gave almost no clue as to the bad guy who turned out to one of many shrill, ill-tempered characters that filled this plot, but frankly I just didn't buy the motivation for 3 murders, let alone the couple more planned.

[Krys · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting take on your average police procedural novel. Instead of the main focus being on the murders, there was just as much focus placed on the personal interactions of Deputy Macklin. It was those little "personal" touches that made this novel more engaging to me as a reader.

I loved the supporting characters in this novel as well. In fact, I think my personal favorite was Mauser - Sheriff Macklin's Great Dane. This isn't to say that the other human characters aren't all well developed and bring something to the overall story in their own right - but Mauser not only provided some comic relief in an otherwise serious novel, but he also reminded me so much of my own dogs that I couldn't help but laugh whenever he was "on the scene".

From the banter between the deputies, to Larry's trying to balance a promise to his father with what he really wants out of life (and trying to put his all into something his heart isn't entirely in), to all of the other twists and turns added in, this was an enjoyable way to spend a rainy day.

Overall, I would certainly recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys a well-written thriller. I would definitely read more from this author!

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

[Jess Kissir · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I'm really going to enjoy this series. I like the writing style and I like Larry as a character. I enjoy that he feels obligated to be a detective, thinks he's terrible at it, but ends up that he's catching on. I think this is the start of something good.

[Kimberleigh · Rating 2 out of 5]

I can't put my finger on it, but this book just didn't grab me. I often found my mind wandering as I read. I like this genre and really have no complaints with the writing (minimal errors). It just didn't hold my interest.

[Horace A. Creary · Rating 4 out of 5]

A refreshing thriller

This book peaks and holds the readers interest, keeping you going from page to page. The story constantly creates genuine interest by the reader.

[David Freas · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was not a terrible book, nor was it a stellar one. It was just okay.

But I liked it enough that I want to read more in the series.

[Liz · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars. The mystery was decent but Larry wasn't super likeable.

[Denise Zendel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Larry Macklin is a not-too-enthusiastic, but highly competent deputy sheriff in rural Adams County, Florida. He’s investigating the case of a mutilated stranger and that case intersects with an arson case being handled by his least favorite co-worker. The common thread is a small group of people who went to high school together, including Larry’s father. Things are awkward enough with that, but Larry’s father is also the county sheriff. One of Larry’s witnesses is a cross-dresser who’s willing to be a snitch to keep his lacy panty-wearing a secret, and he tells Larry there are some corrupt cops and deputies involved in dirty dealings. The cases just keep getting more complicated.

The minus: The title of the book - the apostrophe in the title tripped me up. I kept wondering “November’s Past whats?” It just read weird to me. I think Novembers Past plural would make more sense, because of the first case’s connection to the 70s. I see, however, that book 2 in the series is titled “December’s Secrets,” so the naming convention must be on purpose.

The pluses: The title bugged me, but I’m glad I kept reading. Larry is an interesting character. From the get go, he admits he’s a crappy investigator who never really wanted to be in law enforcement, but is doing it out of a sense of obligation to his father. His mother died suddenly and to get his father out of a funk, Larry told his dad if he’d run for sheriff, Larry would go through the academy. His dad won the election, and Larry became a deputy. Turns out, though, that he’s got serious detective skills and a knack for pulling diverse facts together to solve cases. Larry reminds me vaguely of Craig Johnson’s Walt Longmire – laconic, and always doing the next right thing.

The supporting characters, including the sheriff, his Great Dane Mauser, Larry’s lackadaisical partner, and Larry’s rescue cat, Ivy, rounded out the story for me. The dialogue between them rings true. I liked the burgeoning relationship between the vet tech, Cara, who Larry meets when he ends up taking Mauser to the vet because his dad is otherwise engaged. It was fun to watch the hesitancy in the fledgling relationship and see them getting to know each other. Maybe she’ll be his love interest, maybe not, but he’s clearly found a good friend in her.

This was an engaging, enjoyable read for me. I want to spend more time with Larry and the other characters, and see what happens next in his life. I will be keeping up with this series.

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Mystery

This book is a good start to a series of police procedural type mysteries. The book is set in a small town as well. Larry Macklin is a typical cop protagonist with a little edge. He looks into the case, follows the leads and discover who is the killer. Except the guy didn't want to be a cop. He also lives alone, and spends most of his time working. He gets a case that turns out to be a real puzzler. A man is found shot in the back, his face smashed in and his fingers missing. The case is very good, and has a few good twists. The town and characters are akin to small town life and th he main character makes a good detective. He has a life interest that is a vet technician at the local animal hospital. All and All its a good start to a series. The characters where realistic and the mystery was great to figure out.

[Donna Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book to be a quick and enjoyable read. The characters were down to earth with real life struggles, especially the main character Larry Macklin. The police procedures were accurate and plausible but the author didn’t get mired down with intricate details, as a reader I got just enough. The story line was interesting and I found no down time, it flowed well. Howe delves into the personalities of Macklin and his co-workers and the struggles of those in law enforcement as they try to balance a demanding career with their personal lives. Mauser, his father’s dog, provided comic relief that those with big dogs can relate to. I look forward to reading the remaining books in this series and discovering how Macklin evolves professionally and personally and how A.E. Howe evolves as a writer. I try to give self-published author’s a chance and I’m glad I tried this book.

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Clearly I have been reading these completely out of order but have finally managed to get to the first in the series and while I did enjoy it, it is not quite as good as the others. There is a bit more background as you would expect and this makes the story a little slow to start and gives it a slightly clunky feel, detracting from the story slightly. Once you get past this, the rest does begin to flow well and you get hints of how good a story Howe can weave but the need for backstory makes this a little juddery every so often., although this may be more noticeable for me having read later books in the series, I may not have noticed if I'd started with this one. Still a good start to the series and one that would really grab your interest if you read things in the right order.

[Scott Kalas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wood series start

This book kept showing up in my many searches as a suggestion, but for some reason it just didn’t excite me. But when everything else I was checking out was less exciting I figured give it a try. I’m glad I did.

Thus far the characters are real and a good mix personalities. The mystery itself wasn’t a stunner, it became rather clear I guess midway, but to tell the scene may spoil it for someone else. I wish the climactic ending would have been different but I guess without a climatic ending it would have been a yawner ending for others.

Glad to see there are a number of already published books in the series. Unles it does a 180 I’ve got some reading to do.

[BJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Small town secrets

I can't say that this is going to be a binge-worthy series yet. When I read a book, I need to be taken into the setting and the character's lives. This first one in the series didn't quite do that. Yes, there was some detail about the area, but nothing that might bring me to visit the place. Seems like the town is scattered; a section here, another section over there. That, and a few typos, caused me to drop a couple of stars. I did like the overall story, the dog, Mauser, and Larry's cat, so I'll probably read the December book.

[M · Rating 2 out of 5]

“November’s Past” is a Pass



I always look forward to a new-to-me police procedural series. Here’s how book #1 opens: The protagonist (good guy, hero, the main character) tells us he’s “a crappy detective. Oh, sorry, a crappy investigator.” He thinks this whilst looking down an embankment at a murder victim’s body.
That might have been a self-deprecating quip, but he follows this “I hate my job” whinge by jumping to conclusions: it’s a drug killing & big city killers dumped this body in his small town.
Later back at HQ, he noses in on another investigator’s arson case, thinking “Maybe with a little luck I could solve it before him.”

As for the supporting cast:
1. MC’s overweight partner works a side-job at a Waffle House, falls asleep whilst attending a murder scene (because he never gets enough sleep), and eats a huge breakfast every morning for an hour or more, at a nearby restaurant/grill—on county time.
2. Another investigator is a “little shit” who no wants to work with and whose ex-wife moved across country to get away from him.

I sighed but read on to discover that the MC took the police investigator job because his father is the sheriff. More, the MC doesn’t get along with his sheriff-father, who happens to have a 190 lb. Great Dane that misbehaves to the point of being destructive—because it’s never been trained.

So many books to read and so little time! I declare this book DNF. Onto the next book on my To Read List.

2 Stars because the author had a decent editor.

[Tonya Hyche · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great mystery

I had not previously read a book by this author i just say, however, I am impressed. This is a great mystery with relatable characters. Lately I have read books "advertised" as mysteries only to unfortunately discover the plot is so outlandish it is unbelievable. Thankfully that is not the case with this story. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. No graphic series so I will recommend for ages approximately 15+

[Sean Flanagan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well written and cleverly plotted, it delivers an unanticipated double punch to the gut at the denouement.

Perhaps the intuitive leap is not as persuasive as the author intended, nevertheless the results are both compelling and satisfying. Howe keeps Macklin disinterested yet enhaged; reluctant yet relentless; and highly successful—though seemingly accidentally on occasion. A very good read!

[BrkrDave · Rating 1 out of 5]

The best part of the book was attention given to Larry Macklin's personality and his strengths and weaknesses. The rest was mediocre to poor, mostly poor. The plot was weak with too many situational outcomes far from real life. Other than Macklin, almost all of of the characters were stick characters. This is not a series I will continue. If it wasn't a short book, I may never have finished it.