Reaper

West Baden Murders #1

by Patrick J. O'Brian

Firefighter Paul Clouse is the prime suspect when his wife of six years is brutally murdered on Halloween night. Working to restore the West Baden Springs Hotel as a side job, Clouse soon learns that his friends and the historic hotel are targeted by a murderer disguised as the grim reaper. Investigated persistently by two detectives, he finds few allies at work or home, because an impending divorce from his murdered wife is motive in their eyes.As the body count rises, more evidence points to Clouse, who always seems one step behind the killer. Only a few loyal friends help him seek the truth, knowing all too well the danger that lies ahead. The horrific discovery that the murderer may be someone he already knows sends Clouse on a desperate search to uncover the killer's identity and motive before everyone he knows is targeted.

330 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 3, 2002

About the author

Patrick J. O'Brian is a firefighter and author from Northeastern Indiana, born in upstate New York. He writes arson mysteries, suspense thrillers, and horror novels.

His true love, and a subject in nearly half of his books, is the West Baden Springs Hotel located in Indiana's Orange County.

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who likes crime books and mystery, I personally enjoyed it. It kept me guessing throughout the story and I respect that in a book.

[Nicole Brinkmann]

This author would benefit from working with an editor.

[Ellen Mize · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had an interest in this book since I live in Southern Indiana. I wanted to read the series, but I don't think I'll continue. 1. It probably isn't necessary to mention Bloomington or southern Indiana quite so frequently. I get the location. 2. The murders are violent and numerous and gratuitous. 3. The storyline just doesn't track well since the main character could not have committed the murders.

I just didn't think it was well written, and the motives and identities of the murderer(s) didn't seem to follow their characterization.

[Nicole Mervar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book took me almost a year to read. For me, it was a slow start. When I finally picked it back up, I couldn't put it down. It is filled with red herrings, but I was able to determine who the killer was before Detective Daniels and Clouse did.

If you like mystery and murder stories, then pickup this book and give it a shot.

I can't wait to read Book 2.

[Charles Kelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this up at the resort gift shop that this series is set in. I knew nothing of the plot or the author, and I quickly found myself immersed in the story. As the reader, you pick up a very clear sense of the author's love for the setting. If you've never read anything by Patrick J. O'Brian, then do yourself a favor and start with this one. If you've never been to the West Baden Springs Resort in French Lick, Indiana, then I highly recommend that as well!