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Jim and Kram #1
Mink Island
Looking for a Great Mystery that is Laugh-Out-Loud-Funny? You should get this book now!Imagine living on a remote island, only accessible by boat or floatplane. What if you were stuck on that island with a killer at large, surrounded by a horde of outrageously loony inhabitants?Jim Wekle's first day as a trooper on an island in Alaska could have gone better. It was raining, the coffee was bad, and within hours of stepping off the seaplane, he found a bikini-clad girl floating in a kelp bed. As Jim investigates who might have put the bullet in her back, he stumbles across a uniquely diverse and extraordinarily hilarious batch of island inhabitants. Puffing on his imported cigars, Jim soon learns that no one on the island is more unique, diverse, or hilarious than his unlikely counterpart; a man simply known as Kram.
"Mink Island" is Book 1 of the Jim and Kram funny mystery series. You should also check out the brand new "Tsunami Warning" now. Jim and Kram's adventure continues.
Reader's Comments
"TOTALLY FUNNY!!!!"
"Mink Island moves at a break-neck pace, with true Alaskan scenery, wildlife, and interesting inhabitants at every turn."
"Float planes, barges, bears, and even flying salmon - I absolutely love it!"
"It's a classic whodunit but with the most hilarious batch of characters!"
"I really did Laugh-Out-Loud!"
Scroll up and instantly get your copy today.
"Mink Island" is Book 1 of the Jim and Kram funny mystery series. You should also check out the brand new "Tsunami Warning" now. Jim and Kram's adventure continues.
Reader's Comments
"TOTALLY FUNNY!!!!"
"Mink Island moves at a break-neck pace, with true Alaskan scenery, wildlife, and interesting inhabitants at every turn."
"Float planes, barges, bears, and even flying salmon - I absolutely love it!"
"It's a classic whodunit but with the most hilarious batch of characters!"
"I really did Laugh-Out-Loud!"
Scroll up and instantly get your copy today.
404 pages, Paperback
First published June 28, 2014
103 people are currently reading
65 people want to read
About the author
Brent Purvis
8 books13 followersBrent Purvis resides in Colville, WA with his wife and two kids. In addition to writing humorous mystery novels, Brent is a music teacher and regular performer of jazz and blues as a trombonist and keyboardist. Teaching music for nearly two decades has allowed Brent to live in some of the most beautiful places in the Northwest, as well as meet some of the most amazing characters along the way.
Growing up in Ketchikan, Alaska gave Brent a unique experience with life in the Last Frontier. After high school, his musical pursuits sent him south as he majored in music education at the University of Idaho. Upon receiving his degree, Brent landed a teaching stint on Whidbey Island, where he met his wife and started his family. They moved to Sitka, Alaska before settling in beautiful Northeast Washington.
Growing up in Ketchikan, Alaska gave Brent a unique experience with life in the Last Frontier. After high school, his musical pursuits sent him south as he majored in music education at the University of Idaho. Upon receiving his degree, Brent landed a teaching stint on Whidbey Island, where he met his wife and started his family. They moved to Sitka, Alaska before settling in beautiful Northeast Washington.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
August 31, 2017
It pains me to only give this novel four stars because it was headed for five stars 80 per cent in.
So what happened? In my own humble opinion, it's a very difficult tightrope to walk when you mix mystery and comedy.
I would say that, wouldn't I? This is because I sometimes try to write the same type of novels.
I have to say I marvelled at Brent Purvis's comical flourishes for most of the novel, and I loved the quirkiness he brought to the story. But sadly, the zany comedy was replaced near the end by the kind of clichéd resolution I'm sure I saw in a hundred TV shows and bad movies in the 1970s.
Is that a reason to trash the book? Not at all. I find it instructional as a writer. Perhaps we have to more carefully consider the depth of the mystery? We can't all be Carl Hiassen but that's no reason to stop trying to scale those heights.
As a reader, I have to accept that some folks probably enjoy an ending like that. Just not me. But I'll certainly try the next in the series seeing as I found the bulk of the novel to be so entertaining.
So what happened? In my own humble opinion, it's a very difficult tightrope to walk when you mix mystery and comedy.
I would say that, wouldn't I? This is because I sometimes try to write the same type of novels.
I have to say I marvelled at Brent Purvis's comical flourishes for most of the novel, and I loved the quirkiness he brought to the story. But sadly, the zany comedy was replaced near the end by the kind of clichéd resolution I'm sure I saw in a hundred TV shows and bad movies in the 1970s.
Is that a reason to trash the book? Not at all. I find it instructional as a writer. Perhaps we have to more carefully consider the depth of the mystery? We can't all be Carl Hiassen but that's no reason to stop trying to scale those heights.
As a reader, I have to accept that some folks probably enjoy an ending like that. Just not me. But I'll certainly try the next in the series seeing as I found the bulk of the novel to be so entertaining.
January 11, 2021
A thoroughly enjoyable read with an entertaining, quirky cast of characters and an end I didn't see coming. I am looking forward to more Jim and Kram adventures.
July 17, 2014
I love this book! It's a mystery and a comedy in one... I laughed out loud many times! The characters stay with you long after you read. I highly recommend this book!
June 15, 2017
"A mystery that plays in the south-eastern shores of Alaska? How much better can life get? " That's what I thought when I first found this book... and I was in for a huge disappointment.
The story line was promising, the characters had all the potential I could wish for but in the end I had to really push myself to finish it. Somehow I became fascinated by it's bad writing and the predictability of the entire storyline. I guess what kept me going was that every once in awhile a great little side story came up - like the one with the mink(s).
Purvis describes the island and its quirky inhabitants perfectly. But that's where my fun stopped. The Author kept repeating things over and over all through the book like he wanted to make sure that we understand what the characters are doing.
I had the feeling that he was going after the amusing style of Florida mysteries like Hiaasen and Dorsey. He had great ideas but the execution just did not work.
There were many typos - maybe because it was the Kindle edition.
.
The story line was promising, the characters had all the potential I could wish for but in the end I had to really push myself to finish it. Somehow I became fascinated by it's bad writing and the predictability of the entire storyline. I guess what kept me going was that every once in awhile a great little side story came up - like the one with the mink(s).
Purvis describes the island and its quirky inhabitants perfectly. But that's where my fun stopped. The Author kept repeating things over and over all through the book like he wanted to make sure that we understand what the characters are doing.
I had the feeling that he was going after the amusing style of Florida mysteries like Hiaasen and Dorsey. He had great ideas but the execution just did not work.
There were many typos - maybe because it was the Kindle edition.
.
September 16, 2017
Another Good and Wacky Mystery
Alaska State Trooper Lieutenant Jim Wekle is assigned to Prince of Wales Island and is immediately confronted with the murder of a young girl, found floating in the ocean and wearing a bikini. He winds up living in a yurt on a small island, surrounded by minks, one named Oscar, who becomes his pet. A host of wacky characters are found on the island, and Jim uncovers a drug problem as he tries to solve the murder and other crimes. Smelly fish, slingshot, a cannon, sail boats, a love interest, an old rock band, and many other things become part of the story.
I especially enjoy murder mysteries that have humor and very different characters, and this one has all of this as well as a very interesting plot. If this genre appeals to you, I think you'll also enjoy this book.
Alaska State Trooper Lieutenant Jim Wekle is assigned to Prince of Wales Island and is immediately confronted with the murder of a young girl, found floating in the ocean and wearing a bikini. He winds up living in a yurt on a small island, surrounded by minks, one named Oscar, who becomes his pet. A host of wacky characters are found on the island, and Jim uncovers a drug problem as he tries to solve the murder and other crimes. Smelly fish, slingshot, a cannon, sail boats, a love interest, an old rock band, and many other things become part of the story.
I especially enjoy murder mysteries that have humor and very different characters, and this one has all of this as well as a very interesting plot. If this genre appeals to you, I think you'll also enjoy this book.
August 17, 2018
Great read, laugh out loud funny
Although this book was packed with what might seem totally fictitious incidents, anyone from small town Southeast Alaska knows stuff just like this could and does go on. Great job Brent! You painted pictures with your words and got full belly laughs out of me! The most entertaining read I've had in a long time! Now I'm on to book 2.
Although this book was packed with what might seem totally fictitious incidents, anyone from small town Southeast Alaska knows stuff just like this could and does go on. Great job Brent! You painted pictures with your words and got full belly laughs out of me! The most entertaining read I've had in a long time! Now I'm on to book 2.
June 20, 2021
An Alaska Carl Hiassen
Off the chart imagination and images, and the author makes the southern Alaskan islands come alive. The characters are bizarre but barely believable. What a pleasure . . .
Off the chart imagination and images, and the author makes the southern Alaskan islands come alive. The characters are bizarre but barely believable. What a pleasure . . .
May 24, 2017
Amusing cast of oddballs
Light and entertaining murder and mayhem which does not unduly overtax one's patience or little grey cells.
Good poolside read, IMHO.
Light and entertaining murder and mayhem which does not unduly overtax one's patience or little grey cells.
Good poolside read, IMHO.
June 20, 2017
Excellent
Well written! Amusing and thoughtful. Expected the usual empty plot but was pleased with the twists and turns. Great read!
Well written! Amusing and thoughtful. Expected the usual empty plot but was pleased with the twists and turns. Great read!
June 24, 2017
Not very funny
Described as a comedy but it was just odd. Story was slow and lacked much of a plot, seemed to be just a setup for future books.
Described as a comedy but it was just odd. Story was slow and lacked much of a plot, seemed to be just a setup for future books.
July 3, 2017
Light and funny. Not always believable. A great way to celebrate a trip to Alaska. I am proud to be a Creighton Bluejay.
July 7, 2017
Hilariously Funny.
Quirkiness personified. Loved the time I spent reading this book and can't wait to get started on the second. Definitely makes me want to visit Alaska again.
Quirkiness personified. Loved the time I spent reading this book and can't wait to get started on the second. Definitely makes me want to visit Alaska again.
August 2, 2017
Good story
This was the first book I have read from this author and it was very entertaining and had a cast of good characters!
This was the first book I have read from this author and it was very entertaining and had a cast of good characters!
September 21, 2017
Author from Colville, WA. The book had its moments and brought out a few chuckles. Have read better writing, but if you don't expect Hemingway you can enjoy this book.
January 12, 2018
Second time
Second time thru the series. It gets better. As you get to know the characters there is one in particular that gets better. HOT DAMN
Second time thru the series. It gets better. As you get to know the characters there is one in particular that gets better. HOT DAMN
February 28, 2018
Mystery and humor
A bit of a juggling act but the author managed to pull it off with only a few spots where the story dragged. Overall an enjoyable book that you shouldn't take seriously. Just enjoy it and if it sometimes reads like TV comedy...go with it.
A bit of a juggling act but the author managed to pull it off with only a few spots where the story dragged. Overall an enjoyable book that you shouldn't take seriously. Just enjoy it and if it sometimes reads like TV comedy...go with it.
May 12, 2018
Hilarious. Captures the spirit of southeast perfectly.
October 2, 2018
A good enjoyable book, look forward to the next.
October 9, 2018
Enjoyable!
I'll be reading the rest of the series! Fun and quirky but fairly realistic story line. I liked it a lot
I'll be reading the rest of the series! Fun and quirky but fairly realistic story line. I liked it a lot
May 11, 2019
Mink Island
Another laugh out loud adventure! Good mystery and a host of interesting and funny characters. Alaska is an interesting place.
Another laugh out loud adventure! Good mystery and a host of interesting and funny characters. Alaska is an interesting place.
August 14, 2021
Mystery with odd group of characters
October 14, 2021
Very funny
March 26, 2022
Fun and interesting town! Great characters that keep the story fun and the mysteries confusing. The best part was laughing out loud!
January 2, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. Fun characters and a great twist.
June 12, 2025
Fun read
Really enjoyed this book. Crazy and interesting characters. Don't want to give it away but enjoyed the ending. Fun side story about an RV.
Really enjoyed this book. Crazy and interesting characters. Don't want to give it away but enjoyed the ending. Fun side story about an RV.
January 16, 2021
Excellent series. Very Funny and light reading. This series is not like chewing on a steak but rather like eating a light salad. Just a Funny and enjoyable read.
February 27, 2017
Extremely Enjoyable!
Just loved this story and characters. Jim the Alaskan state trooper sent to a island posting and Kram his new found landlord and friend is an absolute hoot. Yes it's a murder mystery but the laughs just kept coming! Already purchased the second book in the series. If you like a light hearted easy to read story for a break from the normal blood and guts mystery, give this book a read! I would have given it 5 stars but there are many typographical errors.
Just loved this story and characters. Jim the Alaskan state trooper sent to a island posting and Kram his new found landlord and friend is an absolute hoot. Yes it's a murder mystery but the laughs just kept coming! Already purchased the second book in the series. If you like a light hearted easy to read story for a break from the normal blood and guts mystery, give this book a read! I would have given it 5 stars but there are many typographical errors.
November 20, 2019
A fun and funny whodunit story about an Alaskan state trooper who gets exiled to the small out of the way town of Craig on Prince Wales Island in South East Alaska. In the vein of Carl Hiassen but with less enviro-centrism, this story has a wide selection of odd-ball characters, people trying to get drugs, people trying to hide drugs, people on vacation, and a couple of dead bodies that our newly arrived state trooper has to deal with.
I found it to be a very enjoyable, quick read.
Though I did have a few spoilery nits to pick about the ending...
I found it to be a very enjoyable, quick read.
Though I did have a few spoilery nits to pick about the ending...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews