What do you think?
Rate this book
Edwin Burrows Mysteries #1
Alibi Aficionado
Edwin Burrows, CPA, can’t do anything right. Not marriage, not office etiquette, not saving his boss’s daughter, not even public accounting. So when he’s tasked with constructing an alibi for the firm’s biggest client, everyone has low expectations. Including Edwin.
In Alibi Aficionado, Edwin Burrows is an accidental investigator, an accountant without tact or a filter, or any kind of interest for investigations. A cross between Myron Bolitar and Archy McNally, Edwin says, does and behaves in the strangest manner.
Cursed with an investigation that's doomed from the start, Edwin knows that everyone expects him to fail. But when the police arrest the all-important client, tensions rise at the firm and the stakes get as big as they'll ever be. Edwin must decide whether he will use his knowledge to be the hero that helps a guilty man avoid prosecution, or be a zero by telling the truth and burying the firm.
In Alibi Aficionado, Edwin Burrows is an accidental investigator, an accountant without tact or a filter, or any kind of interest for investigations. A cross between Myron Bolitar and Archy McNally, Edwin says, does and behaves in the strangest manner.
Cursed with an investigation that's doomed from the start, Edwin knows that everyone expects him to fail. But when the police arrest the all-important client, tensions rise at the firm and the stakes get as big as they'll ever be. Edwin must decide whether he will use his knowledge to be the hero that helps a guilty man avoid prosecution, or be a zero by telling the truth and burying the firm.
325 pages, ebook
First published February 1, 2017
259 people are currently reading
415 people want to read
About the author
Harvey Church
10 books94 followersHarvey Church has a background in finance, which is how he found himself writing about the people and ridiculousness (sometimes the same thing) of that field in his Edwin Burrows light mystery series. Although he considers himself retired from that field (aka not working), he's planning another three Edwin Burrows novels for 2018.
His first "serious" novel, The Last Friend, is a Kindle Scout writing competition winner and was published by Kindle Press on January 9, 2018. The BookLife Prize called it "an entertaining read for mystery and thriller fans alike," and said it is "an unexpected and exciting series of events that will grab readers." Harv plans two sister novels to The Last Friend in 2018, one titled The Last Night (Spring 2018) and the other tentatively titled The Last Survivor.
For fun, Harv likes to practice street magic and spends hours engineering tricks to wow his audiences. He is also an avid hockey fan (Go Leafs Go). As for the boring details: He has a wife (incredible) and two kids (depends on the day, but they’re normally incredible too). His favorite color is blue, but he drives a black car because he read somewhere, back in the 90’s, that radar detectors have a tough time seeing them. Interestingly, he never speeds because he's too busy singing like nobody's watching, or maybe it's that everybody is deaf.
He's a supporter of double-chins, double-dates, and double-dipping (though never on double-dates), and obviously enjoys writing about himself in the third person, in the voice of the narrator from The Royal Tenenbaums.
Connect with Harv by searching Harvey Church Mysteries on Facebook, at @hashtag_harv on Instagram, and @harveychurch1 on Twitter. You can also find him wandering the streets of Chicago, Toronto, Montreal or the Lido deck of a Princess Cruise ship. If you ever meet Harv, ask to see a magic trick!
Don't forget to sign up for his email list at AListHarvey.com
His first "serious" novel, The Last Friend, is a Kindle Scout writing competition winner and was published by Kindle Press on January 9, 2018. The BookLife Prize called it "an entertaining read for mystery and thriller fans alike," and said it is "an unexpected and exciting series of events that will grab readers." Harv plans two sister novels to The Last Friend in 2018, one titled The Last Night (Spring 2018) and the other tentatively titled The Last Survivor.
For fun, Harv likes to practice street magic and spends hours engineering tricks to wow his audiences. He is also an avid hockey fan (Go Leafs Go). As for the boring details: He has a wife (incredible) and two kids (depends on the day, but they’re normally incredible too). His favorite color is blue, but he drives a black car because he read somewhere, back in the 90’s, that radar detectors have a tough time seeing them. Interestingly, he never speeds because he's too busy singing like nobody's watching, or maybe it's that everybody is deaf.
He's a supporter of double-chins, double-dates, and double-dipping (though never on double-dates), and obviously enjoys writing about himself in the third person, in the voice of the narrator from The Royal Tenenbaums.
Connect with Harv by searching Harvey Church Mysteries on Facebook, at @hashtag_harv on Instagram, and @harveychurch1 on Twitter. You can also find him wandering the streets of Chicago, Toronto, Montreal or the Lido deck of a Princess Cruise ship. If you ever meet Harv, ask to see a magic trick!
Don't forget to sign up for his email list at AListHarvey.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
February 4, 2017
Harvey Church’s debut Novel, Alibi Aficionado, is quite a fun read. Given that main character Edwin Burrows is not a detective, Alibi Aficionado could be considered a cozy mystery. I truly enjoyed the dry humor and realism that Mr. Church has infused in his characters.
Edwin Burrows is a thoroughly likable and relatable character. He knows that being a CPA isn’t glamorous. He knows he is not the hottest dude on the boulevard, but he also knows what he has to offer, and he works with it.
“Professional dot connector, part-time CPA.”
Edwin has few filters, and he has been outspoken a few too many times at the office. In fact, his latest assignment at the office feels like a punishment for his indiscretions at the office Christmas party.
The bevy of secondary characters add much to the story as well as to Edwin’s successful conclusion of his assignment. I particularly liked Rachel, the boss’ daughter. She is wild, and she pushes Edwin to the edge of his envelope. I equally liked and disliked the soon-to-be ex-Mrs. Burrows. How could she not appreciate Edwin’s steadfast character? How could she remain so calm and understanding when Edwin acts irrational? And Arjun….the best tertiary character ever!
The plot is well paced. There is never a dull moment. Between Edwin’s charm, his ex-wife, and his newly found friends and lovers, there is a lot going on! I don’t want to give too much of the plot away, because that would ruin the fun. I will say that Mr. Church had me guessing until the end. Harvey Church is funny. He has a way with words; I found myself smirking or chuckling frequently throughout this book.
Alibi Aficionado is not only an excellent debut novel; it is a fabulous start to a promising series!
Visit Book Junkie Reviews for more reading recommendations: https://abookjunkiereviews.wordpress.com
Edwin Burrows is a thoroughly likable and relatable character. He knows that being a CPA isn’t glamorous. He knows he is not the hottest dude on the boulevard, but he also knows what he has to offer, and he works with it.
“Professional dot connector, part-time CPA.”
Edwin has few filters, and he has been outspoken a few too many times at the office. In fact, his latest assignment at the office feels like a punishment for his indiscretions at the office Christmas party.
The bevy of secondary characters add much to the story as well as to Edwin’s successful conclusion of his assignment. I particularly liked Rachel, the boss’ daughter. She is wild, and she pushes Edwin to the edge of his envelope. I equally liked and disliked the soon-to-be ex-Mrs. Burrows. How could she not appreciate Edwin’s steadfast character? How could she remain so calm and understanding when Edwin acts irrational? And Arjun….the best tertiary character ever!
The plot is well paced. There is never a dull moment. Between Edwin’s charm, his ex-wife, and his newly found friends and lovers, there is a lot going on! I don’t want to give too much of the plot away, because that would ruin the fun. I will say that Mr. Church had me guessing until the end. Harvey Church is funny. He has a way with words; I found myself smirking or chuckling frequently throughout this book.
Alibi Aficionado is not only an excellent debut novel; it is a fabulous start to a promising series!
Visit Book Junkie Reviews for more reading recommendations: https://abookjunkiereviews.wordpress.com
February 3, 2022
I won this book in a goodreads drawing.
After sleeping with his boss's daughter after a liquor fueled Christmas Party, Edwin Burrows is assigned to find an alibi for a billionaire accused of rape, or hit the bricks.
He's going through a divorce, the boss's daughter keeps pursuing him, and he picks up another woman at the local Starbucks. While flailing about, he gets some weird death threats, but mostly ignores them.
Not bad, even though the womanizing seems a bit fantastic.
After sleeping with his boss's daughter after a liquor fueled Christmas Party, Edwin Burrows is assigned to find an alibi for a billionaire accused of rape, or hit the bricks.
He's going through a divorce, the boss's daughter keeps pursuing him, and he picks up another woman at the local Starbucks. While flailing about, he gets some weird death threats, but mostly ignores them.
Not bad, even though the womanizing seems a bit fantastic.
March 8, 2017
If a mystery book could win an award for dry humor, Alibi Aficionado by Harvey Church would be the book. The reader is quickly immersed into the banal life of Edwin Burrows during a not so raucous party at his boss's house. When Edwin wakes up in the garage apartment of his boss's daughter, he knows his life is over as he knows it. This is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg when it comes to describing this book. An immensely inept and apologetic CPA, Edwin is more or less blackmailed by his boss to look into one of the firm's clients. That client, Yannick Knight, of huge investment returns may be involved in the rape and disappearance of a run of the mill, albeit attractive and young coffee barista. Stumbling along, Edwin pursues all avenues of investigation including the ever popular financial records avenue. Ever the underdog, Edwin fights the good fight, you can't help but root for him to succeed, even when he fails so miserably over and over. A great cast of characters balance the story from being too over the top. A sizzling first installment in the series, Church writes with panache and quick witted humor. Nothing wrong with that.
February 20, 2017
Alibi Aficionado: A Gripping and Humorous Mystery Novel Featuring Edwin Burrows (Edwin Burrows Mystery Book 1) is a debut novel written by Harvey Church. And even though that there is a number of people who think that nobody can really reach success with its debut novel, such as this one is, that does not have to be necessarily right. After reading this novel a reader may seriously doubt that this novel is really a debut novel of this author. The main reason for this is that the novel is easy to read, the story flows naturally and on almost every page it is almost visible that the author knows what he wants to tell to his audience. And plus – the novel is written in humorous tone, which is only an extra plus to already nicely written story.
What is it all about? We have a man named Edwin Burrows, who is a personal investigator. But since he currently cannot seem to succeed in anything he tries, nobody is really giving him a chance when it comes to his work too. And with a combination of that ‘clumsy’ humor, which is actually charming in a way, especially when we read the novel to the end and with a ‘seriousness’ of the mystery novel, Alibi Aficionado: A Gripping and Humorous Mystery Novel Featuring Edwin Burrows (Edwin Burrows Mystery Book 1) becomes a debut novel, which looks like it has been written by an experienced writer.
P.S. I am looking forward to more novels from this author and I am sure that many readers share my opinion. Great work!
What is it all about? We have a man named Edwin Burrows, who is a personal investigator. But since he currently cannot seem to succeed in anything he tries, nobody is really giving him a chance when it comes to his work too. And with a combination of that ‘clumsy’ humor, which is actually charming in a way, especially when we read the novel to the end and with a ‘seriousness’ of the mystery novel, Alibi Aficionado: A Gripping and Humorous Mystery Novel Featuring Edwin Burrows (Edwin Burrows Mystery Book 1) becomes a debut novel, which looks like it has been written by an experienced writer.
P.S. I am looking forward to more novels from this author and I am sure that many readers share my opinion. Great work!
February 19, 2017
This is described as a gripping and humorous mystery, and I am afraid that description is not accurate. It is written in the first person, and follows Edwin, who is a dreamer, and susceptible at all times to wander off into some fantasy. He is a minor accountant at a large firm, and when one of their major clients is thought to be about to be accused of murder, Edwin's boss assigns him the job of showing why this client is innocent. Why they don't hire someone competent is a complete mystery. Edwin bumbles around in his fantasy world, and for me, this was neither gripping nor a mystery, other than why he was doing this. Edwin has another problem: his wife is divorcing him. Accordingly, Edwin is looking for sex. The novel is supposed to be humorous, and while the character of Edwin is well drawn, the problem is Edwin is just plain crass as well as inept. His approaches to women probably comprise a good "do not do this" set of advice. Then when Edwin sets about sleuthing, his efforts are lamentable. In one scene, where he tries a little surveillance, when fleeing he falls over, gets up and escapes, but has left his keys and wallet behind. In the end, the "mystery" is sort of solved, in that the guilty party confronts Edwin, although why remains a mystery. The character of Edwin is well drawn, if you want to read about ineptitude, while the story is really implausible. The ending should be tense, but that is spoiled by the continued juvenile humour. If you want to read about bumbling ineptitude, this is five stars, but if not, I am afraid it is less so.
March 1, 2017
Alibi Aficionado is a highly entertaining debut mystery by talented writer, Harvey Church. It’s the first book in the Edwin Burrows mystery series and if the subsequent books in the series are anything like the first one, this author is sure to have droves of loyal readers, eager to follow Church’s protagonist as he stumbles through his many missteps in order to get to the truth.
Edwin Burrows is just your average CPA with the Chicago accounting firm of Haywood, Richardson, Green & Associates. Still stinging from the bitter after-effects of a marriage gone bad, Edwin finds himself drunk and distracted during his boss, Ted Danforth’s, party at his estate in Highland Park. He’s drawn outside by a set of headlights and arrives in time to break up an ugly altercation between Ted’s daughter, Rachel, and her date. After Edwin threatens the abusive boyfriend with bodily harm, the furious boyfriend takes off and a grateful Rachel invites Edwin back to her apartment over the garage for some Jack Daniels and Oreo cookies. Mired by his semi-drunken state, Edwin agrees – and wakes up the next morning on Rachel’s sofa, only to be discovered sneaking out to his car by his boss’ angry wife. A nervous Edwin’s not surprised to find a terse summons to his boss’ office upon his arrival at work but instead of being fired, as he’d expected, Edwin is given the seemingly futile task of reviewing the books for one of the firm’s biggest clients, Yannick Knight, who was accused earlier of raping a young woman who now happens to be missing. With the firm’s star client now a person of interest in the police’s investigation, Edwin’s boss wants him to find Knight’s alibi in boxes of financial statements. Failure is not an option…
Alibi Aficionado is really well written and pretty darned funny, to boot. Church’s voice shines and his protagonist, Edwin, is the epitome of the perfect reluctant hero – intent on self-preservation, not mired by over-achiever DNA or saddled by the best of judgment and yet, at his core, Edwin’s moral compass seems to be pointed in the right direction. Church takes his time to let his story unfold, yet does it in such a way that the reader is able to get a good measure of his protagonist, warts and all. Alibi Aficionado is an entertaining ride – one well worth taking.
Edwin Burrows is just your average CPA with the Chicago accounting firm of Haywood, Richardson, Green & Associates. Still stinging from the bitter after-effects of a marriage gone bad, Edwin finds himself drunk and distracted during his boss, Ted Danforth’s, party at his estate in Highland Park. He’s drawn outside by a set of headlights and arrives in time to break up an ugly altercation between Ted’s daughter, Rachel, and her date. After Edwin threatens the abusive boyfriend with bodily harm, the furious boyfriend takes off and a grateful Rachel invites Edwin back to her apartment over the garage for some Jack Daniels and Oreo cookies. Mired by his semi-drunken state, Edwin agrees – and wakes up the next morning on Rachel’s sofa, only to be discovered sneaking out to his car by his boss’ angry wife. A nervous Edwin’s not surprised to find a terse summons to his boss’ office upon his arrival at work but instead of being fired, as he’d expected, Edwin is given the seemingly futile task of reviewing the books for one of the firm’s biggest clients, Yannick Knight, who was accused earlier of raping a young woman who now happens to be missing. With the firm’s star client now a person of interest in the police’s investigation, Edwin’s boss wants him to find Knight’s alibi in boxes of financial statements. Failure is not an option…
Alibi Aficionado is really well written and pretty darned funny, to boot. Church’s voice shines and his protagonist, Edwin, is the epitome of the perfect reluctant hero – intent on self-preservation, not mired by over-achiever DNA or saddled by the best of judgment and yet, at his core, Edwin’s moral compass seems to be pointed in the right direction. Church takes his time to let his story unfold, yet does it in such a way that the reader is able to get a good measure of his protagonist, warts and all. Alibi Aficionado is an entertaining ride – one well worth taking.
February 22, 2017
I'm a sucker for mysteries because I love always trying to put the pieces of the puzzle together. Harvey Church did a fabulous job of eluding us and keeping the pieces buried just enough that you couldn't stop reading and your mind couldn't stop the wheels from spinning trying to figure out "who done it."
There was a great cast of characters that were well developed and their inter-relationships were humorous, annoying and well- executed. Edwin Burrows character was the type of geek that you couldn't always decide whether you wanted to smack him or love him. He somehow weaselled his way into your heart and you couldn't help but cheer for the underdog.
I totally bought into the plot line and the "whys" of the story.
Harvey Church added an element of romance that fit the story well without being too much or undermining the mystery aspect of the story. The characters had a quirky and awkward chemistry that I adored and loved. They were perfect for each other.
He also left the end of the story opened enough that it will segway nicely into the second instalment but tied up loose ends on other parts that you I was left content and wanting more all in the same.
Job well-done on this story and perfect even for readers that aren't necessarily mystery genre readers.
D 4/5
There was a great cast of characters that were well developed and their inter-relationships were humorous, annoying and well- executed. Edwin Burrows character was the type of geek that you couldn't always decide whether you wanted to smack him or love him. He somehow weaselled his way into your heart and you couldn't help but cheer for the underdog.
I totally bought into the plot line and the "whys" of the story.
Harvey Church added an element of romance that fit the story well without being too much or undermining the mystery aspect of the story. The characters had a quirky and awkward chemistry that I adored and loved. They were perfect for each other.
He also left the end of the story opened enough that it will segway nicely into the second instalment but tied up loose ends on other parts that you I was left content and wanting more all in the same.
Job well-done on this story and perfect even for readers that aren't necessarily mystery genre readers.
D 4/5
July 2, 2017
Highly recommended. Fast paced, great fun, can't wait to start the 2nd book in this humorous mystery series.
February 20, 2017
This was a different read from my usual. Yes, it was a crime novel, but with a stumbling accountant as the investigator. I found myself shouting at him, to think of the things that Rosie then told him. Glad she was listening to me! He is clearly accident prone, and the way he deals with the situation with his ex wife is funny. His relationship with Sera was a bit far fetched to begin with, but I got to wanting them to get together. I did think something sinister had happened to Rosie at one point, and at the end it was good how we were left wondering if things had truly been resolved or if there was more to the guilty party than we realised. I hope there's more to come of Edwin Burrows (not Ed or Eddie, or any other variation), I'd like to follow his adventures.
January 16, 2019
I love this friggin' book! The fact that this is a debut novel seems preposterous because it is REALLY good! It's hard to write legitimately good humor but Church makes it look like there's nothing to it. This was so much fun to read, I slowed myself down to make it last longer.
Edwin Burrows... where do I start? Talk about lacking a filter! Although that may be my favorite of his attributes. He is hysterically funny with his self depreciating humor. You'll never look at accountant or a man named David the same way again. I couldn't wait to read what he would say or do next. He didn't irritate me once and that's saying something as I'm an irritable gal in general.
Other characters, from the bit parts to the 'also-starring' roles were played to perfection. Without the quirks, whimsy, and idiosyncrasies of Alyson (the ex-Mrs Burrows), Anjun, Ted Danforth, Rachel, Sera with an e or Yannick, everything could have fallen apart. The mystery on it's own was interesting and I wanted answers but the way it came together with these characters in a perfect storm - or novel as the case may be - created a series I am already a huge fan of. Anything else that this author writes goes directly to the top of my To Read list, no questions asked.
Edwin Burrows... where do I start? Talk about lacking a filter! Although that may be my favorite of his attributes. He is hysterically funny with his self depreciating humor. You'll never look at accountant or a man named David the same way again. I couldn't wait to read what he would say or do next. He didn't irritate me once and that's saying something as I'm an irritable gal in general.
Other characters, from the bit parts to the 'also-starring' roles were played to perfection. Without the quirks, whimsy, and idiosyncrasies of Alyson (the ex-Mrs Burrows), Anjun, Ted Danforth, Rachel, Sera with an e or Yannick, everything could have fallen apart. The mystery on it's own was interesting and I wanted answers but the way it came together with these characters in a perfect storm - or novel as the case may be - created a series I am already a huge fan of. Anything else that this author writes goes directly to the top of my To Read list, no questions asked.
February 4, 2017
Alibi Aficionado by Harvey Church is charming, humorous, and full of suspense that everyone is going to instantly be consumed by.
The characters are so easy to fall in love with and enjoy. I was instantly drawn into Edwin Burrows world and never wanted to put it down until I read the last page. Edwin is a kindred soul and my heart broke for him at every turn because he had so much he was dealing with in his life. Then when his boss tasks him with something he knows he will fail at, he shows everyone, including himself, that as long as you believe in yourself and trust yourself, you can accomplish anything.
The man may be strange and says whatever he's thinking, but that's what pulls you to him. That's what makes him the most sincere and most original character I have ever read. All of the anticipation to what Edwin would discover and what he does with that truth will have you on the edge of your seat the whole time.
By the end of the book, I was shocked, awed, and dying to get my hands on book two. I can't wait to see where Edwin's next journey will take him and if he will ever see Rachel again.
I give Alibi Aficionado by Harvey Church 5 out of 5 MYSTIFYING STARS.
The characters are so easy to fall in love with and enjoy. I was instantly drawn into Edwin Burrows world and never wanted to put it down until I read the last page. Edwin is a kindred soul and my heart broke for him at every turn because he had so much he was dealing with in his life. Then when his boss tasks him with something he knows he will fail at, he shows everyone, including himself, that as long as you believe in yourself and trust yourself, you can accomplish anything.
The man may be strange and says whatever he's thinking, but that's what pulls you to him. That's what makes him the most sincere and most original character I have ever read. All of the anticipation to what Edwin would discover and what he does with that truth will have you on the edge of your seat the whole time.
By the end of the book, I was shocked, awed, and dying to get my hands on book two. I can't wait to see where Edwin's next journey will take him and if he will ever see Rachel again.
I give Alibi Aficionado by Harvey Church 5 out of 5 MYSTIFYING STARS.
May 26, 2019
I have both a CPA license and a fondness for humor, so I was enthused about reading this book. I guess I should have been wary of a book that has to TELL you it is funny in its subtitle!
The opening paragraph, which features the protagonist/narrator drunkenly urinating, sets the tone. The humor to me was forced and the protagonist unlikable. Leaving his office's Christmas party to go upstairs to have sex with the boss's daughter is not humorous; it is just too stupid for me to want to know him better.
I highly recommend reading a kindle sample before buying this book. Obviously some people liked it.
The opening paragraph, which features the protagonist/narrator drunkenly urinating, sets the tone. The humor to me was forced and the protagonist unlikable. Leaving his office's Christmas party to go upstairs to have sex with the boss's daughter is not humorous; it is just too stupid for me to want to know him better.
I highly recommend reading a kindle sample before buying this book. Obviously some people liked it.
February 28, 2018
I received this book compliments of the author through the Goodreads First Reads program.
There is a mystery and Edwin Burrows, an accountant, is tasked with searching for an alibi for the main suspect. Since it's billed as humorous there is no fear of a grim and bleak outcome. To me the humor came across as retro and lame. Most of the characters are well drawn, but Edwin isn't particularly likable and the plot rambles enough to tire of him. This isn't a bad book, it's simple not my kind of book.
There is a mystery and Edwin Burrows, an accountant, is tasked with searching for an alibi for the main suspect. Since it's billed as humorous there is no fear of a grim and bleak outcome. To me the humor came across as retro and lame. Most of the characters are well drawn, but Edwin isn't particularly likable and the plot rambles enough to tire of him. This isn't a bad book, it's simple not my kind of book.
April 13, 2018
This is the first book I have read by this author but it won’t be the last. This book is a mystery with great humor and a great cast of characters. The characters will continue into the next book in this series. I look forward to the lead characters humor. He’s a hoot! I recommend this book if you want a book that you won’t put down.
May 21, 2018
Suspence with humor.
If you like Stephanie Plum, this is the male version. Edwin practically trips on his own two feet, but in the end he is determined to save the day and the firm.
If you like Stephanie Plum, this is the male version. Edwin practically trips on his own two feet, but in the end he is determined to save the day and the firm.
August 18, 2017
New favorite!
I love the humor interwoven with the plot. Edwin is a really decent human being and somewhat of an underdog but he can be bad ass when he needs to.
I'm rooting for Edwin every time!
I love the humor interwoven with the plot. Edwin is a really decent human being and somewhat of an underdog but he can be bad ass when he needs to.
I'm rooting for Edwin every time!
April 2, 2018
Solid first in the series
The plot was well crafted and Edwin was a sympathetic character. However, the ending that was left dangling was just annoying. I do not want to be coerced into reading the next book to finish the story.
The plot was well crafted and Edwin was a sympathetic character. However, the ending that was left dangling was just annoying. I do not want to be coerced into reading the next book to finish the story.
November 23, 2017
Dit was nou 'n fun friller, lol! 'n Moerse nice mystery.
March 7, 2017
Very interesting plot
First off,I can so relate with what Harvey said in the acknowledgements,He writes because he likes to be alone. I read to escape people when I can't be alone. Indie austere turning into my favorite writers. Harvey really took a who done it,and added a twist. Edwin reminds me of superman,mild mannered reporter during the day,superhero at night,except Edwin is a CPA, and only has the hero a couple of times. Everyone thinks he is sleeping with the bosses daughter,cause of one too many Jacks on the night we set him,being a hero.. Is it because his boss thinks the same thing or they think he is good enough to save it.Edwin must prove the innocence of one of the firms biggest clients. A missing girl,rape,death all adds up to his client being guilty. He starts from the beginning and works from there.The best way he can, he is a numbers guy,but if he doesn't solve this and prove innocence,his firm is gone. Along with the help or Rachel,the bosses daughter, he soon learns how to track down clues. He meets a wonderful girl,goes.through a divorce, gets thread beat up.He has worse time on this case. But eventually he makes sure the sleezeball,who in my eyes is guilty of one crime, gets off. We are pretty sure who the real killer is,until Rachel disappears.Was it to get away and hid her pregnancy or does she know more and is in danger.All I know is the hero ends upewith the girl. Great twist and great writing.
First off,I can so relate with what Harvey said in the acknowledgements,He writes because he likes to be alone. I read to escape people when I can't be alone. Indie austere turning into my favorite writers. Harvey really took a who done it,and added a twist. Edwin reminds me of superman,mild mannered reporter during the day,superhero at night,except Edwin is a CPA, and only has the hero a couple of times. Everyone thinks he is sleeping with the bosses daughter,cause of one too many Jacks on the night we set him,being a hero.. Is it because his boss thinks the same thing or they think he is good enough to save it.Edwin must prove the innocence of one of the firms biggest clients. A missing girl,rape,death all adds up to his client being guilty. He starts from the beginning and works from there.The best way he can, he is a numbers guy,but if he doesn't solve this and prove innocence,his firm is gone. Along with the help or Rachel,the bosses daughter, he soon learns how to track down clues. He meets a wonderful girl,goes.through a divorce, gets thread beat up.He has worse time on this case. But eventually he makes sure the sleezeball,who in my eyes is guilty of one crime, gets off. We are pretty sure who the real killer is,until Rachel disappears.Was it to get away and hid her pregnancy or does she know more and is in danger.All I know is the hero ends upewith the girl. Great twist and great writing.
October 18, 2018
A simple little story
Do you want something to read as a break from serious stories based on facts, that also have a lot of intensity, then this is for you.
Do you want something to read as a break from serious stories based on facts, that also have a lot of intensity, then this is for you.
March 3, 2017
I just finished reading Alibi Aficionado (Edwin Burrows Mystery Book 1), a novel by Harvey Church. The book follows the life of Edwin Burrows, CPA, a man that just has the worst luck when it comes to his endeavors. He couldn't do marriage, office etiquette, public accounting or saving his bosses daughter right. It makes for a funny and entertaining read about an accidental investigator, (after all he is accident prone to everything else, so why not investigation?) He is given the impossible task of finding an alibi for a billionaire who is a suspect in a missing woman case. And Burrows has to find this alibi through financial records.
I love a good mystery. There is nothing like putting the puzzle pieces together of a good mystery. A good mystery requires compelling characters, and the ability to keep the pieces of the puzzle buried at the surface of the writing while offering enough hints that you are not left bored as your mind works overtime trying to figure it out. Church is already an expert at this technique, and I look forward to seeing more of him in action.
The romance in this book had Edwin paired up aside someone he had a quirky and just awkard chemistry for. This helped make the mystery that much better. It was like icing on the cake and did not distract from the mystery at hand. I give this story 5 stars, and highly recommend it for anyone looking for an entertaining and compelling mystery.
I love a good mystery. There is nothing like putting the puzzle pieces together of a good mystery. A good mystery requires compelling characters, and the ability to keep the pieces of the puzzle buried at the surface of the writing while offering enough hints that you are not left bored as your mind works overtime trying to figure it out. Church is already an expert at this technique, and I look forward to seeing more of him in action.
The romance in this book had Edwin paired up aside someone he had a quirky and just awkard chemistry for. This helped make the mystery that much better. It was like icing on the cake and did not distract from the mystery at hand. I give this story 5 stars, and highly recommend it for anyone looking for an entertaining and compelling mystery.
July 14, 2018
As a detective story this book is my favourite for the dry humour it has. The hero is more or blackmailed into taking the case and the description of the events which follows is just pure fun.
Lovely read
Lovely read
August 26, 2018
Fun read
Edmond...errrr...Edwin is an engaging if somewhat inept detective who, with a little help from his friends, manages to solve a couple of mysteries and save the day. Fun, easy read. Ready to start the next in the series.
Edmond...errrr...Edwin is an engaging if somewhat inept detective who, with a little help from his friends, manages to solve a couple of mysteries and save the day. Fun, easy read. Ready to start the next in the series.
October 3, 2018
I received this from a Goodreads giveaway. This was funny and entertaining. Not really a lot to it, but a little mystery and an interesting plot.
March 6, 2017
I was somewhat sceptical when I read that the sleuth in this tale of investigation and detection is an accountant. An accountant! Surely that is not a profession synonymous with good looking men and exploits of bravado? (Sorry any accountants who are reading this review). However, I was intrigued and pleasantly surprised by this plotline and by the charismatic hero, Edwin Burrows. (Again, not a name that conjures up an action man!) I note that the strapline on the cover is ‘An Edwin Burrows Mystery’ so there will be more and I will be reading them. So I would advise you to give it a go and don’t let your prejudices stop you from enjoying a good read.
September 30, 2018
Review
Really enjoyed reading this book! The main character was so likeable and the interaction between the characters was entertaining. Recommend this author highly.
Really enjoyed reading this book! The main character was so likeable and the interaction between the characters was entertaining. Recommend this author highly.
November 10, 2018
Edwin Burrows is a CPA turned detective who's plodding ways remind you of Colombo, except with an over active sex drive. How he saves the company he works for, and the resulting lifestyle changes makes for an easy read.
February 22, 2017
Edwin Burrows has a higher opinion of himself and his abilities except when it comes to uncovering an alibi for the billionaire client who is a key suspect of his missing girlfriend. He isn’t a financial forensic, just a CPA who is desperate to keep his job and his company afloat.
Harvey Church keeps us spellbound with what Edwin will do, or say next. If it wasn’t for Rachel, the annoying boss’s daughter who is always pushing him to dig deeper, then Edwin would have probably given up long ago. Plus he feel s he must prove his connection with Rachel is innocent.
Alibi Aficionado will keep you laughing as Edwin tries to enter the dating scene again after his wife leave him for a more exciting person, a banker. I find Edwin quite humorous and am anticipating another book that involves him searching for Rachel, and fixing whatever trouble she has initiated.
Harvey Church keeps us spellbound with what Edwin will do, or say next. If it wasn’t for Rachel, the annoying boss’s daughter who is always pushing him to dig deeper, then Edwin would have probably given up long ago. Plus he feel s he must prove his connection with Rachel is innocent.
Alibi Aficionado will keep you laughing as Edwin tries to enter the dating scene again after his wife leave him for a more exciting person, a banker. I find Edwin quite humorous and am anticipating another book that involves him searching for Rachel, and fixing whatever trouble she has initiated.
February 22, 2017
Alibi Aficionado (Edwin Burrows Mystery Book 1) written by Harvey Church is an off the wall story about Edwin Burrows, a CPA who works a low level job at a high end accounting firm. Edwin is going through a divorce, and doesn’t seem to get much in his life right, as he stumbles through, making mistakes and figuring out where he fits in. Edwin is chosen to come up with an alibi for his company’s biggest client, Yannick Knight, who is being accused with the rape and murder of a young missing college girl. Edwin is not well equipped for this job, and everyone is expecting him to fail. I am unsure why he would have been chosen to try to save the company’s best client, but this story is entertaining and very easy to read. I enjoyed it and found the oddness of the main character really intriguing and different than typical novels. The author did a wonderful job in the descriptions and the development of Edwin. I highly recommend this novel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 28, 2018
Ok
It was of those you like, but find parts boring. The characters were fairly interesting, but I never fell in love with them.
It was of those you like, but find parts boring. The characters were fairly interesting, but I never fell in love with them.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews