Daingerfield Island

Mo Katz #1

by John Wasowicz

''Daingerfield Island'' puts the ''I'' in intelligent, imaginative, intriguing. The book is a timely metaphor about the power of alternative facts in a post-truth world.'' --Michael Neff, author of All The Dark We Will Not See

Genres: Mystery

234 pages, Paperback

Published July 1, 2017

About the author

John Wasowicz, a seasoned attorney, is the author of the Mo Katz mystery series, including Slaters Lane (2020), Jones Point (2019), and Daingerfield Island (2017). The books feature fictional U.S. Attorney Mo Katz and are set in Alexandria, VA. Wasowicz has over 35 years of legal experience, including work as a state prosecutor and a criminal defense attorney.

Reviews

[Peggy Baldwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in a series and the authors Debut novel.I could not put this book down once I started it.Reese riding his bike spots a woman's dead body floating on the river and calls 911.Then Harding is accused of the murder and hires Elmo Katz to be his lawyer and as more people are murdered it appears things connected to the
murder are not what they appear to be. This book is worth reading.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading Slaters Lane in this series, I went back to read the first book.
It's a bit dangerous to do that - the characters didn't seem as mature - but of course, they didn't have the back stories yet.
That said, what is great about these books is the local lawyer with an eye for clues. He (Mo Katz) has a great entourage that make the story even more compelling. I cared about them and was rooting for Mo all the way through.
Wasowicz includes just enough detail about local landmarks that those who live in or near Alexandria, VA will be entertained by recognizing places they know, or can find without too much trouble.

[Jen Arthur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elmo (Mo) Katz is an intuitive, witty attorney from the suburbs of Northern Virginia. He is retained as a defense attorney by an intelligence worker who is charged with the death of a mysterious woman. From the beginning of this novel, you are taken on a journey with so many twists and turns, I almost lost track! This novel hooked me in and kept my attention as the reader witnesses Mo Katz use his keen insight and intuition to solve a crime that extends beyond the CIA.

Readers who enjoy Tom Clancy novels, John Grisham thrillers, or James Patterson will enjoy John Wasowicz's series about attorney Mo Katz.

Triggers:
None that I can think of. This was a pretty clean (and quick) read.

[Diane Pierce · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the details about the locale. Having been to Old Town Alexandria and Washington D.C. I loved how they were featured in the story. Makes me want to go back for another visit. Although this was not a page-turner, I did stay with it and it pulled me along to the surprise ending. At times the writing seemed a little too much like a script for a movie and Elmo Katz is not a very like-able person. If there are more books with Elmo as the lead character, I would like to see more back-story and some redeeming qualities.

[Dorothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a real page turner. Well written and great characters. I enjoyed the local DC details, the career issues used in the plot. It was complex and realistic. I’m not much of a writer and am not saying what needs to be said about this book. It is a great read, and I highly recommend it! The main character Katz will be very good to follow in future books. A story well done!

[Maryagnes McNally · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very fast read, engrossing from the first chapter.

Jack Smith was a suitably complicated & devious character, very easy to dislike.

Mo Katz was the attorney who uncovers the truth behind an elaborate crime. I would have liked to know of his earlier experiences as a young attorney.

Looking forward to "Jones Point".

[Donna McDaniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun read for a murder mystery buff who just moved to Old Town

This was a great airplane read on a flight into National Airport. As a recent transplant to this area, and a fan of murder mysteries and spy thrillers, this kept me guessing while navigating the plot twists and turns in this enjoyable read.

[S.L. Myers · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book. It reads like a first novel and that's why the three stars. Characters were a little flat, the plot hard to follow in some places. But, for a first novel, pretty good. I especially loved all the local color.

Will I read more of his? I think so. I did like his main character, Katz. So, maybe.

[Birgit · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting premise for a crime/spy mystery! Especially if you are familiar with the D.C. area, I can recommend this first book in a series.

It was difficult for me to get into the story. Too many people and concepts were introduced early on and it wasn't clear who would be an important player and who wouldn't (spoiler: almost all are characters important to the story).

[Angela Shores · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent suspense novel blending politics and mystery. There were times when I felt my heart racing. While I had suspicions at times throughout the novel, it kept me guessing in just the right way; the ending was satisfying. If you like a good whodunnit then you’ll enjoy this read.

[Bridgewes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very well done story. Several twists and turns that make for a good story. For a non-attorney the legal stuff was a little more than necessary. The best compliment I could make is that if this author writes another book, I will read it.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Question with major spoiler:
After having finished the book, I’m confused. How does Bullock, who is having an affair with Eve, not realize that the body of “Libby” that is pulled from the Potomac is actually Eve?

[Trudy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this 1st book but I did get a bit lost in parts. It did come together well at the end and had a nice twist. I look forward to reading a second book!

[Nancy Birch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Many twists and turns but he kept you reading to find out the next surprise. It's a fast read . Kept me up late even though I'm usually early to bed.

[Paula]

great page turner and especially fun to read if you are familiar with the DC /Nova area landmarks.

[Thomas Scala · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good spy thriller/murder mystery loaded with Washington DC and Virginia geography.

[Colin Bagwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book, very suspenseful. Takes placed in the Washington DC area, which is something I enjoy.