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Simon Grave Mystery #1
A Grave Misunderstanding
American Fiction Awards Finalist - Mystery/Humor
PenCraft Awards Winner for Literary Excellence (Mystery)
"A truly hilarious mystery in the tradition of Janet Evanovich." -Best Thrillers
Murder has come once more to the seaside town of Crab Cove, testing the mettle of "almost handsome" Detective Simon Grave and his "nearly invisible" partner, Sergeant Barry Blunt, who investigate a locked-room mystery with a significant the prime suspects are in the locked room, not the victim, a logic-defying situation that challenges the team at every turn.
As if murder weren't enough, they must also investigate the simultaneous disappearance of The MacGuffin Trophy from that same locked room, the studio of artist Whitney Waters, famous for her stylized paintings of red herrings.
Who is/are the killer(s)? How did he/she/they get out of the locked room with the trophy, kill the victim, and return unnoticed by others in the room? These and other questions, including the limits of logic and the meaning of life, are posed and perhaps even answered in this quirky, near-future mystery. Yes, there are robots.
PenCraft Awards Winner for Literary Excellence (Mystery)
"A truly hilarious mystery in the tradition of Janet Evanovich." -Best Thrillers
Murder has come once more to the seaside town of Crab Cove, testing the mettle of "almost handsome" Detective Simon Grave and his "nearly invisible" partner, Sergeant Barry Blunt, who investigate a locked-room mystery with a significant the prime suspects are in the locked room, not the victim, a logic-defying situation that challenges the team at every turn.
As if murder weren't enough, they must also investigate the simultaneous disappearance of The MacGuffin Trophy from that same locked room, the studio of artist Whitney Waters, famous for her stylized paintings of red herrings.
Who is/are the killer(s)? How did he/she/they get out of the locked room with the trophy, kill the victim, and return unnoticed by others in the room? These and other questions, including the limits of logic and the meaning of life, are posed and perhaps even answered in this quirky, near-future mystery. Yes, there are robots.
203 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 27, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
December 11, 2017
The Funniest Book I’ve Read in Years
Near the end of this hilarious mystery, the narrator describes the plight of our detective hero: “To say that Grave had gravely misunderstood the facts was perhaps the understatement of the year.” Yes, A Grave Misunderstanding by Len Boswell has its twists and turns, better yet it has an authentic McGuffin (well maybe) and many red herrings (well . . . not quite). If he just wanted to play this mystery straight, Boswell certainly has the writing chops, pacing, and feel for plotting. But he gives us something much better: a novel that is constantly funny while incorporating clues, hints, and conundrums well aware that most readers have been down such trails before. Boswell constantly plays with our expectations but grounds his novel in sharp characterization and engaging storytelling, so that the reader cares even as he is laughing.
The plot involves some to the common tropes of the genre: a murder committed just outside the room in which the suspects had been previously locked, ritualistic killing, and corpse staging. But A Grave Misunderstanding dances deftly along this tightrope to prevent the satire of the investigation from turning silly. Much of the credit rests in the development of Boswell’s protagonist, Simon Grave, as he tries to sort out these deaths in the ersatz tourist town Crab Cove. Graves litters the story with wry observations, obtuse analogies, and clever wordplay. He is abetted by Boswell’s narrator who delivers sly character anecdotes, urbane witticisms, a penchant for the absurd, and wonderful characters names, including Epiphany Jones, Chester Clink, and the nearly invisible Sergeant Blunt, whose romance with the alluringly nondescript Ms. Tuesday serves as one of the novel’s many comic highlights.
I haven’t even brought up the robot servants and the many ways they simultaneously serve and undermine the plot. I have brought up Grave’s father, Ms. LaFarge, or Captain Morgan. Suffice it to say, the novel is filled with pleasures. A Grave Misunderstanding is truly a surprising read, managing to be both a charming mystery and, that rarest of commodities, a truly funny book. I loved it.
Near the end of this hilarious mystery, the narrator describes the plight of our detective hero: “To say that Grave had gravely misunderstood the facts was perhaps the understatement of the year.” Yes, A Grave Misunderstanding by Len Boswell has its twists and turns, better yet it has an authentic McGuffin (well maybe) and many red herrings (well . . . not quite). If he just wanted to play this mystery straight, Boswell certainly has the writing chops, pacing, and feel for plotting. But he gives us something much better: a novel that is constantly funny while incorporating clues, hints, and conundrums well aware that most readers have been down such trails before. Boswell constantly plays with our expectations but grounds his novel in sharp characterization and engaging storytelling, so that the reader cares even as he is laughing.
The plot involves some to the common tropes of the genre: a murder committed just outside the room in which the suspects had been previously locked, ritualistic killing, and corpse staging. But A Grave Misunderstanding dances deftly along this tightrope to prevent the satire of the investigation from turning silly. Much of the credit rests in the development of Boswell’s protagonist, Simon Grave, as he tries to sort out these deaths in the ersatz tourist town Crab Cove. Graves litters the story with wry observations, obtuse analogies, and clever wordplay. He is abetted by Boswell’s narrator who delivers sly character anecdotes, urbane witticisms, a penchant for the absurd, and wonderful characters names, including Epiphany Jones, Chester Clink, and the nearly invisible Sergeant Blunt, whose romance with the alluringly nondescript Ms. Tuesday serves as one of the novel’s many comic highlights.
I haven’t even brought up the robot servants and the many ways they simultaneously serve and undermine the plot. I have brought up Grave’s father, Ms. LaFarge, or Captain Morgan. Suffice it to say, the novel is filled with pleasures. A Grave Misunderstanding is truly a surprising read, managing to be both a charming mystery and, that rarest of commodities, a truly funny book. I loved it.
August 20, 2017
Most mysteries I've read try to confine themselves to one genre. This one couldn't decide if it was a locked room mystery, a country house murder, light science fiction mystery with robots, humorous cozy mystery with puns out the backside or what.
The story really reads like a period piece, so much so that references to cell phones, Star Wars, apps and Uber, came as interruptions, yanking me out of the narrative.
The language is jarringly uneven. It goes from Miss Marple prim straight to 'f-bombs' left right and center without any pause (and then back to Miss Marple).
There are also weirdly distracting asides, such as his watch never telling the proper time ("Ten minutes later, at exactly 44:37 according to his watch....") and several references to 'Duct Tape Wine-the wine that can fix anything'.
Much of the humor comes from having the main character, Inspector Simon Grave, forgetting things (Pratchett? Asimov? Heinlein?) and generally being a bumbling idiot. He often confuses things or forgets things. I would have attributed it to a Columbo or Monsieur Pampelmousse nod from the author, but unfortunately the feckless inspector doesn't get much better throughout the book.
This is a sidekick book, and in a weird twist (or maybe another nod to the peerless wit of Douglas Adams' SEP field), Graves' sergeant Blunt has some sort of minor cloaking field which makes it impossible for people to 'see' him properly.
All that aside, I enjoyed this weird uncategorizable book. I liked the strange 'Scooby Doo' ending. I liked all of the science fiction/android bits. I actually quite honestly look forward to any follow-up books from this author. I just can't try to think about what category to try to fit it into because it's impossible.
Three and a half stars
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher.
The story really reads like a period piece, so much so that references to cell phones, Star Wars, apps and Uber, came as interruptions, yanking me out of the narrative.
The language is jarringly uneven. It goes from Miss Marple prim straight to 'f-bombs' left right and center without any pause (and then back to Miss Marple).
There are also weirdly distracting asides, such as his watch never telling the proper time ("Ten minutes later, at exactly 44:37 according to his watch....") and several references to 'Duct Tape Wine-the wine that can fix anything'.
Much of the humor comes from having the main character, Inspector Simon Grave, forgetting things (Pratchett? Asimov? Heinlein?) and generally being a bumbling idiot. He often confuses things or forgets things. I would have attributed it to a Columbo or Monsieur Pampelmousse nod from the author, but unfortunately the feckless inspector doesn't get much better throughout the book.
This is a sidekick book, and in a weird twist (or maybe another nod to the peerless wit of Douglas Adams' SEP field), Graves' sergeant Blunt has some sort of minor cloaking field which makes it impossible for people to 'see' him properly.
All that aside, I enjoyed this weird uncategorizable book. I liked the strange 'Scooby Doo' ending. I liked all of the science fiction/android bits. I actually quite honestly look forward to any follow-up books from this author. I just can't try to think about what category to try to fit it into because it's impossible.
Three and a half stars
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher.
December 12, 2019
Recommended by several Goodreaders. I laughed out loud more times than I could count. Good series start.
September 2, 2020
Weirdo book. Way too many characters. It is really hard to keep up. Finally, the plot is not believable.
September 14, 2021
This is my 100th book for the year. To be honest, I've read many short works this year--plays, poetry, essays, etc. The average length of books read is under 200 pages!
This was another freebie for Kindle from Amazon. Not today, but maybe again sometime.
This was a "locked-room" murder mystery and was just swimming with red err, fish--
Bosell's writing is similiar to Christopher Moore's in that it's very clever. All the time. On every page. And just like Moore's work, it's a little too cute halfway through for my taste.
Now that I'm really looking at the cover, I have no idea why it features the skeleton of a fish. I googled the phrase "Why is life like a tuna fish sandwich?", something a radio preacher was discussing, thinking maybe that was the clue, but no.
This was another freebie for Kindle from Amazon. Not today, but maybe again sometime.
This was a "locked-room" murder mystery and was just swimming with red err, fish--
Bosell's writing is similiar to Christopher Moore's in that it's very clever. All the time. On every page. And just like Moore's work, it's a little too cute halfway through for my taste.
Now that I'm really looking at the cover, I have no idea why it features the skeleton of a fish. I googled the phrase "Why is life like a tuna fish sandwich?", something a radio preacher was discussing, thinking maybe that was the clue, but no.
October 17, 2021
Read for a "locked room" mystery. Stupid and sexist, don't waste your time.
September 19, 2021
I took this on as a "guilty pleasure" read. Other reviewers have panned this book for being anything from too silly to too obvious (the mystery being simple to solve, they say). Some say that the near-invisible constable is a joke that they weary of after a few examples of it. Others find the entire idea foolish. To these reviewers, I shall applaud their right to their opinions and suggest that they [insert clever and devastating suggestion of potentially anatomically impossible acts] and get over themselves.
The faintest thought of the slightest intention of being serious hadn't even begun to speculate about the merest possibility of crossing the writer's mind, and we should thank a great many deities for that. This book is a delightful bit of fluff that plays the fool at every level. It's meringue of the frothiest order, with no nutritional value whatsoever. Let it be that, and enjoy every guilty moment of reading it. It cleanses the palate like sherbet twixt the fish and the meat, and it's delightful for doing just that.
If you want this idea done better, visit Chris Dolley and his delightful, steam-punk mash of Holmes and Watson with Wooster and Jeeves. Although I tripped across the fourth in the series first, The Unpleasantness at Baskerville Hall was a total delight. It had more wit than does this book, and that does not diminish the delight of this book one jot or tittle. In a way, they enhance one another as uproarious takes on this little corner of steam-punk. (More electronics than steam here, but still...)
Read. Relax. Be amused. Put this in the same category as those movies you watch because "they're so bad, they're good." You'll feel better for it, and you can go read Proust and Umberto Eco afterward. Me? I think I'll go read the next few books in the series. Helluva lot easier to read than Eco.
The faintest thought of the slightest intention of being serious hadn't even begun to speculate about the merest possibility of crossing the writer's mind, and we should thank a great many deities for that. This book is a delightful bit of fluff that plays the fool at every level. It's meringue of the frothiest order, with no nutritional value whatsoever. Let it be that, and enjoy every guilty moment of reading it. It cleanses the palate like sherbet twixt the fish and the meat, and it's delightful for doing just that.
If you want this idea done better, visit Chris Dolley and his delightful, steam-punk mash of Holmes and Watson with Wooster and Jeeves. Although I tripped across the fourth in the series first, The Unpleasantness at Baskerville Hall was a total delight. It had more wit than does this book, and that does not diminish the delight of this book one jot or tittle. In a way, they enhance one another as uproarious takes on this little corner of steam-punk. (More electronics than steam here, but still...)
Read. Relax. Be amused. Put this in the same category as those movies you watch because "they're so bad, they're good." You'll feel better for it, and you can go read Proust and Umberto Eco afterward. Me? I think I'll go read the next few books in the series. Helluva lot easier to read than Eco.
July 31, 2018
A Grave Misunderstanding
A Simon Grave Mystery
Len Boswell
Reviewed by Roy Murry, Author
Spiffy, strange, satiric are just a few words to describe this murder mystery. The characters are bizarre, and the background is full of unusual happenings.
Detective Grave, Boswell's protagonist, is presented with a strange murder situation. The subject is laid out with a hand cut off and no apparent deadly blow in a mansion built for a primeval king with Artificial Intelligence walking around like servants.
Even more abnormal, when Grave arrives at the scene, the Medical Examiner is investigating the bloody stairwell while people are locked in a second story room making noise to be let out. Lastly, more import to the eccentric owner of the castle is the theft of a trophy from the room.
The detection begins, and Grave interviews the occupants of the locked room. Each of these characters is abnormal in their way and add little to Grave's dilemma - Who secured the people in the room, stole the trophy from it, and killed the woman?
How Detective Grave gets to the conclusion of this mystery is a mystery in-its-self. The twist and turns are fun to read, but in the end, the reader will understand the findings.
MISUNDERSTANDING is an enjoyable quick read.
A Simon Grave Mystery
Len Boswell
Reviewed by Roy Murry, Author
Spiffy, strange, satiric are just a few words to describe this murder mystery. The characters are bizarre, and the background is full of unusual happenings.
Detective Grave, Boswell's protagonist, is presented with a strange murder situation. The subject is laid out with a hand cut off and no apparent deadly blow in a mansion built for a primeval king with Artificial Intelligence walking around like servants.
Even more abnormal, when Grave arrives at the scene, the Medical Examiner is investigating the bloody stairwell while people are locked in a second story room making noise to be let out. Lastly, more import to the eccentric owner of the castle is the theft of a trophy from the room.
The detection begins, and Grave interviews the occupants of the locked room. Each of these characters is abnormal in their way and add little to Grave's dilemma - Who secured the people in the room, stole the trophy from it, and killed the woman?
How Detective Grave gets to the conclusion of this mystery is a mystery in-its-self. The twist and turns are fun to read, but in the end, the reader will understand the findings.
MISUNDERSTANDING is an enjoyable quick read.
October 26, 2018
If Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Isaac Asimov got together, created an outline for a detective novel, and had Douglas Adams write the story, A Grave Misunderstanding would be the final result. This is a satirical, laugh out loud version of Sherlock Holmes meets I, Robot. The characters, as stereotypical as required for any detective novel, are so over the top in their descriptions and mannerisms that you can't help but enjoy this madcap tale of murder and greed. Boswell has done a wonderful job channeling his inner goofball. Simon Grave is one character I am looking to reading more of.
April 9, 2020
The mystery is that someone was murdered while all the people in the house were locked in a single room in the mansion, simultaneous with a valuable yachting trophy being stolen from that same room. The mansion is filled with servant robots that you can barely tell from real humans (which leads to some predictability) . I think the author tried a little too hard for humor: Detective Grave tends to lapse into a British accent for no discernible reason, and his sidekick police officer has a such a bland personality and appearance that he appears as a blur and people wonder where the disembodied voice is coming from. That might have been funny once, but the joke is repeated on every other page. Ok, we get it; he's bland and melts into the woodwork. Give it a rest. The best bit is that Grave drinks Duct Tape Chardonnay, "the wine that can fix anything." I also picked up a new vocabulary word (I like books that give me that): concatenate. This is the first in a series but I won't read others because I've had enough of the invisible police officer joke.
April 25, 2023
Not many authors do humour well. Not all readers enjoy splashes of humour in what starts to appear to be a serious read. My interpretation is it was both - intense, with hilarious comments that seemed to come out of nowhere. Example: "Duct Tape Chardonnay," she said. "The wine that can fix anything." I laughed often, tears of merriment splashing onto my Kindle. That is one good reason why Mr. Boswell is an award-winning author. His characters were 'characters', most quite likeable.
At one point the word 'concatenate' showed in a sentence. Never, to the best of my knowledge, have I seen 'concatenate' in any document/book throughout my life. Tickled by the new find, I immediately looked it up. It's not every day one comes across a new word.
The story is over the top (i.e. the size of the mansion, the robots) which added to the enjoyment. The plot is twisted, and the solution to the mystery was hard to determine until the end. This book was like a good dinner, you finish satiated and content.
At one point the word 'concatenate' showed in a sentence. Never, to the best of my knowledge, have I seen 'concatenate' in any document/book throughout my life. Tickled by the new find, I immediately looked it up. It's not every day one comes across a new word.
The story is over the top (i.e. the size of the mansion, the robots) which added to the enjoyment. The plot is twisted, and the solution to the mystery was hard to determine until the end. This book was like a good dinner, you finish satiated and content.
August 10, 2019
Now this was a fun book with a mystery that in the end was quite straightforward but this could be forgiven because the characters were just so engaging. From Simon Grave, a detective who wasn’t exactly inept but did make you roll your eyes, to his sidekick and my favourite character Blunt, a man who blended in so well that no one can actually focus upon him, we had it all.
Witty dialogue, classic situations, murder and mayhem and underlying it all a story which didn’t take itself too seriously. Yes, it was logical and yes we had a semi neat resolution but all could be forgiven because it was all so much fun.
Len Boswell if a writer who believes in not letting his plotline dawdle and I will admit that I was completely engaged.
I would highly recommend this novel for anyone who likes a good mystery, enjoys a laugh and has a few hours free.
Witty dialogue, classic situations, murder and mayhem and underlying it all a story which didn’t take itself too seriously. Yes, it was logical and yes we had a semi neat resolution but all could be forgiven because it was all so much fun.
Len Boswell if a writer who believes in not letting his plotline dawdle and I will admit that I was completely engaged.
I would highly recommend this novel for anyone who likes a good mystery, enjoys a laugh and has a few hours free.
December 5, 2019
This book was free so here is my honest review. I didn't care for it very much. I love getting free books but unfortunately most if not all of the Kindle books that I have received for free as a giveaway are not very good. This one was kind of interesting but everything was so shallow. You never really got to know any of the characters. The title character, Simon Grave, was even lacking. The ending was ok. I couldn't guess what was going to happen but I never can no matter how lame the mystery. However, I am always looking for an ending that really makes me say, "Wow, that was worth the wait. I never expected that and it was such a good ending to a mystery." This book didn't do that for me. It was a, oh yeah, that's how they did it. That's cool. I wouldn't recommend this book unless it was free.
October 20, 2017
Well,this is in the first place a locked room mystery and to be frank, it is not a bad one but...there are some inconsistencies,the story feels as if it is written in the fifties(manor house, crust free sandwiches, butler, gardener, maids...)but apart from the family the manor is also inhabited by a dozen or so robots (androids).And the there is the author's ideas about women,they are either drop dead gorgeous (and very sexy)or the ravages of time are clearly visible (and mentioned ).Great!
Furthermore, as this is supposed to be a comedy (I suppose, not really quite sure what it is)the brilliant, witty humour completely bypassed me (and I mean completely !)
2 stars for the murder mystery....
Furthermore, as this is supposed to be a comedy (I suppose, not really quite sure what it is)the brilliant, witty humour completely bypassed me (and I mean completely !)
2 stars for the murder mystery....
February 21, 2023
Detective Graves solves the murders
While i did enjoy reading this book .. i don't agree with the cmpason to Janet Evanovitch or Terry Pratchett
OR theories authors mentioned... there are quite a few amusing moments ... and several witty plays on words..
But I don't think the overall tone is comparable ...
This could be because it's the first Graves book ... maybe they improve with a little more writing... Graves is a decent character .. kind of egocentric... the greatest problem for me was i didn't feel an attachment to him...to me you need to "feel" for the characters..
Maybe the next book is better...
i can't remember if i purchased book 2 ... if i did i will read it ... if i haven't already purchased it .. i would probably skip it
While i did enjoy reading this book .. i don't agree with the cmpason to Janet Evanovitch or Terry Pratchett
OR theories authors mentioned... there are quite a few amusing moments ... and several witty plays on words..
But I don't think the overall tone is comparable ...
This could be because it's the first Graves book ... maybe they improve with a little more writing... Graves is a decent character .. kind of egocentric... the greatest problem for me was i didn't feel an attachment to him...to me you need to "feel" for the characters..
Maybe the next book is better...
i can't remember if i purchased book 2 ... if i did i will read it ... if i haven't already purchased it .. i would probably skip it
December 28, 2025
A Grave Misunderstanding is Len Boswell’s 1st novel in the Simon Grave’s Mysteries. A classic whodunit with the usual tropes, a locked room of suspects, a murder no one could have committed, and an eccentric cast of supporting characters. This is all Simon Grave’s needs to navigate this sea-town murder mystery.
Boswell has a polished style in portraying his characters and his humor is not missed on this reader. When detective Grave’s goes in and out of his British accent it is obvious what we are in for, a game of clue perhaps played by the Pink Panther.
It should be obvious to the reader before you turn a page, A Grave Misunderstanding is a fun lighthearted approach to murder. If the entire series is anything like this, I'm ready.
Boswell has a polished style in portraying his characters and his humor is not missed on this reader. When detective Grave’s goes in and out of his British accent it is obvious what we are in for, a game of clue perhaps played by the Pink Panther.
It should be obvious to the reader before you turn a page, A Grave Misunderstanding is a fun lighthearted approach to murder. If the entire series is anything like this, I'm ready.
November 29, 2019
I don't normally read books like this - comedy detective stories. For the most part, I find them pretty unfunny, and detective stories are really all about the detection. However, this story features a genuinely puzzling detection problem and a sort of quirky humour which is derived from the eccentricities of the characters, rather than being contrived to suit the plot. Most of it was quiet chuckle humour, with just the occasional laugh out loud bit, but that was enough to lighten some scenes which would be pretty gory if you thought about them too much. All in all, an enjoyable read, even if it wasn't one to take too seriously.
February 16, 2020
Tongue in cheek all the way through ...
I really enjoyed this quirky little story. The tongue in cheek humour was a bit corny but had me smiling and chuckling the whole way through this story. The lead character is decidedly average in every way which just makes it all the more humorous. Each of the other characters fills a niche nicely and the results are a colourful and fun murder mystery. I think I’ll have to read another of these. They are a very easy read and a great way to pass a lazy Sunday while sipping some nice wine and nibbles ... but not “Duct Tape Chardonnay” and no chocolate donuts!
I really enjoyed this quirky little story. The tongue in cheek humour was a bit corny but had me smiling and chuckling the whole way through this story. The lead character is decidedly average in every way which just makes it all the more humorous. Each of the other characters fills a niche nicely and the results are a colourful and fun murder mystery. I think I’ll have to read another of these. They are a very easy read and a great way to pass a lazy Sunday while sipping some nice wine and nibbles ... but not “Duct Tape Chardonnay” and no chocolate donuts!
April 17, 2021
CREATIVE STORYLINE
This is a very humorous novel that's basically a mansion mystery which continues to make the reader keep turning the pages. It takes a couple of chapters to get locked onto the mystery, but the main character, detective Grave, has such an engaging perspective of the crime that you just want to see what happens next... It's like a 21st century "CLUE" mystery. I thought that the butler did it! RECOMMENDED.
(One criticism of the novel is the excessive use of profanity. It's totally unnecessary. Take a look at Lee Child's highly successful Jack Reacher books and note how he is able to say such things without really saying them... )
This is a very humorous novel that's basically a mansion mystery which continues to make the reader keep turning the pages. It takes a couple of chapters to get locked onto the mystery, but the main character, detective Grave, has such an engaging perspective of the crime that you just want to see what happens next... It's like a 21st century "CLUE" mystery. I thought that the butler did it! RECOMMENDED.
(One criticism of the novel is the excessive use of profanity. It's totally unnecessary. Take a look at Lee Child's highly successful Jack Reacher books and note how he is able to say such things without really saying them... )
February 2, 2024
I love the plot of the mystery! All the suspects are in a locked room. That is such a great premise. Plus, there’s a robot. There are such a lot of details. Maybe a tad too many at times. I like Sargent Blunt and his weird invisibility. And it was funny! There were such great, naturally funny situations that didn’t feel forced. There are great characters, and I would like to continue reading and see where they go.
Some of the descriptions of the women felt overly sexual at time. It felt kind of weird. But I read on!
I did think that Grave himself should have been better at noticing blunt especially since he actually knows him. Seemed rude.
Some of the descriptions of the women felt overly sexual at time. It felt kind of weird. But I read on!
I did think that Grave himself should have been better at noticing blunt especially since he actually knows him. Seemed rude.
August 17, 2017
This was not your typical murder/mystery. The whole story to me felt like one of those murder/mystery games that people play at someones home. The writing felt like if it was written in the 70's was it not for the references to emoji, robots and cellphones if would not have known better. Simon Grave was a strange but likable character that really put a smile on my face and poor Blunt, I'm still trying to figure out how he looks like. Likable characters a good plot and I enjoyed the story.
Thank you Black Rose Writing via Netgalley for the copy.
Thank you Black Rose Writing via Netgalley for the copy.
August 31, 2019
Not sure how I really feel about this book. It is a decent mystery and I kind of liked the protagonist. However, I wondered why he didn't do certain things like take his car to the shop to get fixed instead of suffering through a radio that wouldn't turn off. I also didn't quite understand how someone, like Blunt, could be a cloud and hardly be able to be seen. The use of robots in this story was unique, but far past what we are currently capable of building. So that required the reader to just go along with the idea. It was a 'good read' regardless.
January 21, 2021
This is the first book I read from this author and let me tell you that I loved it! Such a good book with great characters that keeps you obsessed with every page since the first one. The ending of this book.. come on! I just didn´t expect it! Can´t wait to read other books from this great writer! Amazing job! a must-read! A fantastic book that has it all! I happily endorse this story to any and all who are looking for a fiction enjoyable read and a completely different experience than anyone could imagine on their own. ¡Great book!
February 25, 2021
Hilarious with robots, murder, strange people and a happy ever-after.
Technology had allowed the creation of robots, very capable as servants and fascinating in the things they could do. The murder of a young woman, attempts to pin the deed on a known serial killer, the mysterious disappearance of a most valuable yachting trophy, and methodical police work by a certain interesting detective combine to bring a fascinating and entertaining tale of intrigue, twists and turns. Worth the time.
Technology had allowed the creation of robots, very capable as servants and fascinating in the things they could do. The murder of a young woman, attempts to pin the deed on a known serial killer, the mysterious disappearance of a most valuable yachting trophy, and methodical police work by a certain interesting detective combine to bring a fascinating and entertaining tale of intrigue, twists and turns. Worth the time.
January 16, 2024
The most crazy mystery book I've ever read!
I wasn't sure I liked this book when I started reading it, but the more I read, not only did it get crazier but the more I needed to keep reading. I mean really, A huge mansion run by realistic robots, A crazy artist who keeps taking her clothes off, A catatonic women in a wheelchair with a very sexy nurse, A locked room full of all the suspects of the two murders. Also the investigators are equally strange. I really enjoyed the book!
I wasn't sure I liked this book when I started reading it, but the more I read, not only did it get crazier but the more I needed to keep reading. I mean really, A huge mansion run by realistic robots, A crazy artist who keeps taking her clothes off, A catatonic women in a wheelchair with a very sexy nurse, A locked room full of all the suspects of the two murders. Also the investigators are equally strange. I really enjoyed the book!
April 8, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this crime/mystery offering by the great humorist, Len Boswell. I thought I had a sense of humor but once I read the first chapter of A Grave Misunderstanding, I adjusted my self-assessment. The "who done it" element intermingled with the somewhat bumbling police investigation is one you will thoroughly enjoy. Do yourself a favor, buy/rent/steal this book, you won't regret it.
June 12, 2020
Entertaining but not particularly funny
The twist at the end sort of makes up for the author trying way to hard to be amusing. Too many things just made no sense. What was the reasoning behind having the policeman and his newfound love be all but invisible to everyone else, why couldn't anyone make toast without burning it, and what was the point of Grave breaking into a British accent haphazardly? I so wanted to find a fun series to laugh through. I did not.
The twist at the end sort of makes up for the author trying way to hard to be amusing. Too many things just made no sense. What was the reasoning behind having the policeman and his newfound love be all but invisible to everyone else, why couldn't anyone make toast without burning it, and what was the point of Grave breaking into a British accent haphazardly? I so wanted to find a fun series to laugh through. I did not.
February 28, 2023
Writers hate me because I give good books 4 stars. I save 5 stars for things that are outstanding. I gave this 5 stars. I found it funny. Lots of books say they're funny but aren't funny to me. This had a locked room mystery with a twist. I checked the description on Amazon and it says that all the suspects, not the victim, is locked in a room when the murder happened. So that's not a spoiler. It also talks about the invisible sergeant who is a great character. The story is good. The outcome was a surprise to me. It was fun to read. I've downloaded the second book and look forward to the 6 that are in the series now.
August 8, 2017
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read and review this book
a murder, a stolen trophy and a locked room full of murder suspects oh and not forgetting the androids
it all should have made for an interesting story...but i struggled with this one....though i kept going to see who the murderer was
a murder, a stolen trophy and a locked room full of murder suspects oh and not forgetting the androids
it all should have made for an interesting story...but i struggled with this one....though i kept going to see who the murderer was
July 31, 2018
It was the silliest, inane, nonsensical, MOST ENTERTAINING book I have read in a very, very long time. I sniggered, I giggled, I snickered, snorted and just plain laughed out loud. What a treat. It took a very stressful mind (mine) and brought it out of its doldrums and into a world of mirth. Thank you Mr. Boswell. I look forward to reading more of your wonderful books.
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