Murder on the Marginal Way

Michael Bishop Mysteries #4

by Anthony J. Pucci

Veteran English teacher/amateur sleuth Michael Bishop visits Ogunquit, Maine for a week’s vacation before the start of another school year. His hopes for relaxation are quickly dashed when he discovers the body of Amy Walsh, a former student, on the rocks below the scenic Marginal Way. After the authorities find his hat at the scene, he becomes a suspect in her death. Fearing the negative effects of a murder investigation on tourism, some influential community leaders pressure the police to dismiss the case as an accident. Bishop, however, isn’t convinced. As he begins to question her friends, business associates, and others, he discovers that behind the façade of this idyllic town is a trio of powerbrokers who seemingly will stop at nothing to maintain their wealth and power. Battling lapses in memory, and troubled by reports of chaos at school, Bishop again confronts both the good and evil in human nature in his relentless pursuit of the truth.

217 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 11, 2017

Reviews

[Gretchen D. Kraft-Weil · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I saw Marginal Way in the title, I knew I had to read the book no matter what. I have spent many wonderful vacations in Ogunquit over the years and have just loved Marginal Way, Perkins Cove, all the quaint shops, the beach, and so many other things about the town. I actually slowed down my reading time so that I could remain in the location setting longer. The over 70, still-instructing English teacher, and amateur sleuth leads the reader through a rather suspenseful "vacation" week in Ogunquit, where he tries to prove that a former student of his has been murdered and did not accidentally trip and fall into the rocks and boulders off of Marginal Way. The author definitely had me going back and forth, debating who the murderer could be and what prompted the murder. I will most certainly read more books by Anthony J. Pucci.

[Nancy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was very excited to read this book as my family has owned a house overlooking the Ogunquit River for 100 years. While reading, I could see the characters walking around town, on the beach, and along the Marginal Way. I know exactly the spot where the dead body was found. The story itself was fine. I would have given the book 3 stars except for one thing. The main character in the story goes to the hospital in York. The author put this town and hospital north of Ogunquit when in fact they are south of Ogunquit.

[Don Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Location, story, weather and Sr. Citizens in Action

Picked this up with no preconceived notions about what it might be like. Looking forward to following the character in the future. Well done and thanks.