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Murder, She Wrote #48
Manuscript for Murder
Jessica Fletcher investigates a mysterious manuscript with deadly consequences in the latest entry in this USA Today bestselling series...
Jessica Fletcher has had plenty to worry about over her storied career, both as a bestselling novelist and amateur sleuth. But she never had any reason to worry about her longtime publisher, Lane Barfield, who also happens to be a trusted friend. When mounting evidence of financial malfeasance leads to an FBI investigation of Lane, Jessica can't believe what she's reading.
So when Barfield turns up dead, Jessica takes on the task of proving Barfield's innocence--she can't fathom someone she's known and trusted for so long cheating her. Sure enough, Jessica's lone wolf investigation turns up several oddities and inconsistencies in Barfield's murder. Jessica knows something is being covered up, but what exactly? The trail she takes to answer that question reveals something far more nefarious afoot, involving shadowy characters from the heights of power in Washington. At the heart of Jessica's investigation lies a manuscript Barfield had intended to bring out after all other publishers had turned it down. The problem is that manuscript has disappeared, all traces of its submission and very existence having been wiped off the books.
With her own life now in jeopardy, Jessica refuses to back off and sets her sights on learning the contents of that manuscript and what about it may have led to several murders. Every step she takes brings her closer to the truth of what lies in the pages, as well as the person who penned them.
Jessica Fletcher has had plenty to worry about over her storied career, both as a bestselling novelist and amateur sleuth. But she never had any reason to worry about her longtime publisher, Lane Barfield, who also happens to be a trusted friend. When mounting evidence of financial malfeasance leads to an FBI investigation of Lane, Jessica can't believe what she's reading.
So when Barfield turns up dead, Jessica takes on the task of proving Barfield's innocence--she can't fathom someone she's known and trusted for so long cheating her. Sure enough, Jessica's lone wolf investigation turns up several oddities and inconsistencies in Barfield's murder. Jessica knows something is being covered up, but what exactly? The trail she takes to answer that question reveals something far more nefarious afoot, involving shadowy characters from the heights of power in Washington. At the heart of Jessica's investigation lies a manuscript Barfield had intended to bring out after all other publishers had turned it down. The problem is that manuscript has disappeared, all traces of its submission and very existence having been wiped off the books.
With her own life now in jeopardy, Jessica refuses to back off and sets her sights on learning the contents of that manuscript and what about it may have led to several murders. Every step she takes brings her closer to the truth of what lies in the pages, as well as the person who penned them.
307 pages, Hardcover
First published November 6, 2018
115 people are currently reading
753 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Fletcher
115 books1,060 followersLibrarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Jessica Fletcher (born Jessica Beatrice MacGill, and writes under the initialed J.B. Fletcher) is a fictional character from the US television series Murder, She Wrote.
In keeping with the spirit of the TV show, a series of official original novels have been written by American ghostwriter Donald Bain and published by the New American Library. The author credit for the novels is shared with the fictitious "Jessica Fletcher." When the first novel in the series, Gin and Daggers, was published in 1989 it included several inaccuracies to the TV series including Jessica driving a car which she could not do as she never learned to drive. Due to fans pointing out the errors, the novel was republished in 2000 with most of the inaccuracies corrected.
Source: Wikipedia
Jessica Fletcher (born Jessica Beatrice MacGill, and writes under the initialed J.B. Fletcher) is a fictional character from the US television series Murder, She Wrote.
In keeping with the spirit of the TV show, a series of official original novels have been written by American ghostwriter Donald Bain and published by the New American Library. The author credit for the novels is shared with the fictitious "Jessica Fletcher." When the first novel in the series, Gin and Daggers, was published in 1989 it included several inaccuracies to the TV series including Jessica driving a car which she could not do as she never learned to drive. Due to fans pointing out the errors, the novel was republished in 2000 with most of the inaccuracies corrected.
Source: Wikipedia
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 210 reviews
January 3, 2019
Nope! This is a thriller, not a cozy. It has language that was never there before and doesn't belong there now. If I want to read a thriller, I'll pick one up. Sad, and disappointed. The story, for the record is not bad, but it is not a cozy and not a story that fits Jessica Fletcher, her companions or Cabot Cove!
Berkley- A long letter coming your way.
Berkley- A long letter coming your way.
December 1, 2018
Clever and addictive, this newest installment in the Murder She wrote mysteries by Jon Land will have you on the edge of your seat, unable to put this book down! I am one happy mystery-lover after reading Manuscript for Murder. This story was outlandish enough to be fun, but also down-to-earth enough to feel like with a small stretch of the imagination, it could really be happening. I am delighted with this cozy mystery, and I think other mystery fans will be too!!!
See my full review on my blog here!
About the Book
Jessica Fletcher has had plenty to worry about over her storied career, both as a bestselling novelist and amateur sleuth. But she never had any reason to worry about her longtime publisher, Lane Barfield, who also happens to be a trusted friend. When mounting evidence of financial malfeasance leads to an FBI investigation of Lane, Jessica can’t believe what she’s reading.
So when Barfield turns up dead, Jessica takes on the task of proving Barfield’s innocence–she can’t fathom someone she’s known and trusted for so long cheating her. Sure enough, Jessica’s lone wolf investigation turns up several oddities and inconsistencies in Barfield’s murder. Jessica knows something is being covered up, but what exactly? The trail she takes to answer that question reveals something far more nefarious afoot, involving shadowy characters from the heights of power in Washington. At the heart of Jessica’s investigation lies a manuscript Barfield had intended to bring out after all other publishers had turned it down. The problem is that manuscript has disappeared, all traces of its submission and very existence having been wiped off the books.
With her own life now in jeopardy, Jessica refuses to back off and sets her sights on learning the contents of that manuscript and what about it may have led to several murders. Every step she takes brings her closer to the truth of what lies in the pages, as well as the person who penned them.
Reflection
When I say this book is unputdownable, I mean it! I have been super busy, with a really hectic job and an MBA course I’m teaching (plus finishing my dissertation). But I managed to finish this in two days despite all of that! I was sneaking a few pages every chance I got – waiting in line at the coffee shop, sneaking out on my lunch break to read, staying up late into the night frantically consuming pages. I found myself pondering it in the shower, as I tried to fall asleep, while I was walking to the train. I absolutely loved this mystery!
From the time I was a young girl I watched Murder She Wrote with my grandmother, so I love Jessica Fletcher like she is a member of my family! It may have started because my grandmother told me she was the voice of Mrs. Potts in Beauty and the Beast, but it is also one of my earliest mystery loves (the other being Nancy Drew, of course).
Here we have Jessica just as bold and intelligent as ever, with a certain loveable humbleness that defies the accolades she has received in her career. As Jessica begins to look into the mysterious deaths, she realizes the manuscript she was asked to read may be more valuable than she could have ever realized. And being Jessica Fletcher, she doesn’t shy away of the string of bodies in the wake of this manuscript. In fact, Jessica shuttles the manuscript right onto the train back to Maine, fiercely protecting the 800-page behemoth! I think any book lover will find themselves tickled at the idea of an unpublished manuscript holding the key to a mystery that may take Jessica all the way to the White House. I am buzzing with energy right now even thinking about how much that premise excites me, and I already read the book!
And of course, I will never spoil the book. But I do want to tease you and say the conclusion is a delight to the mystery-lover soul! Intelligent and satisfying—you will leave this book wanting more Jessica Fletcher in your life! Jon Land has crafted this wonderful cozy mystery with a bit of thriller to it—an homage to the book within the book, I’d imagine! I can’t wait to read more in this iteration of Murder She Wrote!
Thank you to Berkley Publishing for my copy to review!
See my full review on my blog here!
About the Book
Jessica Fletcher has had plenty to worry about over her storied career, both as a bestselling novelist and amateur sleuth. But she never had any reason to worry about her longtime publisher, Lane Barfield, who also happens to be a trusted friend. When mounting evidence of financial malfeasance leads to an FBI investigation of Lane, Jessica can’t believe what she’s reading.
So when Barfield turns up dead, Jessica takes on the task of proving Barfield’s innocence–she can’t fathom someone she’s known and trusted for so long cheating her. Sure enough, Jessica’s lone wolf investigation turns up several oddities and inconsistencies in Barfield’s murder. Jessica knows something is being covered up, but what exactly? The trail she takes to answer that question reveals something far more nefarious afoot, involving shadowy characters from the heights of power in Washington. At the heart of Jessica’s investigation lies a manuscript Barfield had intended to bring out after all other publishers had turned it down. The problem is that manuscript has disappeared, all traces of its submission and very existence having been wiped off the books.
With her own life now in jeopardy, Jessica refuses to back off and sets her sights on learning the contents of that manuscript and what about it may have led to several murders. Every step she takes brings her closer to the truth of what lies in the pages, as well as the person who penned them.
Reflection
When I say this book is unputdownable, I mean it! I have been super busy, with a really hectic job and an MBA course I’m teaching (plus finishing my dissertation). But I managed to finish this in two days despite all of that! I was sneaking a few pages every chance I got – waiting in line at the coffee shop, sneaking out on my lunch break to read, staying up late into the night frantically consuming pages. I found myself pondering it in the shower, as I tried to fall asleep, while I was walking to the train. I absolutely loved this mystery!
From the time I was a young girl I watched Murder She Wrote with my grandmother, so I love Jessica Fletcher like she is a member of my family! It may have started because my grandmother told me she was the voice of Mrs. Potts in Beauty and the Beast, but it is also one of my earliest mystery loves (the other being Nancy Drew, of course).
Here we have Jessica just as bold and intelligent as ever, with a certain loveable humbleness that defies the accolades she has received in her career. As Jessica begins to look into the mysterious deaths, she realizes the manuscript she was asked to read may be more valuable than she could have ever realized. And being Jessica Fletcher, she doesn’t shy away of the string of bodies in the wake of this manuscript. In fact, Jessica shuttles the manuscript right onto the train back to Maine, fiercely protecting the 800-page behemoth! I think any book lover will find themselves tickled at the idea of an unpublished manuscript holding the key to a mystery that may take Jessica all the way to the White House. I am buzzing with energy right now even thinking about how much that premise excites me, and I already read the book!
And of course, I will never spoil the book. But I do want to tease you and say the conclusion is a delight to the mystery-lover soul! Intelligent and satisfying—you will leave this book wanting more Jessica Fletcher in your life! Jon Land has crafted this wonderful cozy mystery with a bit of thriller to it—an homage to the book within the book, I’d imagine! I can’t wait to read more in this iteration of Murder She Wrote!
Thank you to Berkley Publishing for my copy to review!
November 7, 2018
This isn’t your grandmother’s Jessica Fletcher!
This was such a fun, cozy, engaging, and nostalgic read... it certainly was fun going back to Cabot Cove! I remember Sunday night watching television, when you still had to change the channels manually, and watching Angela Lansbury on “Murder, She Wrote.” Having never read one of the books before I wasn’t sure what to expect, and I have to say I was extremely pleased! Jessica has definitely had a bit of an update, but don’t stress she still is the same charming, intelligent, and Witty character we all know and love.... she just has a little more savvy and a cell phone, but I guess even Cabot Cove has entered the 21st-century....
This time we have a murder about a book... it appears that anyone who has read this manuscript has been killed... but why? And by whom? After Jessica’s longtime publisher is found dead and has been accused of embezzling, Jessica is determined to prove him innocent.... not only that she is convinced his death was murder and she is going to find the killer! As the bodies begin to pile up Jessica is more and more convinced that these murders have something to do with this manuscript.... The investigation takes Jessica to New York and Washington DC, but don’t worry there’s plenty of time in Cabot Cove with the whole gang! I seriously wonder how many dead bodies Jessica has run across in her life? makes a girl wonder?
I loved the fact we got a book inside a book... I enjoyed reading the manuscript titled “The Affair“ with Jessica.... I relished her analysis of the manuscript.... really the perfect murder mystery for the book lover, there were so many little tidbits about the publishing business... I also have to admit the manuscript contain quite a compelling thriller of its own! What a concept to put a thriller in the middle of a cozy mystery? Throw in some politics, the first lady, the publishing world, eccentric authors and you’ve got yourself quite the delightful and suspenseful murder mystery... it was so much fun putting on my detective hat and once again joining Jessica in trying to figure out, who done it? I am absolutely going to watch some of the old shows sometime this weekend, it Hass to be on one of the many streaming subscriptions that I have!
Absolutely recommend if you are a fan of the show or not, this was a fabulously plotted mystery with some pretty amazing characters!
*** many thanks to Berkley for my copy of this book ***
This was such a fun, cozy, engaging, and nostalgic read... it certainly was fun going back to Cabot Cove! I remember Sunday night watching television, when you still had to change the channels manually, and watching Angela Lansbury on “Murder, She Wrote.” Having never read one of the books before I wasn’t sure what to expect, and I have to say I was extremely pleased! Jessica has definitely had a bit of an update, but don’t stress she still is the same charming, intelligent, and Witty character we all know and love.... she just has a little more savvy and a cell phone, but I guess even Cabot Cove has entered the 21st-century....
This time we have a murder about a book... it appears that anyone who has read this manuscript has been killed... but why? And by whom? After Jessica’s longtime publisher is found dead and has been accused of embezzling, Jessica is determined to prove him innocent.... not only that she is convinced his death was murder and she is going to find the killer! As the bodies begin to pile up Jessica is more and more convinced that these murders have something to do with this manuscript.... The investigation takes Jessica to New York and Washington DC, but don’t worry there’s plenty of time in Cabot Cove with the whole gang! I seriously wonder how many dead bodies Jessica has run across in her life? makes a girl wonder?
I loved the fact we got a book inside a book... I enjoyed reading the manuscript titled “The Affair“ with Jessica.... I relished her analysis of the manuscript.... really the perfect murder mystery for the book lover, there were so many little tidbits about the publishing business... I also have to admit the manuscript contain quite a compelling thriller of its own! What a concept to put a thriller in the middle of a cozy mystery? Throw in some politics, the first lady, the publishing world, eccentric authors and you’ve got yourself quite the delightful and suspenseful murder mystery... it was so much fun putting on my detective hat and once again joining Jessica in trying to figure out, who done it? I am absolutely going to watch some of the old shows sometime this weekend, it Hass to be on one of the many streaming subscriptions that I have!
Absolutely recommend if you are a fan of the show or not, this was a fabulously plotted mystery with some pretty amazing characters!
*** many thanks to Berkley for my copy of this book ***
November 2, 2018
A great cozy mystery with a "book themed" plot!
Just like the popular television series, Jessica is solving murders. I’m seen a few episodes of the show and I wanted to read this latest book in the series.
There is an intriguing mystery to solve and it involves “a mysterious manuscript” that seems to be deadly. Jessica is the leading sleuth and ends up with the hotter than hot manuscript in her possession. When her friend Thomas, another writer visits her and reports that their mutual editor, Lane Barfield is pocketing money from their book sales, she is shocked.
Everyone who has seen the manuscript is dying and Jessica finds herself in the midst of some very dangerous predicaments.
This was an enjoyable whodunnit that had some humor, suspense, and appealing characters.
Thanks to the publisher for my copy to read/review.
Just like the popular television series, Jessica is solving murders. I’m seen a few episodes of the show and I wanted to read this latest book in the series.
There is an intriguing mystery to solve and it involves “a mysterious manuscript” that seems to be deadly. Jessica is the leading sleuth and ends up with the hotter than hot manuscript in her possession. When her friend Thomas, another writer visits her and reports that their mutual editor, Lane Barfield is pocketing money from their book sales, she is shocked.
Everyone who has seen the manuscript is dying and Jessica finds herself in the midst of some very dangerous predicaments.
This was an enjoyable whodunnit that had some humor, suspense, and appealing characters.
Thanks to the publisher for my copy to read/review.
November 12, 2018
4 nostalgic stars to Murder, She Wrote: Manuscript for Murder! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
This is Jon Land’s second installment in the Murder, She Wrote series, though many other books (over 40 to be exact!) have been written.
I expected Manuscript for Murder to be light and cozy, but there is plenty of depth and suspense. In case you didn’t know, Jessica Fletcher is a novelist and sleuth-on-the-side. A friend of hers, Lane Barfield, who also happens to be her publisher, gets in hot water due to money corruption leading to an FBI investigation.
This friend later turns up dead. Jessica’s mission becomes proving her dear friend’s innocence. She senses a cover-up almost immediately. At the root of it all? A mysterious manuscript that Lane planned to publish, which is now missing.
Jessica is risking it all to find the manuscript. She is searching to not only find the document, but to discover who wrote it. Jessica’s sleuthing is her own signature style.
I found Manuscript for Murder to be exciting and suspenseful, and the writing is solid and engaging. If I can no longer see new episodes of the TV show (and haven’t been able to for some time!), this series is the next best thing and then some. I highly recommend this to suspense and mystery fans. It’s good stuff!
Many thanks to Berkley for the copy to review. All opinions are my own.
My reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com
This is Jon Land’s second installment in the Murder, She Wrote series, though many other books (over 40 to be exact!) have been written.
I expected Manuscript for Murder to be light and cozy, but there is plenty of depth and suspense. In case you didn’t know, Jessica Fletcher is a novelist and sleuth-on-the-side. A friend of hers, Lane Barfield, who also happens to be her publisher, gets in hot water due to money corruption leading to an FBI investigation.
This friend later turns up dead. Jessica’s mission becomes proving her dear friend’s innocence. She senses a cover-up almost immediately. At the root of it all? A mysterious manuscript that Lane planned to publish, which is now missing.
Jessica is risking it all to find the manuscript. She is searching to not only find the document, but to discover who wrote it. Jessica’s sleuthing is her own signature style.
I found Manuscript for Murder to be exciting and suspenseful, and the writing is solid and engaging. If I can no longer see new episodes of the TV show (and haven’t been able to for some time!), this series is the next best thing and then some. I highly recommend this to suspense and mystery fans. It’s good stuff!
Many thanks to Berkley for the copy to review. All opinions are my own.
My reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com
December 9, 2018
4 nostalgic stars to Manuscript for Murder! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
This is Jon Land’s second installment in the Murder, She Wrote series, though many other books (over 40 to be exact!) have been written.
I expected Manuscript for Murder to be light and cozy, but there is plenty of depth and suspense. In case you didn’t know, Jessica Fletcher is a novelist and sleuth-on-the-side. A friend of hers, Lane Barfield, who also happens to be her publisher, gets in hot water due to money corruption leading to an FBI investigation.
This friend later turns up dead. Jessica’s mission becomes proving her dear friend’s innocence. She senses a cover-up almost immediately. At the root of it all? A mysterious manuscript that Lane planned to publish, which is now missing.
Jessica is risking it all to find the manuscript. She is searching to not only find the document, but to discover who wrote it. Jessica’s sleuthing is her own signature style.
I found Manuscript for Murder to be exciting and suspenseful, and the writing is solid and engaging. If I can no longer see new episodes of the TV show (and haven’t been able to for some time!), this series is the next best thing and then some. I highly recommend this to suspense and mystery fans. It’s good stuff!
Many thanks to Berkley for the copy to review. All opinions are my own.
My reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com
This is Jon Land’s second installment in the Murder, She Wrote series, though many other books (over 40 to be exact!) have been written.
I expected Manuscript for Murder to be light and cozy, but there is plenty of depth and suspense. In case you didn’t know, Jessica Fletcher is a novelist and sleuth-on-the-side. A friend of hers, Lane Barfield, who also happens to be her publisher, gets in hot water due to money corruption leading to an FBI investigation.
This friend later turns up dead. Jessica’s mission becomes proving her dear friend’s innocence. She senses a cover-up almost immediately. At the root of it all? A mysterious manuscript that Lane planned to publish, which is now missing.
Jessica is risking it all to find the manuscript. She is searching to not only find the document, but to discover who wrote it. Jessica’s sleuthing is her own signature style.
I found Manuscript for Murder to be exciting and suspenseful, and the writing is solid and engaging. If I can no longer see new episodes of the TV show (and haven’t been able to for some time!), this series is the next best thing and then some. I highly recommend this to suspense and mystery fans. It’s good stuff!
Many thanks to Berkley for the copy to review. All opinions are my own.
My reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com
November 14, 2018
This is the first book I have read by Jon Land and "Jessica Fletcher" in the Murder She Wrote series. As a longtime fan of the franchise, the best I can say is that I'm disappointed.
The plot of the book itself veered far from the cozy mystery format that has made the Murder She Wrote series popular for decades. There were explosions, faked suicides, graphic gunshot wounds and deaths, destructive fires and government conspiracy all wrapped up into one novel where the body count continued to pile up. This is not the kind of storyline that I want to read when enjoying a Jessica Fletcher novel. There are plenty of authors who write these kind of novels, and write them better than Jon Land in my opinion.
However, the character changes bothered me even more than the plot of the book. Mort Metzger, Seth Hazlitt, Artie Gelber and Harry McGraw have developed new, cynical to rude personalities. They speak and act unkindly towards Jessica and each other. There are even a few curse words in the book - though not many. These are not the characters that I have loved reading about for years and have watched on television.
There is a reason that Cabot Cove and Jessica Fletcher have remained popular for so long. Readers like the quaint escape to New England or jaunt around the world to solve a cozy mystery. While there may have been a need to modernize the series in some ways, I hate that the author felt the best way to "modernize" was to make the characters into jerks and veer into noir-style plot and dialogue. It is sad and disrespectful to the franchise's history.
Please save Jessica Fletcher and Cabot Cove from the destructive hands of Jon Land!
The plot of the book itself veered far from the cozy mystery format that has made the Murder She Wrote series popular for decades. There were explosions, faked suicides, graphic gunshot wounds and deaths, destructive fires and government conspiracy all wrapped up into one novel where the body count continued to pile up. This is not the kind of storyline that I want to read when enjoying a Jessica Fletcher novel. There are plenty of authors who write these kind of novels, and write them better than Jon Land in my opinion.
However, the character changes bothered me even more than the plot of the book. Mort Metzger, Seth Hazlitt, Artie Gelber and Harry McGraw have developed new, cynical to rude personalities. They speak and act unkindly towards Jessica and each other. There are even a few curse words in the book - though not many. These are not the characters that I have loved reading about for years and have watched on television.
There is a reason that Cabot Cove and Jessica Fletcher have remained popular for so long. Readers like the quaint escape to New England or jaunt around the world to solve a cozy mystery. While there may have been a need to modernize the series in some ways, I hate that the author felt the best way to "modernize" was to make the characters into jerks and veer into noir-style plot and dialogue. It is sad and disrespectful to the franchise's history.
Please save Jessica Fletcher and Cabot Cove from the destructive hands of Jon Land!
November 2, 2018
Manuscript for Murder was such a fun and cozy read!
I absolutely loved Jessica's character. She is trying to find out a case that involves lies, blackmail, and a missing manuscript that everyone is trying to get their hands on!
Manuscript for Murder is a very well paced mystery that keeps you wanting more. It was a very fast paced and easy read.
I really enjoyed how it was an overall "book themed plot". This added so much more since I LOVE to read haha.
After reading this, I want to go back and read all the series... and not to mention am dying to watch the tv show now!
If you're in the mood for a fun yet cozy mystery this is definitely for you. It's different then the normal crazy psychological thrillers I'm used to but it was a fun change.
Overall, 4 stars.
Huge thank you Berkley for my copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Pub date: 11/6/18
Published to GR: 11/1/18
I absolutely loved Jessica's character. She is trying to find out a case that involves lies, blackmail, and a missing manuscript that everyone is trying to get their hands on!
Manuscript for Murder is a very well paced mystery that keeps you wanting more. It was a very fast paced and easy read.
I really enjoyed how it was an overall "book themed plot". This added so much more since I LOVE to read haha.
After reading this, I want to go back and read all the series... and not to mention am dying to watch the tv show now!
If you're in the mood for a fun yet cozy mystery this is definitely for you. It's different then the normal crazy psychological thrillers I'm used to but it was a fun change.
Overall, 4 stars.
Huge thank you Berkley for my copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Pub date: 11/6/18
Published to GR: 11/1/18
December 3, 2018
I can't remember the last time I gave a book 1 star, because I generally don't finish a book that I find to be that terrible. And let me be very clear: this book is terrible. I had to force myself to read the entire thing, and took breaks when the absurdity of it all was too much.
This review is filled with spoilers for everyone who found this book as insulting to the franchise as I did. I have watched every episode of MSW, all 4 made-for-TV movies, and read every book in this series. The new author appears to have little to no knowledge of who Jessica Fletcher is, and the backstory and characters in her world. To begin with, any casual fan knows that Jessica's longtime publisher is Vaughn Buckley, and not Lane Barfield.
I am deeply disappointed. Donald Bain worked so hard to keep this series fun and fresh, and it's falling to pieces without him.
This review is filled with spoilers for everyone who found this book as insulting to the franchise as I did. I have watched every episode of MSW, all 4 made-for-TV movies, and read every book in this series. The new author appears to have little to no knowledge of who Jessica Fletcher is, and the backstory and characters in her world. To begin with, any casual fan knows that Jessica's longtime publisher is Vaughn Buckley, and not Lane Barfield.
I am deeply disappointed. Donald Bain worked so hard to keep this series fun and fresh, and it's falling to pieces without him.
August 14, 2020
Does not ring true
Jessica would never say damn, and is not Mort's age. The snippy banter is out of character for Mort and her, who share a warm respectful relationship of trust. Lacks the true essence of Jessica. Too hard boiled, lacking Jessica's endearing thoughtful personality by substituting snippy banter. The body count and book within a book grew tiresome quickly. Disappointing.
Skip to my review of MSW: Murder of Twelve #51 where the author is spot-on fantastic and entirely reinvigorates the series to keep you guessing!
Jessica would never say damn, and is not Mort's age. The snippy banter is out of character for Mort and her, who share a warm respectful relationship of trust. Lacks the true essence of Jessica. Too hard boiled, lacking Jessica's endearing thoughtful personality by substituting snippy banter. The body count and book within a book grew tiresome quickly. Disappointing.
Skip to my review of MSW: Murder of Twelve #51 where the author is spot-on fantastic and entirely reinvigorates the series to keep you guessing!
November 13, 2018
What a disappointment. This author does not write like the one who wrote all the other Murder She Wrote books. He is writing about the publishing industry and uses words and acronyms without explaining them. He uses incorrect English, which Jessica Fletcher would not use. It seems he is trying to modernize Jessica Fletcher and it doesn't work.
October 27, 2022
Cosa può nascondere un manoscritto che non è ancora stato pubblicato?
Questo è l’enigma che deve scoprire la signora Fletcher in questa storia che sa molto di spionaggio e molti colpi di scena e personaggi illustri coinvolti. A questo punto Jessica deve stare attenta a come muoversi per non rischiare di rimanere uccisa anche lei,ma grazie ai suoi amici poliziotti e detective privato riuscirà ad arrivare alla conclusione di questo mistero.
È stato un ascolto molto piacevole e incalzante,dove dai primi capitoli gli argomenti trattati la mia attenzione è sempre stata alta ed è stato facile seguire la storia ed arrivare al colpevole. E poi c’è da dire che le storie con la Signora in Giallo mi sono sempre piaciute.
Da parte mia è una lettura consigliata.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Questo è l’enigma che deve scoprire la signora Fletcher in questa storia che sa molto di spionaggio e molti colpi di scena e personaggi illustri coinvolti. A questo punto Jessica deve stare attenta a come muoversi per non rischiare di rimanere uccisa anche lei,ma grazie ai suoi amici poliziotti e detective privato riuscirà ad arrivare alla conclusione di questo mistero.
È stato un ascolto molto piacevole e incalzante,dove dai primi capitoli gli argomenti trattati la mia attenzione è sempre stata alta ed è stato facile seguire la storia ed arrivare al colpevole. E poi c’è da dire che le storie con la Signora in Giallo mi sono sempre piaciute.
Da parte mia è una lettura consigliata.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2019
If you're a fan of both this writer's work and Murder, She Wrote, even you won't like this literary dump cake.
In Manuscript for Murder, Jessica Fletcher gets embroiled in a hoary old political conspiracy involving an unpublished manuscript that goes... ALL THE WAY TO THE WHITE HOUSE! Dunh dunh dunhhh. As she runs around trying to solve it, we are treated to several extensive excerpts of this supposed page-turner, and JB's responses while reading it will leave you questioning her taste level. It's bad. And so is Manuscript for Murder.
I was hoping the last book I read by Land, his first since taking over the series, was horrible because the writer was just acclimating to the series. Between the writing of the two books he has seemed to familiarize himself more with the settings and characters but he's still way off on simple things like character histories and voices. That might be a forgivable sin, albeit a repeated one, but the story in Manuscript for Murder Is not. It reads quite literally like the writer dusted off a Robert Ludlum ripoff he never finished and copy-pasted it into what was supposed to be his Agatha Christie ripoff.
Is this a giant middle finger to fans of cozy mysteries? It sure reads like one. I imagine the writer’s thought process went something like this:
"Oh, crap. They want that next Murder, She Wrote by Friday. I know, I'll just take this old unpublished crap draft of a political thriller I wrote, squeeze JB Fletcher into it, and tack on an ending. I can stretch it out by including some excerpts. Hell, that'll be half the book. Yeah, that's it! I'll have JB read it and remark upon its brilliance, my brilliance. That'll show those dummies who rejected it and it'll show cozy fans what a real mystery looks like!“
Originally, I was looking forward to some new blood writing MSW. Optimally by a fan of the series (I think Bain, who mostly did a good job, came to appreciate it but there was definitely a learning curve.) Oh, well. If wishes were horses and all that. Land may well be a fan of some of Ms. Lansbury’s work (ahem, The Manchurian Candidate) but he disguises it well.
Just because books like these may be the McNuggets of literature, unchallenging but quick and tasty, quality control still matters. This is lazy publishing at its worst, exploiting loyal readers of an intellectual property just to turn a buck. Everybody involved thinks you are stupid and will buy anything they publish. Prove them wrong. Maybe then they’ll be forced to improve the quality.
In Manuscript for Murder, Jessica Fletcher gets embroiled in a hoary old political conspiracy involving an unpublished manuscript that goes... ALL THE WAY TO THE WHITE HOUSE! Dunh dunh dunhhh. As she runs around trying to solve it, we are treated to several extensive excerpts of this supposed page-turner, and JB's responses while reading it will leave you questioning her taste level. It's bad. And so is Manuscript for Murder.
I was hoping the last book I read by Land, his first since taking over the series, was horrible because the writer was just acclimating to the series. Between the writing of the two books he has seemed to familiarize himself more with the settings and characters but he's still way off on simple things like character histories and voices. That might be a forgivable sin, albeit a repeated one, but the story in Manuscript for Murder Is not. It reads quite literally like the writer dusted off a Robert Ludlum ripoff he never finished and copy-pasted it into what was supposed to be his Agatha Christie ripoff.
Is this a giant middle finger to fans of cozy mysteries? It sure reads like one. I imagine the writer’s thought process went something like this:
"Oh, crap. They want that next Murder, She Wrote by Friday. I know, I'll just take this old unpublished crap draft of a political thriller I wrote, squeeze JB Fletcher into it, and tack on an ending. I can stretch it out by including some excerpts. Hell, that'll be half the book. Yeah, that's it! I'll have JB read it and remark upon its brilliance, my brilliance. That'll show those dummies who rejected it and it'll show cozy fans what a real mystery looks like!“
Originally, I was looking forward to some new blood writing MSW. Optimally by a fan of the series (I think Bain, who mostly did a good job, came to appreciate it but there was definitely a learning curve.) Oh, well. If wishes were horses and all that. Land may well be a fan of some of Ms. Lansbury’s work (ahem, The Manchurian Candidate) but he disguises it well.
Just because books like these may be the McNuggets of literature, unchallenging but quick and tasty, quality control still matters. This is lazy publishing at its worst, exploiting loyal readers of an intellectual property just to turn a buck. Everybody involved thinks you are stupid and will buy anything they publish. Prove them wrong. Maybe then they’ll be forced to improve the quality.
May 10, 2019
I did NOT appreciate this bundle of cliches from every John Grisham, James Patterson, and Margaret Truman novel this Jon Land fool has ever read. Jessica Fletcher stories are supposed to be WHODUNITS, not this running-for-your-life-to-keep-ahead-of-the-body-count nonsense. Where is Donald or Renee Bain, cowriters who actually WATCHED the show!?
May 22, 2020
This was a huge disappointment. I love the Murder, She Wrote franchise, but, somehow, this book did not ring true to the Jessica Fletcher I know and love from the previous books in the series. The tone, the characters, the dialogue, etc. that I have come to expect from a Murder, She Wrote book were unfortunately lacking in this one. It was more of a dark, hard-boiled, body-strewn thriller than the type of cozy mystery Jessica usually gets involved in. Jessica herself seemed almost like a complete stranger at times. She has always been a classy, caring and smart lady...a bit bossy at times but never in a rude, disrespectful way. I had a hard time finding that familiar Jessica the whole time I was reading this.
The warm, humourous banter that is present in all the other books between Jessica and her long-time friends, Mort and Seth, was sadly absent in this one. It actually sounded mean-spirited, insulting and rude at times. Very disappointing because I always look forward to the amusing interactions between these characters and I just couldn't get that warm, fuzzy feeling this time around.
The introduction of Lane Barfield as Jessica's long-time publisher and the one who launched her career was a jarring false note as well. I always thought Vaughn Buckley served in that role in all the other books, and I wondered why this man had appeared all of a sudden out of the blue. Perhaps the new author did not research the past history of the series as well as he should have?
As other readers have pointed out, this probably would have been an okay read if the characters and setting had not been a Murder, She Wrote book. Mr. Land's writing style and tone were not at all suited to the Cabot Cove gang, in my opinion.
I have the next two books on my bookshelf and I sincerely hope I enjoy them much more than I did this one. I'd hate to think I might have to abandon my favourite cozy mystery series after all this time.
The warm, humourous banter that is present in all the other books between Jessica and her long-time friends, Mort and Seth, was sadly absent in this one. It actually sounded mean-spirited, insulting and rude at times. Very disappointing because I always look forward to the amusing interactions between these characters and I just couldn't get that warm, fuzzy feeling this time around.
The introduction of Lane Barfield as Jessica's long-time publisher and the one who launched her career was a jarring false note as well. I always thought Vaughn Buckley served in that role in all the other books, and I wondered why this man had appeared all of a sudden out of the blue. Perhaps the new author did not research the past history of the series as well as he should have?
As other readers have pointed out, this probably would have been an okay read if the characters and setting had not been a Murder, She Wrote book. Mr. Land's writing style and tone were not at all suited to the Cabot Cove gang, in my opinion.
I have the next two books on my bookshelf and I sincerely hope I enjoy them much more than I did this one. I'd hate to think I might have to abandon my favourite cozy mystery series after all this time.
May 30, 2019
I love this tv series and the book series. The original author died and Jon Land now writes the books. This book is sadly not a good addition to the Murder, She Wrote series. There are over 40 books with key characters that are important and they’re ignored or their personalities have been altered, some slightly some majorly. It’s such a tragedy that this series couldn’t have a writer who did his/her research on everything that’s been done. I understand making it your own, but if you changed the names of these characters I’d never connect them to the original characterization of the murder she wrote characters. I think it might be time to leave this series behind. Maybe in a few years if the books are still around I’ll pick another up but I have no interest in watching my favorite characters be rewritten
May 21, 2023
I have read many if not most of the over forty "Murder She Wrote" novels, and have enjoyed most of them a lot. However, "Manuscript for Murder" was a major disappointment. One problem was that the author Jon Land made a number of small changes in the series history that bothered me from the start. The novel had Jessica being with just one publisher her entire career yet anyone who watched the series knows that was not the case, in fact she proved her first publisher was guilty of murder in the pilot episodes of the series and different publishers appeared throughout the series and the earlier novels. The novel also had Harry McGraw (her favorite private eye) living in New York. Anyone familiar with the series knows he lives in Boston. While the familiar supporting characters played key roles in the novel, which I liked, many seemed a little out of character. Even Jessica seemed off, believing her good friend of many years and the man who helped make her career was cheating her without any proof what so ever. But these faults can be overlooked if the story was interesting and made sense, this one didn't. It started out well, in fact took elements from a couple episodes to begin the story, but soon became mired in an unbelievable plot about an unpublished novel that if anyone read it an army of murderers would arrive and kill the reader. It got even more weird, the daughter of a Presidential candidate runs away from home and to protect the candidate an evil and secret society stages her "death" and kills the doctors and nurses who might know the dead woman was not the daughter of a minor Congressman. Somehow, this all powerful group never bothers to find the daughter, who if she showed up now would ruin their plans. Oh, and the "fact" his daughter died of a drug overdose somehow got him elected. The ending, where Jessica and her NY City police officer friend Artie Gelber bring down the all powerful group makes no sense at all. I gave it two stars only because in my mind the whole story was just a dream Jessica had when she dozed off (which she did a few times) while reading the unpublished novel.
February 7, 2019
When Thomas Rudd approaches Jessica Fletcher after one of her signings and accuses Lane Barfield, their mutual publisher, of skimming money from their royalties, Jessica can hardly believe it. Within a couple of days, both of the men are dead. However, Jessica begins to suspect that the political thriller Lane asked her to read was to blame. Is she correct? If so, is she the next target?
I had a mixed reaction to this book. On the one hand, I got very caught up in the plot, and always had a hard time putting it down. There are twists and turns and plenty of danger, and I loved it. It would have worked better, however, if it weren’t a Murder, She Wrote book. It certainly doesn’t fit with the rest of the franchise in tone, with several events being several shades grayer than we got, at least on the TV show. (I’ve only read one other book, the previous one.) We see several of the regular side characters, but they and their relationship with Jessica was off. What I suspect was supposed to be funny came across as rather mean. These characters wouldn’t interact this way. There’s also the fact that one of the plots in the book gets dropped in favor of the other. Honestly, I think there are two good storylines here, and they should have gotten their own books. This is the second book that Jon Land has written in the franchise, and I’m wondering if his efforts to turn things darker are going to be a permanent thing or if he will adjust better to the light tone of this franchise.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
I had a mixed reaction to this book. On the one hand, I got very caught up in the plot, and always had a hard time putting it down. There are twists and turns and plenty of danger, and I loved it. It would have worked better, however, if it weren’t a Murder, She Wrote book. It certainly doesn’t fit with the rest of the franchise in tone, with several events being several shades grayer than we got, at least on the TV show. (I’ve only read one other book, the previous one.) We see several of the regular side characters, but they and their relationship with Jessica was off. What I suspect was supposed to be funny came across as rather mean. These characters wouldn’t interact this way. There’s also the fact that one of the plots in the book gets dropped in favor of the other. Honestly, I think there are two good storylines here, and they should have gotten their own books. This is the second book that Jon Land has written in the franchise, and I’m wondering if his efforts to turn things darker are going to be a permanent thing or if he will adjust better to the light tone of this franchise.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
December 20, 2018
Manuscript for Murder is the 48th book in the Murder, She Wrote series and it's written by Jon Land. It was a very disappointing read. I'm a big fan of the series but I thought this new installment of the series wasn't for me.
I liked the style of writing and I thought the story had great potential but a lot of things prevented me from enjoying the book. In the first place, Jessica's publisher's name is Vaughan Buckley who has a wife named Olga. They have prominently featured in the series. There is no Lane Barfield in the Jessica Fletcher world. Secondly, I felt it was very hard to recognize Jessica and her friends Mort and Seth in the book. They spoke and acted like they were different persons. Thirdly, I didn't understand why it was necessary to imply that Jessica is anything other than a well known and very successful writer. Also what was the point of dissing romance books. It's news to me that they don't sell.
I've rated the book so low because accuracy is very important to me but maybe it would have been higher if there was something special. For now, I think I would have a better experience reading a book by this author that is not part of the Murder, She Wrote series.
I liked the style of writing and I thought the story had great potential but a lot of things prevented me from enjoying the book. In the first place, Jessica's publisher's name is Vaughan Buckley who has a wife named Olga. They have prominently featured in the series. There is no Lane Barfield in the Jessica Fletcher world. Secondly, I felt it was very hard to recognize Jessica and her friends Mort and Seth in the book. They spoke and acted like they were different persons. Thirdly, I didn't understand why it was necessary to imply that Jessica is anything other than a well known and very successful writer. Also what was the point of dissing romance books. It's news to me that they don't sell.
I've rated the book so low because accuracy is very important to me but maybe it would have been higher if there was something special. For now, I think I would have a better experience reading a book by this author that is not part of the Murder, She Wrote series.
January 23, 2019
This was the first Jessica Fletcher book I'd read, mainly because it was this brand new copy sitting there on the library shelf asking me to borrow it--and I love new hard cover books as well as letting the library know their efforts are appreciated by borrowing cozies. I could barely put this down! It read with the interest and intensity of what I remember from thrillers, just no blood, guts, language or situations--basically like an episode of Murder, She Wrote except in the 21st century. I love the 21st century Jessica, although I would never have any doubt that she could adapt to laptops, smartphones or all the new technology since I've watched the show.
You can take Jessica out of Cabot Cove, but somehow she still manged to keep Mort on his toes after she connected with her NYPD buddy, Artie to sleuth what she thought was the murder of her publisher. Just a few days ago, one of the writers she knew who also used that publisher was killed in an explosion. These two deaths only started the roller coaster ride! It was an exciting read with an awesome twist at the end. I had guessed only part of it, but the rest was a surprise. Very enjoyable and now I want to read the first book...just to compare a little. ;)
You can take Jessica out of Cabot Cove, but somehow she still manged to keep Mort on his toes after she connected with her NYPD buddy, Artie to sleuth what she thought was the murder of her publisher. Just a few days ago, one of the writers she knew who also used that publisher was killed in an explosion. These two deaths only started the roller coaster ride! It was an exciting read with an awesome twist at the end. I had guessed only part of it, but the rest was a surprise. Very enjoyable and now I want to read the first book...just to compare a little. ;)
October 3, 2022
Now, the first half of this book was a solid three stars for me. It wasn’t your usual Jessica Fletcher vibe, but as I’ve fallen down a rabbit hole and this is my fifth in a row… it was a nice change of pace.
I didn’t mind that it was more of a thriller, and my biggest gripes were that it is quite repetitive. I couldn’t decide whether the author couldn’t remember what he had written, or if he thought the reader too dumb to remember?
Also the book within the book is the worst piece of writing and if I were Dan Brown (it intimates that the book is Da Vinci Code-esque) I would be deeply offended.
There was also a lack of editing for the audiobook, so a lot of lines were said two times in a row. But these were minor things that ultimately didn’t bother me.
What did bother me was the Jessica didn’t seem like Jessica, she actually seemed quite dense. Even Harry I was like, what is wrong with him this book?
Anyway, to the other half of the story… sigh. This is where it really wants to be James Patterson or Brown and it just fails.
Far from the cozy Cabot Cove mysteries… we now get the president involved. Yeah, the President of the US.
So, what I like about Murder She Wrote is that
1. there is rarely more than one or two bodies. It is more about the mystery.
2. Jessica is rarely in danger herself.
This book was not that.
Spoilers ahead
Spoilers ahead
Spoilers ahead
Stop reading if you don’t want spoilers.
This book had bodies dropping like flies.
And it is all connected to a manuscript for a new book.
Firstly, the book kind of jumped the shark for me with a certain house fire. Nope, just nope.
Secondly, since when is Jessica Fletcher an utter idiot? She literally calls up the first lady, asks for a meeting with the president, and then at that meeting she is like, oh shit, I don’t know what to say/ask. And she goes in there and basically goes ”so, read any good books lately?”
….
That scene gave me so much anxiety. Also, having just listened to another of these, it made me miss the Jessica who is smart, one step ahead of everyone, and plans things the reader is let in on later. She is essentially the Sherlock Holmes of this universe, the idea that she’d just blunder into the President’s office, ”wing it”, and then luck into a realization… so stupid.
But now we get to the idiotic plot this book hinges on. So, a senator wants to be president but his daughter runs away. Oh no, that means I couldn’t possibly be president. But wait, it’s cool, we’ll just lie and tell everyone that she DIED and people will feel sympathy for me and vote for me.
In what universe would this work? In what universe would anyone go, hey, let’s pretend our kid died so I can get the highest Political office in the land and no one will ever look into this right!?
And Jessica, thinking that the first couple taking her with them during their attempted escape (after the bad guys turn on them) shows their ”true character”. What, no! At least, at minimum, ten people have died because of their lie and needing to cover it up. They should be in jail and they are, indeed, monsters. This is not power corrupts, this is telenovela.
Because of course there are powers behind the first couple and this cover up *cue ominous music* and now they’re targets too! Oh no Scooby Doo, what ever shall we do? Ru-ruoh!
But look, NONE of this makes sense.
There is a new book à la the Da Vinci Code coming out. It roughly traces the actual plot of the first couple’s ascent to power and sacrificing their daughter to do so.
BUT, again, Jessica is like the Sherlock Holmes of this universe and she read the book and shrugged, put none of the pieces together, and just thought it seemed like fanciful fiction. If not for the dead bodies, no one would’ve cared!
I mean, maybe the publisher made sense, because he wanted it out there. But out of the 3 authors, except for Jessica, who read it, none of it made sense.
First guy, a drunk looking for financial scams, not a non-fiction-fiction bestseller. They could’ve broken in and stolen the harddrive rather than kill him, really.
Second guy, a recluse who never spoke to anyone but his publisher, hated people and wanted nothing to do with them ever. Yeah, sure, he was gonna spill the beans on an unpublished book?!? What?
Finally, romance lady. Maybe she would’ve said ”hey, publishers, here is the blurb you wanted me to write” and they’d have gone ”oh, that’s not a book of ours”, and she would’ve shrugged and moved on with her career, not wasting a single thought for the rest of her life to that manuscript.
Their deaths is obviously what draws Jessica into the mystery, but I would argue thst their deaths are a plot hole to the mystery cause it makes no sense that they even happen, and I hate it when a mystery hinges on something stupid and implausible. Like the ”villains” were genuine idiots who could’ve gotten away with it, if it wasn’t for their own idiocy.
So while I thought this was a nice change of pace at first, no, just no, this is not Jessica Fletcher land and the attempt to make it so are contrived and silly. I was so angry at this book towards the end, as this rant review implies.
Don’t get me wrong, this kind of plot might’ve worked better in a different franchise, but in this one it made me regret hours I spent listening to it.
Then again, no annoying kids in this one. So that’s something.
I didn’t mind that it was more of a thriller, and my biggest gripes were that it is quite repetitive. I couldn’t decide whether the author couldn’t remember what he had written, or if he thought the reader too dumb to remember?
Also the book within the book is the worst piece of writing and if I were Dan Brown (it intimates that the book is Da Vinci Code-esque) I would be deeply offended.
There was also a lack of editing for the audiobook, so a lot of lines were said two times in a row. But these were minor things that ultimately didn’t bother me.
What did bother me was the Jessica didn’t seem like Jessica, she actually seemed quite dense. Even Harry I was like, what is wrong with him this book?
Anyway, to the other half of the story… sigh. This is where it really wants to be James Patterson or Brown and it just fails.
Far from the cozy Cabot Cove mysteries… we now get the president involved. Yeah, the President of the US.
So, what I like about Murder She Wrote is that
1. there is rarely more than one or two bodies. It is more about the mystery.
2. Jessica is rarely in danger herself.
This book was not that.
Spoilers ahead
Spoilers ahead
Spoilers ahead
Stop reading if you don’t want spoilers.
This book had bodies dropping like flies.
And it is all connected to a manuscript for a new book.
Firstly, the book kind of jumped the shark for me with a certain house fire. Nope, just nope.
Secondly, since when is Jessica Fletcher an utter idiot? She literally calls up the first lady, asks for a meeting with the president, and then at that meeting she is like, oh shit, I don’t know what to say/ask. And she goes in there and basically goes ”so, read any good books lately?”
….
That scene gave me so much anxiety. Also, having just listened to another of these, it made me miss the Jessica who is smart, one step ahead of everyone, and plans things the reader is let in on later. She is essentially the Sherlock Holmes of this universe, the idea that she’d just blunder into the President’s office, ”wing it”, and then luck into a realization… so stupid.
But now we get to the idiotic plot this book hinges on. So, a senator wants to be president but his daughter runs away. Oh no, that means I couldn’t possibly be president. But wait, it’s cool, we’ll just lie and tell everyone that she DIED and people will feel sympathy for me and vote for me.
In what universe would this work? In what universe would anyone go, hey, let’s pretend our kid died so I can get the highest Political office in the land and no one will ever look into this right!?
And Jessica, thinking that the first couple taking her with them during their attempted escape (after the bad guys turn on them) shows their ”true character”. What, no! At least, at minimum, ten people have died because of their lie and needing to cover it up. They should be in jail and they are, indeed, monsters. This is not power corrupts, this is telenovela.
Because of course there are powers behind the first couple and this cover up *cue ominous music* and now they’re targets too! Oh no Scooby Doo, what ever shall we do? Ru-ruoh!
But look, NONE of this makes sense.
There is a new book à la the Da Vinci Code coming out. It roughly traces the actual plot of the first couple’s ascent to power and sacrificing their daughter to do so.
BUT, again, Jessica is like the Sherlock Holmes of this universe and she read the book and shrugged, put none of the pieces together, and just thought it seemed like fanciful fiction. If not for the dead bodies, no one would’ve cared!
I mean, maybe the publisher made sense, because he wanted it out there. But out of the 3 authors, except for Jessica, who read it, none of it made sense.
First guy, a drunk looking for financial scams, not a non-fiction-fiction bestseller. They could’ve broken in and stolen the harddrive rather than kill him, really.
Second guy, a recluse who never spoke to anyone but his publisher, hated people and wanted nothing to do with them ever. Yeah, sure, he was gonna spill the beans on an unpublished book?!? What?
Finally, romance lady. Maybe she would’ve said ”hey, publishers, here is the blurb you wanted me to write” and they’d have gone ”oh, that’s not a book of ours”, and she would’ve shrugged and moved on with her career, not wasting a single thought for the rest of her life to that manuscript.
Their deaths is obviously what draws Jessica into the mystery, but I would argue thst their deaths are a plot hole to the mystery cause it makes no sense that they even happen, and I hate it when a mystery hinges on something stupid and implausible. Like the ”villains” were genuine idiots who could’ve gotten away with it, if it wasn’t for their own idiocy.
So while I thought this was a nice change of pace at first, no, just no, this is not Jessica Fletcher land and the attempt to make it so are contrived and silly. I was so angry at this book towards the end, as this rant review implies.
Don’t get me wrong, this kind of plot might’ve worked better in a different franchise, but in this one it made me regret hours I spent listening to it.
Then again, no annoying kids in this one. So that’s something.
November 29, 2022
I very seldom do audiobooks; I have trouble concentrating on them. However, I needed something to listen to at the DMV the other day and decided to go with one of Jon Land's entries in the "Murder, She Wrote" milieu.
What a fun romp this was! An outstanding "whodunnit" containing a book within the book, cleverly narrated. Jessica's publisher asks her to read a hot new manuscript for a blurb ... but pretty soon, just about everyone who reads the work (including the publisher) is dead ... and Jessica's clearly in danger.
For extra fun, one of my favorite characters from the TV series, Harry McGraw, shows up to help with Jessica's investigation.
This is an enjoyable fair play puzzle, with lots of red herrings sprinkled among the clues. I did not see the "whodunnit" or the "whydunnit" coming when it was time for the reveal. The characters were complex and believable, and I had a delightful time listening to the tale.
What a fun romp this was! An outstanding "whodunnit" containing a book within the book, cleverly narrated. Jessica's publisher asks her to read a hot new manuscript for a blurb ... but pretty soon, just about everyone who reads the work (including the publisher) is dead ... and Jessica's clearly in danger.
For extra fun, one of my favorite characters from the TV series, Harry McGraw, shows up to help with Jessica's investigation.
This is an enjoyable fair play puzzle, with lots of red herrings sprinkled among the clues. I did not see the "whodunnit" or the "whydunnit" coming when it was time for the reveal. The characters were complex and believable, and I had a delightful time listening to the tale.
April 6, 2019
Nothing at all like the old Murder She Wrote novels - this was a thriller and not a cozy mystery! Rather disappointed - I won't be reading anymore in the series if they continue like this...
November 5, 2018
It is always nice to be back visiting with my friend, Jessica Fletcher, and off on another mystery tour.
Thomas Rudd, a fellow author, down on his luck,approached Jessica with his thoughts on why his career has faltered. He blamed their mutual publisher and he wanted to tell her why. He failed to keep their appointment. I think we all know why, don’t we?
A book within a book and I hope Jon Land shared that outcome too. I am as intrigued by the book in the book, as I am the book.
I love that Jessica gets so into the book, she can’t put it down as she thinks how ridiculous and impossible the storyline. Even though she constantly trashes it, it has grabbed hold of her and won’t let go. Just goes to show, if it’s good enough, page turning entertaining enough, it doesn’t matter the storyline or genre.
OH NO! The book…
Jessica is just as worried as I am, but for a different reason. The book must hold some clue as to why people are dying, but I want to know the ending…of both mysteries.
As the suspense rises, the pace picks up and the lines between fact and fiction blur, actually fiction and fiction, it becomes hard to tell them apart.
Well…Jessica Fletcher and Jon Land outdid themselves. A book in a book, a mystery to die for, a persistent, pesky author that takes her friend police officers, who love her nosiness and her ability to pick at something until the truth is exposed, on another wild ride. All while dodging bullets, a fire and danger around every corner.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Murder She Wrote: Manuscript For Murder by Jon Land.
See more at fundinmental
Thomas Rudd, a fellow author, down on his luck,approached Jessica with his thoughts on why his career has faltered. He blamed their mutual publisher and he wanted to tell her why. He failed to keep their appointment. I think we all know why, don’t we?
A book within a book and I hope Jon Land shared that outcome too. I am as intrigued by the book in the book, as I am the book.
I love that Jessica gets so into the book, she can’t put it down as she thinks how ridiculous and impossible the storyline. Even though she constantly trashes it, it has grabbed hold of her and won’t let go. Just goes to show, if it’s good enough, page turning entertaining enough, it doesn’t matter the storyline or genre.
OH NO! The book…
Jessica is just as worried as I am, but for a different reason. The book must hold some clue as to why people are dying, but I want to know the ending…of both mysteries.
As the suspense rises, the pace picks up and the lines between fact and fiction blur, actually fiction and fiction, it becomes hard to tell them apart.
Well…Jessica Fletcher and Jon Land outdid themselves. A book in a book, a mystery to die for, a persistent, pesky author that takes her friend police officers, who love her nosiness and her ability to pick at something until the truth is exposed, on another wild ride. All while dodging bullets, a fire and danger around every corner.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Murder She Wrote: Manuscript For Murder by Jon Land.
See more at fundinmental
January 16, 2019
Since Donald Bain passed away, I honestly wasn't sure how I would feel about reading this series anymore, but this latest installment was fantastic. It was so well written and so suspenseful, I couldn't put it down.
November 12, 2018
"Manuscript for Murder" is a cozy thriller. Her publisher's latest, sure-to-be-a-best-seller acquisition goes completely missing from the system--no traces left behind at all--at the same time as anyone who has read it turns up dead. With her own life in danger, Jessica reads her hard copy of the thriller in an effort to find clues to the killer.
This book was written like a thriller, only there was too much filler material slowing the pace. The author also kept repeating things again and again, even if the information had been stated just a paragraph or page ago. Also, we're supposed to believe that the manuscript is an exciting thriller. Jessica even says so. Yet she kept falling asleep every few paragraphs while she's reading it, so she never finished the book. That makes it sound very boring. Basically, the suspense was more stated ("Jessica was afraid" type of thing) than felt by me.
Jessica was so convinced that the important clues were in the manuscript that she overlooked obvious clues in reality--clues which allowed me to easily guess some of the twists at the end. Due to Jessica's focus on finding obscure clues, the story wasn't really a puzzle mystery but a race to uncover the bad guys while avoiding death. The premise is silly, though, because few people would believe that a fictional thriller revealed what was really going on in Washington DC. There was no need to kill a bunch of people and risk bringing attention to a book that otherwise would have been harmless.
There were some funny characters in this book, so it was still an enjoyable read. But the characters weren't really true to the series or even the previous books. There was no sex. There were a few uses of bad language.
I received this book as a review copy from the publisher.
This book was written like a thriller, only there was too much filler material slowing the pace. The author also kept repeating things again and again, even if the information had been stated just a paragraph or page ago. Also, we're supposed to believe that the manuscript is an exciting thriller. Jessica even says so. Yet she kept falling asleep every few paragraphs while she's reading it, so she never finished the book. That makes it sound very boring. Basically, the suspense was more stated ("Jessica was afraid" type of thing) than felt by me.
Jessica was so convinced that the important clues were in the manuscript that she overlooked obvious clues in reality--clues which allowed me to easily guess some of the twists at the end. Due to Jessica's focus on finding obscure clues, the story wasn't really a puzzle mystery but a race to uncover the bad guys while avoiding death. The premise is silly, though, because few people would believe that a fictional thriller revealed what was really going on in Washington DC. There was no need to kill a bunch of people and risk bringing attention to a book that otherwise would have been harmless.
There were some funny characters in this book, so it was still an enjoyable read. But the characters weren't really true to the series or even the previous books. There was no sex. There were a few uses of bad language.
I received this book as a review copy from the publisher.
July 31, 2021
Terrible. Halfway through the book I was insanely frustrated by how out-of-character people were behaving & all the discrepancies between what I (as admittedly a casual fan) knew about Jessica vs what was in this book. This book says Jessica doesn't have much family even though I remember a slew of cousins, nieces, and nephews (some of whom showed up) in the television series. This book says Jessica doesn't drink even though I remember the last book I just finished had her order the same beverage that an alcoholic in a bar was drinking. This book has Jessica & Mort playfully putting each other's careers down, which has never been their dynamic. I felt like I was reading some Twilight Zone version of a Murder, She Wrote novel. It got so bad I checked to see if this was even written by the same person and, as it turns out, it wasn't. I've since read that the new author has a background in writing thrillers, which makes sense since the plot of this book is ridiculous thriller schlock of the worst kind. I was so annoyed by the outrageously dumb direction the plot took that I almost stopped reading it. The only reason I finished was from a faint hope that it was all some sort of play-within-a-play thing (it wasn't)
January 1, 2019
It's out of character for the series. just like the book proceeding it. There are so many discrepancies I don't want to waste time listing them all but it even disagrees with the book prior, #47. In that novel, Jessica claims to be a patient woman and that is so important in her writing process. In this book, she tells us twice she is not patient. That's the least of the problems and who knows, maybe that's my misunderstanding because I was so irritated while I read both books.
These are not the classic whodunit mysteries where Jessica is assembled with a cast of interesting, well developed characters.
Just don't. If you loved the TV series and the books before this, you'll be disappointed.
The publisher needs to realize it's time to let it go.
These are not the classic whodunit mysteries where Jessica is assembled with a cast of interesting, well developed characters.
Just don't. If you loved the TV series and the books before this, you'll be disappointed.
The publisher needs to realize it's time to let it go.
March 11, 2019
Wrong on so many levels. I've read the stories in the series by Donald Bain, and I love them. He kept true to the TV series as much as possible. After reading Jon Land's version, I wonder if he ever even watched an episode of the show. I'm sure he was trying to put his personal spin on the series now that he has taken over, but some changes cannot be made. Mort Metzger called her Mrs. F, not Jessica! But mostly, Jessica was not a conspiracy theorist! She solved cozy murder mysteries! Really?! I mean, really?!
October 7, 2023
Wow. Jon Land does not do a good job at the helm of these books. Predictable before even making it 70 pages in. Sloppy plot points that are loosely, if at all, tied up in a nebulous, catch-all explanation. If you like an easy-read mystery with characters that are faithful to the background established by the TV series, stick with the Donald Bain titles, the older the better.
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