Murder at Bound Brook: Cape Cod Mystery

by Rick Cochran

Cape Cod native, Rob Caldwell, a former basketball star and WWII veteran is called to investigate the suspicious death of the most powerful man in Bound Brook. Rob uncovers more than he bargained for while rekindling his high school romance, dealing with a lost love from his war years in France and stalked by a mysterious stranger.

238 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 20, 2018

About the author

Rick Cochran's Death at Bound Brook Pier received a coveted Star review from prestigious Kirkus Publishing. Rick grew up in Wellfleet, Cape Cod, Massachusetts where his father was the principal of the local high school. He is the author of the short-story memoir collections, Wellfleet Tales (2015), Wellfleet Tales II - Confessions of a Wash-Ashore (2016) the novels, Murder at Bound Brook: Cape Cod Mystery ((2017) Bound Brook Pond: Cape Cod Mystery II (2020) and Death at Bound Brook Pier (2021) as well as a contributor to Cape Cod Life magazine and The Barnstable Patriot. Rick was previously on the Board of Directors of The Cape Cod Writers' Center. He is the creator of the Facebook group, Wellfleet Tales, which shares old and new photos and stories of Wellfleet, Cape Cod. Rick still lives at the beach, just a different one, Nantasket Beach in Hull, Massachusetts.

Reviews

[Ray Anderson]

This well-plotted mystery is one of the best I've read in a long while. The author is more than familiar with Cape Cod, so the background settings and description are first-rate. But what held me, was the clever plot that had me guessing until the very end. The murderer could have been a young man as well as an old man, or other suspects in between. Added to this, is a love interest that has been rekindled, a marriage on low flame, high school basketball teams of young people trying to find their way, and a police chief that has not been embraced by the community. If you are looking for something a little different but gripping, this novel is for you.
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[Ron MacCarthy]

This was an interesting combination of a murder investigation and a glimpse into small town life, specifically life on Cape Cod in the early 1950's. Cape Cod from Provincetown south to Chatham is an interesting area. The communities were similar to what you would find on a small island. Especially in the winter when the town is left to the year-round residents, and the summer folks have left for the season. Throw a blizzard on the town and on the old Route 6, and you have a very closed society.

While the names have been changed, Rick Cochran has shown that he is a keen observer of the local social dynamics. He illuminates the concept that the "natives" separate themselves from the "newcomers" Even if the "newcomers" are permanent residents, they are not accepted by the "natives", who can trace their families in Bound Brook back for generations. These dynamics are important in that the victim is from one of the old families, and the Police Chief is from "off the Cape". Therefore it is up to Rob Caldwell a town special policeman to do much of the investigation to get the facts in the case. Rob can do this because he is a "native". While he comes from one of the old families, he was educated at Brown University and served in the Navy during WWII in the south of France. Therefore, he brings a perspective to the case that is more worldly than would be expected. This is the story of Rob's experiences during the investigation.

One of the interesting aspects of this book is that Rick Cochran has left some of the smaller story lines hanging. There is the question of what happens next in Rob's life, which could involve a couple of former girl friends. I'll be waiting for the next story.

[Barbara Perry]

This book brings back vivid memories of growing up in Wellfleet. Having lived on Cape Cod all my life, the simplicity of the area is very clear. The storyline sets forth a lot of twists and turns. The memory of snowstorms in a shoreline town. The feel of being buried in snow, when being small , most storms were big. Rick brought me back to my childhood,but this book is written so well, any one can find their town and childhood here. He writes the type of book, that you can not put down. The characters are truly believable. He kept me on the edge of my chair , trying to guess who did it. Because of the intricacies of the different people involved in all of the parts of the novel, it was easy to believe that anyone could have done it. But most of all, it left you wanting more. So many storylines to be brought forward in a sequel. Kudos to Rick for a great book , and hoping more to come!!

[Teri]

Thoroughly enjoyed this book! Through the pages, there were hints of reminders of my beloved Wellfleet. The characters came alive as if I knew them and was present to these events. Murder at Bound Brook was an easy, fast moving sentimental read! However, you need not need to be familiar with Cape Cod or “Bound Brook” to enjoy this book, just a fun love story, murder mystery with many suspects!

[Bob Wilkinson]

I was most impressed with Rick's first book of fiction. His character development is very good and, like any good work of fiction, it has you pulling for some of the characters while suspecting others. And like a very good mystery it has you wondering who the bad guy is right to the end. And Rick captures the feeling of a small town on Cape Cod back when things were much more rural. Having grown up in Wellfleet, it was great fun to look for the parallels in the fictional town of Bound Brook and the real one and to guess at what people inspired Rick's characters. Well done Rick!

[Frank Gallant]

Good story, well-drawn characters, interesting setting. Author Rick Cochran really captured both the insularity and sense of community in an American small town circa early 1950s. And his love for and bone-deep knowledge of this particular town (Wellfleet, Mass. in real life) really shined through.

He gives the reader believable sinners and saints as well clever plot twists.

Protagonist Rob and his girlfriend Rachel are terrific characters who deserve another go in a second (maybe third, fourth...) Bound Brook crime novel. They’re moral leaders at a time when we sorely need them.

[Betsy McCarthy]

This book is a remarkable mystery, inspired by an actual event. It evokes every small American town of the 1950s, but it also gives unique insight into life in the magical town of Wellfleet on Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
The author’s father was the principal of the small 12-grade Wellfleet Consolidated School and an integral part of the inner workings of the town. Rick Cochran uses his father’s insights to unravel the psychology behind the murder.

[Edlira Mosko]

I just finished reading Murder at Bound Brook and thoroughly enjoyed it. The book has all the features and suspense of a murder story but it is so much bigger than that. I appreciated the very vivid description of the Cape Cod life in the 50’s. The characters are very really and the story line easy to follow and unpredictable at the same time. I strongly recommend the book to anyone looking for something new and interesting to read.

[Anne Eller]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Both the characters and the village seem so real and appealing to me that I miss them now that the book is over. The author leaves a cliffhanger at the end, not about the murder mystery, but about the romance between the two main characters. I'm hoping there will be a new book taking up where this one leaves off.

[Tim Weed]

This well-written, atmospheric mystery is a great bet for anyone who loves Cape Cod. Cochran is a fine writer and a native Cape Codder who has clearly done his research. Perfect novel to grace a nightstand in a summer home on the Cape itself, or to read in the colder months if one craves to be transported back to that particular sliver of sand.

[Susan Thaler]

Great mystery! Had me guessing to the end who the killer was! Full of delicious Cape Cod flavor. The author knew what he was talking about!

[Paula]

Great story with plenty of local color. Hope the author will continue the adventures of the two main characters in future mysteries!

[Barbara Eppich Struna]

During a recent winter power outage, Cochran's wonderful writing kept me turning the page along with a flashlight and headlamp. Murder at Bound Brook turned out to be a great read.

[Sharon Lottridge]

Great read! Weather you're a native of the Lower Cape, or a fan of good mysteries
and description, you're going to be delighted to settle in with this tale. If it's winter when you're reading it, be sure to wrap yourself up in a blanket! The author's description of Cape winters is so realistic, you'll be seeking warmth! Highly recommend this book!

[Susan Ferreira Atencio]

Rick Cochran's latest book is a compelling murder mystery intertwined with a romantic side story about two former high school sweethearts. It takes place in the fictitious town of Bound Brook that strongly resembles the real town of Wellfleet on Cape Cod. Mr. Cochran has ingeniously blended his story, while keeping his reader in suspense until the unexpected ending,
with what could be considered a sequel to his earlier highly successful books about his growing up in Wellfleet. His description of people, places and events in and around Bound Brook
will capture the attention and early remembrances of
many reading his book. Although one
audience may have a hometown advantage, it by no means diminishes the strength and appeal for
the other audience who may not be as familiar
with ' growing up Wellfleet ' in the fifties and sixties.
Reading Murder at Bound Brook is certain to bring smiles to your face and want to keep you reading
throughout the night.

[Cynthia]

If you have ever lived in a small town where everyone knew everyone else and all their secrets, you will understand how a murder might impact many, many people. Think about the TV show. "Murder She Wrote," and transfer it to Cape Cod and you have, "Murder ON Bound Brook."...a fun read.

[Jeffrey White]

Thomas Wolfe’s magnificent 1940 novel, You Can’t Go Home Again, warns us to take care when writing about the friends and acquaintances of the hometowns we leave behind. But having grown up in a town on Cape Cod that is the sister, in more ways than one, to Mr. Cochran’s Bound Brook, I assure you that Murder at Bound Brook is filled with authentic characters and the small-town intrigues (no doubt drawn from life) that make Old Cape Cod a memorable place to grow-up and to visit.

For those devoted to skulduggery by the seashore, Mr. Cochran’s book is one of the most entertaining sketches of small town shenanigans on the Outer Cape published since Alec Wilkinson’s Midnights and Peter Manso’s Ptown.

I enthusiastically recommend this tale of intrigue.

[Jane]

Delightful to read. I enjoy mysteries, and this was a straightforward murder with multiple potential suspects and a bit of tantalizing romance. Possibly setting the stage for another tale of Bound Brook?

Like some other readers, I am from Wellfleet, not a native, however. I like that the author has done research into the history of Wellfleet which is incorporated into the story. He describes the town, its landscape and people so clearly that I recognized places, roads and a few characters. Thanks for reminding me how magical growing up in Wellfleet was.

Mr. Cochran, Rick's father, as my 11th grade math teacher. I had not remembered, if I had even known, about his career at basketball coach and principal at the Wellfleet school. I will check out your other books!

[D Fisk]

The drama of the storm and then the view of Proctor’s burning house drew me into the book and kept me guessing who did it all the way through to the end. The clues were great. But just as important were the characters who became my friends too; Rob, Rachel and others. I bought Rick’s new novel Bound Brook Pond Cape Cod Mystery II to continue to be part of their journey.

[JoAnn Gilbert]

Loved where the characters went with thoughts and emotions. Plot was a bit light, not because of the presentation, a bit short of where I thought they could go with the depth of the characters. I will look for more to read by this author.

[Kent Harnois]

Really enjoyed this book. I am very familiar with Wellfleet and that was part of the charm. Good storyline with very believable characters. Looking forward to another?

[Suz]

I did not like the writing at the beginning of the book. It seemed terribly over descriptive, but once I got into it, the writing improved and I enjoyed the book.

[Russell DuPont]

A well-plotted page-turner.

[Timothy McManus]

It was fun to read about Cape Cod. Nice to be somewhat familiar with the area too that is mentioned in the story.

[Steven P. Marini]

Wellfleet is a Cape Cod village that lends itself to small town coziness. Everybody knows everybody but when a killer is among them, it's not easy to pick him out. Follow the characters and track their behavior. You'll surely figure it out. Or will you? Bound Book Pond is another fun read from Rick Cochran, so go buy it. You won't be disappointed.