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Burr Lafayette Mystery #2
The Gray Drake: A Burr Lafayette Mystery
"This story has it all. Michigan's most famous river and its most famous fishing lodge combine with a beautiful suspect, a rumpled, nearly broke lawyer, and unbridled greed to keep you guessing until the end."
- Bob Linsenman, author of Water Songs. Quinn Shepherd was the best guide on the legendary Au Sable River, until he's found at the bottom of the river with the anchor chain of his boat wrapped around his ankle. Lizzie, his wife, is devastated and left alone to raise their six-year-old son. His drowning was ruled accidental, but a year later new evidence is found, and Lizzie is arrested for murder. Burr Lafayette, recently divorced and the deposed head of a major Detroit law firm, is recruited to defend Lizzie. A man at loose ends, he's a brilliant litigator but prefers sailboats and dogs over courtrooms and clients. The Gray Drake, the storied lodge where Quinn guided, is full of secrets, and the fabled Au Sable River won't give up the truth. All the evidence points to Lizzie, but Burr doesn't believe she killed her husband. If you like Stuart Woods and Michael Connelly, you'll love The Gray Drake . Click 'Look Inside' and start reading now.
- Bob Linsenman, author of Water Songs. Quinn Shepherd was the best guide on the legendary Au Sable River, until he's found at the bottom of the river with the anchor chain of his boat wrapped around his ankle. Lizzie, his wife, is devastated and left alone to raise their six-year-old son. His drowning was ruled accidental, but a year later new evidence is found, and Lizzie is arrested for murder. Burr Lafayette, recently divorced and the deposed head of a major Detroit law firm, is recruited to defend Lizzie. A man at loose ends, he's a brilliant litigator but prefers sailboats and dogs over courtrooms and clients. The Gray Drake, the storied lodge where Quinn guided, is full of secrets, and the fabled Au Sable River won't give up the truth. All the evidence points to Lizzie, but Burr doesn't believe she killed her husband. If you like Stuart Woods and Michael Connelly, you'll love The Gray Drake . Click 'Look Inside' and start reading now.
220 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 29, 2019
About the author
Charles Cutter
6 books71 followersCharles Cutter is the author of the highly acclaimed Burr Lafayette legal thriller series, screenplays and short stories.
He is a cum laude graduate of the University of Michigan Law School.
Formerly a practicing attorney, Mr. Cutter has been in the media business for the past thirty years.
He lives with his wife, two dogs and four cats in East Lansing. He has a leaky sailboat in Harbor Springs and a leakier duck boat on Saginaw Bay.
He is at work on his next Burr Lafayette mystery.
For additional information, please go to www.CharlesCutter.com
He is a cum laude graduate of the University of Michigan Law School.
Formerly a practicing attorney, Mr. Cutter has been in the media business for the past thirty years.
He lives with his wife, two dogs and four cats in East Lansing. He has a leaky sailboat in Harbor Springs and a leakier duck boat on Saginaw Bay.
He is at work on his next Burr Lafayette mystery.
For additional information, please go to www.CharlesCutter.com
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
April 26, 2026
A great story. It was personal for me as many of the rivers, towns, cities, fishing spots and campsites are known to me personally as I fished and camped in the Grayling/ Crawford County, and Smith Bridge area. North branch was our favorite but also the south branch, Big Creek and Shupac and Jones lakes.
September 16, 2020
The second in The Burr Lafayette mystery series starts off quite similar to the first installment (The Pink Pony) when Lafayette takes a case (that he really shouldn't) when promised money. His assistant Jacob really wants Lafayette to get involved because it involves a legendary fisherman and all Jacob cares about is fishing, carrot juice, and weed. Despite his better judgement Lafayette signs on and all he gets in return is an expensive fishing rod for his efforts. Lizzie is charged with murdering her husband a year ago and it's up to the least likely legal team to prove her innocent. Lots of sleuthing, eating, and courtroom drama. Until this book I assumed that this series takes place modern day but towards the end of this book it mentioned that the year was 1989 so that was eye opening for me. The book seems kind of ageless. I made it to the end not correctly guessing the murderer so that was a plus. Another intriguing installment in the series. I can't wait for the next one!
September 1, 2020
I am really enjoying this series by Charles Cutter. Burr Lafayette is a rather unorthodox lawyer, and not really a defense lawyer. However, he gets talked into defending people. This book has lots of twists and turns to keep you wondering. I read the book in one day because I had to know who was the murderer. Like the other book in this series I read, I wanted to reach through and slap some of the characters. The author does a great job of describing the characters and Michigan area where the book is set. I recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a good mystery but not necessarily a thriller.
September 18, 2019
Intriguing and fun
I enjoy the irreverence of Burr Lafayette and his all-too-human failings combined with his masterful ability to solve murders. His dog is always his sidekick and portrayed in ways that add humor. Since I know the author, it has been fun to see his stories get better and better. I recommend this book for those who like a good mystery that comes alive with vivid characters and visual descriptions.
I enjoy the irreverence of Burr Lafayette and his all-too-human failings combined with his masterful ability to solve murders. His dog is always his sidekick and portrayed in ways that add humor. Since I know the author, it has been fun to see his stories get better and better. I recommend this book for those who like a good mystery that comes alive with vivid characters and visual descriptions.
June 18, 2020
Good legal mystery
A shaky defense seems to be the best that Burr Lafayette can do for his client. As he tries to follow one lead after another to cast suspicion on someone besides his client, nothing seems to work out. His search for the truth will keep you guessing and interested.
A shaky defense seems to be the best that Burr Lafayette can do for his client. As he tries to follow one lead after another to cast suspicion on someone besides his client, nothing seems to work out. His search for the truth will keep you guessing and interested.
September 14, 2020
I enjoyed his books, particularly the setting and descriptions of the area. Will there be more?
March 10, 2021
These Burr Lafayette mysteries are cleverly written, have interesting characters, and dramatic. They are very interesting to persons familiar to the Michigan locations both in East Lansing and the upper Lower Peninsula, restaurants, alcoholic beverages and food. Although the author is a lawyer and so is the character, Burr Lafayette, the descriptions of trials are substantially lacking in realism. In order to shorten the trial, the attorneys repeatedly make statements in open court during the examination and cross-examination of witnesses as if they (the attorneys) are testifying themselves. In the trial in this case, the prosecutor gives his closing argument after the close of his proofs and before the defense is allowed to begin the presentation of its case. No judge that I (as a Michigan lawyer who practiced for 45 years) would allow any of these peculiarities to occur. That said, the stories are interesting and keep your attention. So, if you want a quick, interesting read and don't care about the legal realities--read the book(s).
February 4, 2020
Good story set in my home location
The story is good, a little surprise at the end. I live in Northern Michigan, where the story is set, so that makes it a fun read.
The story is good, a little surprise at the end. I live in Northern Michigan, where the story is set, so that makes it a fun read.
July 2, 2020
The second book on this series and I liked it a little better than the first. This one felt like there was more investigation and better courtroom scenes.
May 5, 2026
A year after the accidental death of guide Quinn Sable while fishing on the Au Sable river new evidence is found which points to his wife Lizzie killing him.
Burr Lafayette, who had been representing the family over a long-running property dispute, is on hand to represent Lizzie.
He's not, technically, a criminal lawyer, but he's getting a bit of a reputation after the events of “The Pink Pony.”
Burr is living hand to mouth after an affair with a young woman put paid to his burgeoning career and his marriage.
If he had his way he'd be out sailing or enjoying the best food and drink, instead he's forced to endure the horrors of working for a living.
His problem with Lizzie is that he'd not sure she's telling the truth, in fact the truth seems to be a very rare commodity all round.
And, it seems, he rubs judges up the wrong way consistently.
“The Gray Drake” is a fun read - Burr is a likeable, flawed character.
3.5 Stars, raised to 4 Stars.
Burr Lafayette, who had been representing the family over a long-running property dispute, is on hand to represent Lizzie.
He's not, technically, a criminal lawyer, but he's getting a bit of a reputation after the events of “The Pink Pony.”
Burr is living hand to mouth after an affair with a young woman put paid to his burgeoning career and his marriage.
If he had his way he'd be out sailing or enjoying the best food and drink, instead he's forced to endure the horrors of working for a living.
His problem with Lizzie is that he'd not sure she's telling the truth, in fact the truth seems to be a very rare commodity all round.
And, it seems, he rubs judges up the wrong way consistently.
“The Gray Drake” is a fun read - Burr is a likeable, flawed character.
3.5 Stars, raised to 4 Stars.
June 10, 2025
Problems along the Ah Sable
Crime happens everywhere and it could happen as this book says along the beautiful, peaceful shores of Michigan's Au Sable River.
Anyone who has practiced any part of the legal system (law enforcement, prosecutor, defender or Judge) has to read these books and wonder why the main character takes on these complex cases and somehow manages to come up with a positive ending.
The author does bring out so many problems of this beautiful Michigan area with forest management, protection of certain birds, protection of the fishing streams, land management and recently oil and gas exploration.
The book is well researched, written to keep you guessing to the very end, and so informative. Can't wait to read the next in the series.
Crime happens everywhere and it could happen as this book says along the beautiful, peaceful shores of Michigan's Au Sable River.
Anyone who has practiced any part of the legal system (law enforcement, prosecutor, defender or Judge) has to read these books and wonder why the main character takes on these complex cases and somehow manages to come up with a positive ending.
The author does bring out so many problems of this beautiful Michigan area with forest management, protection of certain birds, protection of the fishing streams, land management and recently oil and gas exploration.
The book is well researched, written to keep you guessing to the very end, and so informative. Can't wait to read the next in the series.
December 16, 2025
Charles Cutter’s The Gray Drake is a sharp, engaging mystery that perfectly blends small-town intrigue with high stakes courtroom drama. Burr Lafayette is a compelling protagonist, a brilliant but reluctant lawyer whose personal quirks and sailing hobby make him feel refreshingly human.
The story keeps you guessing with a mix of river lore, hidden motives, and family secrets, and the Au Sable River setting adds an atmospheric backdrop that feels almost like another character. Cutter balances suspense with character depth, making it more than just a whodunit. Fans of Stuart Woods or Michael Connelly will find themselves hooked from the first page.
The story keeps you guessing with a mix of river lore, hidden motives, and family secrets, and the Au Sable River setting adds an atmospheric backdrop that feels almost like another character. Cutter balances suspense with character depth, making it more than just a whodunit. Fans of Stuart Woods or Michael Connelly will find themselves hooked from the first page.
January 25, 2026
it’s not at all what do you think it’s about….
Mr. Cutter would’ve been a better writer than the folks who wrote law and order! Interesting book to say the least, has a lot of detail about things that you think are minutia, but actually are quite relevant. Does a great job of developing characters through the eyes of an attorney. 3/4 of the way through it becomes a who done it scenario, but in the end, you come to realize why all of the courtroom gyrations come to fruition! If you love reading about court rooms and trials, you will definitely love this book! Hey Mr. CC if you still have that Sage, I’m interested…. 😂😂
Mr. Cutter would’ve been a better writer than the folks who wrote law and order! Interesting book to say the least, has a lot of detail about things that you think are minutia, but actually are quite relevant. Does a great job of developing characters through the eyes of an attorney. 3/4 of the way through it becomes a who done it scenario, but in the end, you come to realize why all of the courtroom gyrations come to fruition! If you love reading about court rooms and trials, you will definitely love this book! Hey Mr. CC if you still have that Sage, I’m interested…. 😂😂
April 8, 2026
Loved this book. It takes place in Michigan, where both the author and I live. The characters in this book are so well developed and I will absolutely read more by Charles Cutter. Burr Lafayette is an attorney and the main character. I can't wait to read more mysteries featuring him. What a great read!! I couldn't put it down. It was so interesting that the setting was at places I have been and that made it even more real to me.
January 8, 2024
Being from Michigan, I enjoy the way Cutter uses and describes places in his stories. Even if I wasn't from Michigan, I could easily visualize the setting and the characters of the stories. I look forward to reading the next books in the series.
December 11, 2024
Enjoyable read!
I just recently discovered this author's books and I find his mysteries fun to read. I like the humor he uses and the fact the stories are located around Michigan.
A state that I love to visit.
I just recently discovered this author's books and I find his mysteries fun to read. I like the humor he uses and the fact the stories are located around Michigan.
A state that I love to visit.
Read
May 5, 2021The story was good, but he's no Steinbeck.
May 21, 2021
Accident or Murder
The Gray Drake is a great fast read. Good courtroom drama filled with humor, intrigue and the usual suspects; sex and greed.
The Gray Drake is a great fast read. Good courtroom drama filled with humor, intrigue and the usual suspects; sex and greed.
May 22, 2021
It was ok. I am familiar with the area and that is always fun.
October 23, 2021
Good read. Living in Michigan makes it all more interesting.
February 15, 2022
Entertaining !
January 21, 2023
This was a good mystery, kept me guessing till the end. Starting the 3rd book in the series.
October 5, 2023
A good read
A good read but it goes off topic a few times. Outside of that, the story and outcome were compelling.
A good read but it goes off topic a few times. Outside of that, the story and outcome were compelling.
March 31, 2026
An interesting murder mystery with several suspects. The story uses the common way to unravel a problem: follow the money.
May 18, 2026
Great yarn
October 11, 2024
I enjoy Charles Cutters books, love that they take place in Michigan.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews