The Gray Drake: A Burr Lafayette Mystery

Burr Lafayette Mystery #2

by Charles Cutter

"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.

Genres: Mystery

220 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 29, 2019

About the author

Charles 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

Reviews

[Erin Cataldi · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Carol Deegan · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Cheryl K. Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Linda C. Brizendine · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Jeneane Sorensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed his books, particularly the setting and descriptions of the area. Will there be more?

[Datakat · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Kathy Schouten · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Jeff Bracken · Rating 3 out of 5]

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).

[Suzanne Pixley · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Clara Whitman · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Megann.readss · Rating 4 out of 5]

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…. 😂😂

[Kathryn Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[cynthia blankenship · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Jeanette]

The story was good, but he's no Steinbeck.

[Martha Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Jeanette Baumgras · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok. I am familiar with the area and that is always fun.

[Karen Adam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read. Living in Michigan makes it all more interesting.

[Allison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining !

[Sherry Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a good mystery, kept me guessing till the end. Starting the 3rd book in the series.

[Mister Pickles · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read

A good read but it goes off topic a few times. Outside of that, the story and outcome were compelling.

[Sue Holcomb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy Charles Cutters books, love that they take place in Michigan.