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Nostalgia City #1
Death in Nostalgia City
Theme park re-creates the ’70s – But sabotage kills tourists
“Stressed out” has been ex-cop Lyle Deming’s default setting for years, but his new job, driving a cab in an Arizona theme park, promises to cure his chronic anxieties. Nostalgia City is the ultimate resort for anyone who wants to visit the past. A meticulous re-creation of an entire small town from the 1970s, it’s complete with period cars, music, clothes, hairstyles, food, fads, shops, restaurants, hotels—the works.
The relaxed, theme-park atmosphere is just what Lyle needs—until rides are sabotaged and tourists killed. Then park founder, billionaire “Max” Maxwell, drafts Lyle into investigating—unofficially.
As the violence escalates and employees get rattled, Lyle gets help. Kate Sorensen, the park’s PR director—and former college basketball star—becomes another incognito investigator. Except that she’s six-foot-two-and-a-half-inches tall and drop-dead gorgeous. So much for incognito.
Although Kate is drawn to the attractive older man with a quirky sense of humor, she harbors doubts about Lyle’s stability and his detective’s instincts. Regardless, she follows her boss’s orders and teams up with Lyle on an investigation that takes them to Boston and back to Arizona.
Together Kate and Lyle must race to beat a deadline and unravel a conspiracy of corporate greed and murder.
* * *
Recommended: Death in Nostalgia City is recommended for book clubs by the American Library Association.
* * *
“The book pulled me in from the very beginning and never let me go….
There is so much to love about this book. The characters are well developed, well rounded and three dimensional. Both Lyle and Kate have very many human traits that we all have. Both Lyle and Kate come into each other’s lives and into the investigation with baggage. Kate has problems with commitments. Lyle really struggles with his anxiety disorder. They’re realistic and easy to start caring and worrying about.”
-- Open Book Society
314 pages, ebook
First published September 23, 2014
182 people are currently reading
1138 people want to read
About the author
Mark S. Bacon
11 books132 followersMark S. Bacon began his career as a Southern California newspaper police reporter, one of his crime stories becoming key evidence in a murder case that spanned decades.
After working for two newspapers, he moved to advertising and marketing and became a copywriter for Knott’s Berry Farm, the large theme park down the freeway from Disneyland. Experience working at Knott’s formed part of the inspiration for his creation of Nostalgia City theme park.
Before turning to fiction, Bacon wrote business books including "Do-It-Yourself Direct Marketing," printed in four languages and three editions, named best business book of the year by the Library Journal, and selected by the Book of the Month Club and two other book clubs. His freelance feature articles have appeared in the Washington Post, Cleveland Plain Dealer, San Antonio Express News, Orange County (Calif.) Register, Denver Post and many other publications. Most recently he was a correspondent for the San Francisco Chronicle.
"Dark Ride Deception" is the fourth book in the Nostalgia City mystery series that began with"Death in Nostalgia City". The first book introduced ex-cop turned cab driver Lyle Deming and PR executive Kate Sorensen, a former college basketball star. "Death in Nostalgia City" was recommended for book clubs by the American Library Association.
Bacon is the author of flash fiction mystery books including, "Cops, Crooks and Other Stories in 100 Words - Revised Edition".
He taught journalism as a member of the adjunct faculty at Cal Poly University – Pomona, the University of Nevada – Reno, and the University of Redlands. He earned an MA in mass media from UNLV and a BA in journalism from Fresno State.
After working for two newspapers, he moved to advertising and marketing and became a copywriter for Knott’s Berry Farm, the large theme park down the freeway from Disneyland. Experience working at Knott’s formed part of the inspiration for his creation of Nostalgia City theme park.
Before turning to fiction, Bacon wrote business books including "Do-It-Yourself Direct Marketing," printed in four languages and three editions, named best business book of the year by the Library Journal, and selected by the Book of the Month Club and two other book clubs. His freelance feature articles have appeared in the Washington Post, Cleveland Plain Dealer, San Antonio Express News, Orange County (Calif.) Register, Denver Post and many other publications. Most recently he was a correspondent for the San Francisco Chronicle.
"Dark Ride Deception" is the fourth book in the Nostalgia City mystery series that began with"Death in Nostalgia City". The first book introduced ex-cop turned cab driver Lyle Deming and PR executive Kate Sorensen, a former college basketball star. "Death in Nostalgia City" was recommended for book clubs by the American Library Association.
Bacon is the author of flash fiction mystery books including, "Cops, Crooks and Other Stories in 100 Words - Revised Edition".
He taught journalism as a member of the adjunct faculty at Cal Poly University – Pomona, the University of Nevada – Reno, and the University of Redlands. He earned an MA in mass media from UNLV and a BA in journalism from Fresno State.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
November 4, 2023
Real Rating: 3.5* of five, rounded down for untaken opportunities
The Publisher Says: He thinks he’s on edge now…then people start getting killed…
Uptight has been ex-cop Lyle Deming default setting for years, but his new job, driving a cab in a theme park, promises to cure his chronic anxieties. Nostalgia City is the ultimate resort for anyone who wants to visit the past. A meticulous recreation of an entire small town from the early 1970s, it’s complete with period cars, music, clothes, shops, restaurants, hotels—the works. The relaxed theme-park atmosphere is just what Lyle needs—until rides are sabotaged and tourists killed. Then park founder, billionaire “Max” Maxwell, drafts Lyle into investigating—unofficially. As the violence escalates and employees get rattled, Lyle gets help. Kate Sorensen, the park’s PR director—and former college basketball player—becomes another incognito investigator. Except that she’s six-foot-two-and-a-half-inches tall and drop-dead gorgeous. So much for incognito. Together, Lyle and Kate unravel a conspiracy of corporate greed and murder.
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA NETGALLEY. THANK YOU.
My Review: Well, it's Deathtober...I had to fit this in somehow...the idea of a 1970s-themed amusement park broke me out in hives...pleather, leisure suits, orange shag carpet, my 1977 Gremlin X...
...I REFUSE to post a photo of myself in my blue-jeans suit with a green shirt, REFUSE do you hear!...so the idea of the book was amusing to me but not in the least bit credible.
Until I realized that two billionaires run their own space programs, and that my friends is so bloody absurd and incredible that I do not think anyone anywhere ever needs, or even should dare, to question even the silliest ideas for things that could exist.
Lyle the ex-cop and Kate the ex-basketball player and current PR maven are a pair of incredible (in the original sense) sleuths. Their billionaire boss basically forces them to work together to solve his industrial-espionage problem that has grown so out of hand that other people die as a result of the rivalry. When the miscreant is unmasked, your pearls will go unclutched.
That's not the point of the read.
Lyle, an ex-cop, lives with his dad in the eldercare residential bit of the Nostalgia City theme park. Think Celebration, Florida::Disneyworld for your model here. This is, in my never-humble opinion, a stroke of genius. Make a place where elderly people with tenuous or failing grasps on Reality of the twenty-first century can sink back into the times where they last felt on top of things, unchallenged by tech that confuses and intimidates them. So you can already see the reason such a place would come under sabotage by outside interests, right? There's quite a lot of money to be made in such a venture, so of course the interests already making money off the status quo do not want their cash flow threatened. And Max, Lyle and Kate's boss, has more than a few enemies....
Lyle's cop past gives him an "in" as is expected; Kate's attitude, fortitude, and honesty are her calling cards, people trust her and are correct to do so. She and Lyle forge a friendship not a romance...thank goodness for that...because they serve the same idea of ma'at, or Justice being done for harm caused. There is, unfortunately, some hint that Romance could be in their future. I hope the author will resist this temptation and allow Kate to be a person not a sex doll.
The series starting story's involving enough, and has a lot of fun side-alleys for future installments to go down. What makes me plan to read the next one, though, is the idea that for once a man and a woman are working together as colleaugues and friends without the tediously predictable complications of Romance gumming up the works.
So far, that is...stay tuned for further developments.
The Publisher Says: He thinks he’s on edge now…then people start getting killed…
Uptight has been ex-cop Lyle Deming default setting for years, but his new job, driving a cab in a theme park, promises to cure his chronic anxieties. Nostalgia City is the ultimate resort for anyone who wants to visit the past. A meticulous recreation of an entire small town from the early 1970s, it’s complete with period cars, music, clothes, shops, restaurants, hotels—the works. The relaxed theme-park atmosphere is just what Lyle needs—until rides are sabotaged and tourists killed. Then park founder, billionaire “Max” Maxwell, drafts Lyle into investigating—unofficially. As the violence escalates and employees get rattled, Lyle gets help. Kate Sorensen, the park’s PR director—and former college basketball player—becomes another incognito investigator. Except that she’s six-foot-two-and-a-half-inches tall and drop-dead gorgeous. So much for incognito. Together, Lyle and Kate unravel a conspiracy of corporate greed and murder.
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA NETGALLEY. THANK YOU.
My Review: Well, it's Deathtober...I had to fit this in somehow...the idea of a 1970s-themed amusement park broke me out in hives...pleather, leisure suits, orange shag carpet, my 1977 Gremlin X...
...I REFUSE to post a photo of myself in my blue-jeans suit with a green shirt, REFUSE do you hear!...so the idea of the book was amusing to me but not in the least bit credible.
Until I realized that two billionaires run their own space programs, and that my friends is so bloody absurd and incredible that I do not think anyone anywhere ever needs, or even should dare, to question even the silliest ideas for things that could exist.
Lyle the ex-cop and Kate the ex-basketball player and current PR maven are a pair of incredible (in the original sense) sleuths. Their billionaire boss basically forces them to work together to solve his industrial-espionage problem that has grown so out of hand that other people die as a result of the rivalry. When the miscreant is unmasked, your pearls will go unclutched.
That's not the point of the read.
Lyle, an ex-cop, lives with his dad in the eldercare residential bit of the Nostalgia City theme park. Think Celebration, Florida::Disneyworld for your model here. This is, in my never-humble opinion, a stroke of genius. Make a place where elderly people with tenuous or failing grasps on Reality of the twenty-first century can sink back into the times where they last felt on top of things, unchallenged by tech that confuses and intimidates them. So you can already see the reason such a place would come under sabotage by outside interests, right? There's quite a lot of money to be made in such a venture, so of course the interests already making money off the status quo do not want their cash flow threatened. And Max, Lyle and Kate's boss, has more than a few enemies....
Lyle's cop past gives him an "in" as is expected; Kate's attitude, fortitude, and honesty are her calling cards, people trust her and are correct to do so. She and Lyle forge a friendship not a romance...thank goodness for that...because they serve the same idea of ma'at, or Justice being done for harm caused. There is, unfortunately, some hint that Romance could be in their future. I hope the author will resist this temptation and allow Kate to be a person not a sex doll.
The series starting story's involving enough, and has a lot of fun side-alleys for future installments to go down. What makes me plan to read the next one, though, is the idea that for once a man and a woman are working together as colleaugues and friends without the tediously predictable complications of Romance gumming up the works.
So far, that is...stay tuned for further developments.
November 8, 2023
Nostalgia City is a theme park/resort where everything is realistic to the 1970s. Unfortunately it has been best by accidents (or is it sabotage?) that imperil the park's continued existence. Lyle Deming, an ex-cop working as a cab driver in the park, teams up a 6'2" beauty who takes on the position of VP of Public Relations during this brewing crisis. A decent mystery to keep you guessing and entertained. Rounding up from 3.5 stars. Thanks to netgalley for the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 12, 2015
Bell, Book & Candle | Death in Nostalgia City
First off, can I just mention how cool it would be to have an amusement park that was all about the 70s? I don't have no idea if such a place exists, but if it does I would high-tail it there pronto!
In all seriousness, I loved the conspiracy behind the murders. My grandparents were hippies who lived in the Haight in San Francisco, so you know they were and still are all about government conspiracies. It's astounding that a corporation would conspire to destroy a resort's reputation. In all honesty I can envision something like this happening and it probably already has.
There are a few thrills to put the reader on edge, although I should mention that there were a few moments where the story seemed a bit drawn out. Never fear, the novel remains a good read and some serious food for thought. The characters were okay; I wasn't overly attached to them but I was rooting for the underdogs to outsmart the antagonists.
First off, can I just mention how cool it would be to have an amusement park that was all about the 70s? I don't have no idea if such a place exists, but if it does I would high-tail it there pronto!
In all seriousness, I loved the conspiracy behind the murders. My grandparents were hippies who lived in the Haight in San Francisco, so you know they were and still are all about government conspiracies. It's astounding that a corporation would conspire to destroy a resort's reputation. In all honesty I can envision something like this happening and it probably already has.
There are a few thrills to put the reader on edge, although I should mention that there were a few moments where the story seemed a bit drawn out. Never fear, the novel remains a good read and some serious food for thought. The characters were okay; I wasn't overly attached to them but I was rooting for the underdogs to outsmart the antagonists.
October 12, 2023
I received a complimentary electronic copy of this Arizona mystery from Netgalley via BookWhisperer, Inc., author Mark S. Bacon, and publisher Archer & Clark Publishing. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me. I have read Death in Nostalgia City of my own volition, and this review reflects my honest opinion of this work. I am pleased to add Mark S. Bacon to my favorite authors list. He writes a fine tale with enjoyable characters and a mystery hidden deeply. As a Boomer myself, I love the very idea of Nostalgia City and I requested the book because of the cover of the 2019 edition with the drive-in prominent. The tale does not disappoint. We are in central Arizona, the characters are very good or very bad, the weather is always great, and the exhibits and rides at Nostalgia City are intriguing. The first in a series, I will want to enjoy the rest, and several are already available in Kindle Unlimited.
pub date July 7, 2019
rec Sept 22, 2023
Archer and Clark Publishing
REVIEWED on October 12, 2023, at Goodreads, Netgalley, AmazonSmile, Barnes&Noble, and BookBub. Not available for review on Kobo.
pub date July 7, 2019
rec Sept 22, 2023
Archer and Clark Publishing
REVIEWED on October 12, 2023, at Goodreads, Netgalley, AmazonSmile, Barnes&Noble, and BookBub. Not available for review on Kobo.
October 21, 2015
This is a well-told story with all the standard mystery elements in place.
The basic setting – a 70s-themed amusement park – is different enough to be interesting even though it only plays a minor role in the story.
The two main characters – Lyle and Kate – are roped into investigating a series of accidents there by the park’s owner. Over the course of the book, they develop a friendship instead of the romance that is so common in the genre. Although there is one scene that could hint at more than friendship. Bacon leaves it up to the reader to decide.
Bacon did a good job of keeping the reader guessing the guilty party but when he did reveal him, it wasn’t an out of the blue surprise. Bacon did, however, hold back at least one clue that might have given the reader a better chance of solving the mystery. He also pointed a finger at one character repeatedly but never told the reader how that character was cleared of suspicion except for one hurried line almost at the end of the book.
I don’t know how feasible or realistic it would be to have Kate and Lyle solve more mysteries at the theme park, but if Bacon writes them, I’ll read them.
The basic setting – a 70s-themed amusement park – is different enough to be interesting even though it only plays a minor role in the story.
The two main characters – Lyle and Kate – are roped into investigating a series of accidents there by the park’s owner. Over the course of the book, they develop a friendship instead of the romance that is so common in the genre. Although there is one scene that could hint at more than friendship. Bacon leaves it up to the reader to decide.
Bacon did a good job of keeping the reader guessing the guilty party but when he did reveal him, it wasn’t an out of the blue surprise. Bacon did, however, hold back at least one clue that might have given the reader a better chance of solving the mystery. He also pointed a finger at one character repeatedly but never told the reader how that character was cleared of suspicion except for one hurried line almost at the end of the book.
I don’t know how feasible or realistic it would be to have Kate and Lyle solve more mysteries at the theme park, but if Bacon writes them, I’ll read them.
June 13, 2015
An excellent read; a good, unique story in an unusual setting peopled with characters we care about. Unusually, I suspected nearly everyone at some point.
I look forward to a sequel.
I look forward to a sequel.
October 13, 2023
Death in Nostalgia City by Mark S Bacon offered the reader a flash of creativity. The setting is a theme park in Northern Arizona based on the 60s and 70s. Nothing modern is allowed the employees and is discouraged in the guests. The taxis are vintage as are the rental cars. Ditto the hotels and restaurants. Lyle Deming is a taxi driver, previously a cop in Phoenix. He loves his job and sinks whole-heartedly into the nostalgia. He lives with his ailing father in a condo in Timeless Village, a suburb of Nostalgia City. The park had been doing well, but lately there had been some incidents. One, Lyle was witness to when a Grand Torino, driverless, just ran down the hill, hit some cars and his taxi on the rear corner, and ran into a gas station, causing a gas leak when the pump fell over and the roof on the overhang collapsing. Sadly, a man was killed. Kate Sorenson had just started as the head of PR and wanted to handle the press on this, but the head of security had another idea: coverup. It went the same with the next several “accidents.” Someone was sabotaging the park. Lyle had to find out who and why, especially when the next accident nearly took out he and his friend, Earl, at the radio station.
Lyle Deming was an interesting character, who made this book into almost a police procedural. As a retired cop he had a distinctive way of looking at things. He still had cop friends so he had access to information not available to the public. He also had the ability to work outside police norms. Kate turned out to be an excellent partner as they first determined who was guilty and then, how to prove it. There was a lot of money at stake who tensions were high. Kate, very clever and creative, was not above breaking a few rules. There were some subplots which added intrigue to the overall story. They were both great characters and the setting for the mystery was beyond clever. The mystery was a good one as they pieced it together, bit by bit. I enjoyed this well-written, clever book.
I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Death in Nostalgia City by Book Whisperer, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #BookWhisperer #MarkSBacon #DeathInNostalgiaCity
Lyle Deming was an interesting character, who made this book into almost a police procedural. As a retired cop he had a distinctive way of looking at things. He still had cop friends so he had access to information not available to the public. He also had the ability to work outside police norms. Kate turned out to be an excellent partner as they first determined who was guilty and then, how to prove it. There was a lot of money at stake who tensions were high. Kate, very clever and creative, was not above breaking a few rules. There were some subplots which added intrigue to the overall story. They were both great characters and the setting for the mystery was beyond clever. The mystery was a good one as they pieced it together, bit by bit. I enjoyed this well-written, clever book.
I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Death in Nostalgia City by Book Whisperer, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #BookWhisperer #MarkSBacon #DeathInNostalgiaCity
October 11, 2023
Review of eBook
For the last six months, former police officer Lyle Deming has driven a taxi in Nostalgia City, a 1970s theme park in Phoenix. Today, his passengers are a sixty-ish couple he assumes are from the Midwest. Nostalgia City, with its retro theme, is about the size of a small town; here visitors will find restaurants, shops, and hotels, all the brainchild of billionaire Archibald “Max” Maxwell. Nostalgia City was a vacation destination.
As Lyle drives through the town, his passengers stare out the windows. But Lyle spots a driverless car heading toward him. He manages to avoid a disastrous crash, but the driverless car demolishes the Flying A gas station . . . and a tumbling awning struck and killed a tourist.
When Max asks Lyle to investigate the accident, he says that the accident was the third act of sabotage in the park. He was concerned that news about the accident would impact park attendance. But Lyle is reluctant to return to the job that caused him so much stress.
But when the monorail jumps the tracks, more tourists are injured. Lyle finds himself teamed up with Kate Sorensen, Nostalgia City’s new vice president of public relations, to investigate. Who is trying to destroy Nostalgia City? And why?
=========
First in the author’s Nostalgia City Mysteries series, this tale of murder and greed combines a suspense-filled plot with likable characters. The clever setting, the secrets, the intrigue all work together to keep readers guessing as the unfolding tale spins its magic.
The setting is a highlight in the telling of this tale. The nostalgia of the 70s is sure to bring readers a smile or two, especially since it is light on reality and heavy on the fun that makes amusement parks so popular.
Readers who enjoy a bit of nostalgia along with their mysteries will find much to appreciate here; the plot is twisty and intriguing and keeps readers invested in the telling of the tale. Readers should expect a few surprises on the way to a satisfying denouement.
Highly recommended.
For the last six months, former police officer Lyle Deming has driven a taxi in Nostalgia City, a 1970s theme park in Phoenix. Today, his passengers are a sixty-ish couple he assumes are from the Midwest. Nostalgia City, with its retro theme, is about the size of a small town; here visitors will find restaurants, shops, and hotels, all the brainchild of billionaire Archibald “Max” Maxwell. Nostalgia City was a vacation destination.
As Lyle drives through the town, his passengers stare out the windows. But Lyle spots a driverless car heading toward him. He manages to avoid a disastrous crash, but the driverless car demolishes the Flying A gas station . . . and a tumbling awning struck and killed a tourist.
When Max asks Lyle to investigate the accident, he says that the accident was the third act of sabotage in the park. He was concerned that news about the accident would impact park attendance. But Lyle is reluctant to return to the job that caused him so much stress.
But when the monorail jumps the tracks, more tourists are injured. Lyle finds himself teamed up with Kate Sorensen, Nostalgia City’s new vice president of public relations, to investigate. Who is trying to destroy Nostalgia City? And why?
=========
First in the author’s Nostalgia City Mysteries series, this tale of murder and greed combines a suspense-filled plot with likable characters. The clever setting, the secrets, the intrigue all work together to keep readers guessing as the unfolding tale spins its magic.
The setting is a highlight in the telling of this tale. The nostalgia of the 70s is sure to bring readers a smile or two, especially since it is light on reality and heavy on the fun that makes amusement parks so popular.
Readers who enjoy a bit of nostalgia along with their mysteries will find much to appreciate here; the plot is twisty and intriguing and keeps readers invested in the telling of the tale. Readers should expect a few surprises on the way to a satisfying denouement.
Highly recommended.
January 22, 2018
Nostalgia City mystery series that began with Death in Nostalgia City, an award winner at the 2015 San Francisco Book Festival.
Nostalgia City is a theme park I want to go to: it re-creates the 70s, from bell bottoms to psychedelic colors, and sets it in Arizona.
But like any garden of Eden, troubles arise. For starters, the real seventies weren’t just about retro-gas pumps, they were about gas shortages. They weren’t just about Linda Ronstadt’s rock songs, they were about women’s rights. The Marlboro Cowboy and the Vietnam War.
These conflicts do come up in the first book, especially for Kate, the second major character, who handles the public relations for the theme park. She’s a really tall former basket ball player with a studly but long-distance boyfriend and a taste for a challenge. Kate would like to see more of the 70s reality in the theme park, but she is resisted on all sides.
Lyle Deming, the hero of the series, is one of the people who opposes bringing too much reality into the park. He took a job as a taxi driver because he’s burnt out from his job as a cop — by the violence and injustice but also the betrayal. He’s got an anxiety problem and PTSD, not too mention an ill dad who lives with him. He came to Nostalgia City to escape, to have an easy job where he was pretty much guaranteed to make people happy.
But this is a romantic suspense series, so we know Lyle won’t get much time to enjoy his easy job in the theme park.
Instead, Lyle is in a front row seat to witness a series of accidents that happen in the park, accidents that turn out to be sabotage. It’s up to Lyle and Kate to figure out who is trying to destroy their beloved theme park before it even takes off. And if Lyle can get Kate to stop thinking about her muscle-bound boyfriend for just a minute, maybe the spark between them could get a chance to turn into a real flame.
Nostalgia City is a theme park I want to go to: it re-creates the 70s, from bell bottoms to psychedelic colors, and sets it in Arizona.
But like any garden of Eden, troubles arise. For starters, the real seventies weren’t just about retro-gas pumps, they were about gas shortages. They weren’t just about Linda Ronstadt’s rock songs, they were about women’s rights. The Marlboro Cowboy and the Vietnam War.
These conflicts do come up in the first book, especially for Kate, the second major character, who handles the public relations for the theme park. She’s a really tall former basket ball player with a studly but long-distance boyfriend and a taste for a challenge. Kate would like to see more of the 70s reality in the theme park, but she is resisted on all sides.
Lyle Deming, the hero of the series, is one of the people who opposes bringing too much reality into the park. He took a job as a taxi driver because he’s burnt out from his job as a cop — by the violence and injustice but also the betrayal. He’s got an anxiety problem and PTSD, not too mention an ill dad who lives with him. He came to Nostalgia City to escape, to have an easy job where he was pretty much guaranteed to make people happy.
But this is a romantic suspense series, so we know Lyle won’t get much time to enjoy his easy job in the theme park.
Instead, Lyle is in a front row seat to witness a series of accidents that happen in the park, accidents that turn out to be sabotage. It’s up to Lyle and Kate to figure out who is trying to destroy their beloved theme park before it even takes off. And if Lyle can get Kate to stop thinking about her muscle-bound boyfriend for just a minute, maybe the spark between them could get a chance to turn into a real flame.
May 1, 2022
Nostalgia City is a 70's based theme park that doubles as a small town. There's a hotel, golf course, fun zone, amusement rides, and various restaurants. It's a whole 70's vacation experience. There's just one problem: Someone has been sabatotaging the park and causing "accidents." A bridge collapses, a car crash accidently kills a man, and a monorail derails. Lyle and Kate must work together undercover to figure out who is up to no good.
Lyle and Kate have an excellent dynamic in this book. They definitely have great chemistry. Lyle is an ex-cop turned cab driver who has been recruited by the owner of Nostalgia City to investigate what is going on in the theme park. Kate is Nostaligia City's new PR director. She's in charge of maintaining Nostalgia City's good image, but with all the recent accidents that can't happen. She's agreed to work with Lyle to figure out what is going on and keep Nostalgia City in business. The two work well together and they have each other's backs, no matter what.
The overall premise of the story was great. I liked the idea of a theme park being sabatoged and Lyle and Kate trying to figure out who's behind it. There were many red herrings, twists, and surprises along the way. However, I did feel the middle of the story dragged on a bit and got a tad boring. It did pick up and become very action packed and exciting 3/4 of the way through the book. I did not want to put the book down until I found out what happened and who was ultimately behind the whole scheme!
I definitely enjoyed this book enough to continue on with the series to see what other mysteries Lyle and Kate solve.
Thank you Mark S. Bacon, Archer and Clark Publishing and Goodreads giveaway for gifting me with a free Kindle copy of this book.
Lyle and Kate have an excellent dynamic in this book. They definitely have great chemistry. Lyle is an ex-cop turned cab driver who has been recruited by the owner of Nostalgia City to investigate what is going on in the theme park. Kate is Nostaligia City's new PR director. She's in charge of maintaining Nostalgia City's good image, but with all the recent accidents that can't happen. She's agreed to work with Lyle to figure out what is going on and keep Nostalgia City in business. The two work well together and they have each other's backs, no matter what.
The overall premise of the story was great. I liked the idea of a theme park being sabatoged and Lyle and Kate trying to figure out who's behind it. There were many red herrings, twists, and surprises along the way. However, I did feel the middle of the story dragged on a bit and got a tad boring. It did pick up and become very action packed and exciting 3/4 of the way through the book. I did not want to put the book down until I found out what happened and who was ultimately behind the whole scheme!
I definitely enjoyed this book enough to continue on with the series to see what other mysteries Lyle and Kate solve.
Thank you Mark S. Bacon, Archer and Clark Publishing and Goodreads giveaway for gifting me with a free Kindle copy of this book.
October 24, 2023
An Incredibly Involved Plot with Many Possibilities.
Death In Nostalgic City is set in central Arizona. It is about Lyle Deming who is a taxicab driver in a theme park. Lyle is an ex-policeman who suffers from chronic anxiety attacks, so he loves the non-stress of being a cab driver.
When accidents start happening within the park and people start getting injured and dying Lyle finds his anxiety level begins to climb with each incident. As Lyle used to be an ex-policeman the owner of the resort asks him to investigate the incidents and figure out what is happening and why.
Lyle finds Kate Sorenson who is the resort’s Public Relations director has offered to help Lyle but finds out quickly which will be harder, helping to catch a killer or spinning the incidents in a positive light.
The setting of the theme park is described very well Everything from the early seventies is replicated, from the clothing, food, vehicles, and music. The characters are exceptionally good or unbelievably bad from Native Indians, who do not like the interference with the reservation, competitors, and unhappy employees.
There are so many twists and turns contained within this book with an incredibly involved plot with many possibilities. The book pulled me in from the very beginning If you have lived through the seventies, you will enjoy this book as it is a well-crafted mystery suspense for anyone who enjoys this genre. Thanks to NetGalley and to the publishers of this book for giving me a free advance copy of the book to preview and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Death In Nostalgic City is set in central Arizona. It is about Lyle Deming who is a taxicab driver in a theme park. Lyle is an ex-policeman who suffers from chronic anxiety attacks, so he loves the non-stress of being a cab driver.
When accidents start happening within the park and people start getting injured and dying Lyle finds his anxiety level begins to climb with each incident. As Lyle used to be an ex-policeman the owner of the resort asks him to investigate the incidents and figure out what is happening and why.
Lyle finds Kate Sorenson who is the resort’s Public Relations director has offered to help Lyle but finds out quickly which will be harder, helping to catch a killer or spinning the incidents in a positive light.
The setting of the theme park is described very well Everything from the early seventies is replicated, from the clothing, food, vehicles, and music. The characters are exceptionally good or unbelievably bad from Native Indians, who do not like the interference with the reservation, competitors, and unhappy employees.
There are so many twists and turns contained within this book with an incredibly involved plot with many possibilities. The book pulled me in from the very beginning If you have lived through the seventies, you will enjoy this book as it is a well-crafted mystery suspense for anyone who enjoys this genre. Thanks to NetGalley and to the publishers of this book for giving me a free advance copy of the book to preview and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 16, 2023
An engaging mystery set in a 70s themed amusement park. Former cop Lyle has now taken a more relaxing position as a cab driver in Nostalgia City, an enormous theme park (think Westworld, but 1970s themed). It's not as relaxing as he expected, however, when "accidents" start happening around the park. After several parkgoers are injured or even killed, Lyle is asked to investigate. With the help of the new head of PR, Kate, he may just find the culprit and save the park from ruin.
I enjoyed unraveling this mystery alongside Lyle and Kate. I love the Nostalgia City setting, very fun. Lyle feels like a typical hardboiled investigator. The realistic inclusion of his anxiety helped to connect me with the character. Plus, his connection with his stepdaughter was lovely. I hope to see more of her in the future. There's only a small suggestion of romance between Lyle and Kate, which I prefer. They work well as friends and investigative partners. They don't need to fall in love. This is a well written mystery. The author used what he knows, and did it well. Would recommend.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I enjoyed unraveling this mystery alongside Lyle and Kate. I love the Nostalgia City setting, very fun. Lyle feels like a typical hardboiled investigator. The realistic inclusion of his anxiety helped to connect me with the character. Plus, his connection with his stepdaughter was lovely. I hope to see more of her in the future. There's only a small suggestion of romance between Lyle and Kate, which I prefer. They work well as friends and investigative partners. They don't need to fall in love. This is a well written mystery. The author used what he knows, and did it well. Would recommend.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
August 25, 2023
A very interesting mystery. Lots of action to make it more interesting. Lyle is a quiet, unassuming kind of guy. He is an ex-cop and just wants the quiet life. Kate is very good with PR and Max needs some good PR for his theme park. Someone is sabotaging the park, but Max makes everyone think it is just a few accidents while behind the scenes, he is having his security investigate it. Max asks Lyle if he will quietly look into the "accidents" so that their visitors will not know anything is going on. Kate is asked to help out. As they investigate, they go across the country to find answers. Since Lyle left his old job under difficult circumstances, Max isn't sure that Lyle is completely sane. Kate has her doubts about him from time to time. After they uncover information that will put someone behind bars, Lyle and Kate are accused of murder. Will they ever get anyone to listen to the truth? Will they survive long enough to get the truth out there?
February 1, 2021
I loved this book for many reasons. One of own my mothballed novels is set in an amusement park, so I was curious to read Mark Bacon's mystery. He's created a terrific theme park, made its rules consistent with everything I learned about amusement parks when I worked in one many years ago, and delivered interesting characters with believable motivations. Top it all off with some excellent writing (hard to find these days), and I was flipping pages with gusto, eager to see how it all worked out for the main character.
So why not a five-star rating? The solution was on the predictable side... Not so much fun when you can see it coming, complete with the motivation.... Won't say more because I don't want to spoil things.
Was it disappointing enough to avoid other Nostalgia City installments? Nah... I'm off to see if I can buy another one right now :)
So why not a five-star rating? The solution was on the predictable side... Not so much fun when you can see it coming, complete with the motivation.... Won't say more because I don't want to spoil things.
Was it disappointing enough to avoid other Nostalgia City installments? Nah... I'm off to see if I can buy another one right now :)
September 2, 2023
Although this book was written in 2019, I received a free copy to read and review. Bacon is a new author to me and I just discovered this is book 1 in a series of 4, which I now plan to read.
The premise is that a theme park,Nostalgia City, based on the 60's and 70's, has been built near Flagstaff AZ.
There are a series of accidents, which may not be accidents, so the owner, Maxwell, asks Lyle Demming, an ex Phoenix cop, who has retired and drives a vintage cab in NC, to investigate. He also asks a PR woman, Kate, who worked for home in Las Vegas, to come help him.
There is a a mystery to be solved, and after a slow start, the book picks up speed to a theme park ride of an ending.
I came away wondering what will happen next. What will happen between Lyle and Kate . Will Max be able to make NC profitable?? I will have to read the next books to find out.
The premise is that a theme park,Nostalgia City, based on the 60's and 70's, has been built near Flagstaff AZ.
There are a series of accidents, which may not be accidents, so the owner, Maxwell, asks Lyle Demming, an ex Phoenix cop, who has retired and drives a vintage cab in NC, to investigate. He also asks a PR woman, Kate, who worked for home in Las Vegas, to come help him.
There is a a mystery to be solved, and after a slow start, the book picks up speed to a theme park ride of an ending.
I came away wondering what will happen next. What will happen between Lyle and Kate . Will Max be able to make NC profitable?? I will have to read the next books to find out.
October 19, 2023
I received a copy of this from the author (I thought it was an ARC, but it's been out for almost 10 years in various forms, so I'm honestly a little confused about that.)
This is my honest opinion.
It is a great book about an amusement park and complex set in the '60s and '70s, but with only the happiest of nostalgia. However, someone seems to be sabotaging the rides. I am not going to reveal spoilers, but I was a little surprised by the culprit. There is a little fairly clean romance, and although I don't specifically remember there being any profanity, there may have been some, but it's so rare that it's not memorable. I only saw one error in the book. The name of the "Dark Shadows" character referenced is "Barnabas," not "Barnaby," although most people probably won't notice. I did like it, and probably will read the other books in the series. I recommend it.
This is my honest opinion.
It is a great book about an amusement park and complex set in the '60s and '70s, but with only the happiest of nostalgia. However, someone seems to be sabotaging the rides. I am not going to reveal spoilers, but I was a little surprised by the culprit. There is a little fairly clean romance, and although I don't specifically remember there being any profanity, there may have been some, but it's so rare that it's not memorable. I only saw one error in the book. The name of the "Dark Shadows" character referenced is "Barnabas," not "Barnaby," although most people probably won't notice. I did like it, and probably will read the other books in the series. I recommend it.
December 8, 2023
The novel takes place in an amusement park with a 70s themed amusement park, which is also why I choose to read this book.
Maxwell is the creator of Nostalgia City, an amusement park in Arizona. However, a succession of mishaps could compel him to close the park. Max enlists the help of Lyle Demming, an ex-cop, and Kate, a public relations specialist, to sort things out.
After reading this book, I felt it started slowly but picked up speed at the end. The mystery wasn't that intriguing, and I was tempted to move on to another novel. The plot had some enjoyable elements, the characterization was adequate, and for some strange reason, I was curious as to how it finished. Overall, it was fairly good.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher to read and review.
Maxwell is the creator of Nostalgia City, an amusement park in Arizona. However, a succession of mishaps could compel him to close the park. Max enlists the help of Lyle Demming, an ex-cop, and Kate, a public relations specialist, to sort things out.
After reading this book, I felt it started slowly but picked up speed at the end. The mystery wasn't that intriguing, and I was tempted to move on to another novel. The plot had some enjoyable elements, the characterization was adequate, and for some strange reason, I was curious as to how it finished. Overall, it was fairly good.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher to read and review.
August 29, 2023
A very entertaining potboiler. The premise is reminiscent of the Dream Park series by Larry Niven and, I think, Stephen Barnes, except that Nostalgia City is a theme park set in the 1970s instead of in a D&D fantasy setting. Otherwise, it's similar in that it's a park, there's a murder, there are inside people investigating with minimal outside police oversight, and they're both entertaining.
This one also has corporate skullduggery, a jaded ex-cop and a hot PR VP who is also investigating on the side. The plot makes sense and it's not altogether predictable, kudos on both.
This is the first book of a series and I'm already tempted to seek out the next installment.
This one also has corporate skullduggery, a jaded ex-cop and a hot PR VP who is also investigating on the side. The plot makes sense and it's not altogether predictable, kudos on both.
This is the first book of a series and I'm already tempted to seek out the next installment.
October 11, 2023
Absolutely loved this book. Not only do the characters seem real, the underlying attraction between Lyle and Kate and their interactions as “friends” adds a touch of romance to the novel. The handling of the corporate espionage involving Nostalgia City is cleverly handled. I kept guessing almost to the end about who was doing what. A good mystery. Death In Nostalgia City by Mark S. Bacon is also a realistic look at the struggles that entrepreneurs face and the greed that can lead people to do bad things. I am very much looking forward to the next book in this series. Also, would certainly visit a place like Nostalgia City if there was one.
April 2, 2020
Someone has the brilliant idea of opening a theme park based on the decades of the 1960s and 70s. All looks promising till a series of accidents prior to the grand opening put the future of this new attraction in jeopardy. An ex-detective who has taken a job as a taxi driver in the park to get away from the politics and pressures of cop life is pressed into duty to find out who is behind the sabotage. I enjoyed the book and the idea of the theme park tickled my fancy, having grown up in those times. Not a GREAT book, but a solid, decent and enjoyable one.
April 14, 2022
Pretty good
This book is an easy read that doesn't feel cliche. The characters aren't extremely complex which allows you to focus moreso on the plot. The plot is easy to follow but not to figure out. You definitely will have a hard time putting this book down once you get into it. The author does a good job of keeping you guessing until the end. I will say the ending does feel a little rushed and could use more expanding but I'd recommend this book to anyone looking for a decent mystery.
This book is an easy read that doesn't feel cliche. The characters aren't extremely complex which allows you to focus moreso on the plot. The plot is easy to follow but not to figure out. You definitely will have a hard time putting this book down once you get into it. The author does a good job of keeping you guessing until the end. I will say the ending does feel a little rushed and could use more expanding but I'd recommend this book to anyone looking for a decent mystery.
September 10, 2023
The backdrop of the story is set in a 1970's themed city where we find a retired policeman driving a cab and a PR rep that set out to investigate a series of incidents that could crash the city's touristy feel. It was very interesting. I can't remember reading any thing like this but it did stir up some 70's nostalgia. Mark Bacon did a great job of setting the scene and the pace to keep the story moving. The clues were there, but I did miss a few. This is the first in a series, so now I have to find book #2 to see if Bacon gets our erstwhile heroes into another mystery.
June 22, 2023
Good: The setting of Nostalgia City (a recreated 70's city/theme park) is really interesting and why I picked up the book.
Bad: Unfortunately after about 1/3 of the book, the main characters go to Boston and walk around boring insurance companies for the rest of the time. MANY characters that get hard to keep track of and none of them are interesting. The main characters figure out who committed the crime about 1/3 of the way through the book, and yep they were right! No mystery or twist. The female main character of course is attractive and a love interest even though she has a boyfriend that she's buying a house with...about a 3rd of the way through the book the boyfriend is barely mentioned again. No internal dilemma about cheating on him or anything.
Bad: Unfortunately after about 1/3 of the book, the main characters go to Boston and walk around boring insurance companies for the rest of the time. MANY characters that get hard to keep track of and none of them are interesting. The main characters figure out who committed the crime about 1/3 of the way through the book, and yep they were right! No mystery or twist. The female main character of course is attractive and a love interest even though she has a boyfriend that she's buying a house with...about a 3rd of the way through the book the boyfriend is barely mentioned again. No internal dilemma about cheating on him or anything.
September 26, 2024
Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this.
I found this to be a slow but interesting read, however, for me, this is not a book series that I can completely get into. But I liked the concept of a city with a 70s theme, where people could come and visit.
Despite the fact that I find myself not getting into the series, as stated earlier this is a slow and interesting read, and for those who enjoy slow mysteries, I would definitely recommend this book.
I found this to be a slow but interesting read, however, for me, this is not a book series that I can completely get into. But I liked the concept of a city with a 70s theme, where people could come and visit.
Despite the fact that I find myself not getting into the series, as stated earlier this is a slow and interesting read, and for those who enjoy slow mysteries, I would definitely recommend this book.
June 6, 2022
This is a nice little mystery set in an interesting theme park meant to replicate a '70s period town. Unfortunately, modern day crime infiltrates the setting and an intriguing story is born. A pleasant read with a fast pace, a good pair of main characters and and a rather unique plot. I enjoyed it.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest review.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest review.
January 30, 2023
Theme Park Death
A theme park built to resemble a city in 1960 is having an unusual amount of 'accidents'. Destruction of property causes a death, and then another, and then an outright murder. A former police officer and a park spokesperson team up to solve the crimes. Assassins for hire and an iffy insurance company round out the players. I won this from Goodreads.
A theme park built to resemble a city in 1960 is having an unusual amount of 'accidents'. Destruction of property causes a death, and then another, and then an outright murder. A former police officer and a park spokesperson team up to solve the crimes. Assassins for hire and an iffy insurance company round out the players. I won this from Goodreads.
October 13, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. It had a very unique feel to it. I would love to visit a theme park like this, well without the murder part. The characters were interesting but typical though they didn't fall too deeply into cliche. The mystery kept me guessing and nothing in the plot was too far-fetched. I look forward to reading more of Mark Bacon's work.
August 21, 2019
"Breaks the mould"
Well it's certainly different. A refreshing change that probably works better for a US audience. If there was an amusement park themed on 50s Britain I think I'd do anything to avoid visiting it. In this case, nostalgia and murder were an entertaining diversion.
Well it's certainly different. A refreshing change that probably works better for a US audience. If there was an amusement park themed on 50s Britain I think I'd do anything to avoid visiting it. In this case, nostalgia and murder were an entertaining diversion.
September 3, 2019
This was a fun read since it was based in Arizona. It mixed a lot of things up including the elevationof Flagstaff which is much higher than 5,000 feet. I think it was based on Legend City which was in Phoenix and place I went to as a kid.
It was a fast read but an enjoyable one too.
It was a fast read but an enjoyable one too.
March 14, 2020
Excellent
This mystery is set in a new and struggling amusement park devoted to the 70s. The hero is former cop turned nostalgia cab driver drawn into investigating sabotage at the park. The writing is crisp, the plot action packed, with genuine suspense. Great read.
This mystery is set in a new and struggling amusement park devoted to the 70s. The hero is former cop turned nostalgia cab driver drawn into investigating sabotage at the park. The writing is crisp, the plot action packed, with genuine suspense. Great read.
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