Presence of Mind

Jeremy Ransom/Emily Charters #1

by Fred W. Hunter

Chicago police detective Jeremy Ransom is frustrated by the lack of clues in the case of a murder victim who had no enemies, until septuagenarian amateur sleuth Emily Charters uncovers a link to a little theater production. Reprint.

Genres: Mystery

250 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published July 1, 1998

Reviews

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good. Held my interest thoughout, was even thought provoking as I would even think about it a bit when I wasn't actually reading. Details were described great especailly the impressions the main detective had of everybody. And there were quite a few everybodys-many characters yet written in a way that I could keep track of everyone. The plot was quite interesting... wasn't crazy about part of how it unfolded and sadly times have changed since this was written but that is just my personal aside.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed muchly!!!! The characters were so very real ---Emily is just like the grandmother you loved so very dearly --- the detective was very human and to relax he read Charles Dickens every night in the bath! Even though it was set in Chicago ---it seemed like it was a British mystery of manners. Hunter has a remarkable talent for small and telling details. A pleasure to read!! (This book had a reader’s survey in the back of it ---was already well over a year old but I filled it in, returned it and already received a new, free Fred Hunter book ---what a pleasant surprise!)

[Ronald Wilcox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun initial book in a series introducing the characters of the policeman Jeremy Ransom and the elderly lady Emily Charters who he meets during an investigation of two apparently unrelated murders. Emily realizes the link between them and comes to him to let him know. The story line / mystery is a little far fetched but the writing is enjoyable. Looking forward to reading more by this author.

[Katrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was expecting a cozy, but it ended up being even better. It mainly follows the thought process of the police detective, Ransom. The novel really got into societies treatment and outlook on aging. It was a very good read. I recommend it.

[Sharon Jacksack · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eh, a little self consciously written, still, I like Jeremy Ransom and Emily Charters.

[Kendall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent writing and very enjoyable characters!