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Burr Lafayette Mystery #3
Bear Bones: Murder at Sleeping Bear Dunes
Who buried Helen Lockwood in a shallow grave on South Manitou Island?Helen Lockwood's boat was found drifting off Sleeping Bear Dunes with no one aboard. A year later her body was found in a shallow grave on South Manitou Island. She'd been in court, fighting with the Park Service who had condemned her family's four hundred-acre orchard to make it part of the new Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Burr Lafayette, her lawyer, had kept the Park Service at bay for seven years, with no end in sight. Until Helen disappeared.
After her body was found, her husband, Tommy, was arrested for her murder. It turns out that he'd been trying to sell the orchards to the Park Service ever since Helen went missing.
Burr Lafayette, recently divorced and the deposed head of a major Detroit law firm, now finds himself defending Tommy. Burr, though, isn't a criminal lawyer. A man at loose ends, he's a brilliant litigator who prefers sailboats and dogs over courtrooms and clients.
The prosecutor has damning evidence and Tommy may not have been the perfect husband, but Helen had many enemies. Burr is convinced there's a clue somewhere in the dunes that will unlock the truth.
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Critics call Cutter’s books “pure Michigan”.
"Cutter is becoming the next Erle Stanley Gardner, master of courtroom drama...He has a knack of keeping the reader guessing with complex plotting, deceitful witnesses and romance set against the beautiful backdrop of the Sleeping Bear Dunes."—Bill Castanier, Lansing City Pulse
If you like John Grisham and Scott Turow, you'll love Bear Bones. Bear Bones is the third book in the award winning Burr Lafayette mystery series.
After her body was found, her husband, Tommy, was arrested for her murder. It turns out that he'd been trying to sell the orchards to the Park Service ever since Helen went missing.
Burr Lafayette, recently divorced and the deposed head of a major Detroit law firm, now finds himself defending Tommy. Burr, though, isn't a criminal lawyer. A man at loose ends, he's a brilliant litigator who prefers sailboats and dogs over courtrooms and clients.
The prosecutor has damning evidence and Tommy may not have been the perfect husband, but Helen had many enemies. Burr is convinced there's a clue somewhere in the dunes that will unlock the truth.
--------
Critics call Cutter’s books “pure Michigan”.
"Cutter is becoming the next Erle Stanley Gardner, master of courtroom drama...He has a knack of keeping the reader guessing with complex plotting, deceitful witnesses and romance set against the beautiful backdrop of the Sleeping Bear Dunes."—Bill Castanier, Lansing City Pulse
If you like John Grisham and Scott Turow, you'll love Bear Bones. Bear Bones is the third book in the award winning Burr Lafayette mystery series.
264 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 18, 2020
78 people are currently reading
113 people want to read
About the author
Charles Cutter
4 books63 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 - 21 of 21 reviews
October 12, 2020
The third installment of the Burr Lafayette Mystery series is arguably the strongest and most compelling. Burr really starts to develop as a character and more facets of his personality emerge. Per usual Burr somehow lands himself smackdab in a murder case. One of his clients who has been a cash cow for nearly a year (a rarity for his office) has been found murdered and buried. He takes on the husband as a client (he needs that money!) even though the evidence seems to make him a shoo in for a guilty verdict. To top it off his wife is trying to get him arrested for being late on alimony, he's not sure how "committed" he wants to be with Maggie, and his elevator is broken... again. Not your typical courtroom drama; filled with wit, wry observations, and unforgettable characters. It's not fast paced, but more a meandering journey that takes readers on journey laden with good sights, food, and potential suspects. Lots of fun!
June 22, 2021
A good murder mystery/ court room drama.
February 16, 2021
This was a really great read. To begin with any time an author develops a character with a dog for a sidekick I’m happy. Especially if the character talks to the dog as much as I do my own. But Zeke, said dog, is not the highlight of this story. Important but not the best part. The best part is the character as well as the side characters.
When I tell you a little about this story, you’re going to begin to think it’s another “legal” law thing, but it isn’t. Burr Lafayette, the main character is a lawyer, but this is almost like a mystery, very much so. He’s the kind of character that always catches me right from the beginning and there can be no question that I’ll finish the book. This time though, Charles Cutter even gave me a picture in my mind. Burr is a little run down, not just his clothing but maybe his physique too. I just know he’s a little overweight. And he’s that character that’s always chasing a dollar to pay his rent; always hoping for a case to pay his bills.
The story is intriguing and an attention getter in and of itself but the humor… I loved the humor. Cutter created side characters that make the whole story more humorous. They’re fidgety, picky, and yet indispensable. Cutter even makes the prosecutor funny. Or maybe I meant to say, makes fun of the prosecutor:) Burr is humorous out loud but he’s also that kind of character always thinking some smart cynical or truthful thing to say in his mind. You know? All the things you’d love to say out loud yourself.
So we have a lawyer with a legal case that he needs to solve but hopes the business law part of it goes on forever so he can pay his bills. He becomes a criminal lawyer because he needs to pay his bills and there happens to be a death. We have Zeke, a great dog, a boat, and a couple of hilarious employees. An author who can make even the trial procedures interesting and humorous. All rolled into what I’m going to call a mystery. This is Book 3 of a series titled “Bear Bones Mystery”.
I never ever go backwards in a series but this time I’ll break my rule. I’ll start back at Book 1 if you’ll be working on Book 4 Mr. Cutter.
When I tell you a little about this story, you’re going to begin to think it’s another “legal” law thing, but it isn’t. Burr Lafayette, the main character is a lawyer, but this is almost like a mystery, very much so. He’s the kind of character that always catches me right from the beginning and there can be no question that I’ll finish the book. This time though, Charles Cutter even gave me a picture in my mind. Burr is a little run down, not just his clothing but maybe his physique too. I just know he’s a little overweight. And he’s that character that’s always chasing a dollar to pay his rent; always hoping for a case to pay his bills.
The story is intriguing and an attention getter in and of itself but the humor… I loved the humor. Cutter created side characters that make the whole story more humorous. They’re fidgety, picky, and yet indispensable. Cutter even makes the prosecutor funny. Or maybe I meant to say, makes fun of the prosecutor:) Burr is humorous out loud but he’s also that kind of character always thinking some smart cynical or truthful thing to say in his mind. You know? All the things you’d love to say out loud yourself.
So we have a lawyer with a legal case that he needs to solve but hopes the business law part of it goes on forever so he can pay his bills. He becomes a criminal lawyer because he needs to pay his bills and there happens to be a death. We have Zeke, a great dog, a boat, and a couple of hilarious employees. An author who can make even the trial procedures interesting and humorous. All rolled into what I’m going to call a mystery. This is Book 3 of a series titled “Bear Bones Mystery”.
I never ever go backwards in a series but this time I’ll break my rule. I’ll start back at Book 1 if you’ll be working on Book 4 Mr. Cutter.
June 30, 2021
This is the third Burr Lafayette book that I have read (out of 3). I really like the 3 main characters of his stories, and his mystery keeps me guessing. I have ordered the fourth book in the series, The Crooked Angel, and am looking forward to reading it soon (delivery was delayed yesterday:<). The stories are all set in Michigan, so they are especially fun for readers from that state due to the references he throws into his storylines. I have never visited Sleeping Bear Dunes, but I sure would like to after reading this book.
June 20, 2025
Trials and Tribulations of Michigan's Sleeping Bear Dunes
The Sleeping Bear Dunes of northwestern Michigan have traditionally attracted residents as well as tourists from all over the world. The tale of the Mama bear who lost her two cubs as she swam across Lake Michigan is used to explain the towering sand dunes and the two Manitou Islands
Using this setting in NW Michigan's lower peninsula as a background, Charles Cutter has created a murder scene followed by a unconventional trial with a surprise ending. Utilizing characters from his previous books, the reader feels right at home with a book that is hard to put down. His vivid descriptions of that corner of Michigan urges you to pack up and head to Sleepy Bear Country.
The Sleeping Bear Dunes of northwestern Michigan have traditionally attracted residents as well as tourists from all over the world. The tale of the Mama bear who lost her two cubs as she swam across Lake Michigan is used to explain the towering sand dunes and the two Manitou Islands
Using this setting in NW Michigan's lower peninsula as a background, Charles Cutter has created a murder scene followed by a unconventional trial with a surprise ending. Utilizing characters from his previous books, the reader feels right at home with a book that is hard to put down. His vivid descriptions of that corner of Michigan urges you to pack up and head to Sleepy Bear Country.
July 4, 2024
I first read The Pink Pony the last day of the month of May in 2023. I immediately ordered all the rest of the Burr Lafayette series by Charles Cutter. I am such a fanatic, I even emailed the author to find out when the next book is set to be released. I can not get enough of Burr and have found myself falling for this imaginary character! If you love Northern Michigan like I do then this series is a must!
August 17, 2020
Family of 3 sisters jointly own cherry orchard that Park Service is trying to aquire for Lakeshore.
One sister is shot, buried in shallow grave on South Manitou.
Implausible plot twist, with no ground work.
Trial that breaks many rules of procedure - for no particular reason.
Weak. Pleasant to have story set in Leelanau, but not well done.
One sister is shot, buried in shallow grave on South Manitou.
Implausible plot twist, with no ground work.
Trial that breaks many rules of procedure - for no particular reason.
Weak. Pleasant to have story set in Leelanau, but not well done.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 2, 2020
I love mysteries set in northern Michigan and especially Leelanau. That said, I was very disappointed with the quality of writing. I suppose that in the name of character development, the author went overboard discussing in great detail every individual idiosyncrasy but in doing so, the narrative bogged down and interfered with the plot flow.
August 29, 2024
loved the Burr Lafayette Mysteries!
All the books in Charles Cutter’s series take place in Michigan. So fun for a native to read. Murder at Sleeping Bear Dunes was great as well have been to all the small towns and restaurants/bars too.
Well done another fun read….on to book four!
All the books in Charles Cutter’s series take place in Michigan. So fun for a native to read. Murder at Sleeping Bear Dunes was great as well have been to all the small towns and restaurants/bars too.
Well done another fun read….on to book four!
July 3, 2020
As the third book in this series I think it was the best. There was more focus on the mystery of who killed Helen than on Burr’s lack of decorum.
August 13, 2020
I received a complimentary copy.
Reading a book three first is always hard but this is very easy to get into and holds a really twisting batch of characters and drama.
Reading a book three first is always hard but this is very easy to get into and holds a really twisting batch of characters and drama.
November 28, 2020
Great Mystery book
Very good quick read, kept me guessing till the end.
I have read the Pink Pony so now I will read the Grey Drake
Very good quick read, kept me guessing till the end.
I have read the Pink Pony so now I will read the Grey Drake
Read
April 7, 2021Worst book ever!
July 20, 2021
Car phones, cell phones, National Parks and an orchard, and lawyers and judges out the …!!! What could go wrong??? Then they find the body!!! I enjoyed the story and recommend the book.
January 17, 2022
Fun northern Michigan read !
July 17, 2022
It was fine. I have a cottage in the area, so some of the local references were interesting, where I think residents would find even more compelling and nonresidents would find tedious.
January 23, 2023
I think this is the best of the series so far.
October 14, 2023
Fairly good read
Seems like more grammar issues in this than the prior books in the series, but a good story with some repetitive storylines…
Seems like more grammar issues in this than the prior books in the series, but a good story with some repetitive storylines…
September 12, 2024
The mystery was interesting. I will not be reading any more of the books since I do not like Burr Lafayette.
October 19, 2024
great fun
Another interesting and amusing mystery with Burr Layfayette, clever, dapper, and a bit of a rogue. Fun read, great characters., a mystery well done
Another interesting and amusing mystery with Burr Layfayette, clever, dapper, and a bit of a rogue. Fun read, great characters., a mystery well done
July 20, 2020
A mystery wrapped in a courtroom drama with a side of humor
The third installment in the Burr Lafayette series will definitely please Charles Cutter’s regular fans and create new fans as well. Burr’s latest case, a dull but lucrative real estate matter, becomes much more complicated when his client disappears. He finds himself drawn into a family dispute in which his client’s husband is the prime suspect when her body is eventually discovered, buried in a shallow grave. Burr’s unorthodox legal research methods lead him to travel through northern Michigan in search of evidence that may create “reasonable doubt” and exonerate the widower. He meets numerous local characters and creates headaches for his long-suffering partner and legal assistant. As usual, Burr uncovers a number of suspects who may have wanted his client out of the way, and runs afoul of local law enforcement personnel who look askance at his methods. Burr’s personality is best displayed in the courtroom scenes, where not all of the judges find him charming (or willing to follow the usual and expected rules for courtroom behavior). This book is Charles Cutter’s best work so far.
The third installment in the Burr Lafayette series will definitely please Charles Cutter’s regular fans and create new fans as well. Burr’s latest case, a dull but lucrative real estate matter, becomes much more complicated when his client disappears. He finds himself drawn into a family dispute in which his client’s husband is the prime suspect when her body is eventually discovered, buried in a shallow grave. Burr’s unorthodox legal research methods lead him to travel through northern Michigan in search of evidence that may create “reasonable doubt” and exonerate the widower. He meets numerous local characters and creates headaches for his long-suffering partner and legal assistant. As usual, Burr uncovers a number of suspects who may have wanted his client out of the way, and runs afoul of local law enforcement personnel who look askance at his methods. Burr’s personality is best displayed in the courtroom scenes, where not all of the judges find him charming (or willing to follow the usual and expected rules for courtroom behavior). This book is Charles Cutter’s best work so far.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews