Amen Corner: A Sam Skarda Mystery

Sam Skarda Mystery #1

by Rick Shefchik

The body of the Masters rules committee chairman is found floating in the pond in front of the 12th green on the morning that Sam Skarda arrives at Augusta National Golf Club to play in his first Masters. Skarda, a 37-year-old police detective on medical leave from the Minneapolis police department, is an accomplished amateur golfer who won the U.S. Publinx and an invitation to play in the Masters while rehabbing a shooting injury suffered on the job.

Evidence left at the crime scene suggests the murder might have been tied to the ongoing protest by a women's group that has been demanding that the club admit women members. Then a crusading New York Times columnist is murdered on the grounds of the club two days later. Local police suspect the murders might have been committed by a member and begin pressuring the new Augusta National president for access to the club's membership information.

The club chairman asks Skarda for help finding the killer before the police thoroughly invade Augusta National's legendary privacy. Skarda looks for answers from members, veteran journalists, longtime caddies and ex-employees who may know why someone is determined to bring this year's Masters to a halt.

He also falls for Caroline Rockingham, the soon-to-be ex-wife of one of the pre-tournament favorites, a former college golf teammate of Skarda's. Sam and Caroline themselves become targets as the murders continue and pressure to cancel the tournament builds. Meanwhile, the killer methodically prepares for a spectacular and deadly Sunday climax.

Genres: Fiction

323 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2007

About the author

Rick Shefchik was born and raised in Duluth, Minnesota, graduated from Dartmouth College in 1974 and worked at the Duluth News-Tribune for three years. He then spent 26 years at the St. Paul Pioneer Press as a media critic, feature writer/columnist, enterprise reporter and sportswriter.

He lives in Stillwater, Minnesota, with his wife, Barbara. He's a lifelong golfer and played guitar with several bands.

Series:
* Sam Skarda Mystery

Reviews

[Chris Norbury · Rating 4 out of 5]

I almost always enjoy reading novels by journalists because they are trained to get to the point and only include the most salient details in their prose. As an avid golfer, I'm also inclined to like Amen Corner more than the average mystery fan might. Other than the numerous golf references that enhance the story and add a solid touch of believability to the plot, any mystery reader can enjoy this story for the intrigue, give and take between decently drawn characters, and a villain who's not over the top crazy or sadistic--just a guy with a huge chip on his shoulder that clouds his mind with thoughts of revenge.

Since others have stated that this mystery isn't all that mysterious because we know the killer's identity immediately, it becomes a study in how a competent but unexceptional former detective methodically solves the mystery just in time to save the tournament and dozens, if not hundreds, of lives. Shefchik does a commendable job of keeping the tension growing with that ticking clock scenario of will the Masters tournament be able to conclude before the killer pulls off his evil plan.

Worth the read if you're a golfer or fan of the Masters tournament.

[Mike Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect time to pick up this book during the masters tournament. It was a quick read, and it kept me engaged. I always seemed to read one more chapter before setting the book down. Sam Skarda is a MINNEAPOLIS detective on leave from the force after being shot in the line of duty. As part of his rehab, he plays golf to recover. He wins a tournament that gives him enter to the Masters as an amateur. Meanwhile, I psychotic ex-employee is hell bend on stopping the Masters and getting back at his dad, who is a member. This was far from a deal mind blowing novel, but the pace excellent. If your a golf fan, this is a must read. If your not, it is still worth your time.

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clever plot line of murder story at Augusta National Golf Club.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. Fast paced and entertaining.

[Mary Stoetzel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was quite good about a murderous vengeance against the killers father and Augusta National Golf Club. Fast moving.

[karl · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author is St. Paul newspaper columnist, and this is his 1st book. It is a mystery in one sense (about 7 folks die), but from the beginning we know the bad guy. There is a good guy: Cop and top amateur golf player. The setting is Augusta National Golf Course (during the Master's). Fun easy read for those of us who have walked that course!

[Katharine]

My husband has read it. Great mystery, especially if you like golf!

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very clever mystery about the Masters Golf Tournament. Filled with tidbits about the world of professional golf.