Mainely Power

Goff Langdon Mainely Mystery #1

by Matt Cost, Matthew Langdon Cost

Was Harold Dumphy killed to cover up something at the nuclear power plant he was the head of security at?

This is what the widow asks Goff Langdon, private detective, to find out.

Langdon is a laid back, slacker detective, happy with his work, friends, and way of life in the town of Brunswick, Maine. To compliment his income in small town Maine's scarce private detective market, Langdon also owns and operates a mystery bookstore named after his trusted companion, Coffee Dog.

Does Langdon stand a chance against corrupt cops, crooked politicians, greedy millionaires, radical environmentalists, and a deadly assassin named Shakespeare?

With the help of Bart, the bear of a cop, Jimmy 4 by Four the hippie lawyer, the immigrants Jewell and Richam, and his desire and employee, Chabal—he sets out to do just that. And then he is framed for not one, but two murders, and events become very complicated.

Follow Langdon and his band of friends as they attempt to untangle the web of intrigue and return Brunswick to 'the way life should be'.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Suspense, Book Club, Ebooks

302 pages, Paperback

Published September 18, 2020

About the author

Matt Cost also publishes under Matthew Langdon Cost.

MATT COST writes the Mainely Mystery and the Clay Wolfe/Port Essex Mystery Series. He’s also written several books of historical fiction. This is his first jaunt in combining his two loves of histories and mysteries into a historical PI mystery. Cost was a history major at Trinity College. He owned a mystery bookstore, a video store, and a gym, before serving a ten-year sentence as a junior high school teacher. In 2014 he was released and began writing. And that’s what he does. He writes histories and mysteries. Cost now lives in Brunswick, Maine, with his wife, Harper. There are four grown children: Brittany, Pearson, Miranda, and Ryan. A chocolate Lab and a basset hound round out the mix. He now spends his days at the computer, writing.

Reviews

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ready for some rough and tumble private investigating? Meet Goff Langdon, a not-so-rough-and-tumble PI whose “other job” is owning a mystery bookstore. Now this small town PI is about to take on the “big boys” when he accepts the case of the merry widow who needs to prove her husband did not commit suicide.

Little did Goff know what he was getting into or what he would be up against as he goes up against big money, big business, and a deadly assassin with only his small town cohorts to back him up.

Matt Cost’s MAINELY POWER is a cozy mystery with some pretty quirky, yet endearing characters. Well-written, engaging and certainly filled with lots of twists, this entertaining read hits the ground running and crosses the finish line a winner! Makes for the perfect fireside read!

I received a complimentary ARC edition from Matt Cost!

Series: Goff Langdon Mainely Mystery - Book 1
Publisher : Encircle Publications (September 18, 2020)
Genre: PI Mystery | Cozy Mystery
Print Length : 304 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com

[Leslie Wheeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Thriller with Humor and a Heart

Goff Langdon, in Matt Cost’s novel, Mainely Power, is a likeable but flawed hero. A private detective in Brunswick, Maine with an office in his Coffee Dog Bookstore (named after his dog) he’s hurting because his wife has run off with another man, taking their three-year-old daughter with her. When the widow of the head of security at the local nuclear plant asks him to find out who killed her husband, he’s so distracted by the moves she makes on him that he bungles the meeting. And, when he attempts to interview the sexy head of HR at the plant, he allows her to drink him under the table, leaving him to spill his sorrow to the bartender. But when his daughter, who’s been returned to him, is threatened, Langdon manages to pull himself together. Realizing that he’s in over his head, he enlists the help of a not-always-very-merry band of followers that include a booze-loving cop, a hippie lawyer, an immigrant couple, a Bowdoin co-ed, a female employee he has the hots for, his two brothers, various children, and even his estranged wife. It’s a lot of people to keep track of—for Langdon, the author, and readers. Cost tries to help by giving his characters unusual names like Peppermint Patti (the coed), Jimmy 4 by four (the lawyer), and Lawrence Shakespeare, a cold-blooded, ex-con killer, who shows up whenever his bigwig handler decides there’s dirty work to be done. Cost also has a habit of popping in and out of his characters’ heads, sometimes from one paragraph to the next, which may dismay point-of-view purists, but this reader learned to live with it. The story moves along at a breakneck pace, and if there appears to be an over-abundance of alcoholics and men and women happy to hook up with partners who are not their spouses, it’s all in good fun. And maybe that’s just what happens in Maine in the dead of winter

[Amazeballs Book Addicts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mainely Power is a good read. I read a little bit of every genre of books but I generally read a lot of romance books. This one was a read that was a break from my normal romance reads. I was pulled into this one right from the beginning. Goff Langdon is a private detective. He's a little gruff but a down to earth guy. He's an interesting charter. Goff gets hired to investigate Harold Dumphy's death. We are taking along for the ride while Goff undercover the mystery of Harold's death. This one packed with mystery and suspense and some great side characters.

[Glen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I won this book in a goodreads drawing.

Rural Pi in Maine, who is something of an ass, goes up against a nuclear power plant.

[Heena Rathore Rathore-Pardeshi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mainely Power by Matt Cost is a very laid-back personal investigator mystery that takes the readers on a ride that starts slow but build up as it progresses.

I love reading cosy mysteries because they are a lot better than hard-boiled detective series in a way that they have everything a mystery buff looked for in a book without the unnecessary and many times indulgent (only for the author) details. And this book proved me right yet again! Cosies are far better and also, PIs are much more interesting to read about than a DI.

Anyway, my thought on the matter aside, this book proved to be one hell of a ride! It started slowly introducing the laid-back main character who is a PI but also has a mystery bookstore. And then he gets tangled in a case that sets him, his dear friends and the readers along with them on a very slippery course. What follows is an array of twists and turns that turns the life of Goff, the main character, upside down.

The book gets interesting by the page and really picks up the pace after the halfway point (in the middle of the 2nd act) until the end, gradually getting faster and faster with each and every chapter which translated into the story turning into an un-put-down-able read. The characterization was brilliant and I loved not only the main character but also the secondary characters. The writing was good and the narration had a very nice flow.

Overall I really enjoyed the book, especially considering the fact that this one is my first book by the author, and I would definitely recommend it to all mystery buffs, especially who love reading cosy mysteries.

You can also read this review on The Reading Bud

[Paul Preston · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun story about Goff Langdon, a private eye that runs a bookstore in Brunswick Maine. When he is hired to find the killer of the head of security of a nuclear power plant, he bites off more than he can chew. With the help of a great cast of characters, can Goff find the killer before him and his family are added to the dead?
Easy fun read with a few personality inconsistencies but nothing that disrupts the story. I never knew Maine had so many beautiful women in the Brunswick area. Every woman in the book seemed to be gorgeous and vivacious.

[Hannah Symonds · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in a day and bloody loved it. It had everything I wanted plus more. I was drawn to the main character who is called Goff Langdon he is a private detective but also has his own bookstore, which is named after his dog Coffee Dog. There is a interesting mix of characters some baddies like Shakespeare and greedy millionaires that Langdon has to deal with but also some nice characters like Chabal who runs the bookstore for Langdon. I liked the beginning, middle and end. How the story wraps up too is very good. This was a great first book and I look forward to book 2. 10/10

[Kevin Jarre · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re a member of Generation X, nuclear power plants are sort of creepy enough on their own. We remember the stories in our youth of Three Mile Island and Chernobyl, with movies like “The China Syndrome” and “Silkwood.” We also remember stories like Erin Brockovich’s, which further reinforced our understanding of corporate greed and corruption. Cost, through his main character Goff Langdon, brings all of this tension together, and drives us through the middle of these hair-raising stories once again. Buckle up!

[Louise Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

The writing style of this author reminded me of “the Cat Who...” series. Very engaging, kind of quirky and descriptive without actually using too many words. The characters are amazing - you get a real sense for who they are and the way they interact gives great colour to the whole plot. The setting was perfect for both the characters and the story. I really enjoyed this and recommend it for people who enjoy traditional ‘small town’ mysteries.

[Lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mainely Power is the story of a small town with a big mystery. Although this isn't a hard-boiled detective mystery, or thriller, it doesn't lack for twists to keep the reader guessing. I loved the cast of characters, and I couldn't help but wonder if Goff was going to solve the mystery before landing in jail for murder himself. If you're a fan of cozy mysteries with a bit of a twist, you'll love this book!

[Ashlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this read. Goff Langdon and his family (found and blood) are always backing each other up. I definitely want to read more about them. And I wish I could visit the Coffee Dog Bookstore!

[Virginia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fast-paced detective/murder mystery which I enjoyed immensely.

[Mahathi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mainely Power is a detective / investigative mystery. The story starts with Harold Dumpy's murder investigation by a private detective Mr. Langdon in a small town in Maine. Langdon, and his close friends Bart, four by 4, Peppermint Patti, Chabal, Lord, Richam, Jewel etc., come together to understand the mystery behind Harold's death.

They also get stuck in challenging situations during the investigation and Langdon is charged for the murder of 2 people making things messier. Thanks to the combined effort of his friends, he entangles the mystery and comes out safe.

What I liked about the story?

The story and characters are real. Unlike other detective mysteries where usually it's a one-man show, here it's an effort from a team. The characterization is great and relatable.

While Chabal and Peppermint Patti stand out as strong and helpful friends, Bart, Richam, Jewel and four by 4 are reliable. The names are a bit funny though. I didn't like Amanda's character. Abigail's character is unique.

The blurb is interesting and the title of the book is very apt.

What might have been better?

The pace of the book might have been uniform. The last 1/4th of the story covers more than the first 3/4th.

The book cover might have been attractive, but just a thought. It might have been good if the mystery is revealed gradually instead of everything at the end.

The synopsis given by Langdon at the end is very good though.

My Rating: 4/5

I recommend this to the readers who love small-town mysteries with real characters.

PS: I have received this book from the author for free in exchange for a review and this is my honest opinion on the book.

[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

MAINELY POWER is the first instalment in Matt Cost’s contemporary, adult, mystery series focusing on part time private detective and mystery bookstore owner Goff Langdon, and the town of Brunswick, Maine.

Told from third person perspective MAINELY POWER follows twenty-eight year old part time private detective and mystery bookstore owner Goff Langdon in the aftermath of the murder of Harold Dumphy, the head of security at DownEast Power- the local nuclear power plant in Brunswick, Maine. Hired by Harold’s widow to uncover the truth about her husband’s supposed suicide, Goff Langdon will find himself a suspect in a series of murders as he and his group of intrepid investigators (Bart the cop, attorney 4 by Four, college student Peppermint Patti, Jewell and Richam, Chabal, Goff’s twin brothers Nick and Lord, and canine companion Coffee Dog) continue to step on some proverbial but powerful toes. Not all is well in the small town of Brunswick, Maine, and Goff is about to discover that corruption leads all the way to the top.

MAINELY POWER is a story of mystery, suspense, murder and mayhem; secrets, lies, and control; infidelity, clandestine affairs, blackmail and a hired assassin named Lawrence Shakespeare. Matt Cost pulls the reader into an animated and imaginative tale of corruption and power. MAINELY POWER starts slowly but quickly picks up as Goff Langdon assembles his team of wanna-be sleuths and private detectives.

[Grace J Reviewerlady · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an exciting novel! I really want to read more about Goff Langdon.

When Harold Dumphy's death is ruled suicide, it opens up a can of worms. His widow really doesn't think he was suicidal and hires the local P.I. to look into it. Private investigations are only one hat Goff Langdon wears; he also owns a mystery bookstore, employing Chabal to run it along with him. Goff has a laid-back attitude to life - so laid-back, in fact, that he's almost horizontal. Langdon has a plethora of friends who, one way or another, become entangled in his latest case and when he is framed for not one but two murders, they rally round to get to the bottom of things.

Well, this is quite the rollercoaster! The kind of read that, as the action hots up, you find yourself speeding up on turning the pages (or screen) until you're quite out of breath. A cracking read, bursting at the seams with fabulous characters all of whom come alive on the page, raising my heart rate! This is an author who really knows how to write a fast-paced mystery. Every character is carefully crafted with their own unique identity and yet they all interact perfectly and the absolutely fabulous addition of Coffee Dog brings some great laughs. Who wouldn't want to adopt him?

There are a few surprises along the way as well as a couple of shocks, but what a way to begin a series! Completely terrific, a thrilling read and well worth all five shiny stars and a firm recommendation.

[Emily Harrison Cost · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mainely Power is by far the most unique mystery novel I've read. Although a murder investigation is at the heart of the story, the twists and turns throughout make it an unconventional one. There's a long list of characters involved, but Cost does a great job of giving each individual a quirky name and a memorable personality to help the reader keep everyone straight. A nuclear power plant murder scene was also a wise decision, as it immediately calls to mind the damage done by real-world nuclear disasters and makes the mystery that much more harrowing right off the bat. Not to mention, the juxtaposition of a creepy nuclear power plant in the picturesque small town of Brunswick adds an element of intrigue. I genuinely enjoyed reading Cost's descriptive language page after page and envisioning each scene play out in my head as Langdon, Coffee Dog, and their eclectic crew unraveled the mystery at hand.

[Kathleen Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Take a wild ride with good friends. Goff Langdon's an interesting guy. He lives in a small town in Maine, owns a bookstore and is a private investigator. His sidekick is a dog named Coffee Dog, also the name of his bookstore. He's also got an interesting collection of friends, from the lovely but married Chabal, who mostly runs the store, to Bart, a Clete Purcel-like cop who doesn't follow the rules, to Goldilocks, the mop topped owner of Goff's favorite dive bar. In this first outing, Goff gets himself embroiled with the murder of a nuclear power plant's head of security, taking on the dead man's very oversexed wife as a client. Mayhem and murder follows as he discovers more, hot on the trail of why. His support group of friends and family join him as the plot thickens, and it's a lively diverse group who help him in his ever-increasingly dangerous venture. Matt Cost has created a great new hero here, with shades of Spenser, Robicheaux and Davenport but Goff Langdon is his own man, one of a kind. Good job, Mr. Cost, and I'm looking forward to Goff's new adventures.

[David Gardner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Matt Cost’s 'Mainely Power' opens with a murder at a nuclear power plant in Brunswick, Maine. The victim’s widow hires Goff Langdon to investigate. Goff is a twenty-eight-year-old bookstore owner and private investigator. Things do not go well for him (and we don’t want them to, do we?).

This is a complex tale of intrigue, infidelity, blackmail, false accusations and murder that ends with an explosive shootout.

The prose is clean and straight-forward. We always understand what’s going on even though the point of view sometimes drifts from one character to another, especially during the wild the climax. The characters are legion, many with unforgettable names (4 by Four, Peppermint Patti, Laurence Shakespeare) and all have strong personalities.

Cost lovingly describes Brunswick, Maine, perhaps because it’s apparently populated by beautiful women.

A good read.

[S. Jeyran Main · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mainely power is a fun and entertaining story about Langdon, a private detective who has to find out the truth about the cover-up at the nuclear power plant. Harold Dumphy’s murder triggers this, and that’s when the mystery story begins. Harold’s wife hires Langdon and well, let’s just say that Langdon isn’t any sherlock Holmes.

Langdon’s personality is exciting. His demeanor towards things is just so laid back and happy go lucky. As a bookstore owner, he is down to earth. His dog, Coffee Dog, is just as lovable and noteworthy. But when the story unfolds that corrupt cops and radical environmentalists are looking for trouble, Langdon stands to the challenge. Langdon’s lawyer, 4 by four, and a few other thought-provoking characters join him in finding out the truth.
All the juicy elements of mystery, thrill, and fun are embodied in this book. The literature is amusing to read and keeps the reader intrigued. The author has done a good job keeping you giggle while he introduces more drama to the story.

I recommend this story to anyone who likes to read murder mysteries and enjoys fun storylines.

[BJ Magnani · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The best streets in the world went both ways”

Mainely Power, the first in the series of the Goff Langdon Mainely Mysteries by Matt Cost, introduces us to a throwback to the days of Sam Spade, lovely ladies, and brothers who stick together when the going gets tough. Langdon, a small-time detective in Brunswick, Maine, is tasked with finding out why the head of security at the DownEast Power plant is dead. Was it suicide or murder? He takes the case from the deceased’s widow, his path complicated by his drinking, wandering eye, and Missouri. When I read a book, I like to chug it down, not sip, and this one was good enough to polish off in a day. I enjoyed the ride—in a book where 4 by Four is not a car, Coffee Dog is a book store, and deaths pile up like they do in Midsomer Murders. Yes, “the best streets in the world went both ways.” Make sure you travel this one.

[Priya · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book shop owner who does some PI work is hired to solve his first murder case. The story is set in a place in the back of beyond, but in such scenarios the whole town would know everyone's business which is not the case here. The investigator places his trust easily on people he comes across in passing. The dog is given a nice introduction but is missing in the conclusion. Would have liked to read more of the dog. There is also a hint on the falling trend in book stores due to online platforms which is true. Overall an action packed story with some good twists. 3.5 stars

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well that was fun (for the most part)! This is part of MEreads this year and being a new permanent Mainer decided I need to explore Maine literature. This book takes place in my new hometown, Brunswick and there were many familiar places. I liked the mystery, I want to know more about Goff's brothers... can't quite figure them out. One of the reviews called this a 'cozy' mystery, I wouldn't agree, quite a bit of blood shed and bad things happen graphically. I look forward to the next Matt Cost and hope Brunswick isn't really that dangerous!

[S. Manning · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark things are going on at DownEast Power, a nuclear power plant in Maine. It takes a laid back part time detective and part time bookstore owner, his dog, and a crew of eccentric characters to save the day. Adding to the pleasure are great descriptions of Maine and Maine life. A really fun mystery with echoes of Dashiell Hammett. Two thumbs up.

[Teresa Grover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. I lived in Brunswick Maine for over 20 years and relate to places. Even the Wicked Lobster Bar which was really The Barking Spider.

[Shannon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Most of the characters are poorly drawn, without back stories, and don't seem to have sufficient motivation to drive the plot, which gets somewhat convoluted. There are also a fair number of cliched phrases and plot devices, some of which don't make sense in the story. (For example, a man tells his 28-year-old friend that the 20-year-old he's taking out for a drink is "young enough to be your daughter.")

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up

[Liz · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

[Ryan Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an interesting concept for a mystery. Goff Langdon, is the owner of A mystery bookstore, Name for his canine companion, Coffee Dog He also works as a private investigator the side, but is quite a laid back nice guy, not the "gurf" alcoholic that usually makes these stories. He gets the job looking to the death of Harold Dumphy That works for the local power plant, by the widow, of course. That was a great part too, Following where the mystery went, With its plenty of twists. There were also interesting characters like his friend Jimmy 4 by four a hippie lawyer, Or Bart the big teddy bear of a cop. And the setting being the town of Brunswick, Maine. That was a different location to visit in book format. Very impressive all together with everything offered.

[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

MAINELY POWER is the first instalment in Matt Cost’s contemporary, adult, mystery series focusing on part time private detective and mystery bookstore owner Goff Langdon, and the town of Brunswick, Maine.

Told from third person perspective MAINELY POWER follows twenty-eight year old part time private detective and mystery bookstore owner Goff Langdon in the aftermath of the murder of Harold Dumphy, the head of security at DownEast Power- the local nuclear power plant in Brunswick, Maine. Hired by Harold’s widow to uncover the truth about her husband’s supposed suicide, Goff Langdon will find himself a suspect in a series of murders as he and his group of intrepid investigators (Bart the cop, attorney 4 by Four, college student Peppermint Patti, Jewell and Richam, Chabal, Goff’s twin brothers Nick and Lord, and canine companion Coffee Dog) continue to step on some proverbial but powerful toes. Not all is well in the small town of Brunswick, Maine, and Goff is about to discover that corruption leads all the way to the top.

MAINELY POWER is a story of mystery, suspense, murder and mayhem; secrets, lies, and control; infidelity, clandestine affairs, blackmail and a hired assassin named Lawrence Shakespeare. Matt Cost pulls the reader into an animated and imaginative tale of corruption and power. MAINELY POWER starts slowly but quickly picks up as Goff Langdon assembles his team of wanna-be sleuths and private detectives.


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[Agnes Muscoreil · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't know what to expect from this one, but it turned out to be a non-stop action type of book, with lots of great characters and a noble cause. When bookshop owner/part time detective Goff Langdon is hired to investigate the suspicious death of Harold Dumphy, security chief at the nuclear power plant in Brunswick, he has no idea what he is getting himself into. He goes up against crooked politicians, bad police officers, the environmental radicals, and a truly evil assassin named Shakespeare. He has a lot of help from friends with names like 4 by Four, and Peppermint Patty, along with friends and employees Chabal (he has a crush on her!). Then he gets framed for not one, but two murders. I look forward to further adventures with Goff!