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Goff Langdon Mainely Mystery #2
Mainely Fear
"I want you to find out who is responsible for ruining his life and I want them to pay for it."
This is the desire of Latricia Jones as she hires Goff Langdon to investigate her son's arrest for burglary, vandalism, and possibly hate crimes.
Langdon is a laid back, slacker detective, happy with his work, friends, and way of life in the town of Brunswick, Maine. To complement his income in Brunswick's scarce private detective market, Langdon also owns and operates a mystery bookstore named after his trusted companion, Coffee Dog.
He was on the fast track to success. And then something happened.
Jamal Jones is an eighteen-year-old rising star attending a post-grad prep school in central Maine to bring his grades up so he can play college basketball at the D1 level. Then he is arrested for crimes that his mother knows he committed, but not why. She's sure someone has put him up to it, the behavior so unlike him as to be unthinkable, especially since Jamal was on the verge of beginning a better life. Latricia wants Langdon to track down those responsible for her son's sudden turn from grace, and she wants them to pay.
This is the desire of Latricia Jones as she hires Goff Langdon to investigate her son's arrest for burglary, vandalism, and possibly hate crimes.
Langdon is a laid back, slacker detective, happy with his work, friends, and way of life in the town of Brunswick, Maine. To complement his income in Brunswick's scarce private detective market, Langdon also owns and operates a mystery bookstore named after his trusted companion, Coffee Dog.
He was on the fast track to success. And then something happened.
Jamal Jones is an eighteen-year-old rising star attending a post-grad prep school in central Maine to bring his grades up so he can play college basketball at the D1 level. Then he is arrested for crimes that his mother knows he committed, but not why. She's sure someone has put him up to it, the behavior so unlike him as to be unthinkable, especially since Jamal was on the verge of beginning a better life. Latricia wants Langdon to track down those responsible for her son's sudden turn from grace, and she wants them to pay.
302 pages, Paperback
Published December 4, 2020
3 people are currently reading
1154 people want to read
About the author
Matt Cost
17 books87 followersMatt 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
November 2, 2020
Goff has gotten both himself and his cohorts into another fine tangle of mayhem, but this time he may be in over his head as he takes on the case of the college athlete who became a criminal. His mother thinks he has been forced into his new life of crime, but there is more to this case than meets the eye.
Matt Cost is back with another Goff Langdon Mainely mystery and once again, it has some sharp edges, some clever humor and danger, far more than the book shop owner was prepared for. Coffee Dog provides some lighthearted moments that balance out some of the darkness that creeps in and his friends more than step up to the plate to help their private investigator friend out, although this time, the price may be too high.
The grit comes in with the twists that one could never see coming, yet, all together, this is almost cozy reading. Definitely gripping, well-written and filled with characters that have become like friends in an often quirky sort of way. If you like mysteries with an edge, characters that prove what real friends are and don’t mind spending some time on the edge of your seat, this is another great offering from Matt Cost that shouldn’t be missed!
I received a complimentary ARC edition from Matt Cost! This is my honest and voluntary review.
Series: Goff Langdon Mainely Mystery - Book 2
Publisher : Encircle Publications (December 4, 2020)
Genre: Mystery | Suspense
Number of pages: 302
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Matt Cost is back with another Goff Langdon Mainely mystery and once again, it has some sharp edges, some clever humor and danger, far more than the book shop owner was prepared for. Coffee Dog provides some lighthearted moments that balance out some of the darkness that creeps in and his friends more than step up to the plate to help their private investigator friend out, although this time, the price may be too high.
The grit comes in with the twists that one could never see coming, yet, all together, this is almost cozy reading. Definitely gripping, well-written and filled with characters that have become like friends in an often quirky sort of way. If you like mysteries with an edge, characters that prove what real friends are and don’t mind spending some time on the edge of your seat, this is another great offering from Matt Cost that shouldn’t be missed!
I received a complimentary ARC edition from Matt Cost! This is my honest and voluntary review.
Series: Goff Langdon Mainely Mystery - Book 2
Publisher : Encircle Publications (December 4, 2020)
Genre: Mystery | Suspense
Number of pages: 302
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
December 15, 2020
Mainely Fear by Matt Cost
Goff Langton Mainely Mysteries #2
Interesting take on private investigation in small town Maine. Goff Langdon has a presence in town as he visits friends, eats meals, works, and takes Coffee Dog everywhere he goes. This is the first book I have read by this author and it stands alone without having to read book one first.
What I liked:
* Langdon: a man that seems a bit in flux. He has a floundering marriage, a daughter he adores, a bookstore he enjoys, many friends, and a private investigation business that sometimes creates trouble.
* Coffee Dog: a great canine companion with a hollow leg
* Missouri: Langdon’s five-year-old daughter adds a bit of lightheartedness to the story
* The supporting characters: Bart, Star, Goldilocks, Richam, and others
* Chabal: friend to Langdon with potential for more
* The writing, plot, twists and turns
* The location
* That I felt I was there, I was invested, it was believable, and it wasn’t always easy
* That I was able to really REALLY dislike the baddies
* That good eventually overcame evil
What I didn’t like:
* The baddies – they were heinous
* Realizing that issues faced by Jamal, his mother, and others in this book are all too common in real life
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Yes
Thank you to NetGalley and Encircle Publications for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4-5 Stars
Goff Langton Mainely Mysteries #2
Interesting take on private investigation in small town Maine. Goff Langdon has a presence in town as he visits friends, eats meals, works, and takes Coffee Dog everywhere he goes. This is the first book I have read by this author and it stands alone without having to read book one first.
What I liked:
* Langdon: a man that seems a bit in flux. He has a floundering marriage, a daughter he adores, a bookstore he enjoys, many friends, and a private investigation business that sometimes creates trouble.
* Coffee Dog: a great canine companion with a hollow leg
* Missouri: Langdon’s five-year-old daughter adds a bit of lightheartedness to the story
* The supporting characters: Bart, Star, Goldilocks, Richam, and others
* Chabal: friend to Langdon with potential for more
* The writing, plot, twists and turns
* The location
* That I felt I was there, I was invested, it was believable, and it wasn’t always easy
* That I was able to really REALLY dislike the baddies
* That good eventually overcame evil
What I didn’t like:
* The baddies – they were heinous
* Realizing that issues faced by Jamal, his mother, and others in this book are all too common in real life
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Yes
Thank you to NetGalley and Encircle Publications for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4-5 Stars
December 1, 2020
Mainely Fear takes place in Brunswick Maine just after the Ice Storm of ‘98 that left most of Maine without power for close to two weeks. I went through that and actually was working in Brunswick during much of the power outage. It was great to be able to visit that time and place l again while sitting in front of my roaring fire.
I have had so much fun with this series so far. I just want to hang out at Goldilocks Pub with Langdon, Coffee Dog, and all their strange group of friends. I would love to exchange Monty Python quotes and shop in Langdon’s book store and maybe even help chip in when Langdon is trying to solve one of his mysteries. These are such great characters and I didn’t want the book to end, leaving me in a book hangover and thinking about the dangerous fun we all just had.
I have spent a bit of time in Brunswick where a lot of this takes place and I can tell you that it is fun to follow along in my head as the gang drives up Maine Street, next to the commons and the gazebo, past Bowdoin College, past Pleasant Hill Rd and out towards Mere Point.
Thank you NetGalley for a copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review.
I have had so much fun with this series so far. I just want to hang out at Goldilocks Pub with Langdon, Coffee Dog, and all their strange group of friends. I would love to exchange Monty Python quotes and shop in Langdon’s book store and maybe even help chip in when Langdon is trying to solve one of his mysteries. These are such great characters and I didn’t want the book to end, leaving me in a book hangover and thinking about the dangerous fun we all just had.
I have spent a bit of time in Brunswick where a lot of this takes place and I can tell you that it is fun to follow along in my head as the gang drives up Maine Street, next to the commons and the gazebo, past Bowdoin College, past Pleasant Hill Rd and out towards Mere Point.
Thank you NetGalley for a copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review.
December 4, 2020
I was really impressed with the first in this series and this second one - amazingly - surpasses it!
Jamal Jones is a young man with the world at his feet so when he is arrested for burglary, vandalism and hate crimes it is going to have a huge impact on his future which is why his mother, Latricia is the latest client of Goff Langdon P.I. She's quite certain he committed the crimes and equally sure that he was led into them but by who? Which is exactly what Goff sets off to find out . . .
Langdon is a laid-back guy, but when he takes on a case he gives it his all. It's great to be re-acquainted not only with him but also his bunch of friends who all pitch in when needed. This is a complicated case and I was never quite sure what the outcome was going to be until I got there! Skilfully plotted, this is a well planned novel and one which keeps the reader on their toes. The characterisation is excellent resulting in a diverse cast but the absolute stars of the show have to be Langdon's daughter Missouri and Coffee Dog! These two add a bit of fun and sparkle into what is a very serious crime mystery with a good solid story line, and the author struck gold with their creation. A fantastic addition to this beautifully written series and one I strongly recommend. Absolutely worth all five sparkling stars!
Jamal Jones is a young man with the world at his feet so when he is arrested for burglary, vandalism and hate crimes it is going to have a huge impact on his future which is why his mother, Latricia is the latest client of Goff Langdon P.I. She's quite certain he committed the crimes and equally sure that he was led into them but by who? Which is exactly what Goff sets off to find out . . .
Langdon is a laid-back guy, but when he takes on a case he gives it his all. It's great to be re-acquainted not only with him but also his bunch of friends who all pitch in when needed. This is a complicated case and I was never quite sure what the outcome was going to be until I got there! Skilfully plotted, this is a well planned novel and one which keeps the reader on their toes. The characterisation is excellent resulting in a diverse cast but the absolute stars of the show have to be Langdon's daughter Missouri and Coffee Dog! These two add a bit of fun and sparkle into what is a very serious crime mystery with a good solid story line, and the author struck gold with their creation. A fantastic addition to this beautifully written series and one I strongly recommend. Absolutely worth all five sparkling stars!
December 4, 2020
This is book two in the Goff Langdon Mainely Mystery series. I have read book one which is called Mainley Power and loved it, this one was just as good maybe even better. We follow Goff trying to work out a mystery about a teenager called Jamal, his mother gets in touch with Goff after her son is arrested, he is guilty but has someone set him up and why? We meet previous characters again, can Goff and his friends find out who has set Jamal up or is there more than meets the eye? I like trying to work out the mystery alongside Goff, I never have come to the right conclusion though, I found it fast paced, I couldn't turn the pages quick enough and there is the right amount of intrigue too. I look forward to reading book three now to see what mystery Goff has to solve next.
November 15, 2020
Mainely Fear is quirky and full of twists. I was so happy to see the unique characters I fell in love with return for another mystery. (Especially Coffee Dog)! I definitely recommend reading book one, but you can enjoy this without doing so. This time it's a question not of whom committed the crime, but who put the kid who did commit it up to it. Goff once again dives in head first, only to find out the water is a bit deeper than expected. A little less cozy than book one, but enjoyable all the same!
December 22, 2020
MAINELY FEAR is the second instalment in Matt Cost’s adult GOFF LANGDON MAINELY Mystery series focusing on thirty year old, part time private investigator and book store owner Goff Langdon. MAINELY FEAR can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary. MAINELY FEAR advances the series approximately two years.
WARNING: Due to the nature of the story line content, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from third person perspective MAINELY FEAR follows private investigator Goff Langdon when he is hired to look into the who, what and how a budding basketball star became involved in a series of violent home invasions following an ice storm that shut down the small town of Brunswick, Maine. Along with two other students connected to a prep-school for athletes struggling to get into a division one school, Jamal Jones finds himself facing imprisonment until his mother Latricia hires Goff Langdon to investigate but unbeknownst to Goff Langdon, he is about to step into a world of secrets and lies, discrimination, power and control. As Goff and his intrepid group of friends, amateur sleuths, and questionable members of law enforcement begin a investigation, someone takes aim at Goff Langdon, hitting way to close to home.
MAINELY FEAR is a powerful and gritty storyline with a cast of animated, quirky and spirited characters who place themselves in the direct line of fire for a friend whose investigative techniques are painfully amateur, helpless and misgiving. Not everyone will survive; lives are threatened, families are broken, and one vulnerable young man is pulled in too many direction, unprotected by the people in charge.
www.thereadingcafe.com
WARNING: Due to the nature of the story line content, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from third person perspective MAINELY FEAR follows private investigator Goff Langdon when he is hired to look into the who, what and how a budding basketball star became involved in a series of violent home invasions following an ice storm that shut down the small town of Brunswick, Maine. Along with two other students connected to a prep-school for athletes struggling to get into a division one school, Jamal Jones finds himself facing imprisonment until his mother Latricia hires Goff Langdon to investigate but unbeknownst to Goff Langdon, he is about to step into a world of secrets and lies, discrimination, power and control. As Goff and his intrepid group of friends, amateur sleuths, and questionable members of law enforcement begin a investigation, someone takes aim at Goff Langdon, hitting way to close to home.
MAINELY FEAR is a powerful and gritty storyline with a cast of animated, quirky and spirited characters who place themselves in the direct line of fire for a friend whose investigative techniques are painfully amateur, helpless and misgiving. Not everyone will survive; lives are threatened, families are broken, and one vulnerable young man is pulled in too many direction, unprotected by the people in charge.
www.thereadingcafe.com
December 23, 2021
“I want you to find out who is responsible for ruining his life and I want them to pay for it.”
When a mother asks that of part-time private investigator Goff Langdon, his usually easy-going life in the town of Brunswick, Maine, kicks into high gear.
The person whose life may be ruined is eighteen-year-old Jamal Jones. Jamal is a basketball star. He attends a Maine prep school that specializes in raising the grades of outstanding athletes so they can go on to play at elite colleges. He has been arrested for burglary and vandalism, acts completely out of character for him. Jamal’s mom, Latricia, has done everything she can to get Jamal on the cusp of his dream, and this arrest will likely end that.
Langdon’s job is to find out who put Jamal up to the thefts, and straighten things out. Sounds fairly simple, right? It’s not. Author Matt Cost packs an enormous number of people and complications into a novel that never downshifts. The further you travel into Mainley Fear, the more there is to learn, and to fear. Set amidst an ice storm, all roads are slippery. I encourage you to take those roads with Goff Langdon/Matt Cost.
When a mother asks that of part-time private investigator Goff Langdon, his usually easy-going life in the town of Brunswick, Maine, kicks into high gear.
The person whose life may be ruined is eighteen-year-old Jamal Jones. Jamal is a basketball star. He attends a Maine prep school that specializes in raising the grades of outstanding athletes so they can go on to play at elite colleges. He has been arrested for burglary and vandalism, acts completely out of character for him. Jamal’s mom, Latricia, has done everything she can to get Jamal on the cusp of his dream, and this arrest will likely end that.
Langdon’s job is to find out who put Jamal up to the thefts, and straighten things out. Sounds fairly simple, right? It’s not. Author Matt Cost packs an enormous number of people and complications into a novel that never downshifts. The further you travel into Mainley Fear, the more there is to learn, and to fear. Set amidst an ice storm, all roads are slippery. I encourage you to take those roads with Goff Langdon/Matt Cost.
December 26, 2020
Mainly Fear by Matt Cost is the second instalment in the Goff Langdon Mainely Mystery series and the sequel to Mainely Power. Just like the first book, I really enjoyed reading this book too, maybe a tab more, if I am being completely honest. Mostly because of how the character of the protagonist, Langdon, is explored further and with care in this entertaining sequel.
The story was good, the mystery was brilliant and the writing was great complimenting the story beautifully. It was a very smooth and thus, fast read and I enjoyed every bit of it. It has been a while since I enjoyed a detective mystery series this much and I am looking forward to reading more by author Matt Cost in this series.
I'd highly recommend this book to all mystery lovers. Go ahead, if you're looking for a new mystery author to explore, then this book series would be a great fit for you!
You can also read this review on www.thereadingbud.com
The story was good, the mystery was brilliant and the writing was great complimenting the story beautifully. It was a very smooth and thus, fast read and I enjoyed every bit of it. It has been a while since I enjoyed a detective mystery series this much and I am looking forward to reading more by author Matt Cost in this series.
I'd highly recommend this book to all mystery lovers. Go ahead, if you're looking for a new mystery author to explore, then this book series would be a great fit for you!
You can also read this review on www.thereadingbud.com
January 23, 2021
Goff Langdon and Coffee Dog are back with a bang, and so are a host of quirky Maine characters. They have a new and dark mystery to solve, which becomes personal when one of Goff's gang is murdered. Alternating light touches and Maine details with suspense and action, author Matt Cost has another winner here.
October 4, 2021
So much fun to read a story set in places that I know while I'm down the road from the author!
November 2, 2020
3 and 1 / 2 stars
Bookstore owner and sometime private investigator Goff Langdon and his loyal dog Coffee Dog have another adventure on their hands.
A very distressed mother tells Goff that while she knows that her son, Jamal, committed the crime for which he is being charged, she does not know why. Jamal is being truculent and does not want to tell his mother. Mom feels that her son has been coerced. Jamal is a rising basketball star. Why would he throw his scholarship away? Who put him up to the crime?
The characters in this book seem very real. They all have ordinary concerns that are peeked at, but that don't detract from the story line at all. The book is fairly well written, but to me it seemed to wander a bit. Could have been just me being stressed out a lot lately though.
I want to thank NetGalley and Encircle Publications, LLC for forwarding to me a copy of this good book for me to read, enjoy and review.
Bookstore owner and sometime private investigator Goff Langdon and his loyal dog Coffee Dog have another adventure on their hands.
A very distressed mother tells Goff that while she knows that her son, Jamal, committed the crime for which he is being charged, she does not know why. Jamal is being truculent and does not want to tell his mother. Mom feels that her son has been coerced. Jamal is a rising basketball star. Why would he throw his scholarship away? Who put him up to the crime?
The characters in this book seem very real. They all have ordinary concerns that are peeked at, but that don't detract from the story line at all. The book is fairly well written, but to me it seemed to wander a bit. Could have been just me being stressed out a lot lately though.
I want to thank NetGalley and Encircle Publications, LLC for forwarding to me a copy of this good book for me to read, enjoy and review.
Read
October 20, 2020Praise for Mainely Power, book one in the Mainely Mystery series: “Boston has Robert B. Parker and Maine has Matt Cost. Cost…has crafted a private detective, Goff Langdon, whom Spencer might well meet for a few beers…”—Maine Sunday Telegram
Matt Cost
Mainely Fear
A Goff Langdon Mainely Mystery
“I want you to find out who is responsible for
ruining his life and I want them to pay for it.”
This is the desire of Latricia Jones as she hires Goff Langdon to investigate her son’s arrest for burglary, vandalism, and possibly hate crimes.
Langdon is a laid back, slacker detective, happy with his work, friends, and way of life in the town of Brunswick, Maine. To complement his income in Brunswick’s scarce private detective market, Langdon also owns and operates a mystery bookstore named after his trusted companion, Coffee Dog.
He was on the fast track to success. And then something happened.
Jamal Jones is an eighteen-year-old rising star attending a post-grad prep school in central Maine to bring his grades up so he can play college basketball at the D1 level. Then he is arrested for crimes that his mother knows he committed, but not why. She’s sure someone has put him up to it, the behavior so unlike him as to be unthinkable, especially since Jamal was on the verge of beginning a better life. Latricia wants Langdon to track down those responsible for her son’s sudden turn from grace, and she wants them to pay.
Order on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Mainely-Fear-M...
Matt Cost
Mainely Fear
A Goff Langdon Mainely Mystery
“I want you to find out who is responsible for
ruining his life and I want them to pay for it.”
This is the desire of Latricia Jones as she hires Goff Langdon to investigate her son’s arrest for burglary, vandalism, and possibly hate crimes.
Langdon is a laid back, slacker detective, happy with his work, friends, and way of life in the town of Brunswick, Maine. To complement his income in Brunswick’s scarce private detective market, Langdon also owns and operates a mystery bookstore named after his trusted companion, Coffee Dog.
He was on the fast track to success. And then something happened.
Jamal Jones is an eighteen-year-old rising star attending a post-grad prep school in central Maine to bring his grades up so he can play college basketball at the D1 level. Then he is arrested for crimes that his mother knows he committed, but not why. She’s sure someone has put him up to it, the behavior so unlike him as to be unthinkable, especially since Jamal was on the verge of beginning a better life. Latricia wants Langdon to track down those responsible for her son’s sudden turn from grace, and she wants them to pay.
Order on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Mainely-Fear-M...
May 18, 2021
Read the full review on Rosepoint Publishing.
Can a frantic mother get justice and help for her son? A promising basketball career hangs in the balance. Goff Langdon is engaged to “see what you can do for my son.” Centered in the middle of a Maine ice-storm, Jamal and two of his fellow students are captured with a van full of loot from burgled and vandalized houses. At six feet seven inches his mother can no longer put her son over her knee. This single mother has been working two jobs to keep him in a good prep school and a roof over their heads.
Latricia Jones is at her wits end. All that she had dreamed of, hoped for and worked for was going up in smoke. Can Goff Langdon help her? Langdon with his group of crony detectives sets out to solve these questions.
Coffee dog is a comic relief character who is everywhere in the story. He will beg or steal from anyone not paying attention. He is also very friendly and engages everyone with a sawmill tail and doleful eyes. The rest of Langdon’s cadre are a very eclectic group of characters. A subplot takes a tragic turn.
This story is gripping, has a number of many interesting turns and is a pleasure to read. I found the book engaging and entertaining. 4.5/5 stars CE Williams
FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the author that in no way influenced this review. These are my honest opinions.
Can a frantic mother get justice and help for her son? A promising basketball career hangs in the balance. Goff Langdon is engaged to “see what you can do for my son.” Centered in the middle of a Maine ice-storm, Jamal and two of his fellow students are captured with a van full of loot from burgled and vandalized houses. At six feet seven inches his mother can no longer put her son over her knee. This single mother has been working two jobs to keep him in a good prep school and a roof over their heads.
Latricia Jones is at her wits end. All that she had dreamed of, hoped for and worked for was going up in smoke. Can Goff Langdon help her? Langdon with his group of crony detectives sets out to solve these questions.
Coffee dog is a comic relief character who is everywhere in the story. He will beg or steal from anyone not paying attention. He is also very friendly and engages everyone with a sawmill tail and doleful eyes. The rest of Langdon’s cadre are a very eclectic group of characters. A subplot takes a tragic turn.
This story is gripping, has a number of many interesting turns and is a pleasure to read. I found the book engaging and entertaining. 4.5/5 stars CE Williams
FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the author that in no way influenced this review. These are my honest opinions.
January 7, 2021
I received an advance reader copy of “ Mainely Fear” from Net Galley in return for an honest review.
“ Mainely Fear” is the second novel in a series of detective novels set in rural Maine and featuring Goff Langdon, presented as a cool dude, fashionably “Woke” and apparently not too concerned with money. He owns the CoffeeDog book shop which specializes in mysteries, and runs a private detective office out of a back room in the store. The name of the book shop derives from his Labrador, named Coffee Dog, or maybe vice versa. Michael Cost, the author has an obvious affinity for cutesy or the whimsical. The dog and shop have cutesy names, yes, but also do some characters , like a restaurant owner called Goldilocks. Then there is Mr . 4-by-Four (not a typo ), a semi - reformed lawyer and boozer, who is Langdon’s ad how legal beagle. The police chief, Burt is an archetype : fat, none too bright and full of donuts. Other characters are Krachit, Fast Eddie and a basketball coach named Mr. Pious. There is also a restaurant called the Wretched Lobster. You may find this charming, even cute maybe. I did not. Mr. Cost goes everywhere with his dog, including restaurants and bars, where the dog eats anything off patron’s plates when they are not watching, or even if they are. Langdon’s response is , “ he’s always hungry.” Ugh.Not cute.
The plot is simple enough. The town of Brunswick , along with much of Maine suffered a massive snow and ice storm that caused widespread power outages. Langdon is approached one day by one Letitia Jones, whose son has just been arrested by the Brunswick police for a of burglary / vandalism spree at local homes that occurred while homeowners were away to stay in hotels that had heat and power. The perps were three students from an area prep school, none of whom had previous records. All were basketball players on the path to college and the pros. The mother Letitia, said her son, Jamal, had never been in trouble and had no reason to start now. She’s asks Langdon to investigate.
I note here that it is important to the plot that the woman, her Jamal, and his two friends are black. The young men are attending a mostly white, expensive New England Prep school,so you might guess where this is going. It goes slowly, though. Langdon, as writtenby Mr Cost, is a laid back kind of hero. His wife has left him and he still loves her, though is is getting emotionally closer to his gym buddy and gal pal,Chabal, who nursed him through wounds suffered in the first novel. He is just now getting back into shape. He is been on the wagon for some time, but that does not last,of course. His relationships with male friends and Chabal depend on a lot of sarcastic humor of the male bonding type. Tiring.
Langdon, as the main character, has little depth. Perhaps that was better developed in book number one, but in this one he is shallow. His method for investigation seems to be insult people, get drunk and muddle on. Conversations tend to be elliptical, often comedic, or what passes for it in the author’s effort at humor. Langdon was written as a tough guy, but seems more of a dilettante, a guy playing at being a private eye similar to the books he sells in the book store.
I thought that the book moved slowly with a lot of wandering about. It is soon clear who the bad guy is behind the trouble Jamal is in and there are hints to the sharp- eyed reader that the mother is not the hard working woman she proclaims to be. Not to mention that in Langdon’s first trip to the prep school it is clear that a great deal is amiss. The climatic events were, in my opinion, out of sync with the tone of the book, as if the author wanted a big finish. Some of Langdon’s feckless pals suddenly go all Rambo, having basically having spent the book being comedy/ romantic relief.
I had planned to read the first book in the series and there is a third coming soon, but I will not spend more time with Langdon, his dog and quirky friends. When I a mystery a crime thriller I expect some level of noir. This book was more like a Thin Man movie , but without the appeal of Nick and Nora.
Trigger notes: some violence , some crime sexual references, and a torture scene.
“ Mainely Fear” is the second novel in a series of detective novels set in rural Maine and featuring Goff Langdon, presented as a cool dude, fashionably “Woke” and apparently not too concerned with money. He owns the CoffeeDog book shop which specializes in mysteries, and runs a private detective office out of a back room in the store. The name of the book shop derives from his Labrador, named Coffee Dog, or maybe vice versa. Michael Cost, the author has an obvious affinity for cutesy or the whimsical. The dog and shop have cutesy names, yes, but also do some characters , like a restaurant owner called Goldilocks. Then there is Mr . 4-by-Four (not a typo ), a semi - reformed lawyer and boozer, who is Langdon’s ad how legal beagle. The police chief, Burt is an archetype : fat, none too bright and full of donuts. Other characters are Krachit, Fast Eddie and a basketball coach named Mr. Pious. There is also a restaurant called the Wretched Lobster. You may find this charming, even cute maybe. I did not. Mr. Cost goes everywhere with his dog, including restaurants and bars, where the dog eats anything off patron’s plates when they are not watching, or even if they are. Langdon’s response is , “ he’s always hungry.” Ugh.Not cute.
The plot is simple enough. The town of Brunswick , along with much of Maine suffered a massive snow and ice storm that caused widespread power outages. Langdon is approached one day by one Letitia Jones, whose son has just been arrested by the Brunswick police for a of burglary / vandalism spree at local homes that occurred while homeowners were away to stay in hotels that had heat and power. The perps were three students from an area prep school, none of whom had previous records. All were basketball players on the path to college and the pros. The mother Letitia, said her son, Jamal, had never been in trouble and had no reason to start now. She’s asks Langdon to investigate.
I note here that it is important to the plot that the woman, her Jamal, and his two friends are black. The young men are attending a mostly white, expensive New England Prep school,so you might guess where this is going. It goes slowly, though. Langdon, as writtenby Mr Cost, is a laid back kind of hero. His wife has left him and he still loves her, though is is getting emotionally closer to his gym buddy and gal pal,Chabal, who nursed him through wounds suffered in the first novel. He is just now getting back into shape. He is been on the wagon for some time, but that does not last,of course. His relationships with male friends and Chabal depend on a lot of sarcastic humor of the male bonding type. Tiring.
Langdon, as the main character, has little depth. Perhaps that was better developed in book number one, but in this one he is shallow. His method for investigation seems to be insult people, get drunk and muddle on. Conversations tend to be elliptical, often comedic, or what passes for it in the author’s effort at humor. Langdon was written as a tough guy, but seems more of a dilettante, a guy playing at being a private eye similar to the books he sells in the book store.
I thought that the book moved slowly with a lot of wandering about. It is soon clear who the bad guy is behind the trouble Jamal is in and there are hints to the sharp- eyed reader that the mother is not the hard working woman she proclaims to be. Not to mention that in Langdon’s first trip to the prep school it is clear that a great deal is amiss. The climatic events were, in my opinion, out of sync with the tone of the book, as if the author wanted a big finish. Some of Langdon’s feckless pals suddenly go all Rambo, having basically having spent the book being comedy/ romantic relief.
I had planned to read the first book in the series and there is a third coming soon, but I will not spend more time with Langdon, his dog and quirky friends. When I a mystery a crime thriller I expect some level of noir. This book was more like a Thin Man movie , but without the appeal of Nick and Nora.
Trigger notes: some violence , some crime sexual references, and a torture scene.
December 6, 2023
Matt Cost writes a mysterious tale with Mainely Fear
In Mainely Fear, the reader again is brought into the interesting life of PI Goff Langdon. Mainely Fear is part of the Goff Langdon Mainely Mystery Series, and this is volume two. I am a big fan of Matt Cost and read whatever this author writes. This author has a grand imagination, and talent for showing the story. I recommend starting from the beginning. Goff is an interesting character, and pretty much a slacker, even when it comes to his PI business. He likes to work, but play harder, and in his small town in Maine, he doesn't expect all the business he has been getting. So, he has to get to work, with as much ambition as he can muster. Goff and the reader meet Latricia Jones, who hires Geoff to investigate her son, Jamal, who was recently arrested. She knows he did it, but there is something hinkey about the whole thing. Matt Cost not only tells the story but shows it with words as well. A reader can get lost in the story. Both thrilling and intriguing, all the way to the end. The author's technique of raw, magnetic characters and great plotlines is a gift. The characters are so real, it's like being with them within the story. The reader just embarks on a superb journey. Mainely Fear is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book, to also write a review.
In Mainely Fear, the reader again is brought into the interesting life of PI Goff Langdon. Mainely Fear is part of the Goff Langdon Mainely Mystery Series, and this is volume two. I am a big fan of Matt Cost and read whatever this author writes. This author has a grand imagination, and talent for showing the story. I recommend starting from the beginning. Goff is an interesting character, and pretty much a slacker, even when it comes to his PI business. He likes to work, but play harder, and in his small town in Maine, he doesn't expect all the business he has been getting. So, he has to get to work, with as much ambition as he can muster. Goff and the reader meet Latricia Jones, who hires Geoff to investigate her son, Jamal, who was recently arrested. She knows he did it, but there is something hinkey about the whole thing. Matt Cost not only tells the story but shows it with words as well. A reader can get lost in the story. Both thrilling and intriguing, all the way to the end. The author's technique of raw, magnetic characters and great plotlines is a gift. The characters are so real, it's like being with them within the story. The reader just embarks on a superb journey. Mainely Fear is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book, to also write a review.
December 3, 2020
I wasn’t too sure about this book, but it sounded interesting so I requested it from NetGalley. Goff Langdon is a part time private investigator and bookstore owner. He doesn’t search for cases; they seem to find him. When a mother comes to him after her son has been accused of burglary and vandalism it isn’t because he didn’t do it…he did do it and she wants to know why. An intriguing mystery with a host of fascinating characters as Langdon proceeds to investigate while dealing with his marriage that is on the rocks and his five-year old darling daughter, Missouri, who steals every scene. I enjoyed how he solved the mystery as no one seemed to be telling the complete truth. I think I would have enjoyed it even more if I had read the first book as it took a while to figure out who the characters were and how they were related to Langdon. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)
September 28, 2023
Goff Langdon is back again and in another fine message of a case. A mother of a young man about to lose his bright future comes to everyone's favorite bookman, coffee slinger, dog lover, and of course sometimes private investigator to help. which means Goff and his circle of friends, including Coffee Dog have another case and of them. What a case it was. It was great and action packed from the start. Loved following the case with Goff.
November 9, 2021
Another interesting mystery set in my dangerous new hometown. I enjoy the cast of characters, glad the bad guys were from away. Fun read!
January 26, 2021
If you like complicated shoot-out scenes, you'll love the one Matt Cost pulls off in Mainly Fear. I preferred the gentler side of his bookstore owner/private detective Goff Langdon, the man who mourns the "shattered innocence" of the teenager he's been hired to defend. Langdon is a man who can look on the sordid, feel the "bile rise" in his mouth and still "concentrate" on the case. He's a gentle man, a tender lover, and a caring father. Cost has written a page turner set in an iced-in Maine that's both cold and beautiful.
January 10, 2021
What happened to Jamal Jones? Goff and his band of friends are on the hunt to find the answers when Jamal is arrested along with 2 friends.. A book full of twists, turns and a bit of romance too. I liked the book. Now I need to read the rest of the series.
I read the book on NetGalley
I read the book on NetGalley
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