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The Question Is Murder
Washington, DC, newspaper columnist Sam Turner, known to his readers as Mr. Ethics, faces his toughest moral dilemma yet: Can murder ever be justified?
That’s the question posed to him by a mysterious young woman who says she is being stalked and threatened by an ex-lover too powerful to be stopped any other way. Sam knows that journalists should never get personally involved in a story, but he can’t help being drawn deeper and deeper into this one.
So when Senator Wade Morgan turns up murdered, Sam fears the worst. Worried about his own involvement, the man who normally has all the answers is now the one making questionable decisions.
As his investigation into the senator’s death begins to spin out of control, Sam finds he can’t let go—even as the case grows more complicated and the threats against his life become more immediate. With the fate of a young woman at stake and his own life in jeopardy, Sam can’t back down until the killer is brought to justice.
But this is DC, and justice can be in short supply.
That’s the question posed to him by a mysterious young woman who says she is being stalked and threatened by an ex-lover too powerful to be stopped any other way. Sam knows that journalists should never get personally involved in a story, but he can’t help being drawn deeper and deeper into this one.
So when Senator Wade Morgan turns up murdered, Sam fears the worst. Worried about his own involvement, the man who normally has all the answers is now the one making questionable decisions.
As his investigation into the senator’s death begins to spin out of control, Sam finds he can’t let go—even as the case grows more complicated and the threats against his life become more immediate. With the fate of a young woman at stake and his own life in jeopardy, Sam can’t back down until the killer is brought to justice.
But this is DC, and justice can be in short supply.
305 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 14, 2021
10 people are currently reading
688 people want to read
About the author
Mark Willen
4 books81 followersMark Willen was born, raised, and educated in New England, where he developed a special appreciation for the values, humor, and strength of its people, as well as the sense of community that characterizes so many of its small towns.
As a journalist, he has been a reporter, columnist, blogger, producer, and editor at The Voice of America, National Public Radio, Congressional Quarterly, Bloomberg News, and Kiplinger. Though based primarily in Washington, he has reported from datelines as varied as New York, Moscow, Cairo, Beijing, Buenos Aires, and Johannesburg. He has taught journalism ethics and creative writing.
Mark is on the board of the Maryland Writers’ Association, serving as treasurer and coordinating the group’s Teen Writing Club program, which provides free workshops throughout Maryland for teens who want to develop their creative writing skills. He has a Masters of Arts in writing from Johns Hopkins University (2010) and a Bachelor of Arts in government from Dartmouth College.
Hawke’s Discovery is Mark’s third novel. His first two, Hawke’s Point and Hawke's Discovery, were also published by Pen-L. His short stories have appeared in The Rusty Nail, Corner Club Press, and The Boiler Review.
Mark lives in Silver Spring, Maryland, with his wife, Janet. He can be reached at www.markwillen.com.
As a journalist, he has been a reporter, columnist, blogger, producer, and editor at The Voice of America, National Public Radio, Congressional Quarterly, Bloomberg News, and Kiplinger. Though based primarily in Washington, he has reported from datelines as varied as New York, Moscow, Cairo, Beijing, Buenos Aires, and Johannesburg. He has taught journalism ethics and creative writing.
Mark is on the board of the Maryland Writers’ Association, serving as treasurer and coordinating the group’s Teen Writing Club program, which provides free workshops throughout Maryland for teens who want to develop their creative writing skills. He has a Masters of Arts in writing from Johns Hopkins University (2010) and a Bachelor of Arts in government from Dartmouth College.
Hawke’s Discovery is Mark’s third novel. His first two, Hawke’s Point and Hawke's Discovery, were also published by Pen-L. His short stories have appeared in The Rusty Nail, Corner Club Press, and The Boiler Review.
Mark lives in Silver Spring, Maryland, with his wife, Janet. He can be reached at www.markwillen.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
July 8, 2021
Check out all of my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
THE QUESTION IS MURDER by Mark Willen is an amateur sleuth mystery/suspense set in Washington DC with a mature newspaper columnist/college lecturer who is known to his readers as Mr. Ethics. This mystery is not only told in the amateur sleuth’s point of view, but through the three main suspects’ points of view in alternating chapters, also.
Sam Turner known as Mr. Ethics receives an email to his column asking if murder can ever be justified?
The unknown young woman who asks the question says she is being stalked and threatened by her ex-lover who is too powerful to be stopped in any other way. Sam knows journalists should never get personally involved, but he is drawn to this woman and her dilemma.
A Senator turns up dead in his car. At first it looks like suicide, but quickly is determined to be murder. Sam fears he has become involved and is starting to question his own decisions. He is drawn deeper into the complicated investigation. Sam cannot back down, even when his own life is threatened, until the killer is brought to justice.
I enjoyed this mystery and the ethical questions that appear and are discussed throughout. It was interesting to see the slippery slope caused by Sam’s decisions and his rationalizations for those decisions. I also enjoyed the unique points of view telling their own stories right along with our amateur sleuth as the mystery unravels. This is a character driven investigation as much as a criminal or journalistic investigation. The author deftly handles all points of view, reliable or unreliable without giving away who is guilty. The resolution to the mystery is satisfactory, but quick. I do like the fact that this is a standalone mystery because I am not always craving a series mystery.
I can recommend this well written, paced and plotted amateur sleuth mystery.
THE QUESTION IS MURDER by Mark Willen is an amateur sleuth mystery/suspense set in Washington DC with a mature newspaper columnist/college lecturer who is known to his readers as Mr. Ethics. This mystery is not only told in the amateur sleuth’s point of view, but through the three main suspects’ points of view in alternating chapters, also.
Sam Turner known as Mr. Ethics receives an email to his column asking if murder can ever be justified?
The unknown young woman who asks the question says she is being stalked and threatened by her ex-lover who is too powerful to be stopped in any other way. Sam knows journalists should never get personally involved, but he is drawn to this woman and her dilemma.
A Senator turns up dead in his car. At first it looks like suicide, but quickly is determined to be murder. Sam fears he has become involved and is starting to question his own decisions. He is drawn deeper into the complicated investigation. Sam cannot back down, even when his own life is threatened, until the killer is brought to justice.
I enjoyed this mystery and the ethical questions that appear and are discussed throughout. It was interesting to see the slippery slope caused by Sam’s decisions and his rationalizations for those decisions. I also enjoyed the unique points of view telling their own stories right along with our amateur sleuth as the mystery unravels. This is a character driven investigation as much as a criminal or journalistic investigation. The author deftly handles all points of view, reliable or unreliable without giving away who is guilty. The resolution to the mystery is satisfactory, but quick. I do like the fact that this is a standalone mystery because I am not always craving a series mystery.
I can recommend this well written, paced and plotted amateur sleuth mystery.
July 12, 2021
In his debut mystery novel, The Question Is Murder, author Mark Willen weaves a riveting mystery thriller that will captivate the reader's attention, and keep them sitting on the edge of their seats.
Sam Turner has been in the journalism field for over thirty years, and currently writes an ethics column, Mr. Ethics, for a Washington D.C. newspaper. When Sam receives an anonymous email from a woman who is being stalked and harassed by an ex-lover, she asks Mr. Ethics if murder is ever ethical and justifiable, Sam doesn't know if the email is a prank or a cry for help. This email creates an ethical and moral dilemma for Sam, since the journalistic prinicple calls for journalists to observe and report, and not to get personally involved in a story. So what is Sam to do when he feels the pull to reach out and help protect the young woman, and enagages in an investigation that not only has ethical issues, but also danger around every corner?
The Question Is Murder easily transports the reader to Washington D.C. with a fast-paced and masterfully interwoven tale of politics, journalistic ethics, intrigue, secrets, deception and hidden agendas, danger, murder, and enough surprising twists and turns that easily keeps the reader engaged and turning the pages.
Told in an intriguing alternating third person perspective by Sam, and first person perspectives by three persons of interests, the reader follows along as Sam gets caught up in the middle of a dangerous murder investigation that will keep the reader guessing who is the murderer, until all the puzzle pieces are put together, and the explosive truth is unveiled in this dangerous cat and mouse game.
I really enjoyed how the author transports the reader into the fascinating inner workings of the political and journalistic worlds. When you add in the suspense and danger of Sam's murder investigation intermixed with his ethical journalistic dilemma and personal family issues, you get an explosive story that takes you on one heck of a thrill ride.
The Question Is Murder is a book that you won't be able to put down!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual bookt our event hosted by Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours.
https://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspo...
Sam Turner has been in the journalism field for over thirty years, and currently writes an ethics column, Mr. Ethics, for a Washington D.C. newspaper. When Sam receives an anonymous email from a woman who is being stalked and harassed by an ex-lover, she asks Mr. Ethics if murder is ever ethical and justifiable, Sam doesn't know if the email is a prank or a cry for help. This email creates an ethical and moral dilemma for Sam, since the journalistic prinicple calls for journalists to observe and report, and not to get personally involved in a story. So what is Sam to do when he feels the pull to reach out and help protect the young woman, and enagages in an investigation that not only has ethical issues, but also danger around every corner?
The Question Is Murder easily transports the reader to Washington D.C. with a fast-paced and masterfully interwoven tale of politics, journalistic ethics, intrigue, secrets, deception and hidden agendas, danger, murder, and enough surprising twists and turns that easily keeps the reader engaged and turning the pages.
Told in an intriguing alternating third person perspective by Sam, and first person perspectives by three persons of interests, the reader follows along as Sam gets caught up in the middle of a dangerous murder investigation that will keep the reader guessing who is the murderer, until all the puzzle pieces are put together, and the explosive truth is unveiled in this dangerous cat and mouse game.
I really enjoyed how the author transports the reader into the fascinating inner workings of the political and journalistic worlds. When you add in the suspense and danger of Sam's murder investigation intermixed with his ethical journalistic dilemma and personal family issues, you get an explosive story that takes you on one heck of a thrill ride.
The Question Is Murder is a book that you won't be able to put down!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual bookt our event hosted by Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours.
https://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspo...
June 27, 2021
Very enjoyable crime story. The outstanding feature was that, instead of a detective, there's a journalist (known as Mr Ethics) who now writes an ethics column in a newspaper. People write in with ethical questions to which he responds. He receives an email from a woman who asks whether it would be justifiable to murder a high-profile man who has been harassing her after she broke up with him. So how does Mr Ethics respond? Does he get involved because of his concerns? And that's the premise of the book. It's a clever plot, the characters, especially Mr Ethics, are well developed, and the focus on ethics is a refreshing one. It's a page turner, not in the sense of traditional thrills that crime books often have, but there's a drive to know what decisions Mr Ethics is going to make and, of course, there's the usual whodunnit. A particularly good read!
*I received a free review copy from Book Sirens in return for an honest review, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
*I received a free review copy from Book Sirens in return for an honest review, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 14, 2021
What would you do if you received an email from someone asking if murder can be justified if there is no other way to stop someone? All you know is that someone using a fake name is considering murdering an unknown target.
Sam Turner writes a newspaper column under the name Mr. Ethics. He receives an email from Truly Desperate asking if murder is OK as a last resort to end harassment and blackmail by a powerful ex. When a Senator is murdered. Sam believes the Senator was the ex in question and can’t stay objective. He stopped working on the story but could not stop until he tracked down Truly Desperate and solved the murder.
Sam risks everything to get answers, including risking his life. His determined approach makes sense given his history in journalism. He’s at a crossroad in his life, trying to figure out how to move forward personally and professionally. He pushes those challenges aside as he makes the investigation his sole focus. His perspective provides a standard mystery set in the Washington, DC area.
But The Question of Murder is not a standard mystery. In addition to providing narratives about Sam and his effort to find the truth, the story includes chapters that bring the readers inside characters’ minds. These first-person accounts provide insight into suspects by seeing their perspective on the investigation.
Mark Willen uses his journalism experience to create a sleuth who brings the reader into an appealing story. I look forward to reading more of his books.
Sam Turner writes a newspaper column under the name Mr. Ethics. He receives an email from Truly Desperate asking if murder is OK as a last resort to end harassment and blackmail by a powerful ex. When a Senator is murdered. Sam believes the Senator was the ex in question and can’t stay objective. He stopped working on the story but could not stop until he tracked down Truly Desperate and solved the murder.
Sam risks everything to get answers, including risking his life. His determined approach makes sense given his history in journalism. He’s at a crossroad in his life, trying to figure out how to move forward personally and professionally. He pushes those challenges aside as he makes the investigation his sole focus. His perspective provides a standard mystery set in the Washington, DC area.
But The Question of Murder is not a standard mystery. In addition to providing narratives about Sam and his effort to find the truth, the story includes chapters that bring the readers inside characters’ minds. These first-person accounts provide insight into suspects by seeing their perspective on the investigation.
Mark Willen uses his journalism experience to create a sleuth who brings the reader into an appealing story. I look forward to reading more of his books.
October 14, 2022
Murder mystery book... yes please! I have read a lot in this genre and this book ranks highly in my favourites!
This book is full of twists and turns to keep you on your toes and keep you engaged, starts off with a newspaper columnist with an ethic dilemma and turns into a murder mystery book, the way the author has done this is brilliant!
The storyline is fast paced, entertaining and unpredictable. Great storyline mixed with great characters means you will surely be hooked on this book!
This book is full of twists and turns to keep you on your toes and keep you engaged, starts off with a newspaper columnist with an ethic dilemma and turns into a murder mystery book, the way the author has done this is brilliant!
The storyline is fast paced, entertaining and unpredictable. Great storyline mixed with great characters means you will surely be hooked on this book!
October 2, 2021
This is a fascinating standalone book, the best I can tell, but I’d love to see it turn into a series. I definitely want to check on other books by this author. It’s not quite a cozy mystery, but involves an amateur sleuth—not a crime reporter, but a journalism ethics professor who has an ethics newspaper column. He has worked his way up from reporter to editor to columnist, and becomes involved in a DC murder case due to his ethics column. His own ethics are tested as he tries to both help people (including suspects who may or may not be guilty) with advice that includes talking to the police, consulting a lawyer, etc., while also investigating, finding it necessary at times to stay quiet about what he knows, while speaking to friends in law enforcement and journalism co-workers. He doesn’t know if the people he feels called to help are guilty, but suspects they aren’t and thus crosses some boundaries he’s not comfortable with. He slowly begins to realize that someone is also threatening him to stop investigating. I found the entire book so intriguing and it became harder and harder to put it down until I finished it. I definitely recommend this book; I was provided a free copy, but these opinions are my own.
September 3, 2021
Mark Willen's mystery The Question Is Murder is an engrossing story and an easy read. I read it in a few hours in a single sitting.
The setting is Washington D.C., and protagonist Sam Turner, a newspaper columnist and self-titled "Mr. Ethics" becomes embroiled in a mystery when a reader sends a letter to his column questioning whether it is ethical to commit murder when it appears one's own life (or way of living) is at stake. As he begins to investigate the story in an effort to do the right thing, Sam must question his obligations as a journalist and as a human being? What lines is he willing to cross? What are his choices? As he delves into the mystery, Sam not only uncovers the murderer but also must acknowledge that human emotion factors into decision making in any ethical dilemma.
The book is structured into short chapters (almost as short as a James Paterson novel) which are told from the third-person perspective and focus on multiple characters, most of whom are suspects. As such, the reader is continually drawn into the mindsets and motivations of many and is easily able to identify the murderer before Sam does. However, that knowledge doesn't spoil the story, and even though the murderer is easy to guess, the way in which the storylines intersect is unpredictable.
The Question Is Murder was an entirely enjoyable way to spend an evening. It had just enough suspense to keep me motivated, but not enough to make the story tense. I highly recommend it.
The setting is Washington D.C., and protagonist Sam Turner, a newspaper columnist and self-titled "Mr. Ethics" becomes embroiled in a mystery when a reader sends a letter to his column questioning whether it is ethical to commit murder when it appears one's own life (or way of living) is at stake. As he begins to investigate the story in an effort to do the right thing, Sam must question his obligations as a journalist and as a human being? What lines is he willing to cross? What are his choices? As he delves into the mystery, Sam not only uncovers the murderer but also must acknowledge that human emotion factors into decision making in any ethical dilemma.
The book is structured into short chapters (almost as short as a James Paterson novel) which are told from the third-person perspective and focus on multiple characters, most of whom are suspects. As such, the reader is continually drawn into the mindsets and motivations of many and is easily able to identify the murderer before Sam does. However, that knowledge doesn't spoil the story, and even though the murderer is easy to guess, the way in which the storylines intersect is unpredictable.
The Question Is Murder was an entirely enjoyable way to spend an evening. It had just enough suspense to keep me motivated, but not enough to make the story tense. I highly recommend it.
June 23, 2021
What a great book especially for my first advance reader copy from the folks at BookSiren. I received it for free and these are my thoughts on the book.
I wasn’t aware of the author(sorry, really, he’s quite good). I love books based upon moral and ethical dilemmas. The chaos they can cause appeals to me when I’m not engrossed in a spy thriller.
I enjoyed so much of the storyline. Using the narrative of a newspaper columnist was perfect. Then turning it into a murder mystery was like a scoop of ice cream on top. If you like a well written, engaging storyline, read this book.
I wasn’t aware of the author(sorry, really, he’s quite good). I love books based upon moral and ethical dilemmas. The chaos they can cause appeals to me when I’m not engrossed in a spy thriller.
I enjoyed so much of the storyline. Using the narrative of a newspaper columnist was perfect. Then turning it into a murder mystery was like a scoop of ice cream on top. If you like a well written, engaging storyline, read this book.
June 7, 2021
This suspense-filled book kept me intrigued as I followed our hero-tracking potential suspects. In addition to solving the crime, he must wrestle with the question is murder ever justified. This is a finely written book with intriguing characters and an intelligent plot that keeps you guessing.
May 11, 2021
This book starts with an unusual problem: A woman who feels her life is being ruined by the revenge antics of an ex-lover writes to an advice columnist to ask if murder under these circumstances is ethical. The mystery plays out from there.
The book offered an interesting combination of mystery and a number of ethical questions to think about it. It’s set in Washington and it gives you a good feel for how journalists operate. I enjoyed the different points of view – the three main suspects have chapters of their own and they each offer clues to what they are thinking without giving away who is guilty. They all prove to be unreliable narrators in one way or another, but you can find yourself feeling sympathy for them too.
The main character – the column writer – has his flaws, and that makes it an interesting read. I enjoyed the book and recommend it.
The book offered an interesting combination of mystery and a number of ethical questions to think about it. It’s set in Washington and it gives you a good feel for how journalists operate. I enjoyed the different points of view – the three main suspects have chapters of their own and they each offer clues to what they are thinking without giving away who is guilty. They all prove to be unreliable narrators in one way or another, but you can find yourself feeling sympathy for them too.
The main character – the column writer – has his flaws, and that makes it an interesting read. I enjoyed the book and recommend it.
April 23, 2021
The Question is Murder is the new novel by Mark Willen. Sam Turner is s Washington, DC newspaper columnists known by his readers as Mr Ethics. The question that an unknown lady asked is “Can murder ever be justified?” That question and the murder of Senator Wade Morgan leads Sam on an amazing journey to discover the murderer. Mark Willen has written an exciting, action packed story full of surprises and suspense. I liked the ending and I felt the characters were perfect. Can murder ever be justified? Maybe! I received an arc for free, and am leaving my review voluntarily.
May 7, 2021
This is an interesting mystery, with a diverse group of murder suspects. I enjoyed that the chapters were narrated from the different characters’ voices throughout the book. This helped the reader understand how each character viewed the situations they were in. There is a lot going on, and the book never dragged. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 14, 2021
I enjoy a good mystery and this book definitely qualifies. it makes you think, not only about who committed a murder, but it also brings up some ethical issues (but not in a preachy, annoying way, nothing like that). The characters are well developed, which is important to me as I really like to get into the characters of a story.
July 17, 2021
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Can murder ever be justified? That is the question Sam Turner aka Mr. Ethics, a Washington D.C. newspaper columnist is asked in an email from “Truly Desperate”. He feels compelled to learn the mystery woman’s story even though he shouldn’t get personally involved. She tells him the man harassing her is a powerful Washington insider and she believes the only way to stop him is to kill him. No names are revealed but when Senator Wade Morgan is murdered he has a bad feeling that he was the man referred to in the email and his involvement may come back to bite him big time. Instead of backing off, he jumps all in on his own investigation putting his job, his life, and the mysterious woman’s life in danger.
Sam Turner receives many emails for his Mr. Ethics newspaper column but this one draws him in and he makes some terrible decisions which he tries to justify throughout the entire story. Told from multiple points of view the author takes the reader on quite a journey as Sam gets deeper and deeper into the case. The suspect’s first-person accounts really give the story depth but there is some repetition that messed with the flow.
The author brings many ethical questions to light as his characters try to validate what was done. All the characters have flaws and I did have sympathy for their plight. Sam really is at a crossroads in his life and the email plus the suspects are a challenge to him. Truly Desperate is also struggling but is she guilty? Is the Senator’s wife involved? What other enemies did the Senator have? I did enjoy the chase. Sam involves his co-workers and other contacts to try to find answers but the entire investigation was a little fuzzy. For that reason, I felt the ending was a little abrupt. Questions were answered but after the ride we had been taken on I just expected more. I felt like the author noticed his word/page count and felt like he just needed to wrap things up.
The theme of The Question is Murder is fantastic, ethics in D.C. is always a slippery slope. I was just very disappointed in the ending. I am open to reading more by this author because this story had a great start but the author seems to have lost his way heading into the conclusion. For me, this is a 3-Star book which is a conundrum because my rating system states those are a Satisfactory Excursion but I was not satisfied with the way the story played out at all.
Can murder ever be justified? That is the question Sam Turner aka Mr. Ethics, a Washington D.C. newspaper columnist is asked in an email from “Truly Desperate”. He feels compelled to learn the mystery woman’s story even though he shouldn’t get personally involved. She tells him the man harassing her is a powerful Washington insider and she believes the only way to stop him is to kill him. No names are revealed but when Senator Wade Morgan is murdered he has a bad feeling that he was the man referred to in the email and his involvement may come back to bite him big time. Instead of backing off, he jumps all in on his own investigation putting his job, his life, and the mysterious woman’s life in danger.
Sam Turner receives many emails for his Mr. Ethics newspaper column but this one draws him in and he makes some terrible decisions which he tries to justify throughout the entire story. Told from multiple points of view the author takes the reader on quite a journey as Sam gets deeper and deeper into the case. The suspect’s first-person accounts really give the story depth but there is some repetition that messed with the flow.
The author brings many ethical questions to light as his characters try to validate what was done. All the characters have flaws and I did have sympathy for their plight. Sam really is at a crossroads in his life and the email plus the suspects are a challenge to him. Truly Desperate is also struggling but is she guilty? Is the Senator’s wife involved? What other enemies did the Senator have? I did enjoy the chase. Sam involves his co-workers and other contacts to try to find answers but the entire investigation was a little fuzzy. For that reason, I felt the ending was a little abrupt. Questions were answered but after the ride we had been taken on I just expected more. I felt like the author noticed his word/page count and felt like he just needed to wrap things up.
The theme of The Question is Murder is fantastic, ethics in D.C. is always a slippery slope. I was just very disappointed in the ending. I am open to reading more by this author because this story had a great start but the author seems to have lost his way heading into the conclusion. For me, this is a 3-Star book which is a conundrum because my rating system states those are a Satisfactory Excursion but I was not satisfied with the way the story played out at all.
October 8, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this fast paced book written in a style I am not used to although it does make me turn pages to see what's next! Journalist Sam Turner known for his column on ethics known as Mr. Ethics receives an anonymous email asking him when is it ok to murder someone! Wow, this has never been asked before and of course, Sam is totally intrigued. Apparently a young woman is being stalked by her powerful ex-boyfriend. What is Sam to do being totally intrigued and wanting to protect this young girl. But that's not his job, so Sam is faced with his own dilemma. When he decides to investigate, with what information he has, he finds himself in the middle of a dangerous situation especially when a Senator is found dead in his car and it turns out to be murder. We are introduced to a number of suspects who the author lets us hear from along with Sam. Now Sam has to figure this out and since he is in the middle, he must unravel the murder. This book was totally fast paced and a really good mystery written with great character development. I definitely will read more from this author! I received and ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are totally my own.
January 6, 2022
This story takes place in Washington DC and ethics, politics and journalism all come into play in this story. The main character, Sam, has been a journalist for many years and now writes a column called "Mr. Ethics," as well as teaching a college class on journalism ethics. Sam is facing a crossroads in his personal life and gets more involved in a letter he receives than he probably would have in the past. When a man is murdered and he thinks that the letter writer may be involved he starts investigating and consults with some of his colleagues and friends. The story was told from different points of view which I enjoyed. There were many ethical situations that came up and I like how Sam analyzed them, and sometimes had to choose the lesser of two evils. An engaging story from beginning to end.
I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the author through a Cozy Mystery Review Crew drawing. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the author through a Cozy Mystery Review Crew drawing. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
October 1, 2021
When Sam Turner - Mr. Ethics for a D.C. newspaper column - receives an email from Truly Desperate asking if murder is ever ethical for any reason, he takes an unethical interest in it. When he confirms that it is connected to the murder of Senator Wade Morgan he makes many decisions, ethical and unethical, in trying to find the truth behind who killed him. All this while going through personal issues of his own.
I really enjoy a good whodunnit and this was truly an interesting spin as far as ethics is concerned. There are a lot of questions as to what is ethical and not, which I couldn’t help but ponder myself, and I learned a lot about the media/journalism aspects when crime is involved. As for the storyline and plot, it seemed very surface to me almost as if the book was more about the ethics rather than the whodunnit. It was a quick easy read with a bit of a predictable outcome and, as I said, really made you think about what’s right and what’s wrong and what we would do in certain situations.
I really enjoy a good whodunnit and this was truly an interesting spin as far as ethics is concerned. There are a lot of questions as to what is ethical and not, which I couldn’t help but ponder myself, and I learned a lot about the media/journalism aspects when crime is involved. As for the storyline and plot, it seemed very surface to me almost as if the book was more about the ethics rather than the whodunnit. It was a quick easy read with a bit of a predictable outcome and, as I said, really made you think about what’s right and what’s wrong and what we would do in certain situations.
October 1, 2021
The Question is Murder by Mark Willen tells the story of the murder of a politician in Washington, DC and journalists involved in reporting the story. Sam is a newspaper columnist who writes the Mr. Ethics column and he receives an email from an anonymous person asking him if murder is ever ethical. He soon discovers that the question is related to the murder of a senator. This book is billed as a mystery/suspense novel but I didn't find the story suspenseful or compelling. I didn't really like any of the characters and the plot did not leave me on the edge of my seat. The novel was just meh to me. I prefer a suspense mystery that keeps you quessing throughout and this one just didn't cut it for me.
October 3, 2021
Is murder ever justifiable? This question is posed to Sam, aka Mr. Ethics, in an email. Sam writes a column entitled Mr. Ethics as well as teaches a post-graduate ethics journalism class. This email sends Sam on a whirlwind after a prominent Senator is murdered. How many lines does Sam cross? This is the first book I’ve read by Mark Willen and I really enjoyed it. The premise was excellent and the questions about ethics are very thought-provoking.
October 1, 2021
"The Question is Murder" is the first book written by Mark Willen. He managed to hold my attention throughout the story. It was interesting to read about the ethical questions that Mr. Ethics posed to his class. They were definitely scenarios that a person could encounter in their every day lives. I did feel that the ending was a little bit rushed which made this go from a 5 to a 4 star book. I would like to read another book written by Mr. Willen to see how he portrays his characters and how he ends the book.
June 23, 2021
I won this book in a goodreads drawing.
When a reporter writing an ethics column receives an email asking if murder is ethical, he drops everything to investigate. Of course, he's having a midlife crisis, and that certainly motivates him.
Not bad.
When a reporter writing an ethics column receives an email asking if murder is ethical, he drops everything to investigate. Of course, he's having a midlife crisis, and that certainly motivates him.
Not bad.
May 24, 2021
Alex Cross meets Lisbeth Salander meets Mickey Haller in Mark Willen’s mystery-thriller The Question is Murder. Bringing exciting elements of murder, politics, journalism, and ethics, this novel kept me guessing who till the very end.
Sam Turner, whose by-line is Mr. Ethics for his column, receives an ominous email from Truly Desperate for advice on whether she could justify murder for an ex-lover who is using revenge porn as his main weapon. Truly Desperate emphasizes the power her tormentor holds, which is why drastic measures seem to be her only solution. When Senator Wade Morgan turns up dead in his car from a gunshot wound by his own firearm, Sam connects the dots of Truly Desperate’s powerful enemy. Diving deep into the case while battling journalistic ethical quandaries, Sam enlists the help of his colleagues and sources to uncover the truth behind the senator’s murder. Did Truly Desperate answer her ethical question herself and killed Senator Morgan? What was going on behind closed doors between the senator and his wife? Will Sam be able to find the answers without crossing his ethical boundaries?
Willen’s fast paced and exciting novel is a fun read that effectively keeps its secrets concealed till the conclusion. I love James Patterson, Michael Connelly, and pretty much any murder-mystery-thriller so The Question is Murder immediately captivated my attention. For this genre, it’s refreshing to experience a story from a journalistic point of view as opposed to the typical detective route.
Relatable characters and situations present realistic circumstances that will help the reader immerse themselves into the story and feel like part of the hunt for a cold-blooded killer. I feel Willen creates a very nice continuity throughout the novel and shows the talents of an experienced writer. The ambiguity of events during the story do not appear as an author who is not sure of where the story is going, which I’ve begrudgingly seen plenty of, making The Question is Murder a breath of fresh literary air in a world of much predictability.
For the vast majority, The Question is Murder is a 4-star book. However, I gave this book three stars because I feel the conclusion was too abrupt and anti-climactic. Questions of the investigation are answered, but briefly and without expectations of futures of the characters involved. My anticipation built up for a plan to uncover secrets, but then the story completely wraps up in the last two short chapters without the action I was expecting.
Willen is absolutely a gifted and talented writer and I look forward to reading and reviewing more of his work in the future.
Sam Turner, whose by-line is Mr. Ethics for his column, receives an ominous email from Truly Desperate for advice on whether she could justify murder for an ex-lover who is using revenge porn as his main weapon. Truly Desperate emphasizes the power her tormentor holds, which is why drastic measures seem to be her only solution. When Senator Wade Morgan turns up dead in his car from a gunshot wound by his own firearm, Sam connects the dots of Truly Desperate’s powerful enemy. Diving deep into the case while battling journalistic ethical quandaries, Sam enlists the help of his colleagues and sources to uncover the truth behind the senator’s murder. Did Truly Desperate answer her ethical question herself and killed Senator Morgan? What was going on behind closed doors between the senator and his wife? Will Sam be able to find the answers without crossing his ethical boundaries?
Willen’s fast paced and exciting novel is a fun read that effectively keeps its secrets concealed till the conclusion. I love James Patterson, Michael Connelly, and pretty much any murder-mystery-thriller so The Question is Murder immediately captivated my attention. For this genre, it’s refreshing to experience a story from a journalistic point of view as opposed to the typical detective route.
Relatable characters and situations present realistic circumstances that will help the reader immerse themselves into the story and feel like part of the hunt for a cold-blooded killer. I feel Willen creates a very nice continuity throughout the novel and shows the talents of an experienced writer. The ambiguity of events during the story do not appear as an author who is not sure of where the story is going, which I’ve begrudgingly seen plenty of, making The Question is Murder a breath of fresh literary air in a world of much predictability.
For the vast majority, The Question is Murder is a 4-star book. However, I gave this book three stars because I feel the conclusion was too abrupt and anti-climactic. Questions of the investigation are answered, but briefly and without expectations of futures of the characters involved. My anticipation built up for a plan to uncover secrets, but then the story completely wraps up in the last two short chapters without the action I was expecting.
Willen is absolutely a gifted and talented writer and I look forward to reading and reviewing more of his work in the future.
June 5, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. (ARC) The interplay between chapters explaining who knew what when really kept the plot moving along. It was also refreshing in this era to find that some people still believe in ethics.
May 24, 2021
I found this to be an engrossing story, which was hard to put down at times. It starts as an ethical dilemma for a columnist for a newspaper, "Mr. Ethics", and becomes a murder mystery. It is well written.
May 3, 2021
Wow, just wow.
I kept getting goosebumps throughout the book and all the characters were so easy to fall in love with.
I started reading it with no idea of what to expect and I loved every second I spent reading it. It was beautiful and the only thing I wished was that it was slightly longer!!
(I received it as an ARC!)
I kept getting goosebumps throughout the book and all the characters were so easy to fall in love with.
I started reading it with no idea of what to expect and I loved every second I spent reading it. It was beautiful and the only thing I wished was that it was slightly longer!!
(I received it as an ARC!)
August 23, 2021
Author Mark Willen will have you guessing who did it - and why - from the opening chapters of his new novel, aptly named, "The Question is Murder."
The victim is U.S. Senator Wade Morgan, found dead in his parked car, a bullet in his head.
As a "congressional source" puts it: The senator "wasn't a popular guy…. Every time he went on TV he made new enemies. …. Anti-gay, anti-abortion, anti-immigrant, anti-Medicaid. He didn't even like food stamps."
I found the biggest challenge in this fast-moving mystery is fighting the temptation to flip to the end and ask, "Okay, please, I can't take the suspense - who did it and why?"
Was it the senator's former girlfriend, Kelly, fearful of his threats, taunts, and mind games?
Was it Morgan's wife, Peg, who figured out he was a no-good cheat?
Or was it a shady character called "Antifa Man," who had denounced the right-wing senator as a threat to humanity but denied killing him?
Sam Turner, the chief protagonist, is a newspaper columnist, "Mr. Ethics." He fields questions from readers and gives what he hopes will be problem-solving and ethical answers.
The book begins with Sam getting an anonymous letter from someone we soon learn is Kelly, the senator's former lover. Like the book, the letter is direct.
"Dear Mr. Ethics,
"Is murder ever ethical? I hope so because I don't have a choice."
…. And no, I'm not kidding …."
"Sincerely,
"Truly Desperate"
Sam tries to find and help "Truly Desperate." But before he locates her, the senator is found dead, and questions quickly pile up.
Sam's subsequent inquiry finds more than he and readers could imagine.
.
The victim is U.S. Senator Wade Morgan, found dead in his parked car, a bullet in his head.
As a "congressional source" puts it: The senator "wasn't a popular guy…. Every time he went on TV he made new enemies. …. Anti-gay, anti-abortion, anti-immigrant, anti-Medicaid. He didn't even like food stamps."
I found the biggest challenge in this fast-moving mystery is fighting the temptation to flip to the end and ask, "Okay, please, I can't take the suspense - who did it and why?"
Was it the senator's former girlfriend, Kelly, fearful of his threats, taunts, and mind games?
Was it Morgan's wife, Peg, who figured out he was a no-good cheat?
Or was it a shady character called "Antifa Man," who had denounced the right-wing senator as a threat to humanity but denied killing him?
Sam Turner, the chief protagonist, is a newspaper columnist, "Mr. Ethics." He fields questions from readers and gives what he hopes will be problem-solving and ethical answers.
The book begins with Sam getting an anonymous letter from someone we soon learn is Kelly, the senator's former lover. Like the book, the letter is direct.
"Dear Mr. Ethics,
"Is murder ever ethical? I hope so because I don't have a choice."
…. And no, I'm not kidding …."
"Sincerely,
"Truly Desperate"
Sam tries to find and help "Truly Desperate." But before he locates her, the senator is found dead, and questions quickly pile up.
Sam's subsequent inquiry finds more than he and readers could imagine.
.
July 4, 2021
This is not an action packed novel. It's a mystery for readers who like reading character thought. A great deal of the narrative consists of characters thinking about what they've done, might do, what others might have done or might do. The narrative centers on a journalist who answers ethical questions in a newspaper column and teaches a class on ethics for journalists so there is much thought in the novel about the ethics of actions characters have taken or might take. We frequently have characters recounting what happened rather than actually reading of the event as it happens.
Willen's writing style has a combination of points of view. The actions of Sam, the main character and sort of hero, are presented in the narrator point of view. But there are also first person points of view, first Kelly, the author of the inquiry to Sam, and then Peg, the wife of the murdered man, and then a man, a suspect. Willen does identify the characters at the head of the chapters but I find it is still a disconcerting way to read. When Sam is with one of the people previously written in first person, for example, it is written in the narrator style. I thought it a bit odd and it reveals the difficulty of various first person points of view.
This is a novel for readers who enjoy reading about characters thinking more than characters taking decisive action.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.
Willen's writing style has a combination of points of view. The actions of Sam, the main character and sort of hero, are presented in the narrator point of view. But there are also first person points of view, first Kelly, the author of the inquiry to Sam, and then Peg, the wife of the murdered man, and then a man, a suspect. Willen does identify the characters at the head of the chapters but I find it is still a disconcerting way to read. When Sam is with one of the people previously written in first person, for example, it is written in the narrator style. I thought it a bit odd and it reveals the difficulty of various first person points of view.
This is a novel for readers who enjoy reading about characters thinking more than characters taking decisive action.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.
August 19, 2021
Should a journalist be impartial and just tell the story, or should they do the right thing, even if it means compromising their source? This is the question posed by columnist/ college lecturer Sam Turner when he receives an email that could lead to murder.
When a young woman is being stalked by an untouchable powerful man, she considers that killing him maybe her only way out. However, when he turns up dead, it may be that she is not the only person who wanted him gone. This is a wonderfully suspenseful mystery told from the perspectives of three different main characters that offer interesting insight into the mindset of murder. It is set against a political backdrop that is pulled from the headlines but not at all cliche.
Though the murder needs solving, and Sam Turner, an ethics advice columnist and a throwback to a traditional journalist, does a fantastic job of chasing down the story and the facts, it is simply the vehicle to get inside Sam’s life which is where the true meat of the story lies. His struggle with the ethics of his decisions and the changing circumstances of both his career and personal life made for great reading. I would very much enjoy seeing more books about Sam and the people he is close to.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4 out of 5.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
When a young woman is being stalked by an untouchable powerful man, she considers that killing him maybe her only way out. However, when he turns up dead, it may be that she is not the only person who wanted him gone. This is a wonderfully suspenseful mystery told from the perspectives of three different main characters that offer interesting insight into the mindset of murder. It is set against a political backdrop that is pulled from the headlines but not at all cliche.
Though the murder needs solving, and Sam Turner, an ethics advice columnist and a throwback to a traditional journalist, does a fantastic job of chasing down the story and the facts, it is simply the vehicle to get inside Sam’s life which is where the true meat of the story lies. His struggle with the ethics of his decisions and the changing circumstances of both his career and personal life made for great reading. I would very much enjoy seeing more books about Sam and the people he is close to.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4 out of 5.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 16, 2021
~3.5 stars~
I loved the idea of this book. Mr. Ethics (i.e. Sam) was a fascinating and complex character, and I was intrigued by how he handled his moral misgivings vs. his desire to help and solve the case. I liked that we got to see his POV and the perspective of some of the other major characters. It added to the mystery of the novel as we continually questioned what else each person was hiding. This helped the book be a truly surprising whodunnit, though the plot slowed down and became somewhat predictable near the end.
My main issues are these: the pacing and the ending. There were numerous lulls in the story and, as mentioned, most of the excitement had dissipated by about 70% of the book. However, I could’ve moved past this if the ending hadn’t been so utterly unsatisfying. Nothing was truly tied up, though there were strong implications, and the ending was overly abrupt. I was shocked and disappointed to find I had reached the conclusion.
Nonetheless, I would still recommend this novel because of my enjoyment of the earlier parts of the story. It had a unique concept and is a well-done, if not occasionally slow-paced mystery.
*I received an ARC of this novel. This is my complete and honest review.*
I loved the idea of this book. Mr. Ethics (i.e. Sam) was a fascinating and complex character, and I was intrigued by how he handled his moral misgivings vs. his desire to help and solve the case. I liked that we got to see his POV and the perspective of some of the other major characters. It added to the mystery of the novel as we continually questioned what else each person was hiding. This helped the book be a truly surprising whodunnit, though the plot slowed down and became somewhat predictable near the end.
My main issues are these: the pacing and the ending. There were numerous lulls in the story and, as mentioned, most of the excitement had dissipated by about 70% of the book. However, I could’ve moved past this if the ending hadn’t been so utterly unsatisfying. Nothing was truly tied up, though there were strong implications, and the ending was overly abrupt. I was shocked and disappointed to find I had reached the conclusion.
Nonetheless, I would still recommend this novel because of my enjoyment of the earlier parts of the story. It had a unique concept and is a well-done, if not occasionally slow-paced mystery.
*I received an ARC of this novel. This is my complete and honest review.*
July 11, 2021
Journalists, especially those who are the investigative type, are frequently faced with choices that must be made and, if they’re honorable, the ethics of developing the story take precedence. In Sam Turner’s case, he actually is an ethics columnist so the potential dilemma is truly front and center. When a death occurs and Sam believes he has information that may or may not require protection, he has to confront the probability that revealing or concealing what he knows each present ethical problems.
Author Mark Willen has crafted a mystery that’s more than the expected puzzle with an investigation and resolution. Yes, the death does become the focus of inquiry and, in Mr. Willen’s capable hands, it successfully follows the usual procedures and is an engaging story. Beyond that, though, we’re treated to temporarily living inside Sam’s mind as he struggles with what he should do and that is a fascinating journey. Certainly, the reader is prompted to think about how she or he would handle a similar situation and I recommend The Question Is Murder for anyone who looks for crime fiction with a point to make.
Author Mark Willen has crafted a mystery that’s more than the expected puzzle with an investigation and resolution. Yes, the death does become the focus of inquiry and, in Mr. Willen’s capable hands, it successfully follows the usual procedures and is an engaging story. Beyond that, though, we’re treated to temporarily living inside Sam’s mind as he struggles with what he should do and that is a fascinating journey. Certainly, the reader is prompted to think about how she or he would handle a similar situation and I recommend The Question Is Murder for anyone who looks for crime fiction with a point to make.
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