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Matthew Paine Mysteries #2
Prefer Death
One dark night, an eccentric resident in Matthew’s small town is beaten to death… Young family physician Matthew Paine is called to the scene of the murder. Having signed on as a medical consultant with the police department, he always honors his commitments. Three boys found the body when one of them tripped over his feet. Matthew is certain the boys know more than they’re saying and he challenges their perception that the odd victim was a specter. That’s difficult because much of the town believes that the iconic resident’s historic family home is haunted. Nobody thought he would ever hurt anyone, though, so who would want to kill him? Is there still a killer lurking in the small town of Peak? Matthew determines to find out and restore the safety of the town. Can he find a key to unlocking the case that the police can’t? You’ll love Prefer Death – the haunting second book in Lee Clark’s Matthew Paine Mystery series – because everyone enjoys a classic mystery with twists and turns and a spooky old house. Get it now.
- GenresFiction
383 pages, Paperback
Published October 13, 2021
About the author
Lee Clark
9 books32 followers A self-professed chocoholic and coffeeholic, Lee Clark is a North Carolina native with family ties in Virginia as well. Originally from Raleigh, Clark still resides in the piedmont of North Carolina with spouse, two mostly grown children who are in and out, and a small petting zoo of dogs and cats.
Clark attended Campbell University, obtained a degree in Journalism from East Carolina University, and then a Master’s in Technical Communication from North Carolina State University. After working in the software technology industry for over 20 years, creating and building highly technical user information for software developers, Clark decided it was time to pursue a true passion: fictional writing.
Though the Matthew Paine character in the mystery series is fictional, he was inspired by two very important men in the author’s life, brother Sean and son Will. Both will see characteristics of themselves in the character and identify with some of Matthew’s struggles.
Clark attended Campbell University, obtained a degree in Journalism from East Carolina University, and then a Master’s in Technical Communication from North Carolina State University. After working in the software technology industry for over 20 years, creating and building highly technical user information for software developers, Clark decided it was time to pursue a true passion: fictional writing.
Though the Matthew Paine character in the mystery series is fictional, he was inspired by two very important men in the author’s life, brother Sean and son Will. Both will see characteristics of themselves in the character and identify with some of Matthew’s struggles.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
February 11, 2022
The second in the Matthew Paine Mystery series, this is an enjoyable, clean mystery. It is bordering on, but not quite, a "cozy" mystery. I enjoyed the first book, Dead Spots, and it made me want to follow this new author, so I was glad to pick this one up. It's a quick read and I would recommend it to anyone who likes mysteries without graphic gore and excessive violence.
Matthew Paine is a physician living in Peak, North Carolina, a small town outside of Raleigh. He had developed a friendship and working relationship with Detective Danbury in the first book, and Danbury calls Matthew to assist when a local resident is found dead. Circumstances surrounding the murder start Danbury and Matthew into an interesting investigation that leads them into a more extensive situation than the murder of one man.
The characters are good, although I keep looking for a flaw in Matthew - he just seems a little too perfect and wonderful. We all have flaws - there's got to be something! I enjoyed Danbury's very distinctive speech in conversations. He speaks in short staccato sentences that are a little disconcerting, but suit the character. Cece, Matthew's ex-girlfriend, is back in this book, but she is in London for about a year working for a client so her appearances are by phone. From the ending, it looks like there will be another adventure for Matthew Paine in the near future. I'm looking forward to the next installment in this series.
Matthew Paine is a physician living in Peak, North Carolina, a small town outside of Raleigh. He had developed a friendship and working relationship with Detective Danbury in the first book, and Danbury calls Matthew to assist when a local resident is found dead. Circumstances surrounding the murder start Danbury and Matthew into an interesting investigation that leads them into a more extensive situation than the murder of one man.
The characters are good, although I keep looking for a flaw in Matthew - he just seems a little too perfect and wonderful. We all have flaws - there's got to be something! I enjoyed Danbury's very distinctive speech in conversations. He speaks in short staccato sentences that are a little disconcerting, but suit the character. Cece, Matthew's ex-girlfriend, is back in this book, but she is in London for about a year working for a client so her appearances are by phone. From the ending, it looks like there will be another adventure for Matthew Paine in the near future. I'm looking forward to the next installment in this series.
December 22, 2021
Unexpected thrills throughout this book! So much fun !
February 11, 2022
A clean read involving a quite capable doctor, a detective and everyone else in the small town working together to resolve the issues in this murder mystery.
November 8, 2022
Another good book by Lee Clark. Loved the 1st one Dead Spots and this one did not disappoint. Lots of funny, easy to care for characters and a good murder to keep you guessing.
I love reading this author because she shows you don’t have to have a lot of sex, dirty language to make a good book. She also is very good at details. She is so descriptive that you are able to imagine the streets, houses and routines of the characters.
Can’t wait to start MIA!
I love reading this author because she shows you don’t have to have a lot of sex, dirty language to make a good book. She also is very good at details. She is so descriptive that you are able to imagine the streets, houses and routines of the characters.
Can’t wait to start MIA!
November 17, 2023
I received this book as a freebie in return for an honest review.
I just loved this book, couldn't wait to delve into the next chapter, then the next, and so on lol. The characters were so likeable and the story easy to follow. Most of the relationships turned out just how I had hoped they would, and, after going back and reading the first book, I'll have to keep reading and hope that the other relationship I'm thinking of pans out.
I just loved this book, couldn't wait to delve into the next chapter, then the next, and so on lol. The characters were so likeable and the story easy to follow. Most of the relationships turned out just how I had hoped they would, and, after going back and reading the first book, I'll have to keep reading and hope that the other relationship I'm thinking of pans out.
September 27, 2022
This book was amazing! It did not take me this long to read it, because I haven’t been home and able to read before bed. However, the book was an amazing 2nd book in the Matthew Paine series. It was an easy read, always kept me guessing, and I love the nods to the Triangle area of NC! Can’t wait to read the next book in the series!
July 19, 2022
Another easy to read mystery by Lee Clark. This one drew me in from the dedication (IYKYK) and I thought it was well done. Looking forward to the next book.
November 14, 2021
A mystery hard to put down
I have enjoyed both of Lee Clark's books about Matthew Paine. Her style reminds me of Status Christie's novels. Would highly recommend her books if you enjoy an old fashioned murder mystery.
I have enjoyed both of Lee Clark's books about Matthew Paine. Her style reminds me of Status Christie's novels. Would highly recommend her books if you enjoy an old fashioned murder mystery.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews