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Clay Wolfe/Port Essex Mystery #3
Mouse Trap
When Clay Wolfe is hired to find out who tried to steal a mouse, he thought it was akin to a fireman getting a cat out of a tree. It wasn’t.
“Sometimes bad genes need to be stamped out and good ones need to be fostered,” Bridget Engel said. “There’s really no difference between mice and human beings when it comes to genes.” She wore a gray suit, and her blonde hair was cut short in the style that Hillary Clinton had made popular.
When Clay Wolfe rekindles an old romance, the summer is looking bright. It wasn’t.
He woke in the middle of the night, gathered his things, and slipped away. After Clay left, Victoria rose from the bed and went into the bathroom, carefully removed the condom from the Kleenex it was wrapped in and put it in a plastic baggie.
Who is the mysterious man who clubs Westy with a hammer and threatens the lives of everybody Clay Wolfe holds dear?
Now, Clive Miller was a fixer. He took care of problems that arose. Once given a task, his hands weren’t tied, and he was well-paid for his troubles. There were two simple rules. Eliminate the problem. Don’t draw attention.
“Sometimes bad genes need to be stamped out and good ones need to be fostered,” Bridget Engel said. “There’s really no difference between mice and human beings when it comes to genes.” She wore a gray suit, and her blonde hair was cut short in the style that Hillary Clinton had made popular.
When Clay Wolfe rekindles an old romance, the summer is looking bright. It wasn’t.
He woke in the middle of the night, gathered his things, and slipped away. After Clay left, Victoria rose from the bed and went into the bathroom, carefully removed the condom from the Kleenex it was wrapped in and put it in a plastic baggie.
Who is the mysterious man who clubs Westy with a hammer and threatens the lives of everybody Clay Wolfe holds dear?
Now, Clive Miller was a fixer. He took care of problems that arose. Once given a task, his hands weren’t tied, and he was well-paid for his troubles. There were two simple rules. Eliminate the problem. Don’t draw attention.
312 pages, Paperback
Published April 27, 2022
2 people are currently reading
11 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
April 7, 2022
A feast of action and suspense baited with nibbles of romance, "Mouse Trap" is a fast-paced, sexy, and intriguing read!
Read full review in the 2022 April issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2022 April issue of InD'tale Magazine.
April 8, 2022
MOUSE TRAP is the third instalment in Matt Cost’s contemporary adult CLAY WOLFE/PORT ESSEX mystery suspense series focusing on thirty-six year old, former homicide detective turned private investigator Clay Wolfe. MOUSE TRAP can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.
Told from third person perspective MOUSE TRAP follows thirty-six year old, former homicide detective turned private investigator Clay Wolfe as he is contracted to investigate the possible theft of a scientifically altered mouse. Johnson Labs aka JOHNS has set up shop in the small coastal town of Port Essex, Maine, home to our hero Clay Wolfe and his ragtag team of investigators and a former US Navy SEAL. JOHNS has asked Clay Wolfe to look into the ‘attempted theft’ of an altered mouse, a mouse whose DNA and genes have been spliced in an effort to create the perfect human but when Clay and his team get too close to the truth, Clay is released from his contract but not before catching the attention of a possible assassin. As the bodies begin to amass, and all clues are pointing towards Clay and his team as suspect, Clay finds himself the center of attention from a beautiful socialite, a woman who is hoping to birth the perfect child.
MOUSE TRAP is a story of power and control, obsession with perfection, murder and mayhem, and a little bit of science fiction wrapped in a package of genomes, genetics and DNA. What if you were able to create the perfect child? What price is too much for perfection? Where does that leave those people considered to be less than perfect in body and mind? Matt Cost pulls the reader into a story of what ifs and whys; a tale of perfection and preoccupation, of discrimination and inequality, hatred and animosity. The premise is intriguing and captivating; the characters are charismatic, fallible and energetic.
www.thereadingcafe.com
Told from third person perspective MOUSE TRAP follows thirty-six year old, former homicide detective turned private investigator Clay Wolfe as he is contracted to investigate the possible theft of a scientifically altered mouse. Johnson Labs aka JOHNS has set up shop in the small coastal town of Port Essex, Maine, home to our hero Clay Wolfe and his ragtag team of investigators and a former US Navy SEAL. JOHNS has asked Clay Wolfe to look into the ‘attempted theft’ of an altered mouse, a mouse whose DNA and genes have been spliced in an effort to create the perfect human but when Clay and his team get too close to the truth, Clay is released from his contract but not before catching the attention of a possible assassin. As the bodies begin to amass, and all clues are pointing towards Clay and his team as suspect, Clay finds himself the center of attention from a beautiful socialite, a woman who is hoping to birth the perfect child.
MOUSE TRAP is a story of power and control, obsession with perfection, murder and mayhem, and a little bit of science fiction wrapped in a package of genomes, genetics and DNA. What if you were able to create the perfect child? What price is too much for perfection? Where does that leave those people considered to be less than perfect in body and mind? Matt Cost pulls the reader into a story of what ifs and whys; a tale of perfection and preoccupation, of discrimination and inequality, hatred and animosity. The premise is intriguing and captivating; the characters are charismatic, fallible and energetic.
www.thereadingcafe.com
April 13, 2022
I loved every page of this fasting-moving, hard-hitting mystery thriller!
Private Investigator Clay Wolfe accepts a job believing he’s looking for the person who tried to steal a mouse from a research lab.
His partner, Baylee Baker is hired by a wealthy pop singer as a bodyguard, and to do a background check on the same research lab she’s considering working with.
What neither expected was for their cases to become one and lead them to dead bodies, sadistic killers, dark money, Russians, genetic engineering, and Nazis.
A side plot with a wealthy woman wanting a child and choosing Clay to be the father is also connected to the case in ways no one saw coming.
Clay, Baylee, and their small team of friends are all more than meets the eye, and even background checks on them don’t reveal their true tenacity, skill, and commitment to the job… and each other.
I haven’t read the first two books in the Clay Wolfe series but don’t feel Mouse Trap was missing anything in character development and backstories.
An original plot with interesting characters and amazing writing make Mouse Trap a must-read! (And I will read books one and two!)
Enjoy!
Private Investigator Clay Wolfe accepts a job believing he’s looking for the person who tried to steal a mouse from a research lab.
His partner, Baylee Baker is hired by a wealthy pop singer as a bodyguard, and to do a background check on the same research lab she’s considering working with.
What neither expected was for their cases to become one and lead them to dead bodies, sadistic killers, dark money, Russians, genetic engineering, and Nazis.
A side plot with a wealthy woman wanting a child and choosing Clay to be the father is also connected to the case in ways no one saw coming.
Clay, Baylee, and their small team of friends are all more than meets the eye, and even background checks on them don’t reveal their true tenacity, skill, and commitment to the job… and each other.
I haven’t read the first two books in the Clay Wolfe series but don’t feel Mouse Trap was missing anything in character development and backstories.
An original plot with interesting characters and amazing writing make Mouse Trap a must-read! (And I will read books one and two!)
Enjoy!
April 13, 2022
This is the third instalment of the Clay Wolfe/Port Essex series but reads well as a standalone. Any pertinent information is revealed as necessary.
The book is set in the small coastal town of Port Essex, Maine & is home to ex-detective, now P.I., Clay Wolfe & his team consisting of various waifs & strays.
He is asked to investigate the theft of a scientifically significant mouse. The mouse has been altered in an attempt to create the perfect human but when he & his team appear to be getting close to the truth, they are released from their contract. Unfortunately, the assassin on their tail continues to pursue them.
Mouse Trap is a story concerning the pursuit of perfection, murder & power. Written in the third person, there is much pondering on the science of genomes & DNA manipulation including how far someone would go to create the perfect child.
A great mystery thriller & a book that makes you think. Recommended.
The book is set in the small coastal town of Port Essex, Maine & is home to ex-detective, now P.I., Clay Wolfe & his team consisting of various waifs & strays.
He is asked to investigate the theft of a scientifically significant mouse. The mouse has been altered in an attempt to create the perfect human but when he & his team appear to be getting close to the truth, they are released from their contract. Unfortunately, the assassin on their tail continues to pursue them.
Mouse Trap is a story concerning the pursuit of perfection, murder & power. Written in the third person, there is much pondering on the science of genomes & DNA manipulation including how far someone would go to create the perfect child.
A great mystery thriller & a book that makes you think. Recommended.
June 29, 2022
Clay Wolfe and gang are back, chasing down the theft of genetically engineered mice, a chase which, of course, leads to mayhem, murder and a romping good adventure. And the stakes go even higher, when the bad guys start eying the creation of super human babies. The only obstacle: Clay and his colorful crew, the woman he secretly loves - too afraid of relationships to tell her his feelings, his aged grandfather - a former attorney who can still outmaneuver the police, a former Navy Seal, and one tough hombre, a reporter with a sense for a story, and the tough talking former resident of a trailer park, whose smarts always leads in the right direction. As always, Matt Cost delivers an exciting and enthralling chase, set in the colorful background of Maine. Catch this one even if you haven't read the others in the series.
April 13, 2022
An exciting third novel in this gripping series!
Clay Wolfe’s latest case is a bit different from the usual – he’s never been charged with finding a missing mouse before! Hired by Bridget Engel, CEO of Johnson Laboratories, he finds himself investigating the world of genetics and the role mice play in furthering the alteration of genes, whilst also involved in what he knows is an ill-advised romantic liaison. What should have been a straightforward job turns into so much more and, once again, Clay’s friends and relatives join him in setting things to rights.
I love this series; this third novel is not what it seems on the surface. A bit like a swan, gliding along while paddling like mad under the water, there is a lot going on which is not apparent at first glance. Wolfe’s seemingly ‘easy’ jobs have a way of turning into major investigations with twists and turns galore, and this is definitely the best one yet. With a fine cast of characters and always a sprinkling of humour here and there, I was engrossed from the very beginning until the final word. Thrilling and exciting, this one comes highly recommended and easily earns all five glowing stars.
Clay Wolfe’s latest case is a bit different from the usual – he’s never been charged with finding a missing mouse before! Hired by Bridget Engel, CEO of Johnson Laboratories, he finds himself investigating the world of genetics and the role mice play in furthering the alteration of genes, whilst also involved in what he knows is an ill-advised romantic liaison. What should have been a straightforward job turns into so much more and, once again, Clay’s friends and relatives join him in setting things to rights.
I love this series; this third novel is not what it seems on the surface. A bit like a swan, gliding along while paddling like mad under the water, there is a lot going on which is not apparent at first glance. Wolfe’s seemingly ‘easy’ jobs have a way of turning into major investigations with twists and turns galore, and this is definitely the best one yet. With a fine cast of characters and always a sprinkling of humour here and there, I was engrossed from the very beginning until the final word. Thrilling and exciting, this one comes highly recommended and easily earns all five glowing stars.
August 2, 2022
Our favorite crew is back with another thrilling mystery, and Wolfe is again front and center of the action. Two separate cases merge - all centered around a research lab, a special rodent, and the quest for genetic perfection. As always, there were some laughs and smiles mixed in with the twists and edge of your seat action. Just when I thought I knew where the story was going, it took a sharp turn in the other direction. This is an addicting read you won't want to put down!
July 11, 2022
A classic page-turner mystery! Great characters. Matt Cost is a master story teller.
January 25, 2022
Clay Wolfe and crew are back with another round of hijinks, thanks to author Matt Cost. I have liked this series because of the shenanigans, the budding romance, the action sequences, the sexy scenes, and the fun, ridiculous narratives. Sometimes, it is nice just to get lost in a trope-y mystery, and Mouse Trap provides just that.
That stability is one of the best parts of this series of books. With Clay et al, one always knows what one is going to get. They are pretty set as characters, and their is not much left to be developed. With each release, though, the reader does get more history about each character, which keeps them fresh. Also, their relationships do evolve, which is an interesting part of the story, especially the back and forth between Clay and Baylee. There are, of course, relationships with people outside the core group which change every book, and the author often uses these to spice things up. I enjoy this mix.
The one aspect of the book that sets each book in the series apart from the others is the plot; there are always huge changes to the narrative setup. In Mouse Trap, Clay and his companions get caught up with a technology company that specializes in gene splicing. I love how much science is included in this story; it is easy to see Cost did a lot of research. I thought that was cool to read about, plus all of the moral ambiguity that comes along with this type of lab work brings another element of drama to the story.
Mouse Trap is another good entry in the Clay Wolfe/Port Essex universe. I called the storyline “fun and ridiculous”, and I stick by that. As with the characters, author Matt Cost has this way of creating a push and pull with the story elements, like two sides of a coin that compliment each other. It is good writing, and for those read into lighter mysteries I recommend it.
April 27, 2022
Clay is back for round three! This is the third in the series (although can easily be read as standalone) and was every bit as enjoyable as the previous two.
PI Clay Wolfe returns as nattily dressed and charming as ever, but this time he’s faced with his biggest case yet… attempted robbery of a lab mouse! Sounds a bit tame right? WRONG! Clay and co suddenly find themselves up to their eyes in the questionable world of genetic engineering, along with a hefty body count, and some cray cray baddies.
Another action packed mystery with plenty of twists and humour (and even an attempt at a bit of romance!) this one didn’t disappoint. It’s gritty and punchy and I loved the science behind it all (yes, I’m a geek). I’ve loved Clay’s character since book 1, but I gotta say, Crystal packs a fair punch!
Cost knows how to reel you in and keep you hooked throughout. If you’re looking for a hard hitting mystery, with dark humour, a decent body count, sinister villains and plenty of shenanigans, then look no further.
Massive thanks to Matt for the arc in exchange for an honest review. Thoughts are all my own.
PI Clay Wolfe returns as nattily dressed and charming as ever, but this time he’s faced with his biggest case yet… attempted robbery of a lab mouse! Sounds a bit tame right? WRONG! Clay and co suddenly find themselves up to their eyes in the questionable world of genetic engineering, along with a hefty body count, and some cray cray baddies.
Another action packed mystery with plenty of twists and humour (and even an attempt at a bit of romance!) this one didn’t disappoint. It’s gritty and punchy and I loved the science behind it all (yes, I’m a geek). I’ve loved Clay’s character since book 1, but I gotta say, Crystal packs a fair punch!
Cost knows how to reel you in and keep you hooked throughout. If you’re looking for a hard hitting mystery, with dark humour, a decent body count, sinister villains and plenty of shenanigans, then look no further.
Massive thanks to Matt for the arc in exchange for an honest review. Thoughts are all my own.
April 17, 2022
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Book 3 in the Clay Wolfe Series
Clay Wolfe, the nattily-dressed, roguishly-charming, ex-Boston-homicide-cop-turned-PI, is unfurling; growing up - expanding his reach (both emotionally and professionally) into thornier, darker and more challenging arenas - a fascinating budding shift for this already top-notch PI crime series.
This edition of the Clay Wolfe story, - situated amongst miles of pristine coastline embracing “sweeping views” of the Atlantic Ocean, the picturesque town of Port Essex and its rugged neighboring seaside, - sees Clay locking horns with his most chilling adversaries yet: the ethically-explosive field of genome (DNA) engineering, personified by some of the creepiest psychopaths one imaginative author could possibly dream up.
As he wrestles with lost love and his own burgeoning mid-life yearnings, Clay’s newest investigations spiral to include a top-secret laboratory security breach, mysterious Russians, missing and perhaps dismembered persons, a hideously evil underworld “fixer”, corporate shenanigans and a crime and body count which shifts into life-threatening for Clay and his team as they battle situations rapidly escalating from ominous to downright deadly.
This motley team, surely the wildest assortment of crime-fighting partners to grace the pages of a crime series, permeates the pages with their colorful banter - including Monty Python references and so many weak and bordering-on-lewd puns that this reader found herself playing along - encouraging us by their camaraderie to settle in again and visit with old friends (albeit of the heavily-armed, impossibly-courageous and Navy Seal military-trained variety).
(Readers Note and Callout: My personal favorite of the team has to be Crystal. Who could not love a tiny, foul-mouthed, zebra-striped-dress-wearing, helmet-haired ex-heroin addict, now Clay’s admin-assistant, who is as raw and gutsy as she is oddly-endearing? In this reader’s eyes, Crystal is a gem in the making.)
Are we destined to perpetuate the sins of our heritage?
How far would each of us go to ensure the safety and good heath of our progeny? And their progeny?
As the author grapples with the big issues - it becomes clear (and increasingly ironic) that fighting crime, itself a violently-selective endeavor, often honed by military training, is not immune to the very-same ethical quagmire perpetuated by crime itself.
Is eliminating the “bad”, the same thing as supporting “the good”? And who occupies the “Godly” position of delineating sides?
No spoilers here, you will need to read this wonderful edition to an always compelling series to find out more.
A great big thank you to the author for an ARC of this book.
All thoughts presented are my own.
Book 3 in the Clay Wolfe Series
Clay Wolfe, the nattily-dressed, roguishly-charming, ex-Boston-homicide-cop-turned-PI, is unfurling; growing up - expanding his reach (both emotionally and professionally) into thornier, darker and more challenging arenas - a fascinating budding shift for this already top-notch PI crime series.
This edition of the Clay Wolfe story, - situated amongst miles of pristine coastline embracing “sweeping views” of the Atlantic Ocean, the picturesque town of Port Essex and its rugged neighboring seaside, - sees Clay locking horns with his most chilling adversaries yet: the ethically-explosive field of genome (DNA) engineering, personified by some of the creepiest psychopaths one imaginative author could possibly dream up.
As he wrestles with lost love and his own burgeoning mid-life yearnings, Clay’s newest investigations spiral to include a top-secret laboratory security breach, mysterious Russians, missing and perhaps dismembered persons, a hideously evil underworld “fixer”, corporate shenanigans and a crime and body count which shifts into life-threatening for Clay and his team as they battle situations rapidly escalating from ominous to downright deadly.
This motley team, surely the wildest assortment of crime-fighting partners to grace the pages of a crime series, permeates the pages with their colorful banter - including Monty Python references and so many weak and bordering-on-lewd puns that this reader found herself playing along - encouraging us by their camaraderie to settle in again and visit with old friends (albeit of the heavily-armed, impossibly-courageous and Navy Seal military-trained variety).
(Readers Note and Callout: My personal favorite of the team has to be Crystal. Who could not love a tiny, foul-mouthed, zebra-striped-dress-wearing, helmet-haired ex-heroin addict, now Clay’s admin-assistant, who is as raw and gutsy as she is oddly-endearing? In this reader’s eyes, Crystal is a gem in the making.)
Are we destined to perpetuate the sins of our heritage?
How far would each of us go to ensure the safety and good heath of our progeny? And their progeny?
As the author grapples with the big issues - it becomes clear (and increasingly ironic) that fighting crime, itself a violently-selective endeavor, often honed by military training, is not immune to the very-same ethical quagmire perpetuated by crime itself.
Is eliminating the “bad”, the same thing as supporting “the good”? And who occupies the “Godly” position of delineating sides?
No spoilers here, you will need to read this wonderful edition to an always compelling series to find out more.
A great big thank you to the author for an ARC of this book.
All thoughts presented are my own.
April 8, 2022
MOUSE TRAP is the third instalment in Matt Cost’s contemporary adult CLAY WOLFE/PORT ESSEX mystery suspense series focusing on thirty-six year old, former homicide detective turned private investigator Clay Wolfe. MOUSE TRAP can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.
Told from third person perspective MOUSE TRAP follows thirty-six year old, former homicide detective turned private investigator Clay Wolfe as he is contracted to investigate the possible theft of a scientifically altered mouse. Johnson Labs aka JOHNS has set up shop in the small coastal town of Port Essex, Maine, home to our hero Clay Wolfe and his ragtag team of investigators and a former US Navy SEAL. JOHNS has asked Clay Wolfe to look into the ‘attempted theft’ of an altered mouse, a mouse whose DNA and genes have been spliced in an effort to create the perfect human but when Clay and his team get too close to the truth, Clay is released from his contract but not before catching the attention of a possible assassin. As the bodies begin to amass, and all clues are pointing towards Clay and his team as suspect, Clay finds himself the center of attention from a beautiful socialite, a woman who is hoping to birth the perfect child.
MOUSE TRAP is a story of power and control, obsession with perfection, murder and mayhem, and a little bit of science fiction wrapped in a package of genomes, genetics and DNA. What if you were able to create the perfect child? What price is too much for perfection? Where does that leave those people considered to be less than perfect in body and mind? Matt Cost pulls the reader into a story of what ifs and whys; a tale of perfection and preoccupation, of discrimination and inequality, hatred and animosity. The premise is intriguing and captivating; the characters are charismatic, fallible and energetic.
www.thereadingcafe.com
Told from third person perspective MOUSE TRAP follows thirty-six year old, former homicide detective turned private investigator Clay Wolfe as he is contracted to investigate the possible theft of a scientifically altered mouse. Johnson Labs aka JOHNS has set up shop in the small coastal town of Port Essex, Maine, home to our hero Clay Wolfe and his ragtag team of investigators and a former US Navy SEAL. JOHNS has asked Clay Wolfe to look into the ‘attempted theft’ of an altered mouse, a mouse whose DNA and genes have been spliced in an effort to create the perfect human but when Clay and his team get too close to the truth, Clay is released from his contract but not before catching the attention of a possible assassin. As the bodies begin to amass, and all clues are pointing towards Clay and his team as suspect, Clay finds himself the center of attention from a beautiful socialite, a woman who is hoping to birth the perfect child.
MOUSE TRAP is a story of power and control, obsession with perfection, murder and mayhem, and a little bit of science fiction wrapped in a package of genomes, genetics and DNA. What if you were able to create the perfect child? What price is too much for perfection? Where does that leave those people considered to be less than perfect in body and mind? Matt Cost pulls the reader into a story of what ifs and whys; a tale of perfection and preoccupation, of discrimination and inequality, hatred and animosity. The premise is intriguing and captivating; the characters are charismatic, fallible and energetic.
www.thereadingcafe.com
April 15, 2022
I enjoyed this private eye novel but had mixed feelings about it. The two aspects I liked were the setting and the actual investigation. Cost does a great job of describing Port Essex in Maine, combining physical description with insights into the people and their attitudes. I got a good sense of the atmosphere it the town.
I liked the investigative part of the plot too. I enjoy learning something when I read fiction and this novel was informative about genome testing and engineering as well as eugenics. And I really liked it when the reason for the dead mouse was figured out. I had not thought of that possibility at all.
I found it hard to like Clay, the hero PI. He is not your regular PI. He went for drinks with his friends rather than working the case. There was more about Clay socializing than I wanted to read. He seemed a little slow figuring stuff out too. Another person pointed out to him the guard gone missing and Clay admitted that fact had slipped off his radar. (1718/5465) I'd been wondering when that fact was going to mean something so why wasn't he?
And there is a pet peeve I have about naming characters. One of the writing rules from Jerry Jenkins is to never name characters with the same first letters. With twenty-six letters to choose from, there is no reason to confuse readers with similar names. In this novel, Clay is pitted against Clive, so two initial letters the same. Until I got the two characters definitely distinguished in my mind, that was confusing. And then there were Bolts and Bolton. I really did not like the confusion those names caused me though much of the book.
So I really liked the great establishment of the setting and the informative aspect of the plot. I do think Clay needs some character refinement and I do hope future novels have characters with easily recognized names beginning with different letters of the alphabet.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Partners in Crime Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.
I liked the investigative part of the plot too. I enjoy learning something when I read fiction and this novel was informative about genome testing and engineering as well as eugenics. And I really liked it when the reason for the dead mouse was figured out. I had not thought of that possibility at all.
I found it hard to like Clay, the hero PI. He is not your regular PI. He went for drinks with his friends rather than working the case. There was more about Clay socializing than I wanted to read. He seemed a little slow figuring stuff out too. Another person pointed out to him the guard gone missing and Clay admitted that fact had slipped off his radar. (1718/5465) I'd been wondering when that fact was going to mean something so why wasn't he?
And there is a pet peeve I have about naming characters. One of the writing rules from Jerry Jenkins is to never name characters with the same first letters. With twenty-six letters to choose from, there is no reason to confuse readers with similar names. In this novel, Clay is pitted against Clive, so two initial letters the same. Until I got the two characters definitely distinguished in my mind, that was confusing. And then there were Bolts and Bolton. I really did not like the confusion those names caused me though much of the book.
So I really liked the great establishment of the setting and the informative aspect of the plot. I do think Clay needs some character refinement and I do hope future novels have characters with easily recognized names beginning with different letters of the alphabet.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Partners in Crime Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.
June 21, 2024
I received an ARC through "Booksirens" and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
The story begins with Clay and Baylee at a restaurant discussing a jo with representatives from Johnson Labs. They are being asked to discover who tried to steal a mouse. In order to take the job, they are being required to sign an NDA. After having the NDA reviewed by Gene, Clay's grandfather, they agree to taking the case. Baylee had another case she would be working on. This involved protection for a singer names Kalinda.
While the two were meeting with Johnson's Labs, there were two women also there. One was a former girlfriend named Victoria and the second was Bridget, the CEO of Johnson Labs. Their talk related to a different topic entirely. but would come into play as the story progressed.
Clay and Baylee's investigation began with interviewing several employees of Johnson Labs. As the interviews were going on, they discovered an interest issue and after bringing it up, the two were told they were no longer needed. The info related to a building identified as "Area 38. Clay believing something was wrong decided that he would continue looking into the company.
During the investigation, Westy while returning from a day of fishing spotted an individual that he suspected and turned around to follow his boat. This did not work out well. Somehow this incident related to the Johnson Lab case.
To discover what role Victoria played in it, what danger Westy found himself in, who was the leader behind the scenes, what was going on with regard to "Area 38 and how Clay learned about it, and finally how Kalinda came into the picture, then you need to end this book.
This is a definite read and the endind sums the story up nicely.
The story begins with Clay and Baylee at a restaurant discussing a jo with representatives from Johnson Labs. They are being asked to discover who tried to steal a mouse. In order to take the job, they are being required to sign an NDA. After having the NDA reviewed by Gene, Clay's grandfather, they agree to taking the case. Baylee had another case she would be working on. This involved protection for a singer names Kalinda.
While the two were meeting with Johnson's Labs, there were two women also there. One was a former girlfriend named Victoria and the second was Bridget, the CEO of Johnson Labs. Their talk related to a different topic entirely. but would come into play as the story progressed.
Clay and Baylee's investigation began with interviewing several employees of Johnson Labs. As the interviews were going on, they discovered an interest issue and after bringing it up, the two were told they were no longer needed. The info related to a building identified as "Area 38. Clay believing something was wrong decided that he would continue looking into the company.
During the investigation, Westy while returning from a day of fishing spotted an individual that he suspected and turned around to follow his boat. This did not work out well. Somehow this incident related to the Johnson Lab case.
To discover what role Victoria played in it, what danger Westy found himself in, who was the leader behind the scenes, what was going on with regard to "Area 38 and how Clay learned about it, and finally how Kalinda came into the picture, then you need to end this book.
This is a definite read and the endind sums the story up nicely.
February 16, 2024
I am an ARC reader and this is my honest opinion. Having read books 1 & 2, Matt Cost has done it again with book 3! Clay Wolfe is a private investigator in his home town of Port Essex, Maine. He and his beautiful, part Native American ex receptionist, now partner, Baylee have a tantalising relationship that, as individuals they both feel they are too damaged to pursue, his new receptionist/Secretary is an ex junkie who turned out to be surprisingly adept with tech and research. They have a group of loyal friends, including Clay's retired top lawyer grandfather. Matt Cost has written these characters, that appear in each book, so well that they come alive on the page. In this story, a very rich woman Clay had a relationship with in college invites him to her home - and her bed and subsequently announces she wants his baby. She's chosen him because her research has led her to believe they'd make the perfect baby. I don't know whether the facts quoted in the story about the goings on in the US during the 20s and 30s, are real, but they are disturbing and the lengths to which prospective parents will go to have a perfect, in this case, super child is extremely disturbing. Also, a psychopathic sexual predator has fantasies about Baylee. It didn't take long for this book to be difficult to put down. I need to read book 4!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 23, 2023
Riveting!
Matt Cost writes a thrilling mysterious tale with Mouse Trap. This book is part of the A Clay Wolfe / Port Essex Mystery Book series, and this is volume three. Clay is definitely in deep in this story. I am a fan of this homicide detective turned PI. Clay's new case is to find out who stole a mouse. Yes, a mouse. But that's just the beginning. It's a thrilling story, and I like that the author brought in interesting angst in Clay's private life. Clay knows that things aren't always what they seem, but sometimes, you can be blind when it's personal. Whatever this author writes, I want to read. Both thrilling and intriguing, all the way to the end. The author's technique of raw, magnetic characters and great plotlines is a gift. It's a great story to follow and try to figure out what will happen next. Sometimes you have to put the book down, just to take a breath. Clay is a raw, headstrong character, who is very intelligent, and knows that to look for, things that others may miss. Mouse Trap 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.
Matt Cost writes a thrilling mysterious tale with Mouse Trap. This book is part of the A Clay Wolfe / Port Essex Mystery Book series, and this is volume three. Clay is definitely in deep in this story. I am a fan of this homicide detective turned PI. Clay's new case is to find out who stole a mouse. Yes, a mouse. But that's just the beginning. It's a thrilling story, and I like that the author brought in interesting angst in Clay's private life. Clay knows that things aren't always what they seem, but sometimes, you can be blind when it's personal. Whatever this author writes, I want to read. Both thrilling and intriguing, all the way to the end. The author's technique of raw, magnetic characters and great plotlines is a gift. It's a great story to follow and try to figure out what will happen next. Sometimes you have to put the book down, just to take a breath. Clay is a raw, headstrong character, who is very intelligent, and knows that to look for, things that others may miss. Mouse Trap 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.
May 11, 2024
This book caused me to lose sleep! I could not wait to finish with so much danger and tension toward the end of the book.
In the beginning, the detective agency has landed two lucrative cases. Baylee will be a bodyguard for a successful female singer in town for a month. Clay will investigate the attempted theft of a mouse from a very lucrative and secretive laboratory.
By the middle of the book, Baylee is the target of Clive Miller, a vicious, sadistic killer. Clay has been fired (maybe) from the job of investigating the lab and continues investigating while also helping Westy find the man who attacked him with a hammer to the forehead and attempted to murder him.
In addition to dealing with the above situations, we have to deal with the issues of Clay possibly becoming a father and the relationship between Clay and Baylee moving forward or possibly backward.
The story is fast-paced and well-plotted. There is danger and suspense with a few surprises along the way. It is the third book in the series but it works as a standalone. I can't wait to read the fourth book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
In the beginning, the detective agency has landed two lucrative cases. Baylee will be a bodyguard for a successful female singer in town for a month. Clay will investigate the attempted theft of a mouse from a very lucrative and secretive laboratory.
By the middle of the book, Baylee is the target of Clive Miller, a vicious, sadistic killer. Clay has been fired (maybe) from the job of investigating the lab and continues investigating while also helping Westy find the man who attacked him with a hammer to the forehead and attempted to murder him.
In addition to dealing with the above situations, we have to deal with the issues of Clay possibly becoming a father and the relationship between Clay and Baylee moving forward or possibly backward.
The story is fast-paced and well-plotted. There is danger and suspense with a few surprises along the way. It is the third book in the series but it works as a standalone. I can't wait to read the fourth book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 26, 2022
Very good read of mystery, suspense, and artificial intelligence! 3rd in the series, but this is the first book I have read. I was amazed at the entire plot and was so engrossed about the whole idea of a genetically modified mice whose genetic modification would create the perfect child! You will be asking your self…What is the perfect child? How will this “perfect child” interact with others and fit into society? Who gets to decide that? The plot of this book was written with such intrigue and suspense causing me not to be able to put it down! The author did an amazing job helping me to “think outside the box” as to how this world could change. So many “what if’s” but most of all I kept asking myself the “WHY”? The author kept me guessing through the entire book “Who is the mastermind behind all this genetic idea and research? Many different characteristics of the book’s persons, from deceptive to dynamic and also some charming. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and think many readers will also! #partnersincrimevbt
April 26, 2022
I really enjoyed reading this book, and seeing what Clay Wolfe has been getting up to. This is the third book in the Clay Wolfe/Port Essex mystery series, I would recommend reading the other two books in the series to get to know the characters, though you can read as a standalone. In this story we see Clay and his team try to find out who stole a mouse but not just any mouse. But will Clay be able to catch the culprit or will he be the one being chased? It is a great read with a few twists, a great mystery read. Matt the author always nails the part that keep you captivated and makes you want to read quickly so that you can find out what the outcome will be. It is also set in a small Coastal town which sounds so idyllic that I would love to go there and experience it for myself. I would love to meet all the characters too as they all seem such an interesting bunch. I would highly recommend this book.
April 4, 2022
3.5 ⭐
PI Clay and PI Bailey were hired by CEO Bridget Engel of JOHNS to find out who was trying to steal a SHAIM (SuperHuman Advance Intelligent Mouse) mouse. Since mice are somewhat close to humans researchers use mice to try to figure out how to cure diseases in humans but this mouse is extra special. SHAIM will help babies become more intelligent and stronger.
Even though Clay and Bailey have been let go by the company they still investigate. Something just seems off. The deeper they dig their lives are put in danger as well as their friends.
Thank you Booksirens and the author for a digital copy. Read and reviewed voluntarily and the opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
PI Clay and PI Bailey were hired by CEO Bridget Engel of JOHNS to find out who was trying to steal a SHAIM (SuperHuman Advance Intelligent Mouse) mouse. Since mice are somewhat close to humans researchers use mice to try to figure out how to cure diseases in humans but this mouse is extra special. SHAIM will help babies become more intelligent and stronger.
Even though Clay and Bailey have been let go by the company they still investigate. Something just seems off. The deeper they dig their lives are put in danger as well as their friends.
Thank you Booksirens and the author for a digital copy. Read and reviewed voluntarily and the opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
April 20, 2022
It took a long time for this tale to grab me and more than once I considered giving up. This was partly caused by the large cast of characters which I found confusing. But eventually I was sucked into the story and was glad of it. It eventually became quite riveting.
March 19, 2023
Intriguing plot with roots in the old eugenics efforts, a sad time in our history!
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