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Matthew Paine Mysteries #4
Christmas Punch
Cici Patterson’s prestigious law firm hosts an annual Christmas Gala that everybody who’s anybody in Raleigh, North Carolina is dying to attend until one of the senior partners turns up that way -- dead that is.
When Matthew Paine, a young physician from a family practice in a small town on the outskirts of Raleigh is called from Cici’s side at the gala event, he does what he always does and rushes to help but he’s unable to revive the senior partner. Suspecting foul play, he summons Homicide Detective Warren Danbury who confirms Matthew’s suspicions.
Was it the punch from the party that packed the wallop? As Matthew signs back on as a medical consultant to work with Danbury on the investigation, is he targeted by the murderer or are some “accidents” merely that?
Finding suspects is surprisingly easy, but proving that any of them had anything to do with the murder becomes much more challenging. Kennedy Reynolds is arrogant and he undoubtedly had a beef with the senior partner, though he won't disclose what it was. Aubrey Bartles still harbors an unrequited love for the wife of the murdered senior partner over thirty years later. But which of them is guilty of murdering him?
When Matthew Paine, a young physician from a family practice in a small town on the outskirts of Raleigh is called from Cici’s side at the gala event, he does what he always does and rushes to help but he’s unable to revive the senior partner. Suspecting foul play, he summons Homicide Detective Warren Danbury who confirms Matthew’s suspicions.
Was it the punch from the party that packed the wallop? As Matthew signs back on as a medical consultant to work with Danbury on the investigation, is he targeted by the murderer or are some “accidents” merely that?
Finding suspects is surprisingly easy, but proving that any of them had anything to do with the murder becomes much more challenging. Kennedy Reynolds is arrogant and he undoubtedly had a beef with the senior partner, though he won't disclose what it was. Aubrey Bartles still harbors an unrequited love for the wife of the murdered senior partner over thirty years later. But which of them is guilty of murdering him?
399 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 18, 2022
4 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
About the author
Lee Clark
9 books31 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
October 15, 2022
The Matthew Paine mysteries continue and I was excited to see this new book by Lee Clark. This is her fourth novel and the books have gotten better with each book in the series. I’ve seen a lot of growth in this author and her prose is more relaxed and more enjoyable to read.
The “punch” happens right off the bat. Matthew and CiCi attend her law firm’s annual Christmas Gala and as they are coming in, one senior partner punches another senior partner and then stalks off. Later, the senior partner who was punched is found dead in his office. Was this due to the punch that happened earlier, or did the partner die of natural causes? Matthew is suspicious that this is murder. Enter Detective Warren Danbury (who has been in all the books) who is also suspicious. Danbury talks Matthew into working with him on the case as a medical consultant. As the case is investigated, several possible suspects are considered and investigated. Could it be Kennedy Reynolds, the senior partner who did the punching? Or possibly Aubrey Bartles, who is in love with the dead partner’s wife? Or maybe even someone else.
There’s a backstory going on in the book as well. Matthew and Cici had split up in an earlier book. They had different goals in life and had decided to call it quits. Cici had gone to London to work for a year and is back for the holidays. It’s pretty obvious that they both still have feelings for each other, but has something changed? Could they work things out?
Although this is part of a series, Christmas Punch could easily be read as a stand-alone. It is certainly nice to have all the history though, so I would recommend reading the earlier books. Both the mystery and the backstory romance are enjoyable. As with all the Matthew Paine mysteries, the book is not filled with gory violence and there are no explicit sexual situations. It’s a good clean mystery somewhat like Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple stories. There is one quirky character, and that’s Detective Danbury who is known for his abruptness (I like this character). I liked Cici better in this book than in earlier books. She doesn’t come across as so hard-nosed and driven this time. Matthew, what can I say, I still can’t find a flaw in that man! He always comes across as the perfect guy: professional, kind, thoughtful, and principled. A family man. The book is well paced and kept my attention for the entirety. I look forward to Dr. Paine’s next adventure.
Thanks to Cypress River Media LLC for an advance copy. This book will be published on October 18, 2022 and would be a great Christmas mystery read or a gift for friends who like mysteries!
The “punch” happens right off the bat. Matthew and CiCi attend her law firm’s annual Christmas Gala and as they are coming in, one senior partner punches another senior partner and then stalks off. Later, the senior partner who was punched is found dead in his office. Was this due to the punch that happened earlier, or did the partner die of natural causes? Matthew is suspicious that this is murder. Enter Detective Warren Danbury (who has been in all the books) who is also suspicious. Danbury talks Matthew into working with him on the case as a medical consultant. As the case is investigated, several possible suspects are considered and investigated. Could it be Kennedy Reynolds, the senior partner who did the punching? Or possibly Aubrey Bartles, who is in love with the dead partner’s wife? Or maybe even someone else.
There’s a backstory going on in the book as well. Matthew and Cici had split up in an earlier book. They had different goals in life and had decided to call it quits. Cici had gone to London to work for a year and is back for the holidays. It’s pretty obvious that they both still have feelings for each other, but has something changed? Could they work things out?
Although this is part of a series, Christmas Punch could easily be read as a stand-alone. It is certainly nice to have all the history though, so I would recommend reading the earlier books. Both the mystery and the backstory romance are enjoyable. As with all the Matthew Paine mysteries, the book is not filled with gory violence and there are no explicit sexual situations. It’s a good clean mystery somewhat like Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple stories. There is one quirky character, and that’s Detective Danbury who is known for his abruptness (I like this character). I liked Cici better in this book than in earlier books. She doesn’t come across as so hard-nosed and driven this time. Matthew, what can I say, I still can’t find a flaw in that man! He always comes across as the perfect guy: professional, kind, thoughtful, and principled. A family man. The book is well paced and kept my attention for the entirety. I look forward to Dr. Paine’s next adventure.
Thanks to Cypress River Media LLC for an advance copy. This book will be published on October 18, 2022 and would be a great Christmas mystery read or a gift for friends who like mysteries!
October 15, 2022
A Christmas party murder mystery invigorated by Christmas themed festivities with the help from family, coworkers and reconnected romantic partner.
October 8, 2022
I think the Matthew Paine series gets better with each book. Christmas Punch follows Matthew as he attempts to help Detective Danbury solve the murder of one of the senior partners at Cici’s law firm. Is the murderer the most obvious suspect or is there something a little more sinister going on?
What I appreciate most about Lee Clark’s writing is that the mystery is there but it’s not gory or scary. It has just the right amount of suspense.
I read this one in a day, and I’m already looking forward to the next book in the series.
What I appreciate most about Lee Clark’s writing is that the mystery is there but it’s not gory or scary. It has just the right amount of suspense.
I read this one in a day, and I’m already looking forward to the next book in the series.
December 2, 2023
I did not like this book and won’t be reading another by this author.
First, the writing. This book was so much longer than it needed to be. We didn’t need a 1-3 page description of every house they went to, room they walked into, Christmas tree they saw, or car they drove. It was repetitive. I felt like I was told the same pieces of information over and over. There were several overlooked typos and too many sentences. Don’t get me wrong, I’m often guilty of writing run-on sentences, but I don’t know why this author felt the need to turn what could have been one sentence into two or three.
Second, the story itself. I wasn’t a fan of how Christian it was. Matthew prays before every meal and goes to church with his family every Sunday. That took me out of the story because I don’t do that and I don’t know anyone who does. I didn’t like the mystery of it either. I’m no detective but as far as I could tell there were absolutely no clues as to who the bad guy was until it was revealed. There certainly weren’t any hints, or even any part of the story, talking about what a messed up person they were either. It seemed like it was all decided at the last minute. The last thing that bothered me was that I didn’t know what happened to the doctor who was second-hand poisoned until the very end of the book. I spent the whole book wondering if he was alive and being kind of upset that no one was talking about it.
First, the writing. This book was so much longer than it needed to be. We didn’t need a 1-3 page description of every house they went to, room they walked into, Christmas tree they saw, or car they drove. It was repetitive. I felt like I was told the same pieces of information over and over. There were several overlooked typos and too many sentences. Don’t get me wrong, I’m often guilty of writing run-on sentences, but I don’t know why this author felt the need to turn what could have been one sentence into two or three.
Second, the story itself. I wasn’t a fan of how Christian it was. Matthew prays before every meal and goes to church with his family every Sunday. That took me out of the story because I don’t do that and I don’t know anyone who does. I didn’t like the mystery of it either. I’m no detective but as far as I could tell there were absolutely no clues as to who the bad guy was until it was revealed. There certainly weren’t any hints, or even any part of the story, talking about what a messed up person they were either. It seemed like it was all decided at the last minute. The last thing that bothered me was that I didn’t know what happened to the doctor who was second-hand poisoned until the very end of the book. I spent the whole book wondering if he was alive and being kind of upset that no one was talking about it.
November 6, 2022
Just when Dr Matthew Paine had decided that he would no longer be a consultant for the police dept., a murder takes place that gets him involved.
After several attempts on his life because he was getting too close; he realizes that he has to solve the murder.
The conclusion keeps you on the edge of your seat and has a stunning ending!!
This is a book that you can't put down! I can't wait for the next one!!
After several attempts on his life because he was getting too close; he realizes that he has to solve the murder.
The conclusion keeps you on the edge of your seat and has a stunning ending!!
This is a book that you can't put down! I can't wait for the next one!!
October 27, 2022
I just finished christmas punch by Lee clark and here are my thoughts!
Matthew Paine and Cici Patterson, back in each other's orbits and going to Cici’s christmas party, at the prestigious law firm she works for.
After witnessing the aftermath of an argument that had a senior partner running to his office, they try to enjoy the party, that is until a member of the catering staff comes looking for a doctor….
Matthew goes running but it’s too late to save the senior partner… If Matthew’s hunch is correct then this was no accidental death and Danbury, his friend and homicide detective will figure out what happened.
Cici offers to stay with the widow as the mystery of the murder begins to unfold. Are Matthew and Cici standing in the way of the killer finishing the job? Can they figure out who it is before it’s too late for them both?
This is book 4 of the Matthew Paine series. I hadn’t read any of the previous books before I received this one but it holds up really well as a standalone read which really surprised me but I am going to have to order the first 3 now as I think I just found my latest series to binge.
I really loved Matthew. He is a solid character with a lot of good qualities. I gather from how Cici is talked about that she grows a lot as the series rolls on and I would love to know more about her backstory. Really great whodunnit read so if you love mystery books that keep you guessing, then you have to add this series to your list.
Loved the plot and the location of the book's setting. The only real pitfall for me is the amount of dialogue there is. I felt the book was a touch heavy on it and would have much preferred more descriptive writing but I think that's a personal thing for me and doesn’t reflect on how entertaining the book really is.
I’m not usually a fan of cliff hanger books but I can see why it ended the way it did and as expected, has me anticipating book 5!
The writing is very lucid and well thought out. Solid 4 stars for me!
Well worth the read! Thank you @cypressrivermedia for my copy of this ARC
#MatthewPaineMysteries #CypressRiverMedia #MatthewPaine #christmaspunch #leeclark
Matthew Paine and Cici Patterson, back in each other's orbits and going to Cici’s christmas party, at the prestigious law firm she works for.
After witnessing the aftermath of an argument that had a senior partner running to his office, they try to enjoy the party, that is until a member of the catering staff comes looking for a doctor….
Matthew goes running but it’s too late to save the senior partner… If Matthew’s hunch is correct then this was no accidental death and Danbury, his friend and homicide detective will figure out what happened.
Cici offers to stay with the widow as the mystery of the murder begins to unfold. Are Matthew and Cici standing in the way of the killer finishing the job? Can they figure out who it is before it’s too late for them both?
This is book 4 of the Matthew Paine series. I hadn’t read any of the previous books before I received this one but it holds up really well as a standalone read which really surprised me but I am going to have to order the first 3 now as I think I just found my latest series to binge.
I really loved Matthew. He is a solid character with a lot of good qualities. I gather from how Cici is talked about that she grows a lot as the series rolls on and I would love to know more about her backstory. Really great whodunnit read so if you love mystery books that keep you guessing, then you have to add this series to your list.
Loved the plot and the location of the book's setting. The only real pitfall for me is the amount of dialogue there is. I felt the book was a touch heavy on it and would have much preferred more descriptive writing but I think that's a personal thing for me and doesn’t reflect on how entertaining the book really is.
I’m not usually a fan of cliff hanger books but I can see why it ended the way it did and as expected, has me anticipating book 5!
The writing is very lucid and well thought out. Solid 4 stars for me!
Well worth the read! Thank you @cypressrivermedia for my copy of this ARC
#MatthewPaineMysteries #CypressRiverMedia #MatthewPaine #christmaspunch #leeclark
October 18, 2022
Murder She Writes. I know that's a take on Agatha Christie's books but quite appropriate here. Lee did a good job bringing the reader into the story. Once in I couldn't leave until I found out who ' dunnit'.I was surprised with the ending...didn't expect it at all!
She did a lot of research on all the professions of the main characters , which made everything very realistic.
I was a bit perplexed by by some sentences but as I read further they were explained.
Some descriptive passages at the beginning were extra lengthy ,I thought, but may be it was just my attention span got stretched ,otherwise a very suspenseful read.
She did a lot of research on all the professions of the main characters , which made everything very realistic.
I was a bit perplexed by by some sentences but as I read further they were explained.
Some descriptive passages at the beginning were extra lengthy ,I thought, but may be it was just my attention span got stretched ,otherwise a very suspenseful read.
October 15, 2022
Christmas Punch is a good mystery. The mystery is not easy to figure out and kept my interest until the end. For those that like romance, there is a good love story between the 2 main characters to keep your interest as well. This would make a wonderful Christmas present.
I received an ARC - advanced reader copy.
I received an ARC - advanced reader copy.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews