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Papa's Problem
In depression era Key West, Ernest "Papa" Hemingway becomes embroiled in a plot that involves illegal gambling and smuggling refugees when he finds himself the suspect in the murder of a Cuban prostitute. Working with the mysterious former Scotland Yard inspector, Emmet MacWain, they must delve into the dark side of this sunny paradise and find the answers that may help save hundreds of innocent lives as well as their own.
322 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
December 30, 2016
This audiobook was provided by the author at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobook Boom.
I know next to nothing about Ernest “Papa” Hemmingway, other than he was a famous writer, and famous for his lifestyle in the Florida Keys. I’ve never read any of his books (not even in high school!), and have never been to the Keys. I do know that Hemmingway was known for his drunken outbursts and fistfights, which leads to the plot of the book.
Papa is found out-cold drunk with a bloody knife in his hand, next to a murdered Cuban woman. It’s up to retired Scotland Yard inspector Emmet MacWain, along with Mr. Hemmingway and his (second) wife Pauline, to solve this crime and clear Hemmingway of the murder.
I listened to the Audible version of this book, and it was very good. The author threads the actual historical events of WWII (Jews seeking refuge in and around Cuba) with the fictional account of a murder mystery. The amount of research into Hemmingway’s life, the area around Key West, and the historical events was well-handled. All in all, very captivating, and a pretty enjoyable read/listen.
I know next to nothing about Ernest “Papa” Hemmingway, other than he was a famous writer, and famous for his lifestyle in the Florida Keys. I’ve never read any of his books (not even in high school!), and have never been to the Keys. I do know that Hemmingway was known for his drunken outbursts and fistfights, which leads to the plot of the book.
Papa is found out-cold drunk with a bloody knife in his hand, next to a murdered Cuban woman. It’s up to retired Scotland Yard inspector Emmet MacWain, along with Mr. Hemmingway and his (second) wife Pauline, to solve this crime and clear Hemmingway of the murder.
I listened to the Audible version of this book, and it was very good. The author threads the actual historical events of WWII (Jews seeking refuge in and around Cuba) with the fictional account of a murder mystery. The amount of research into Hemmingway’s life, the area around Key West, and the historical events was well-handled. All in all, very captivating, and a pretty enjoyable read/listen.
August 12, 2009
Let me say first that any awards this book wins are well-deserved (currently the winner of the Discovery Opus Magnum Award for best manuscript from the Hollywood Film Festival). I am also going to comment on the cover art of this issue: original artwork by the author Patrick Kendrick, it so fully encompasses the story in a few vibrant strokes.
The story takes place in Key West but is multi-national in scope. It is written in the time of the Depression and the beginning of what would become WWII. The author has done an amazing job of integrating history, world events, greed, intrigue into an exciting, fast-moving murder mystery centering it around the famous author Ernest (Papa) Hemingway. The action is amazing throughout, with little breathing space between. There is great interplay with Hemingway, his wife Pauline, the Sheriff, and a Scotsman, Emmet MacWain, newly retired inspector from Scotland Yard and now living in Key West. Into this mix are the many Cubans living there and also many Jews fleeing from Germany.
There are actually several stories going at the same time but all come together and all tie themselves to the mysterious death of a young woman and to the investigation into her murder. There is no confusion with the various stories and the book flows along or rather races along smoothly. Excellent writing, theme, and roller-coaster ride. Very descriptive, in parts unpleasant, but representative of the time period in which it is written, a time of brutality boiling in Europe, a time of the poor living in any way they can, a time of civil unrest in Cuba, a time of madness, this work of fiction is as close to reality as you can get.
This novel grabbed me right from the start and I remained buried in the book until I came to the end. I wanted more. I even did some on-line reading on Hemingway as a result. I’m looking forward to more Emmet MacWain adventures if this is to be a series. If not, I’m definitely looking forward to more books by Patrick Kendrick.
The story takes place in Key West but is multi-national in scope. It is written in the time of the Depression and the beginning of what would become WWII. The author has done an amazing job of integrating history, world events, greed, intrigue into an exciting, fast-moving murder mystery centering it around the famous author Ernest (Papa) Hemingway. The action is amazing throughout, with little breathing space between. There is great interplay with Hemingway, his wife Pauline, the Sheriff, and a Scotsman, Emmet MacWain, newly retired inspector from Scotland Yard and now living in Key West. Into this mix are the many Cubans living there and also many Jews fleeing from Germany.
There are actually several stories going at the same time but all come together and all tie themselves to the mysterious death of a young woman and to the investigation into her murder. There is no confusion with the various stories and the book flows along or rather races along smoothly. Excellent writing, theme, and roller-coaster ride. Very descriptive, in parts unpleasant, but representative of the time period in which it is written, a time of brutality boiling in Europe, a time of the poor living in any way they can, a time of civil unrest in Cuba, a time of madness, this work of fiction is as close to reality as you can get.
This novel grabbed me right from the start and I remained buried in the book until I came to the end. I wanted more. I even did some on-line reading on Hemingway as a result. I’m looking forward to more Emmet MacWain adventures if this is to be a series. If not, I’m definitely looking forward to more books by Patrick Kendrick.
August 5, 2012
I haven't been able to put down Papa's Problem all weekend. This story grabbed me from page one and didn't let go. There is more tension and drama on each page than any book I've read in quite awhile.
Patrick Kendrick expertly weaves fact and fiction in this tale set in 1939 Key West. His characters, while known to all as Earnest and Pauline Hemingway, walk the line of staying true to the people they were in real life and melding into Kendrick's story as fully developed fictional characters. This is a hard thing for an author to do and Kendrick has mastered it.
The mystery centers around a Cuban woman who is found murdered beside a passed-out Hemingway who is covered in blood--simple enough. But in Kendrick's apt hands, the story encompasses so much more and reveals twists and turns the reader will not see coming, staying true to both historical events and fictional drama.
For anyone who has ever read Hemingway, known a little about his life, or visited Key West, this story will enthrall you.
Victoria Allman
author of: SEAsoned: A Chef's Journey with Her Captain
Patrick Kendrick expertly weaves fact and fiction in this tale set in 1939 Key West. His characters, while known to all as Earnest and Pauline Hemingway, walk the line of staying true to the people they were in real life and melding into Kendrick's story as fully developed fictional characters. This is a hard thing for an author to do and Kendrick has mastered it.
The mystery centers around a Cuban woman who is found murdered beside a passed-out Hemingway who is covered in blood--simple enough. But in Kendrick's apt hands, the story encompasses so much more and reveals twists and turns the reader will not see coming, staying true to both historical events and fictional drama.
For anyone who has ever read Hemingway, known a little about his life, or visited Key West, this story will enthrall you.
Victoria Allman
author of: SEAsoned: A Chef's Journey with Her Captain
March 26, 2013
Imaginative fiction combining the best elements of the Hemingway mystique and a great murder mystery.
January 14, 2023
I found this book on a bookshelf in the condo we are renting on Key West and thought it sounded interesting and the perfect read while here on vacation. I couldn’t put it down! From the very first chapter it drew me in. It is very well researched and weaves history and a fictional murder with Key West and Hemingway really well. The main character (not Hemingway) is extremely likable and you’re hurrying through the book to learn of his fate. Perfect Key West vacation read!
August 16, 2024
I really liked this one! A “whodunit” that incorporated romance, action, and true crime. Being set in Key West made it fun for me because I could picture the characters in real life on the island. I also liked that it pulled in true historical events to an otherwise fiction novel, making the reader wonder “could this have actually happened? Did this actually happen?”
October 20, 2017
Super read!!
The descriptive writing draws you into the place and time , the character development makes you feel you know this people!! If you like a mystery that grabs you and won't let you go this is it.
The descriptive writing draws you into the place and time , the character development makes you feel you know this people!! If you like a mystery that grabs you and won't let you go this is it.
January 7, 2017
Papa's Problem
: Patrick Kendrick
I like historical fiction so I found the concept of using a non-fictional person as a main character somewhat intriguing. The author wove a lot of different aspects from history with new concepts, romance, murder mystery, and suspense to keep the listeners on edge.
The narration was well done.The characters were well portrayed. Tim Campbell did great with the different accents and dialects, making the listening more enjoyable.
"I was voluntarily provided this review copy audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator."
January 10, 2017
( Format : Audiobook)
"... in America, land of the free."
""I'm the guy that makes up the stories, remember?""
A novel set in 1939, in Key West, Florida, at the end of the depression era and on the verge of humanity being tipped into World War II, Patrick Kendrick successfully blends fact and fiction to build this truly impressive book. Not knowing what to expect, I had anticipated from the opening chapters that this would be a colourful murder mystery set around the central figure of real life, famous adventurer author, Ernest Hemingway, and it was. I had also anticipated from the stunningly simple but vibrant cover illustration that there would be humour. And there was. But there was so much more as the story catapults into the social and political events of the era and incorporates beautiful women, gangsters, folklaw, prostitution, prejudice, murders, mosquitoes, sharks, sunshine, hurricane, love, jealousy, greed, betrayal, loyalty and a Scottish ex Scotland Yard detective.
Starting with the simple discovery of the almost decapitated body of a woman found close to the blood splattered unconscious, drunken Hemingway, ex detective Emmet MacWein is asked by the charming Pauline, wife of the loutish author, to look into the killing in the hopes that someone else had committed the murder. As he does so, what had appeared to be a simple crime opens up into the revelation of profiteering and cruelty throughout the whole area with tentacles reaching even to the centre of government.
It takes a reader of considerable talent to convincingly perform such a vast storyline and Tim Campbell's narration was suitably impressive. Staying calm and measured throughout, he manages to give credible voice to all of the host of characters, each distinctive and with appropriate accent. Even his Scottish dialogue - and there is a lot of it as one of the foremost figures is from that country - is pretty good, in spite of being a notoriously difficult accent to emulate. His calm reading helps to.ground the sometimes frenetic action and make it all the more horrific in so doing. An excellent performance.
This is a book which will stay with me for a long time. Although set in a period some eighty years ago, the underlying themes are still as alive and true now as then and in this current period of troubles and people being forced to flee from their homes, we would all do well to remember what can develop from the uncaringness of others. My deep thanks to the right's holder who gifted me a copy of this amazing book, via Audiobook Boom. I have been enriched by it and recommend it to everyone
"... in America, land of the free."
""I'm the guy that makes up the stories, remember?""
A novel set in 1939, in Key West, Florida, at the end of the depression era and on the verge of humanity being tipped into World War II, Patrick Kendrick successfully blends fact and fiction to build this truly impressive book. Not knowing what to expect, I had anticipated from the opening chapters that this would be a colourful murder mystery set around the central figure of real life, famous adventurer author, Ernest Hemingway, and it was. I had also anticipated from the stunningly simple but vibrant cover illustration that there would be humour. And there was. But there was so much more as the story catapults into the social and political events of the era and incorporates beautiful women, gangsters, folklaw, prostitution, prejudice, murders, mosquitoes, sharks, sunshine, hurricane, love, jealousy, greed, betrayal, loyalty and a Scottish ex Scotland Yard detective.
Starting with the simple discovery of the almost decapitated body of a woman found close to the blood splattered unconscious, drunken Hemingway, ex detective Emmet MacWein is asked by the charming Pauline, wife of the loutish author, to look into the killing in the hopes that someone else had committed the murder. As he does so, what had appeared to be a simple crime opens up into the revelation of profiteering and cruelty throughout the whole area with tentacles reaching even to the centre of government.
It takes a reader of considerable talent to convincingly perform such a vast storyline and Tim Campbell's narration was suitably impressive. Staying calm and measured throughout, he manages to give credible voice to all of the host of characters, each distinctive and with appropriate accent. Even his Scottish dialogue - and there is a lot of it as one of the foremost figures is from that country - is pretty good, in spite of being a notoriously difficult accent to emulate. His calm reading helps to.ground the sometimes frenetic action and make it all the more horrific in so doing. An excellent performance.
This is a book which will stay with me for a long time. Although set in a period some eighty years ago, the underlying themes are still as alive and true now as then and in this current period of troubles and people being forced to flee from their homes, we would all do well to remember what can develop from the uncaringness of others. My deep thanks to the right's holder who gifted me a copy of this amazing book, via Audiobook Boom. I have been enriched by it and recommend it to everyone
May 9, 2014
An excellent read by a talented crime writer and fellow native Floridian! Patrick Kendrick brings to life the true natural appeal of Key West on the pages of "Papa's Problem". Although I now live more than 3000 miles away from this eccentric little spot placed far out into the "west" side of the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of south Florida, I could feel myself there again as I read about Hemmingway's daily life on the island.
"Papa's Problem" is a fictional account of murder and events pertaining to the life of the "real" Papa Ernest Hemmingway. For those among us who may be history buff's and love a good slice of Americana, and don't mind a little fiction mixed in to make a good mystery, this is a great book with a nostalgic setting, in both the characters and the era.
"Papa's Problem" is a fictional account of murder and events pertaining to the life of the "real" Papa Ernest Hemmingway. For those among us who may be history buff's and love a good slice of Americana, and don't mind a little fiction mixed in to make a good mystery, this is a great book with a nostalgic setting, in both the characters and the era.
October 17, 2014
This book was given to me by a friend who is distantly related to the author. I wasn't sure what to expect and was pleasantly surprised. Papa is Ernest Hemingway though this is a work of fiction. The hero is a retired Scotland Yard inspector and he and Hemingway join forces to prove Hemingway was set up to look guilty of murder. There is a lot of action and the plot is solid. It was an enjoyable read and I did not have a problem with the portrayal of Hemingway as did many other reviewers. I have read other mysteries that incorporate famous people into the stories. It appears Mt Kendrick has written at least one other book which I will add to my "want to read" list.
January 22, 2017
Illegal Activities..
This book is filled with Suspense and Interesting well written characters which made it very very
difficult to put down.
The mystery in the story line kept me guessing until the very end.
I don't want to give anything away, so, I will just say that this book is a Good Read and
addition to anyone who enjoys a Mystery.
Tim Campbell did well with the narration as usual.
Note:
"This audio book was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review."
June 30, 2015
I guess my review didn't get on here. Pat I loved your 1st book. It was so good I couldn't put it down. When I got to the end I couldn't hardly wait till your next one. I know I am getting ahead of myself but your 2nd book, is just as awesome. I have an extra copy of Papas Problem, which I give out to give my family & freinds a taste of your work. I do believe you will be as famous as Stephen King, Patterson, etc. I know you will go far
July 16, 2013
I can't give this one more than a weak 2 stars for so many reasons. The biggest one being I find the whole premise uncomfortable. Use a fictional character to accuse of murder, not a real historical figure!!
June 28, 2017
About one of my favorite authors
I really enjoyed this book. Always loved Hemingway's stories and now to read one that involved him was really enjoyable. Well written and really believable.
I really enjoyed this book. Always loved Hemingway's stories and now to read one that involved him was really enjoyable. Well written and really believable.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews