The Mandolin Case

by Tom Bibey

A southern country doctor finds himself in major trouble when his patient and best friend dies. Attacked by the widow who only sees dollars and her big city lawyer the case is lost until facts are dug up that prove otherwise. The story shows the value of loyal friends, bluegrass music and natural beauty in the search for truth.

332 pages, Paperback

First published May 25, 2010

Reviews

[Felix · Rating 4 out of 5]

For the past year and some, I have been following the blog of Doctor Tom Bibey, who lives in a small town in Eastern North Carolina. Babs and I met this gentleman at the last Conference on Southern Literature in Chattanooga in March 2009. He told us that his first novel was nearing completion, and he hoped to promote his book and pick up hints on writing by attending conferences such as the Chattanooga event.

Last week the book, The Mandolin Case, became available on Amazon, I ordered it and read it in a day and a half. The book is a medical/legal mystery involving a malpractice suit against an old country doctor. Most of the characters in the book are small town folk, and many of them play and listen to Bluegrass music. The central character, Indie Jenkins, the doctor being sued, plays the banjo. His young associate,Bones Robertson, plays the mandolin. You can tell the good guys from the bad guys in this book by whether or not they play and appreciate bluegrass music.

Characterization, plotting and down home dialogue are strongly presented here, and a mandolin does point the way to a resolution of the case. This is a warm book about mainly good people faced with unscrupulous apostles of greed.

Check out his blog, http://drtombibey.wordpress.com/

[Lantz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a excellent insight into teaching the reader of the humanity of all people and the need to be concerned about all people, no matter who they are. It also gave me insights in the healing properties of music to the human spirit. This is not at all a religious book, but boy it sure makes one think about life and the way they are living it.

This story is a great mystery that weaves in and out with twists an turns that you don't see coming but on reflection well prepared for and logical.

Sometimes when I read a novel I start thinking about what movie star will play the part in the movie. With this book the charactes are so real and alive, I found myself walking around in Wal-Mart to find the characthers that were alive in the book. And to my amazement I found evey one of the characters in the book -- several times.

This is a great fun summer read. I did not want it to end.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book just made me sad.