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A Mystery by the Numbers #2
A Killer Column
After puzzle columnist Savannah Stone's editor is found stabbed to death, the police look at her as the prime suspect. But Savannah knows she wasn't the only puzzle-maker to cross words with the victim.
274 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 2, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
July 20, 2011
A Killer Column is the second book in this wonderful series by Casey Mayes(Tim Myers).
Savannah Stone is packing so she can head to Raliegh to meet with her syndicator, Derrick, on an important matter. Her dealings with Derrick haven't always been pleasant. This meeting ends up being being one of those times. Before she leaves the meeting she slaps his face leaving a lasting hand print on his cheek and in front of his assistant too. After cooling down she returns to try and patch things up, only to return to find Derric with a steak knife in his back. As she is looking at Derrick and the area around him the assistant returns. Needless to say, Savannah becomes the prime suspect. She calls her college friend, Jenny, who is now a lawyer and asks her to meet her at the police station. Soon her husband Zach, retire police chief of Charlotte, NC, arrives. With the help of Zach, whose reputation is well known, and Jenny, they are able to convince Dectective Murphy that is a long list of possible suspects.
Soon they are off to begin there own investigation of two other writers for Derrick, who also had a stormy meeting with Derrick, and Derrick's assistant who has now taken over his business. Then throw in Derrick's widow who he has been cheating on. So Savannah, Jenny and Zach have a lot of angles to cover before they find the killer.
In addition to this, Jenny has had very disturbuting notes left at her house. So they have two mysteries to investigate.
A very enjoyable read and recommend it highly
Savannah Stone is packing so she can head to Raliegh to meet with her syndicator, Derrick, on an important matter. Her dealings with Derrick haven't always been pleasant. This meeting ends up being being one of those times. Before she leaves the meeting she slaps his face leaving a lasting hand print on his cheek and in front of his assistant too. After cooling down she returns to try and patch things up, only to return to find Derric with a steak knife in his back. As she is looking at Derrick and the area around him the assistant returns. Needless to say, Savannah becomes the prime suspect. She calls her college friend, Jenny, who is now a lawyer and asks her to meet her at the police station. Soon her husband Zach, retire police chief of Charlotte, NC, arrives. With the help of Zach, whose reputation is well known, and Jenny, they are able to convince Dectective Murphy that is a long list of possible suspects.
Soon they are off to begin there own investigation of two other writers for Derrick, who also had a stormy meeting with Derrick, and Derrick's assistant who has now taken over his business. Then throw in Derrick's widow who he has been cheating on. So Savannah, Jenny and Zach have a lot of angles to cover before they find the killer.
In addition to this, Jenny has had very disturbuting notes left at her house. So they have two mysteries to investigate.
A very enjoyable read and recommend it highly
February 1, 2012
This started out just fine. I was enjoying the relationship of lead character Savannah Stone and her husband Zach. There seems to be a true caring and understanding between the two and they work well together. Zach is a retired police chief, while Savannah creates number puzzles for the newspaper. She becomes the chief suspect in the murder of her editor, so I understand her original need to try to do some investigating. Her husband seems to develop a good relationship with the lead detective on the case, even though he has no jurisdiction.
However, about midway through the book, it seems that Savannah losses control and no one else can control her, not even her husband. He doesn’t even seem to want to get her under control – I don’t understand it at all. She goes off interrogating all the other suspects and practically demands answers, even though she has no authority whatsoever. She is just a big busy body. Why the other characters answer her questions is beyond me; except for the fact that there wouldn’t be much of a book if they told her to go pound sand, like they should.
Then, she and her husband set us a trap for the killer, but he leaves her alone, when he gets a call from the official detective who tells him he is going to make an arrest. He does come back when he realizes that he left his wife in a precarious situation; however, where was his head to begin with? As cop, why would he even leave her in the trap they set up? It’s total lunacy.
Turned out to be a big disappointment.
However, about midway through the book, it seems that Savannah losses control and no one else can control her, not even her husband. He doesn’t even seem to want to get her under control – I don’t understand it at all. She goes off interrogating all the other suspects and practically demands answers, even though she has no authority whatsoever. She is just a big busy body. Why the other characters answer her questions is beyond me; except for the fact that there wouldn’t be much of a book if they told her to go pound sand, like they should.
Then, she and her husband set us a trap for the killer, but he leaves her alone, when he gets a call from the official detective who tells him he is going to make an arrest. He does come back when he realizes that he left his wife in a precarious situation; however, where was his head to begin with? As cop, why would he even leave her in the trap they set up? It’s total lunacy.
Turned out to be a big disappointment.
December 28, 2011
This modern day murder mystery series is reminiscent of a favorite movie series of mine, "The Thin Man" with Myrna Loy and William Powell. Why? Because of the love between the couple that is tangible and the clever and witty dialog that is exchanged. It only misses the dog, Asta.
Savannah Stone is a crossword puzzle maker of some renown. Her husband, Zach is a retired Police Chief. They reside in North Carolina and this series has the state's delightful flavor throughout.
Savannah is summoned for a meeting with her syndicator and editor. He is his usual nasty self and fires Savannah with glee after an acrimonious encounter. Savannah, knowing that she will not be able to sell her puzzles for five years due to a horrible contract clause, thinks it over and heads back to apologize. She is shocked when she finds the Editor stabbed to death with a steak knife.
Suspects? All too many. It is up to Savannah, Zach, and Savannah's best friend, luckily, an attorney as well, Jenny to solve the crime and get Savannah off the list.
Jenny also has an on-going problem that requires the couple's help.
This was a quick-paced, easy to read, enjoyable mystery. Now I have to await the next volume in the series.
Savannah Stone is a crossword puzzle maker of some renown. Her husband, Zach is a retired Police Chief. They reside in North Carolina and this series has the state's delightful flavor throughout.
Savannah is summoned for a meeting with her syndicator and editor. He is his usual nasty self and fires Savannah with glee after an acrimonious encounter. Savannah, knowing that she will not be able to sell her puzzles for five years due to a horrible contract clause, thinks it over and heads back to apologize. She is shocked when she finds the Editor stabbed to death with a steak knife.
Suspects? All too many. It is up to Savannah, Zach, and Savannah's best friend, luckily, an attorney as well, Jenny to solve the crime and get Savannah off the list.
Jenny also has an on-going problem that requires the couple's help.
This was a quick-paced, easy to read, enjoyable mystery. Now I have to await the next volume in the series.
November 13, 2019
Very enjoyable read.
January 16, 2016
Savannah Stone, math puzzle master extraordinaire, and her husband retired police chief Zach are into it up their eyeballs again.
Savannah has gone to Raleigh to meet with Derrick Duncan, her puzzle editor and syndicator. The only part of the trip she is looking forward to is seeing old college roommate Jenny Blake. She really would like to be able to free herself of the contract she has with Derrick. He definitely would make the list of worst bosses ever, but she has adapted to handling him and besides the contract is airtight.
As she arrives for her meeting, another columnist is storming out of the conference room, another is waiting on a bench outside clearly nervous. Savannah thought this was a routine meeting. She is quite surprised when Derrick notifies her they will be no longer working together. He has sold her contract to another syndicate. She doesn't take the news well and unfortunately her reaction was seen by others.
After she leaves and cools down she decides to go back and try to salvage her career. She is too late, someone took the news worse than her. Derick is dead and she is caught by security standing by the body. She knows she didn't do it so with the help of Zach and Jenny she is determined to find out who subtracted Derrick from the population.
I have fallen hard for Savannah and Zach. Their marriage and relationship in general shows how the truly compliment each other. Savannah can fly off the handle or rush head first but Zach is there calm and cool and settles her down and makes her think things through. She also helps him open his eyes to little things he is missing too. They make a really great team.
There is also a subplot featuring Jenny that adds real dimension to the story. All three of the main characters in this story are very strong and it is nice to read a story like this. Even the police involved realize who they are dealing with and work with instead of against them.
I also have to say I will not miss Derrick one bit. If I could have jumped into the pages, I would have been a prime suspect. With that being said I am curious to see how the couple moves forward, who will be the next victim? Who will be the subject of the next mystery? At the moment I am puzzled but trust the author will tempt me with their next Mystery By The Numbers.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Berkley Prime, A Division of Penguin Publishing in exchange for an honest review. The opinions stated are entirely my own. I am stating this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR part 255. "Guides Concerning Use of Endorsement and Testimonials in Advertising"
Savannah has gone to Raleigh to meet with Derrick Duncan, her puzzle editor and syndicator. The only part of the trip she is looking forward to is seeing old college roommate Jenny Blake. She really would like to be able to free herself of the contract she has with Derrick. He definitely would make the list of worst bosses ever, but she has adapted to handling him and besides the contract is airtight.
As she arrives for her meeting, another columnist is storming out of the conference room, another is waiting on a bench outside clearly nervous. Savannah thought this was a routine meeting. She is quite surprised when Derrick notifies her they will be no longer working together. He has sold her contract to another syndicate. She doesn't take the news well and unfortunately her reaction was seen by others.
After she leaves and cools down she decides to go back and try to salvage her career. She is too late, someone took the news worse than her. Derick is dead and she is caught by security standing by the body. She knows she didn't do it so with the help of Zach and Jenny she is determined to find out who subtracted Derrick from the population.
I have fallen hard for Savannah and Zach. Their marriage and relationship in general shows how the truly compliment each other. Savannah can fly off the handle or rush head first but Zach is there calm and cool and settles her down and makes her think things through. She also helps him open his eyes to little things he is missing too. They make a really great team.
There is also a subplot featuring Jenny that adds real dimension to the story. All three of the main characters in this story are very strong and it is nice to read a story like this. Even the police involved realize who they are dealing with and work with instead of against them.
I also have to say I will not miss Derrick one bit. If I could have jumped into the pages, I would have been a prime suspect. With that being said I am curious to see how the couple moves forward, who will be the next victim? Who will be the subject of the next mystery? At the moment I am puzzled but trust the author will tempt me with their next Mystery By The Numbers.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Berkley Prime, A Division of Penguin Publishing in exchange for an honest review. The opinions stated are entirely my own. I am stating this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR part 255. "Guides Concerning Use of Endorsement and Testimonials in Advertising"
December 19, 2014
This book may appeal to some people more than it did to me.
A puzzle creator Savannah Stone is at the centre of turmoil after the man who syndicated her column, and several other columnists, decides to get tough with everyone and look for changes or threaten to fire them. As he made them all sign non-compete contracts they could not sell puzzles anywhere else for five years. After calling everyone for separate interviews in a hotel room he is found - by our protagonist, at the end of the day - dead with a knife in his back.
There are no gory details about blood spatter or the wound but clearly our heroine has to face serious investigation. Luckily for Savannah, her college room-mate and good friend is a lawyer in this town. Also luckily her husband took early retirement from the police after an injury.
The list of suspects is about half a dozen, including women who inexplicably loved the bossy guy, and other puzzle creators. To add to the turmoil, Savannah's lawyer friend has been receiving stalking-type notes at home and she is nervous and needs some security.
I was fine with the story and characters but a great deal of the action took place in one hotel or another, which seemed to be uninspired. I found myself unable to concentrate on details but the author had got locked in to the settings because almost everyone was staying in hotels. I preferred the few outdoor locations.
Puzzles are referred to with infrequency, though we learn a little about the business of selling them. I cannot believe that two hours are required for anyone to create the few arithmetic puzzles provided at the back of the book.
A puzzle creator Savannah Stone is at the centre of turmoil after the man who syndicated her column, and several other columnists, decides to get tough with everyone and look for changes or threaten to fire them. As he made them all sign non-compete contracts they could not sell puzzles anywhere else for five years. After calling everyone for separate interviews in a hotel room he is found - by our protagonist, at the end of the day - dead with a knife in his back.
There are no gory details about blood spatter or the wound but clearly our heroine has to face serious investigation. Luckily for Savannah, her college room-mate and good friend is a lawyer in this town. Also luckily her husband took early retirement from the police after an injury.
The list of suspects is about half a dozen, including women who inexplicably loved the bossy guy, and other puzzle creators. To add to the turmoil, Savannah's lawyer friend has been receiving stalking-type notes at home and she is nervous and needs some security.
I was fine with the story and characters but a great deal of the action took place in one hotel or another, which seemed to be uninspired. I found myself unable to concentrate on details but the author had got locked in to the settings because almost everyone was staying in hotels. I preferred the few outdoor locations.
Puzzles are referred to with infrequency, though we learn a little about the business of selling them. I cannot believe that two hours are required for anyone to create the few arithmetic puzzles provided at the back of the book.
July 30, 2014
I bought this book based on the generally positive comments here on goodreads and elsewhere, not realizing this isn't really an "adult" mystery. I assume that this book is really targeted towards tweens. The reading comprehension required is probably at a grade 6 level, or so.
This would be a good choice for youngsters who enjoy reading mysteries but have outgrown the hardy boys / nancy drew and want to read something (very) slightly more grown-up.
This would be a good choice for youngsters who enjoy reading mysteries but have outgrown the hardy boys / nancy drew and want to read something (very) slightly more grown-up.
September 22, 2011
Second in a series - husband is retired cop and wife creates puzzles. Good team and nice friends and family. I enjoy these books and the puzzles at the end are a little treat. Setting is NC and scenery is a nice addition.
September 13, 2011
Savannah was kind of annoying in this one.
September 10, 2016
I love this author's (Tim Myers) mysteries regardless of the pseudonym. Read and enjoy!
May 10, 2012
Good book, not one swear word. Nice for a change!
January 23, 2013
I do very much enjoy this series - already looking forward to the next one.
March 23, 2013
Booorrriiinnnnggggg! Didn't even finish it. Too many story lines- none of which have anything to do with eachother. Charecters are weak and unbelievable.
August 27, 2013
Good enough for what it was.
April 2, 2016
My Rating System:
* couldn't finish, ** wouldn't recommend, *** would recommend, **** would read again, ***** have read again.
* couldn't finish, ** wouldn't recommend, *** would recommend, **** would read again, ***** have read again.
December 5, 2015
Really enjoy these characters and engaging plots
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews