Jerome Doolittle (1933–2023)

There's never an unneeded word in Jerome Doolittle's novels, but one doesn't feel enough isn't said. Characters, especially Tom Bethany, of course, you like, and if they are villains there is no question you hate them as all villains should be hated. The plot pulls you along, while the characters blossom in who they are, grow real in their interactions, and never disappoint and as page after page moves before your eyes and then you reach the always satisfying although frequently one you show more wouldn't quite have guessed, end and you take a big sigh and look around for Tom Bethany's next adventure. show less

I'm really getting addicted to these Tom Bethany mysteries. The tone is perfect and the plot is very satisfying - kind of things you want to see happen to bad guys but rarely really do.

Alas, Kill Story looks like it might be the last of the Tom Bethany series. It also may be the best but the rest shouldn't be missed either. Tom Bethany is his own man who's stories turn into mysteries in and around mainly Boston. All of Doolittle's characters deserve series of their own - maybe some enlightened publisher (is that an oxymoron?) will discover this - I only hope so.

Another GREAT Tom Bethany mystery - has one of the funniest lines I've read recently.