The Singing Sleuth Meets His Matches (Book) - 6/5/2020 3:39:03 PM
Another fast-paced, easy read about Alec DunBarton, the singing sleuth who works aboard the cruise ship, Pegasus, along with his wife, Paige. Thinking nothing can go wrong on a cruise with a middle-aged group of harmless romance seekers searching for love called the "Cruisin' Singles," Alec settles in to do his normal, routine work instead of passing it off to his assistant as usual. Unfortunately, Alec isn't considering scammers and con artist until one of the members turns up dead, strangled with knitting yarn. Wanting to get to know the other group members, Alec and Paige pretend to be single to infiltrate the "Cruisin' Singles" which presents its own set of problems for the couple. Learning the deceased has a checkered past and isn't well liked, thickens the plot. Breaking into song often to clear his thoughts, Alec struggles to solve the case before the end of the cruise, "The Singing Sleuth Meets His Matches" is a wonderful, light-hearted mystery. It's a page-turner that I read in one setting. Another fun storyline by D.B. Barton that I highly recommend. I'm looking forward to reading more of "The Singing Sleuth" series. A definite thumbs up!
The Singing Sleuth Takes A Bow (Book) - 5/30/2020 2:58:12 PM
Alec and Paige DunBarton, both employees of Flagship Cruise Line are taking a complimentary trip, earned by Alec, and have James and Anne, Alec's parents traveling with them. The cruise takes place during the Halloween holiday and as soon as the vacation begins, Clarice Gardner, a self-professed witch is found dead in her suite, laying nude inside a circle marked with gemstones in what would be described as a ritualistic pattern. Alec, also known as the singing sleuth becomes involved. He is immediately surrounded by several suspects amidst all of Claire's co-workers that are also traveling guests upon the cruise. This is a group of interesting and unique cast of characters that all have a tie to Clarice. While visiting sights in Europe, Alec seeks to learn wife it was an accident, suicide or murder, and if so who was the culprit. No spoiler alerts here! "The Singing Sleuth Takes a Bow" is rich with well-written descriptions of wonderful scenery, fine dining, vivid characters and great dialogue. It is a fun, lighthearted, but compelling storyline that quickly engages the reader. It is an easy-read that I read in one setting. As a treat, D.B.Barton includes music and song lyrics from the 1960's that Alec was constantly singing. I enjoyed the easy writing style of Barton and look forward to reading more of "The Singing Sleuth's" series. A definite 10 out of 10. Highly recommend.
The Singing Sleuth Meets His Matches (Book) - 4/27/2020 9:22:00 AM
DB Barton's Singing Sleuth always catches his man or woman. Alec and Paige are married but the job demands sacrifices... they must pretend they are single again to catch a killer. The Cruisin Singles are having a good time aboard the Pegasus but one of their members has other plans. Alec has a tough job to do, to find the killer, but is it Jane or John Smith ,Jackie or Layla, Sean or Lonnie or Dawn, a romance writer. Alec Meets His Matches because finding a murderer is like looking for a needle in a haystack and time is not on his side.
DB Barton's The Singing Sleuth Meets His Matches Is a well-written fast paced quick read, 187 pages of enjoyable reading. Do you like music from the 70's and 80's? If so, you'll enjoy singing along with Alec as he croons to help himself think and organize his thoughts. Do you remember The Games People Play or Dancing in the Moonlight. I had to look up the songs in Youtube to recall the melodies as I sang along. If you enjoy taking quizzes you'll love taking the compatibility quiz at the end of the book.
Her covers are striking and memorable. This front cover screams READ ME. High-contrast colors make the front and the back covers very readable. Her font choice is very easy on the eyes. I promised myself I would read the book slower than the last one I read. Promises I guess are made to be broken because I read Meets His Matches in five days. DB Barton and an excellent writer and I love a good mystery. I can't wait to read more of the Singing Sleuth's exploits. DB, thanks for all the fun.
The Singing Sleuth Takes A Bow (Book) - 4/19/2020 12:07:51 PM
D.B. Barton's The Singing Sleuth Takes a Bow is a very well-written fast-paced mystery. Alec and Paige DunBarton both work for a prestigious cruise line, FCL. Paige is a consultant and Alec is the Chief Controller. Apparently, he is tasked with sniffing out troublemakers, thieves and even murderers. Alec, the Singing Sleuth, is very good at his job. And he always gets his man (or woman). After careful thought, Alec realized that the weirdoes that make up the sales team will not make his job an easy one.
I love a good mystery and The Singing Sleuth Takes a Bow certain met my high criteria. D.B.'s front cover art is striking, eye-catching and thematic (on the money). Her back cover is super easy to read with high-contrast white on black, just the way I like it. Her choice of font size and formatting makes the read easy on the eyes. No one should have to strain to read a good book.
I went on a cruise a few years ago and I had a lot of fun. The Pisces with its multiple decks, restaurants, theatres, bars and other eateries brought back a lot of memories. In fact, while reading, I was transported to the Lido Deck as I watched Psycho along with several other passengers. I noticed Alec and his family walking by and I waved; they looked over and smiled as they continued on. I dined at the Crown, Alec and Paige were sitting at the next table over but they were too busy whispering to notice me. I was on the bus touring Lisbon, sitting near the back. I was practically invisible.
This is my first D.B. Barton Sleuth novel and I assure you it won't be my last. Alec's love of 60's pop tunes made this book such a pleasure to read. Long Time Gone by Crosby and Undun by Bachman, my kind of music. It's been a long time since I read something like this. I guess I loved it because it only took me five days, a fast read for me. Keep writing D.B. Barton; your Sleuth series is top-notch!
The Singing Sleuth Meets His Matches (Book) - 4/4/2020 4:15:16 PM
In The Singing Sleuth Meets His Matches, Alec DunBarton and his wife Paige have received an unusual request. They both work on a cruise ship that will host a middle age group known as the Cruisin' Singles and they have been asked to watch over them. What sort of problem could there be with this group? The murder of one of their group is the sort of problem that happens.
The victim was not a warm and endearing character, but even so, a crime has been committed. Alec will do all he can to find the murderer before the end of the cruise, but this turns out to be easier said than done.
This is a well written novel that combines an interesting cast of characters and musical lyrics. It is well plotted and moves quickly. Highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Author's Den. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
The Singing Sleuth Takes A Bow (Book) - 3/5/2020 4:07:26 PM
As a reward for being a good employee Alec DunBarton was given a complimentary cruise. Accompanying him are his wife and his parents.
Among the rest of the passengers are a group of company sales staff. Day one of the cruise, Clarice Gardner, a witch, is found dead in her cabin. Was it due to suicide, accident or was she murdered? This might not be the vacation Alec had hoped for.
The author brings to readers a well written story populated with interesting and unique characters. Incorporated into the narrative are wonderful descriptions of European sights, dining experiences and the music of the 1960's.Highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Author's Den. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
