Fork in the Road (Book) - 5/31/2026 8:16:37 PM
Bob Liter's AUGUST IS MURDER Nick Bancroft has made somebody upset, very upset. So far they have tried to kill him by torching the building where he lives, by shooting at him and who knows how or when they are going to try again. Nick, a journalist by trade, inherited both his top floor office and his detective agency and has found that he enjoys detective work even more than he does journalism. Bancroft finds himself having no home and possessing only his files, a small cat who lived in the building and came by for supper each day and the clothes he threw on when he realized the building was on fire. The generosity of Otto, tavern owner where Nick spends a lot of his time, comes to Nick's rescue by allowing the newly homeless fellow a place to spend the rest of the night. The day before the fire Bancroft had 'sort of' accepted a new client, Kathleen Cameron who claims to have received death threats. Bancroft, Kathleen, Otto and Maggie, the former secretary of the only other business in the burned-out structure find themselves drawn into an ever stranger, worsening web of intrigue, deceit and murder. Kathleen's husband is murdered, she is accused of the homicide, Maggie seethes with jealousy and Otto first gives up his tavern and then reopens it again. Underlying everything as Bancroft attempts to unravel this harrowing situation is 'The Club.' The machinations of several wealthy, powerful men who are 'the power behind the throne' in Central City, Illinois force both Nick and Kathleen to be evicted from their homes, Otto is threatened with having his tavern razed, Maggie is fired from her job. The situation appears bleak and nearly beyond repair. Writing in the first-person Bob Liter has produced a power packed novel which draws the reader into the story from the opening line and holds their attention right on to the surprising revelation concerning 'The Club,' and the conclusion of the tale. Reminiscent of Ellery Queen twists and turns in tandem with the throat clutch drama of William Manchee's Stan Turner mystery series, writer Liter has produced a mystery thriller of exciting dimensions. The narrative is peopled with fascinating, credible characters who interact with one another in understandable and plausible fashion. Liter's private detective is a gem, no suave, 'got it wrapped up in hours' investigator here. Bancroft is beset with many of the very same foibles as are the readers; it is that quality which make him seem so alive and so likeable. Liter has peopled his narrative with a group of entertaining characters ranging from the lively, nubile Kathleen to the powerful local cartel these are people you feel you almost know. The consternation voiced by Kathleen, Maggie's annoyance and Bancroft's befuddled dealings with the two women is both humorous and acceptable. Nick Bancroft is a tenacious detective, well able to ferret out the truth even as he stumbles in his dealings with attractive women. Writer Liter weaves a deft tale of murder, complicity and downright evil with a skill usually reserved for those who have been at the writing craft for a longer period. AUSGUST IS MURDER is the second in this collection of 5 books was published by Bancroft Mysteries, LLC, and Washington, Illinois resident Liter says books 3, 4 and 5 are also available on Amazon. AUGUST IS MURDER is a gripping narrative which appeals to the lover of good action-packed mystery thrillers.
Death Sting (Book) - 10/19/2020 4:33:43 PM
When private eye and freelance reporter Nick Bancroft heard about a young woman's death supposedly caused by bee stings he became suspicious. Even though he wasn't hired to investigate this case, he couldn't let it go. His decision to investigate led to attempts on his life as well as that of his girlfriend. All this made him more determined to find answers. Will he survive his latest case?
Nick is a well developed character. Even though he is often cynical, he is a man who
seeks justice and knows how follow a story. He is easy to like. His girlfriend and their cat would agree. There is much to like in this well written story. It is well plotted, moves quickly and has a satisfying ending. Filled with action and surprises, Death Sting is well worth reading. Highly recommended.
The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
August Is Murder (Book) - 9/21/2020 3:30:25 PM
I first met Nick Bancroft in Bob Liter's first book of the Nick Bancroft Mysteries series titled Murder by the Book. August is Murder is the second book in the Nick Bancroft Mysteries and can be read as a stand alone book. However, I really enjoyed Murder by the Book and I recommend reading it. In the opening of August is Murder we learn that someone is trying to kill Nick, who is both a private investigator and investigative reporter, by burning down the building he lives and works in. Could this have something to do with the elusive Kathleen who has tried to hire him for protection because she has received death threats? Faced with having to relocate, he reconnects with Maggie and their on and off relationship resumes for now. When Nick decides to investigate the threats Kathleen says she received two murders occur and his own life is threatened. Will he survive this case?
There is much that makes this a highly readable story. The one constant in Nick's life is his friend Otto and his sometimes affectionate and nameless cat. Both add warmth to the story. Well plotted, fast moving and engrossing, August is Murder is well worth reading. Highly recommended.
Murder by the Book (Book) - 8/15/2020 3:50:56 PM
Nick Bancroft has inherited a Private Investigator business. Along with it came an office,a room to sleep in, an attractive woman who works in the building and a cat. Even though he isn't a licensed PI and he doesn't have a permit to carry a gun, he is hired to investigate the murder of a young woman. There aren't many clues and while he is conducting his investigation a friend of the victim is murdered. In addition, Nick stumbles upon an unrelated mysterious set of circumstances. As a result, he meets some interesting and often puzzling characters All the while, his relationship with the cat deepens. Can he solve the murders and not become a victim himself?
Nick is well crafted character. He is believable and easy to like. His detective skills, as well as his kindness make him a special man. The secondary characters are a unique and varied group. They play an important in the narrative.
I found this to be a well crafted murder mystery. It is packed with action, danger and a fast moving plot. Highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
August Is Murder (Book) - 7/5/2020 4:46:04 PM
Nick Bancroft is confronted with the "bare" facts when Kathleen, a nudist who is receiving death threats wants to hire him for protection. Before Nick can even decide to take the case, his office/apartment is burned down and two murders take place. When Kathleen disappears, Nick feels obligated to at least earn his retainer that he now can't return, and begins looking for Kathleen, which we learn is not being completely forthcoming and honest with Nick, frustrating him and the case even further. Complicating matters even more is the reaction of Maggie, Nick's on again, off again "girlfriend" who, although she isn't looking for a serious relationship, becomes jealous of Nick's time with Kathleen. When Nick starts "digging up dirt" on the corrupt city counsel and making it public, Nick and all involved start getting fired and evicted, leaving them all at one point trying to live and function together as they sort circumstances out while Nick continues investigating the murders and protecting Kathleen. With proof building against the unethical behavior of government officials and illegal tax gouging, the danger builds up against Nick. "August is Murder" is another page turning Nick Bancroft mystery that keeps you on the edge of your seat. It's a great afternoon read that I couldn't put down. Bob Liter has an easy-flow writing style with a flare for mystery and drama that I always find entertaining. "August is Murder" has another excellent storyline that pulls you in from page one and keeps you reading until the end to find out the solution to the mystery. You can never go wrong with a Bob Liter book and this one is no different. A definite 10 stars. I highly recommend it!
Murder by the Book (Book) - 1/27/2020 11:40:09 AM
Nick Bancroft is a semi-retired reporter that has inherited a failing detective agency and sometimes finds himself "in over his head." When a dead body is discovered in a football stadium by a neighborhood bum Bancroft finds himself front and center after being hired by the deceased father. Bancroft begins utilizing the routine methods of investigation (asking questions) when a second murder takes place. The police are certain that the murders are related because the same "sex etiquette book" was left at each crime scene. Once again, Bancroft is "in over his head." The story-line is built around a cast of characters that add intrigue and humor to the plot, especially my favorite, the cat, Ruffles, who has his named changed later. "Murder By the Book" is a mystery with more twists and turns then a roller coaster. It is an easy-read that I completed in one sitting. The final outcome is a surprise, enough said...no spoiler alerts here. Bob Liter provides the reader with a wonderful short book that has all the ingredients of a great mystery to read on a lazy afternoon. I recommend you check-out "Murder By the Book." You won't be disappointed. I look forward to additional works in the "Nick Bancroft" series. Thumbs-up!
Fork in the Road (Short Story) - 2/20/2020 11:25:20 AM
Seems typical of small-town disputes. I like the banter and the additional description of the characters. Well written and interesting.
Ron
Fork in the Road (Short Story) - 2/16/2020 4:58:40 AM
I suppose most of both testimonies would be hearsay, since the snow had melted. Thus far, it's not a matter of life or death.
