Naked death haunts Nick Bancroft as he gets deeper into a murderous mystery
When a sexy nudist hires him to protect her from whoever is threatening her life, Nick Bancroft becomes the target. Someone tries to burn him alive, beats the hell out of him and, since that didn't run him off, uses him for target practice. Meanwhile, two people are murdered, Nick's true love, Maggie Atley, is more than somewhat perturbed by his relationship with his client, and a mysterious club seems to hold the answer. Nick survives another losing season by his beloved Chicago Cubs, a vicious attack by a couple of huge dogs and eventually puts the finger on the bad guys. As novelist Eric George (Foreign Affairs) says, "Bob Liter paints lively characters and moves them through an exciting and original story. Nothing is predictable. We are not even completely sure who the bad guys are until the end. But you can be sure that you will keep turning the pages to find out.
Excerpt
"Excuse me for staring. I didn't know you'd be naked."
"What do you think?"
"I think I better sit down. My emotion is showing."
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Reviews for "August Is Murder"
Reviewed by E Harris
9/21/2020
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.
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!
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