by Don BrunsHardcover: 264 pages
Publisher: Oceanview Publishing (March 1, 2009)
Publisher: Oceanview Publishing (March 1, 2009)
Genre: Mystery
Rating: 4/5
For rock and roll writer Mick Sever, another story, another deadly island paradise is all in a day's work. This time, Mick heads to Nassau, Bahamas, home of the legendary Highland Studio.
Known for pumping out hits that burn up the charts, Highland is where the magic happens-or rather, where the magic happened until a devastating fire destroyed the entire studio. No one knows how the fire started, who started it-or whose body was found among the charred ruins.
Sent to get the inside story on the opening of the new Highland Studio, Mick finds this is hardly the Phoenix-rising-out-of-the-ashes story he expected. Some say the studio's haunted, some say it's cursed, but one thing is for sure: someone-or something-wants to stop the music.
A smashed guitar and erased tracks send a subtle warning, but murder? That's an entirely different tune. If Mick doesn't act fast, Highland Studio, along with everything and everyone in its path, could go up in smoke.It's not always better to burn out than to fade away.
I know I've mentioned before that I don't usually like to start a series anywhere but at the beginning, but Bahama Burnout sounded so different and fun that I made an exception.
Sever is a fun character and I liked the fact that he wasn't the usual PI or cop. It was a refreshing change to have a main character that wasn't in law enforcement. He never looked for trouble, but often found himself right in the middle of the action.
My one complaint about Sever is that I never felt like I really got to know him, but some of this could be from coming in to the middle of the series. There were some characters from earlier books mentioned, but this didn't overpower the story if you weren't familiar with them, as I wasn't. The supporting characters were original and fun and really added to the story.
I have to admit, at first I wasn't thrilled with the ending. Once I mulled it over, I realized it worked. I'm not a fan of mysteries where things come together a little too neatly, and if Bahama Burnout had ended differently it would have been a stretch.
I am looking forward to following Sever on more of his rock and roll adventures. 4 stars
Bahama Burnout book tour participants
Giveaway:
Don Bruns is giving away a signed copy of his book, Bahama Burnout, to one lucky tour visitor.
Go to Don’s book tour page, http://don-bruns.omnimystery.com/, enter your name, e-mail address, and this PIN, 6695, for your chance to win.
Entries from Shhh, I'm Reading will be accepted until 12:00 Noon (PT) tomorrow. No purchase is required to enter or to win. The winner (first name only) will be announced on Don’s book tour page next week
About the Author:
Don Bruns is a musician, songwriter, advertising executive and award-winning novelist.
Bruns is the author of Jamaica Blue, Barbados Heat, South Beach Shakedown, St. Barts Breakdown and the forthcoming Bahama Burnout, a mystery series featuring rock and roll journalist Mick Sever. Bruns is also the author of Stuff to Die For and Stuff Dreams Are Made Of.
Bruns has also authored several short stories and served as editor of the anthology, A Merry Band of Murderers, which reached #5 on the Independent Mystery Bestsellers List in 2006. He is also a frequent contributor to The Little Blog of Murder.
A former road musician who traveled and performed throughout the US with major entertainment acts, Don Bruns recently released a CD of original songs called Last Flight Out, and performed two original songs at the 2004 Edgar Awards ceremonies.
Don Bruns divides his time between Ohio and South Florida. His website is DonBrunsBooks.com.
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5 comments:
Thanks for the review! I've posted this on Win A Book.
Interesting review. I was hesitant as well starting in the middle of a series. It's always great when a book can stand on it's own while still being part of a series. Thanks for sharing!!
I reviewed this, too -- it was my second book from Mr. Bruns and yes, we didn't get to see as much of Mick in this one. Don't despair. He's cool.
I'm slowly picking up the books I've missed out on in this series. I'm digging it.
I like to start a series at the beginning as well. This is a case where I made an exception as well. I liked the fact that there were some open questions at the end - things for the reader to fill in.
Sometimes I read a book and I like the "sleuth". In this case I do not think the sleuth makes the book. But the story makes the book. Good reading!!! And "It's All About Reading!!!"
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