BART Book: Dead in Vineyard Sand

Dead in Vineyard Sand
Philip R. Craig, 2006
latest in the J.W. Jackson Martha's Vineyard series
www.philiprcraig.com

Former Boston cop J.W. Jackson isn't supposed to get involved in any murder investigations in his laid-back life on Martha's Vineyard but when he's persuaded to play a round of golf and discovers a body in a sand trap he just can't help himself. Especially since he had an altercation with the deceased in the fish market not long before and with a possible sighting of his banged-up old pick-up he quickly becomes everyone's favorite suspect. Where does J.W. and this latest murder fit in the controversy between golfers, cyclists and long-time island residents? He's never shy about telling you his opinions which is a great reason to read these mysteries.

But it's not all murder and mayhem. There's plenty of Vineyard fun in the sun -- swimming, clamming and sunning with his wife and family. While he's not investigating or thinking about the case, he's planning and building a rope bridge off the backyard treehouse with his two kids who, along with J.W., are big Tarzan fans. I only wish the author had included a diagram so we could see how it was constructed.

Favorite part: I always love it when J.W. goes to the library, and I adore any scene with his kids.
Least favorite part: What's not to like about the Vineyard series? This book is just more of the same.

Next BART Book: Shark Island by Joan Druett
Previous Book: Danse Macabre by Laurell K. Hamilton

Books on the Shelf:
The Art of Detection, Laurie R. King
Magic or Madness, Justine Larbalestier
Luck in the Shadows, Lynn Flewelling
Site Unseen, Dana Cameron
Virgin Earth, Philippa Gregory
Out of Circulation, Jo Dereske