A Leprechaun’s Lament reveiwed by Jennifer Kimble for US Review of Books

Mar 28, 2013 by

Those who some see as the worst, are heroes to their families and the people they represent. Those seen as the best by others, are monsters to the people they oppose.

When routine Homeland Security funded background checks of all police department civilans take a mysterious turn, Sam Jenkins finds himself caught up in a case the likes of which he thought he hasn’t seen since trading his New York detective badge for the simple life of Prospect Tennessee Police Chief. Finding one of his investigated employees murdered execution style shakes the small police department to its core, thrusting the two newly appointed sergeants into investigative police work unseen by them before. Finding dead end after dead end in their search to uncover the real identity of someone they had unquestionably worked side by side with for over 30 years is only the beginning of their problems.

The author has created quite the character in Sam Jenkins. His raw wit, flirtatious style, and penchant for police work make him someone the reader wants to hear more from. Obviously well-experienced in law enforcement, the author brings intrigue backed by accurate detail to make this a must-read for any crime/mystery lover. The small-town setting of Prospect, TN is the perfect backdrop to introduce Sam Jenkins, as he attempts to adjust to southern life filled with sweet tea, a narcissistic mayor, and a department full of good ole’ boy policemen and women who have likely seen little more than moonshiners and fender-benders in their careers. Twist after twist and the introduction of a little IRA revenge makes this one a page-turner. It’s a Sam Jenkins mystery, which is a good thing because it means there are more in the series to keep us in the trenches with Jenkins.

“AN INGENIOUS, SUSPENSEFUL MURDER MYSTERY!”

Award-Winning Author Wayne Zurl delivers another Masterpiece in the Sam Jenkins Mysteries, made for the Big Screen. The main character who we all grew fond of, known as Chief of Police for Prospect is on another case. This was supposed to be a routine investigation of the civilians who work within the department. To Sam’s surprise, the expected and simple becomes the unexpected and complicated.

The drama begins when Murray McGuire is found dead, appearing to be executed. The drama becomes intense when Sam finds a British passport for Murray, and after Sam calls in different helpers to fit the pieces to the puzzle, the drama becomes explosive. Is the murder an act of revenge, and will the suspect be an international killer? The FBI, CIA, and British Intelligence spices up the compelling story.

A beautiful woman, [his dog] Bitsey, and Sam’s unique personality brings more interest to the story, making it more enjoyable.

“A LEPRECHAUN’S LAMENT” ratchets up the tension as much as it does in REVENGE, is as electrifying as NO WAY OUT, and is as entertaining as THE DEPARTED. Highly recommended for all mystery lovers who enjoy thrilling crime stories.

This gem aims to please!

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A Leprechaun’s Lament

Mar 25, 2013 by

A Leprechaun’s Lament

leprechaun-coverA new full-length Sam Jenkins mystery

A stipulation of the Patriot Act gave Chief Sam Jenkins an easy job; investigate all the civilians working for the Prospect Police Department. But what looked like a routine chore to the gritty ex-New York detective, turned into a nightmare. Preliminary inquiries reveal a middle-aged employee didn’t exist prior to 1975.

Murray McGuire spent the second half of his life repairing office equipment for the small city of Prospect, Tennessee, but the police can’t find a trace of the first half.

After uncovering nothing but dead ends during the background investigation and frustrations running at flood level, Jenkins finds his subject lying face down in a Smoky Mountain creek bed—murdered assassination-style.

By calling in favors from old friends and new acquaintances, the chief enlists help from a local FBI agent, a deputy director of the CIA, British intelligence services, and the Irish Garda to learn the man’s real identity and uncover the trail of an international killer seeking revenge in the Great Smoky Mountains.

Available in hardcover, paperback & eBook formats

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Read An Excerpt

I think about the little guy often. Murray McGuire looked like a leprechaun. He played darts like a pub champion and drank stout like a soccer star. If you worked for the city of Prospect and found problems with a piece of office equipment, Murray would work tirelessly to remedy your troubles.

But after I interviewed him for thirty minutes, I could have cheerfully strangled the little bastard.

Thanks to Murray, I’ll always look over my shoulder with a modicum of trepidation. I have dreams about a beautiful redhead I could do without. And I remember an incident best forgotten every time I see a turkey buzzard.

For days I thought of Murray as the man who didn’t exist.

 

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