MURDER AT A VINEYARD MANSION

Philip Craig and Tom Stechschulte are an ideal combo. Craig's characters and dialogue are outstanding, and Stechschulte knows how to build on a good thing. Retired cop J.W. Jackson can never resist becoming involved in the crimes on Martha's Vineyard. This is quite the opposite of the wishes of the local police. The longtime wealthy residents of the Vineyard are annoyed by the many ostentatious new homes being built, and "The Silencer" has taken it upon himself to destroy houses and auto stereo systems he deems too loud. Stechschulte's special skill is differen-tiating characters. He is particularly adept at female and children's voices; Bonzo, the drug-damaged simpleton, is also realistic. With its charming setting, this novel will appeal to mystery buffs and others. S.G.B. (c) AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC 04/ JAN 05]