Philip R. Craig wrote a very popular series of novels set on Martha’s Vineyard and this mystery is Book 12 of 19 in Craig’s Martha’s Vineyard Mystery Series. Vineyard Enigma is narrated by retired policeman J. W. Jackson. Jackson finds himself involved in a search for two ancient soapstone eagles that are collector’s items from Africa. Since Martha’s Vineyard is home to rich art collectors, there’s a very good chance the stone eagles are nearby.
Then a corpse is found without a head (dubbed “The Headless Horseman”). And J. W. Jackson finds the body of an art dealer. Someone takes a shot at J. W. (but fortunately for the series, they miss). If you’re in the mood for a mystery with lovely local scenery and intelligent detection, I recommend this volume in Philip R. Craig’s Martha’s Vineyard series. Perfect book for the beach! GRADE: B
I agree. They’re not deep, but they’re like candy or potato chips. They’re addictive in the right mood. Someone (can’t remember who) recommended them, I tried the first one, and ended up reading the whole series in order. It’s the setting that gets you rather than the characters, I think. The whole “beach town at the end of the continent” thing. I even read his collaborations with William Tapply, bringing the latter’s Brady Coyne to Martha’s Vineyard.
Jeff, your potato chip analogy is right on the money. The Martha’s Vineyard series is the literary equivalent of comfort food.
I am in the mood for Martha’s Vineyard itself.
Patti, our Cape Cod vacation a few years ago was fabulous.
I remember reading some of them and enjoying them, but for some reason (maybe too many others more favored) never followed the series completly.
Maggie, I found the Martha’s Vineyard series pleasant, but not essential.