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Rating: 
Summary: One too many
Review: Aside from milking Vineyard popularity in his rather dull series of mysteries, Craig does not fail to disappoint in this weakest of his offerings. Nothing much happens in this book, the murderer is fairly obvious, and Craig spoon-feeds us dribs and drabs of drama about as riveting as a bowl of mush. Cold mush. As one reviewer noted, there's just too much Zee adoration and Joshua junk. There is very little excitement. Like Martha's Vineyard after the tourists (finally!) go home. I gave this book two stars for the recipes that Craig thoughtfully includes with his stories. Now, if he would only publish his cookbook...
Rating: 
Summary: As good as ever, very atmospheric
Review: He did a tour in Nam and was a Boston cop before a bullet forced him to retire. Now, J.W. Jackson enjoys the slow pace of his new home on Martha's Vineyard where he can fish, catch crabs, and just relax. He is proud to be married to the beautiful Zee and loves his three month old son. When Hollywood decides to film a pirate's movie at the Vineyard, movie scout Barton Delwood enters J.W.'s life. Delwood makes no secret of his interest in Zee, forcing J.W. to control his growing need to beat the guy up. However, J.W. fails to contain his anger when he meets Lawrence Ingalls. He takes a public swing at the Environmental Protection Agent, who closed the beaches to all terrain vehicles in order to protect an endangered species of bird. The next time J.W. meets Lawrence, he finds the man dead. J.W. knows that he is prime suspect number one and in an election year, he could easily be swept away before the real killer is found. The knowledge and love that Phillip R. Craig feels for Martha's Vineyard can be felt on every page of A SHOOT ON MARTH'AS VINEYARD. Although this is the ninth entry in the series, the book retains an ocean freshness as each novel manages to renew the wonder of the land and its people. The story line is more of a mood piece with social issues playing a central role as opposed to an action thriller . The recurring characters are sharply drawn and clearly defined, which is superb for old fans as well as new readers who need to understand the players. This novel is a beautiful installment in a wondrous series that makes even murder seem like part of life's rhythms. Harriet Klausner
Rating:
Summary: Another delightful story from the Vineyard
Review: I have devoured each of Philip Craig's Vineyard mysteries with great enthusiasm, and this one was no exception. His folksy description of Vineyard life is as enjoyable as the story itself, as is his ongoing update of his character's family life. His writing is as refreshing as an offshore breeze, and I look forward to each new book with pleasure.
Rating: 
Summary: "Snooze" is right!
Review: Kirkus summarized this book with "a genial snooze". How true! While I, too, enjoy reading about Martha's Vineyard, I expect the sleuth to do some searching for clues, which is at a minimum here. The solution is offered at the end almost as an aside to tending Joshua and worshipping Zee. Craig's earlier books are a bit better; I won't read any future ones.
Rating: 
Summary: I'm almost afraid to say "I liked it!"
Review: The reviews of this simple little book are all over the map. The comments about "too much Zee / Joshua" are fair and I agree with them. This edition had a lot less fishing too, thank you very much. The plot was easy to follow and you probably won't be "guessing" until the end. But this series is designed for summer reading - a time when your mind should be on autopilot. That means, it should be easy. also, it should be fun and it should be atmospheric. I think Mr. Craig knows that and he has hit on a decent formula that he can use (milk?) until he runs completely out of ideas. I'm reading the series now because it's April and it's still snowing here in the NE. I could use a little Vineyard summer right now and the series continues to bring me back to one of the most beautiful places in the USA. I'll keep reading if he keeps writing because I know what I'm getting.
Rating:
Summary: I'm almost afraid to say "I liked it!"
Review: The reviews of this simple little book are all over the map. The comments about "too much Zee / Joshua" are fair and I agree with them. This edition had a lot less fishing too, thank you very much. The plot was easy to follow and you probably won't be "guessing" until the end. But this series is designed for summer reading - a time when your mind should be on autopilot. That means, it should be easy. also, it should be fun and it should be atmospheric. I think Mr. Craig knows that and he has hit on a decent formula that he can use (milk?) until he runs completely out of ideas. I'm reading the series now because it's April and it's still snowing here in the NE. I could use a little Vineyard summer right now and the series continues to bring me back to one of the most beautiful places in the USA. I'll keep reading if he keeps writing because I know what I'm getting.
Rating:
Summary: Another delightful story from the Vineyard
Review: These J.W. Jackson books can be read for the atmosphere alone. You get wonderful descriptions of Martha's Vineyard, not to mention great food along with some recipes. I'm dying to try Blue Fish Pate. The only problem I have with these books is that it is tiresome to read about how beautful Zee, the wife, is. This goddess is just too perfect and it's boring to be constantly reminded about all her glory, but this is something not unique as Robert Parker's description of Susan Silverman and all her beauty has irked me for years, but I still love Spencer so I still can enjoy these Vineyard books.
Rating:
Summary: Can't Beat the Ambience
Review: These J.W. Jackson books can be read for the atmosphere alone. You get wonderful descriptions of Martha's Vineyard, not to mention great food along with some recipes. I'm dying to try Blue Fish Pate. The only problem I have with these books is that it is tiresome to read about how beautful Zee, the wife, is. This goddess is just too perfect and it's boring to be constantly reminded about all her glory, but this is something not unique as Robert Parker's description of Susan Silverman and all her beauty has irked me for years, but I still love Spencer so I still can enjoy these Vineyard books.
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