Grand Delusion: A Jacob Burns Mystery (Jacob Burns Mysteries)

Rating:
Summary: Grand Delusion
Review: A funny, fast paced mystery. This book is even better than the first, which was great. It is a very engaging read and quick to finish. Perfect for the beach or a long airplane ride. The story moves along quickly which makes it a challenge to second guess the main character and fun to not have to wait too long to find out who done it!

Rating:
Summary: Nonstop hilarity & good fun
Review: Hey, thanks Matt, for another hilarious episode in the life of the now-well-off, but still neurotic Jacob Burns . This book was much funnier than the first and well worth the long wait.

The plot runs fast and straight forward. All the characters, whether you hate them or love them, are colorful and interesting. The rapport between Jacob and Tony is great. Can't wait to see them in November.

Rating:
Summary: Grand Delusion
Review: I enjoyed Grand Delusion as much as I enjoyed the first book in this series, Breakfast at Madeline's - and that's saying something. Witten deftly balances suspense with humor. This is a twisty, satisfying mystery with entertaining and very real characters.

Rating:
Summary: A grand read by a new author who shows much talent
Review: Jacob is wealthy, has a nice Saratoga Springs home, a loving wife and two adoring children. Unfortunately, Jacob has the knack of becoming involved in homicides, but this time the police believe he is the killer of crooked cop Pop Doyle. Everyone knows the connection between Jacob and Pop because they exchanged harsh words and blows in a public brawl. When Jacob hears a noise outside his home, he goes to investigate it. He sees Pop bleeding from a bullet wound.

The police arrest Jake, who spends a fortune on a top criminal lawyer and on bail. Jacob does not trust the local law enforcement group and decides to do his own sleuthing. When a neighbor is killed just after Jake conducts an interview, the police suspect him as the killer again. Jake knows the pressure is mounting for him to uncover the identity of the real culprit rather soon or he will spend the rest of his life behind bars.

Matt Witten is a rarity among mystery writers because he has the ability to effectively use humor to help move his story line forward. Jake uses jokes, slapstick, and puns to cope with a heartless legal system that seeks closure not justice. Readers will enjoy yet believe his self-effacing attempts to ease his personal pressure through wit. The Saratoga Springs police department appears as a corrupt version of the Keystone Cops, adding a dark comic dimension fostered as a veil by the villains to hide their grand illusion. Mr. Witten lives up to his name with a witty amateur sleuth legal thriller.

Harriet Klausner

Rating:
Summary: Loved It!
Review: Witten's huge talent for storytelling makes this a one-sitting read. He reveals information at just the right time in just the right order to keep us reading... and guessing. Filled with memorable and original characters. A great second installment in what I hope will be a long-running series.