Death in Tahquitz Canyon

Rating:
Summary: May-December, Twenty-first Century
Review: Gene Moneymaker's first published novel is a delightful read and something of a surprise. The title leads one to expect a thriller who-dunnit. The book is that and something more. The protagonist is typically macho and two-fisted as well as sensitive and cerebral. He is neither a cop nor a private eye but a retired judge who turns 65 in the course of the novel. The original and fascinating aspect of the book is his relationship with four women ranging in age from his wife of thirty-some years down to a young mother who is young enough to be his granddaughter. The issues of mature sexuality and cross-generational relationships are explored deeply and sensitively. Another plus is the vivid descriptiveness of the weather, lifestyle, and geography of the greater Palm Springs desert area. Read it! Some will be angered but none will be bored or disappointed.

Rating:
Summary: May-December, Twenty-first Century
Review: Gene Moneymaker's first published novel is a delightful read and something of a surprise. The title leads one to expect a thriller who-dunnit. The book is that and something more. The protagonist is typically macho and two-fisted as well as sensitive and cerebral. He is neither a cop nor a private eye but a retired judge who turns 65 in the course of the novel. The original and fascinating aspect of the book is his relationship with four women ranging in age from his wife of thirty-some years down to a young mother who is young enough to be his granddaughter. The issues of mature sexuality and cross-generational relationships are explored deeply and sensitively. Another plus is the vivid descriptiveness of the weather, lifestyle, and geography of the greater Palm Springs desert area. Read it! Some will be angered but none will be bored or disappointed.

Rating:
Summary: You Can't Put Down This Book
Review: I enjoyed the book very much. The characters are so interesting that I wanted to know more about them. The story line is very suspenseful, with a double surprise ending. This is a 'must read' for anyone who loves suspense novels. I hope to see more of the Judge in other novels.

Rating:
Summary: Death in... kept me up all night... just had to finish it!
Review: Superb read! The plot starts early enough in the book to grab your attention and give you your money's worth of anticipation. The story has lots of local details; the author obviously knows the territory well. The Judge is particularly endearing, a real human being, gruff yet tender, combative at times, thoughtful and self-doubting at others. I enjoyed the many twists and turns in the story and couldn't wait to see what was coming next. I agree with a previous reviewer about the ending. Mr. Moneymaker keeps us in the dark until the very end of the book. If ever a book was made to be serialized, this is it, and I hope to see the Judge many more times in future mysteries. Death in Tahquitz Canyon just solved the mystery of Christmas gifts for me; it's perfect for some mystery readers on my Santa list. I loved the book. Keep 'em coming, please.

Rating:
Summary: I enjoyed it very much.
Review: This book is not only suspenseful, with interesting characters and intriguing plot turns, it captures certain new and encouraging developments in the life of today's aging male. As the story shows clearly, in this era of improved nutrition, enhanced medical care, and increasing life spans, getting older is by no means the dreadful thing it used to be.

Rating:
Summary: I enjoyed it very much.
Review: This book is not only suspenseful, with interesting characters and intriguing plot turns, it captures certain new and encouraging developments in the life of today's aging male. As the story shows clearly, in this era of improved nutrition, enhanced medical care, and increasing life spans, getting older is by no means the dreadful thing it used to be.

Rating:
Summary: Intriguing plot
Review: This mystery is clever and unique in that the protagonist is older than most. The author does a good job of portraying him as a sixty-year old while still making him intriquing and believable. The plot is captivating with many clever twists that kept me turning the pages. I would have preferred the hero to have been attracted to a woman more his age (and mine), but I doubt that male readers would agree with me. This is a good read for any mystery fan who likes a fast paced, catchy plot.

Rating:
Summary: Intriguing plot
Review: This mystery is clever and unique in that the protagonist is older than most. The author does a good job of portraying him as a sixty-year old while still making him intriquing and believable. The plot is captivating with many clever twists that kept me turning the pages. I would have preferred the hero to have been attracted to a woman more his age (and mine), but I doubt that male readers would agree with me. This is a good read for any mystery fan who likes a fast paced, catchy plot.