Two things which kept me this week from spending time on a current novel I am trying to write were President Joe Biden’s inauguration and Margot Kinberg’s latest novel and the first in her new Patricia Stanley series, A Matter of Murder.
A man is dead in his car, slumped over the steering wheel. But who killed him? Ron Clemens is the last person you’d think would be murdered. His wife and son love him. His employees respect him. His business is doing well. His clients seek him out. But someone wanted him dead. The Clemens case is a golden opportunity for newly minted police detective Patricia Stanley to prove herself. It’s her first murder investigation, and she wants to do well. But it’s not going to be easy. For one thing, she has plenty to learn about handling a murder. And nearly everyone involved in this one is hiding something. Patricia faces her own challenges, too, as the investigation brings back the murder of an old love.
Margot Kinberg (also the author of the Joel William series) is very knowledgeable when it comes to crime fiction and, in particular, Agatha Christie. Go to her select month box in her crime-fictional website and click on any date. You are bound to find something on Christie.
In The Creative Brain (a very interesting documentary which I recently watched on Netflix written and produce by Dr David Eagleman based on the book: “The Runaway Species: How Human Creativity Remakes The World” by Anthony Brandt and David Eagleman.) there is a section by the Pulitzer Prize winner and much regarded novelist Michael Chabon: “I’m going to allow my knowledge of my predecessors and their work to inform and help shape what I’m doing not because I’m trying to copy them but because I know my unique experience is going to help me intervene to help produce a work that is not like its antecedents in some way.”
It A Matter of Murder Margot Kinberg uses motive as the driving force of her novel. Taking what she’s learnt from studying Christie, Margot Kinberg’s novel is a unique whodunit.
The main character, Patricia Stanley, a gay woman who is trying to juggle the difficulties which being a cop poses on her relationship along with her investigation in her first murder case, is a delightful character full of good intentions and many missteps. Besides being a whodunit, this is also a novel about how police go about investigating a murder. This investigation kept me reading way into the night. I was not only curious about finding who the murderer was but was also interested in the process of the investigation itself.
I have a feeling that we will hear more of Patricia Stanley and her side kick Luke Enders. I for one, hope so. This is a fun read with an interesting cast of characters.
Carol Balawyder 
Thank you so much, Carol! I’m very glad you enjoyed the novel, and I really appreciate your kind words. And yes, there will be more of Patricia!
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I really enjoyed your novel and was also surprised to find that you had another website as you were no longer on WordPress.
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This sounds interesting. Thanks for the recommendation!
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Always good to hear about new books on the market. Thanks, Carol, and congrats, Margot.
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Thanks for sharing, Carol. This sounds like a great read. My TBR gets bigger each time I get on social media. 🙂
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Oh my God, Jill. Talk to me about the TBR list. I just can’t catch up! Thanks for stopping by and commenting. xxx
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LOL! Either can I…but I keep adding to it! xo
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I can never resist a fun murder mystery!
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This book sounds like the perfect distraction from politics, Carol. Nice it was available!
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This one sounds like a winner, Carol. Thanks!
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Great review! You’ve really peaked my interest in Margot’s novel. And I do enjoy a good murder mystery 🙂
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Thanks for sharing this wonderful recommend and review for Margot’s book. I do enjoy that genre and your review so I’ll definitely check it out! Hugs ❤
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Superb review, Carol and I’m a huge fan of Christie books so this has me hooked already! I feel for Patricia ad think she has an enigma on her hands! Also, it was interesting to read your fascinating article about creativity and crime books! We always bring our ‘unique experience’ in our writing! Off to see if I find ‘The Creative Brain’ on Netflix!
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The Creative Brain is wonderful! I’m sure you’ll enjoy it, Annika. ❤
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Hello
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The first thought, which booms in my mind while reading through, How will Patricia Stanley deal with it? I am sure; this thread will be of great interest in this crime fiction. It must be there in my TBR. Thanks for sharing. Congrats, Carol and Margot!
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Thank you for your lovely comment, Rajesh. ❤
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Your Welcome, Carol! ❤
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That sounds really captivating, I like the idea of it being Patricia’s first murder case, which must always be daunting and especially as it’s going to be a complicated case.
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