Boomsters

by

David Marks

An absolute laugh riot of mystery, suspense, and that little bit of retirement reality.

Boomsters is a new mystery by debut author David Marks, himself a retiree who has spectacularly followed up on that common vow to someday write a book! The story grabbed me from the start with its humor, surprising, twisty plot, and underlying realism of what it can be like when retiring after a long and active career that mattered. 

When David Blazen retired, he and his girlfriend, Mary, who was doing the same, had a vague plan of spending quality time together and traveling. While she slips comfortably into her new life, David quickly finds himself at loose ends; he feels like their togetherness is peaking and soon discovers he can only spend so much time at his gym people-watching before someone complains he’s creepy. A creative mind with a knack for observation and deduction, a taste for the vintage PI television shows of his youth, and an ingrained belief in truth, justice, and the American way, he impulsively decides to become a private detective. Without any real preparation, he jumps in with both feet, eventually finding trouble with a capital “T.” 

David is engaging and likable, but the people who know him question his choices and sanity and are dragged along on his adventure. And for me, it was Blazen’s, or BLAZE’S, personable narrative, humorous delivery, and sparkling dialogue that really set it apart from the average mystery. I laughed out loud and couldn’t help compiling a mental list of friends I needed to share this with. 

His voice energizes the plot, as do the unforeseen twists and mounting suspense. The city of Chicago, its history, and its reputation for crime and criminal organizations provide the location for the story. The author’s descriptions are vivid and evocative, creating clear images of the settings, people, and actions. 

The book literally weighs in at over 500 pages, and I admit the length was daunting initially. However, once in the story, the pages flew by: I needed every page. So, don’t let its tome-like appearance intimidate you; like BLAZE, jump in with both feet. 

I recommend BOOMSTERS to readers of mystery, thrillers, and suspense, especially those who appreciate a lot of humor in their stories. 

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours.