Reviews

“Terrific series, depicts the jazz scene graphically with down-to-earth characters and situations…exceptionally intelligent.” Carol Sloane, jazz singer, SLOANEVIEW blog, carolsloane.com

 

Los Angeles Jazz Scene,  February, 2016

JAZZ AROUND TOWN
by Scott Yanow

 

Joan Merrill has thus far written five Casey McKie mystery books. Her novels feature a female jazz-loving detective who becomes involved in investigating a murder that takes place in the jazz world. Her latest book, And All That Motive (available from www.joanmerrill.com), finds McKie trying to find out who killed a popular but unlikable jazz singer, Sid Satin, at the Pacific Coast Jazz Festival. There are an excess of suspects and motives and very little chance that readers will be able to guess the identity of the murderer before it is revealed. But more significant than the actual case is the realistic atmosphere that Joan Merrill creates. The fictional jazz instrumentalists, singers and those involved in the business of jazz all sound and act realistically, ranging from the heroic to the despicable, mixing together good and bad qualities. While reading this book, one can practically hear the bebop-oriented soundtrack. Jazz fans and those who like complex mysteries will enjoy this series.

 

COMMENTS ON “AND ALL THAT MURDER”

“a very good lead character, good supporting characters, good plot line, altogether, a very satisfying first novel” – Bruce Crowther, jazz reviewer

“I'm a jazz musician and felt that the author did a great job of keeping things 'real'” – Shanna Carlson, jazz singer, pianist

“a great summer beach read.” - Paul Mikos, jazz fan

“a fun read.” – Carolyn Graye, jazz singer, pianist, educator

“this novel is my perfect summer read.” - Robbin Adair, singer

“an entertaining, fun mystery with a satisfying twist at the end” - Heidi Thomas, author of Cowgirl Dreams

“a great summer beach read.” - Paul Mikos, jazz fan

 

“a fun read.” – Carolyn Graye, jazz singer, pianist, educator

 

“this novel is my perfect summer read.” - Robbin Adair, singer

 

 

My friend Joan Merrill offers a new book titled "And All That Madness" featuring her jazz-loving detective Casey McKie. Because of my unabashed admiration for Joan's writing skill, combined with her genuine devotion to jazz, I have recommended and trust you have read the three previous novels. Nothing should dissuade you from continuing your newly-acquired addiction for Joan's mysteries which are saturated with references to jazz venues in and around the San Francisco Bay area, with specific focus on vocal jazz which is the world I know. 

FROM SLOANEVIEW, Carol Sloane, jazz singer. APRIL 3, 2013

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