Straw Man

Jack McMorrow Mystery

By: Gerry Boyle

Narrated by: Michael A. Smith

When worlds collide, few are spared the collateral damage least of all crime reporter Jack McMorrow, who has learned the hard way that trouble often blooms in the cracks of human relationships.

In this, the latest installment of the popular Jack McMorrow mystery series, veteran author Gerry Boyle takes his readers into territory all-too-familiar from the daily headlines: illegal gun sales, culture clashes between old and new, cyberbullying, and the random acts of violence that pose a real threat to even the closest of communities. Prosperity, Maine is no longer the refuge from the real world that it once was, and Jack, and his wife, Roxanne, will be forced to face their most destructive enemies yet each other.

©2016 Gerry Boyle (P)2017 Anaba Publishing

STRAW MAN

This is another good book about Jack McMorrow. I think its longer than it has to be. But its good. I normally like Roxanne but in this book she got on my nerves. She's unappreciative of what Jack has to do to take care of them. They get in a war with these bad guys thats stealing timber. They stop them and that starts a war. I liked the action and the storyline. Jack tries to help people but sometimes it backfires. Jack's friends makes this book good. I wish the police woked with Jack more instead of against him. Michael A Smith does a great job narrating this book. If my review is any help will you please click on the helpful link below. Thank you.

More Than a Plot-Driven Novel!

What did you like best about this story?

For those unfamiliar with Gerry Boyle’s mystery series, Jack McMorrow is a free lance writer/journalist. In Straw Man he is investigating gun sales in Maine and their use to both prevent and cause violence. The gripping, twisted plot exemplifies the complications of this issue. Bullets fly at intended targets yet Boyle manages to communicate the tenuous balance between the necessity and the gravity of deadly force for keeping the peace.

The characters in Straw Man seem to step off the back roads of rural Maine—I know as I live in Waldo County—the setting of the latest McMorrow thriller. There are bad guys and good guys, but Boyle blurs the lines, demonstrating that his characters have the capacity for both.

What about Michael A. Smith’s performance did you like?

The characters in Straw Man seem to step off the back roads of rural Maine—I know as I live in Waldo County—the setting of the latest McMorrow thriller. There are bad guys and good guys, but Boyle blurs the lines, demonstrating that his characters have the capacity for both. Engaging and entertaining!

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

This is not just a plot-driven novel. If you are struggling with the issue of gun control, you are not alone. Those in favor of open, responsible gun ownership are sickened by the senseless killings and the misuse of an object that they see as a tool for sport and protection. While those who advocate for gun control are alarmed by the instability and our inability to prevent those objects—guns—from getting into the hands of killers. Don’t expect to finish the novel with a sense that Boyle has provided the answer to this tragic dilemma. Instead he acknowledges all of the stakeholders and portrays the tangled human need for revenge and desire for peace.

Any additional comments?

I found myself anxious to get in my car in order to continue listening to Straw Man by Gerry Boyle, but for me, a great book resonates long after the end. Author John Green claims that “Great books help you understand, and they help you to feel understood.” That’s what Gerry Boyle accomplishes with Straw Man. I will definitely make room in my reading list for more of his Jack McMorrow mystery series, I urge all listeners and readers who are looking for novels that stimulate our need to solve problems and engage our intellect to do the same.

excellent story, great narrator

always love these mysteries. narrator does well with different voices. how can you not love Clare?

Excellent Plot

Backwoods of Maine, illegal sale of guns and murder round out another good plot from the author, enjoyable to the last page.
Given audio for my voluntary review and my honest opinion

excellent mystery

This further reinforced my negative feelings for Roxanne. She was all about her "friend " until he showed his true colors-yellow coward. I can't and won't waste time and words on my dislike of Roxanne. Jack once again was awesome even if a bit too exuberant for the cause. He continues to show integrity, and is someone to be admired. I don't understand why the last villain couldn't see that Jack was a good guy and trying to help his friend. He seemed to be blinded by hate. smh. This was extremely suspenseful. I voluntarily listened to a free copy of this and am giving an honest review. The narrator did a great job.