Aaron Paul Lazar, Double Fort, A Gus LeGarde Mystery

Double Forte' by Aaron Paul Lazar is a beautifully crafted novel vaguely reminiscent of the style of Rex Stout, yet refreshingly original. I found this book appealing on several levels; the characters are well developed and diverse, representative of people we know in real life. From the pristine innocence of young Johnny and Sadie to the unprincipled son-in-law, Harold, and the corrupt and venomous Ed Baxter, we see those uniquely human traits that make life immensely pleasurable and, at times, horrific. Contrasting personalities and events create the conflict that is so important to all good works of fiction, and Mr. Lazar's novel illustrates this point very effectively indeed.

As a protagonist, Professor Gus LeGarde, in many ways, show great courage and emotional strength, but he also displays a certain vulnerability that renders him totally believable. He is a real man, but not a superman; his great passions and haunting past are cleverly revealed to the reader without hindering the pace of the novel. Also, the vivid description of New York's Genesee Valley is so engaging that the reader will feel as though he is actually there. I have absolutely no reservations in giving Double Forte' five stars, and look forward to the next instalment in the series. I would strongly recommend this book to all lovers of great mysteries.

In the Gus LeGarde Mystery, Double Fort , writer Aaron Paul Lazar weaves an absorbing tale of love, intrigue, and murder. Set in the snow-covered hills of Upstate New York, the story moves rapidly right from page one to the final word on the final page. Its multilayered plot pulls the reader along without unnecessary complications.

As Double Fort unfolds, we experience a range of powerful emotions-humor, passion, hatred, and fear. Lazar's erudite grasp of human nature shines through the rolling dialog and interplay of the characters. The credible personalities develop quickly and each is essential to the imaginative depth of the story.

Lazar is a master at capturing detail. Whatever the scene, from the chit chat while washing dishes at a church social, to sinking toward certain death at the bottom of an icy lake, Lazar artfully crafts imagery that vividly grows in the reader's imagination. And Lazar's use of dreams to segue is a novel and welcomed device that provides further insight into the psyche of the hero, Gus LeGarde.

Double Fort is a compelling thriller and a splendid addition to the mystery genre. We eagerly look forward to the next installment in Aaron Paul Lazar's "Gus LeGarde Mysteries."

The first novel in the Gus LeGarde Series of mysteries, Double Fort grabs the reader's attention from the outset, accelerates to a climax, and then leaves one wanting more, as every great novel does.

With the beautiful background of New York State's Genesee Valley, Double Fort teems with vivid imagery. Whether he is describing the play of the wind on a field of snow or relaying the layout of a room, Lazar's eye for detail transports the reader into the scene of the movie which obviously plays in his mind as he writes.

His meticulous descriptions do not end with the inanimate. Lazar has breathed life into his entire cast of characters, from the gentle German giant Siegfried to the rapscallion Harold to the innocent Johnny. Each character provides a nuance to the story, lending it credibility and drawing the reader further into the action-packed mystery that lies within.

And through it all, Lazar has even managed to weave in romance. The budding relationship between Gus, who is tormented by his loyalty to his deceased wife, and Camille, who is tortured by her palpable memories of abuse, is beautifully choreographed and is achingly real.

Double Fort has something for all readers. Mystery and romance combine with a colorful array of characters to produce a story that begs to be continued.