Bill Vernon Old Town

Old Town

Bill Vernon

Five Star, Jun 2007

ISBN 1594145520

In Shawnee County, Ohio hermit like Cliff Saunders runs a wooded path when he comes across the body of his friend Sam. His first inclination is to get the hell out of there as he does not want trouble with the police; having had enough for a lifetime. However, when he gets home he feels guilty that he owes Sam so he calls the cops.

He meets the police at the crime scene and quickly alienates the investigators (Lieutenant Grimes and Detective Shepherd) with his bad attitude and record. He soon learns Sam's full name is Sam Burkhoffer, a person he had an incident with over land use several years ago. He did not recognize old Sam as that individual and wonders if Sam knew who he was. He remains the prime suspect in spite of someone breaking into his home seeking something and likewise in Sam's home. When his place is torched, Cliff decides he must uncover the truth before he is hurt or arrested because he knows everything the law enforcement types find is proof of his guilt with Sam's will serving as the motive

OLD TOWN is an entertaining investigative tale that employs the overly used theme of an amateur sleuth trying to prove their innocence during a police investigation in which all evidence points towards one suspect. The story line is refreshed by Cliff's sarcastic acerbic attitude with the cops and his attraction to Grimes. The whodunit takes a back seat to the discussions between the lead character and the two cops investigating him. While wondering along with Grimes and Saunders why Sam sought out Cliff of all people ( revealed late), readers will enjoy Bill Vernon's fun mystery due to Cliff's uncanny ability to put his feet into his big mouth.

Harriet Klausner