Search - Foul Matter

This is my first Martha Grimes story, but not my last. She is funny and talented. She is not as funny as Janet Evanovich but certainly more talented from a literary stand point. Her twists and subplots remind me of Tim Dorsey, since your never quite sure what she is up to from one page to the next. Is she better than Diana Mott Davidson, you bet. So plop down in a comfy seat and get ready to ride the quick action.

I'm still partial to her English murder mysteries but most say this is her best. It is interesting how it does not follow the predictable structure of most mysteries. It is amazing how some of it stays with you though, and you remember it forever. Her characterization, as is always her strength, is fabulous in this. Who knew there was so much dirty dealing in the publishing industry - even more fun if you can figure out which characters were not so loosely based on real people while you're reading it.

Martha Grimes is one of the best and this is one of her few books on US soil. It's not "classic" Grimes but is witty, in a rather arcane sort of way. Like most of her books, this one is driven by the characters. Truthfully, I enjoy her Richard Jury books more.

"Foul Matter," by Martha Grimes is a funny and off-beat treatment of the corrupt, venal, and nasty side of the publishing industry. Paul Giverney is a best-selling author who can write his own ticket. He decides to change publishers, and he agrees to sign on with a house named Mackenzie-Haack on the condition that they drop a talented writer named Ned Isaly. Ned loves his craft and his characters live vividly in his head. He cares little about wealth and adulation. In short, he is the exact opposite of many of today's high-priced authors. Critics love Ned, but, alas, he does not command big publicity tours and his books are not displayed in the front window of major bookselling chains. It only gets better from there.

A hilarious and wicked caper-adventure on the evils of the book business.....a really good read.

funny, clever novel about authors and publishing.