…An intelligent but accessible mystery novel from a talented writer.
K.C. Finn, September 2019
The Lovestruck Detective: A Big Muddy Mystery is a work of classic murder mystery fiction with a modern romantic twist, penned by author M. C. Anderson. This mystery begins, like most, with a body, and in this case, it’s a gay African-American man who happened to be the owner of an antique store in the hometown of environmentalist Jack Archer. Jack discovers the body and is soon asked if he will consult on the investigation by an older woman, a divorced lawyer. What follows is a series of twists and turns to solve the murder itself, but also a unique romance which develops between an unconventional pairing.
Author M. C. Anderson knows how to write really compelling mystery plots, but couples them with an intelligent eye for modern social behaviors and new, less conventional character types.
Everyone in this town is well fleshed out to give a diverse view that takes us from backwaters right through to wealthy elites, and across all creeds and colors. Jack is a central anchor to the plot, and readers can grow and learn alongside him as he gets embroiled in a case that may be bigger than he can really handle. His romantic journey is also interesting and emotive, well connected to the situation he’s in, and his dialogue and actions really inform the sensitivity of the character without too much explicit use of feelings. Overall, The Lovestruck Detective is an intelligent but accessible mystery novel from a talented writer, one which is sure to surprise and delight its fans.
…Not your typical detective type story.
S. Gregory, September 2019
This was an interesting story, it is not your typical cop detective type story. Jack’s job isn’t typical, but it does reflect how certain jobs are not readily available and Jack has to get by in other ways. I do enjoy mysteries set in small towns because that is usually where people have the most secrets and there is plenty to unravel. It was different, but in a good way.
M. C. Anderson has written an engaging story in The Lovestruck Detective: A Big Muddy Mystery. It does deal with lesser covered topics and tries to find a balance. The author really paints a picture of the area and really brought it to life. It did look at some more taboo relationships and topics. Jack being in a relationship with an older woman is not something that you read about often, despite the fact that it is quite common. He also touches on the subjects of racism, homophobia, and classism. There was a lot to digest, but the author has written it well and the characters are consistent. I would recommend it to mystery fans who are looking to read something a little bit different.
…The novel is thought-provoking.
The Lovestruck Detective is a mystery that readers won’t put down. It entertains with unforgettable characters who engage readers’ emotions from love to hate and admiration to disgust. And its love story— between a younger man and an older divorced woman with children—touches the heart while exploring the possibilities in less conventional relationships.
The setting is off the beaten path and features magnificent nature and an eccentric small-town community that is both reassuring in its warmth and frightening in its danger. The action takes readers from the fringes of society to ultra-wealthy enclaves.
The novel is thought-provoking. Its political and environmental themes and its diverse characters—ranging from a gay African-American man and his partner to white nationalists—challenge preconceptions and biases.
And, of course, its plot has surprising twists that will frustrate readers hoping to guess who the murderer is.
The book is targeted at lovers of mysteries in general, but particularly women readers who like their cup of crime thrills spiked with romance.