Murder in Exile

by Vincent O'Neil, Henry V. O'Neil, Vincent H. O'Neil

Book Overview

Frank Cole is residing temporarily in a cottage in Exile, Florida. His company has gone bankrupt, and the judge has ruled that any money Frank earns before the claims are settled will be treated as part of the bankruptcy. But taking a job as a lowly fact-checker could lead Frank into danger.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0312352077
• ISBN13: 9780312352073
• Release Date: April 2006
• Publisher: Minotaur Books
• Length: 195 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.8" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Wits, not guns

This is what I wrote the author about his first published mystery: "Dear Mr. O'Neil, Excellent job writing "Murder in Exile". I like how stubborn Frank is, and how he sees things from a different angle. Good insider info and a mature, linear storyline. It was enjoyable to meet a guy that DIDN'T know guns or fighting, but had wits and friends that could help him out. I found your book to be a solid engaging mystery and I'll certainly be looking for your name in our library's shelf of new books. Thanks for a good read!"

The first of a series (I hope)

Pool fiction for the thinking person. This is an award-winning mystery and with good reason. It's compelling, fast-paced, and complex but not difficult to follow. I read it all in two sittings (couldn't put it down!) Can't wait to read the next installment in Frank's life.

Great traveling read

Frank's past and his new low profile life are inserted into a sleepy Florida town make this book an enjoyable read. I really like the no techno jargon approach, colorful southern characters and the focus on a good story. I do not get the book's cover at all. I am looking forward to the next chapter in Frank's life!

Excellent Mystery - Well Worth the Read

Absolutely a great read. I like the semi-serious approach where it was a serious situation, but the character was not so self-absorbed or detail oriented that it detracts from the story. I compared it to a Magnum PI where the there was a lightness to the story even though things were serious. I also liked the way you concluded the story. Some of the stuff I read just sort of ends abruptly even though the author has spent hundreds of pages building the story. Your story reaches a satisfying conclusion in a well-paced manner. I do hope you continued the series. Also liked that there was no profanity or sex...you prove a great story can be told without resorting to that.

fine whodunit

Frank Cole files for bankruptcy as his computer business fails, but the judge shockingly decides any income Frank makes before the liens are settled will be considered part of the bankruptcy and subject to remittance to his creditors. Seeing no reason to make any money beyond sustenance survival and heeding his lawyer's advice not to bring in a lot of cash, Frank moves to Exile, Florida working not much more than minimum wage as a background fact checker for the insurance industry. Jogger Edward Gonzalez recently took out life insurance with Sun Provident Assurance just prior to a hit and run that left him dead. Harvey Webster of the firm hires Frank to investigate the death preferably to uncover a reason not pay Edward's beneficiary. Frank makes inquiries, but concludes that Edward was clean, but happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time; someone else was the intended victim driver of the stolen SUV that killed Edward. That someone else will murder Frank if he does not end his investigation, which the former dot.com guru is willing to do though the assailant thinks otherwise. Frank is the reason that Vincent H. O'Neil won the 2005 Malice Domestic/St. Martin's Press best first traditional mystery contest. He is a fascinating mix as he tries to expedite himself from the murder case, but has no way of communicating his efforts to the culprit, who sees him as a threat. His investigative skills are lacking and are almost amateurish as he digs into the death of Edward. Fans will enjoy this fine whodunit starring a reluctant hero fearing another MURDER IN EXILE, his. Harriet Klausner