WHAT A FANTABULOUS MYSTERY!! I could hardly keep up with the dead bodies, and for what? Mr. Stovall led me on a merry chase, and I just ADORED Mitch Sawyer and his witty chatter, but I never had a clue about the true killer! I MUST READ THE NEXT BOOK!! ( )

An engrossing mystery -- mostly thanks to the excellently drawn characters and the vibrant setting, which brings Nashville to life, in its touristy yet still resolutely tacky gloss. Best of all, to this former journalist, is the inside view of life in that ailing yet still necessary institution, the daily newspaper. Having worked in a "second paper" some decades before this book was written, I find the newsroom peaks of the Tribune, as well as the behind-the-scenes business subplot, to be both vibrantly realistic and a touch nostalgic (but never in a way that is precious or fake). The central mystery -- and the title -- is an engaging ride, with just enough balance of misdirection and telling clues to keep me (not much of a mystery reader) fully engaged. The book's real value is in its characters. From the narrator-protagonist to those folks who appear for only a scene or two, the book contains a cast of intriguing and breathing people whose lives intersect with each other and the plot in utterly compelling ways, never forced. There are few mystery series I have felt compelled to follow, but this would be one -- I find myself wishing for sequels, so I can follow Mitch and the rest through the next puzzle. ( )

Actually, did not finish. I liked the premise but there were too many things going on and I lost interest. I checked the ending and actually figured out "who dunnit" in the first chapter or so. No, I didn't check the end until I decided I wasn't going to finish the book. Oh well, on to something else. ( )