Review: Dead Barchetta by Kathryn Lively

Title: Dead Barchetta
Author: Kathryn Lively
Format: Paperback and Ebook
Available at Amazon and Smashwords

From Amazon: “Lerxst” Johnston doesn’t have an enemy in the world…so he thinks. Armed only with a guitar and endless questions, Lerxst escapes the discomfort of his beach home and hides out in New York City to learn the true identity of his would-be assailant. Instead he learns more about himself and what he needs to do to survive the next attempt on his life. What a long, strange trip it is.

Review:

I read this one from beginning to end!  The story started off with the simple question of "Why was the mysterious woman was trying to kill him?" to a bigger plot that no one saw coming until it sprang up!  The story was engaging and you couldn't help but love Lerxst and the characters he meets along the way.

It had plenty of musical references and a great deal of dark humor but the book didn't bogged down at any point.  Instead, it moved at a quick pace and had you looking for answers as if you were Lerxst!  The characters were also wonderful.  There's the grandma who grows "medical herbs", a brother that has a huge secret and the female bass player that becomes his partner in the hunt for answers.   In spite of everything going on, Lerxst keeps a level head as he searches for the truth.

This was a wonderful read!  I read it from beginning to end and I wouldn't mind picking up again to discover any wonderful nuances I may have missed the first time around!  Music fans will also enjoy the rock references (especially for Rush) but you don't have to be a music fan to enjoy it.  It's great to see an ordinary, unexpected guy be the detective for a change.  Grab this one!  You'll enjoy it!