NB: This book is also available in hardcover at: http://www.lulu.com/content/184949




Note also that the preview available above has some distorted letters. The actual printed copy is unaffected by that problem.

Sometimes an interesting structure gets in the way of the story, but Madden's structure is both creative and effective; it perfectly and comfortably facilitates the plot. It's been several months since I read Death is Easy, but I find myself wondering what Dyrk and Carla are up to these days. How about a series?

Madden heightens interest in his well-crafted mystery plot with separate past and present narratives that intertwine and eventually intersect, but he's true to the genre in centering the book around the actions and ruminations of a determined private dick — in this case, one that's quick witted and has a smart-ass sense of humor. He's a hero who can't help cracking wise, whether he's in the office bantering with his curvaceous partner or staring down the barrel of a gun. Not that he doesn't have plenty of serious thoughts as well. We get an intimate look at the feelings and philosophies of detective Dyrk Rhinehart as he comes to grips with his personal tragedy and unravels the intricacies of a seemingly straightforward case that turns out to be anything but. And Madden draws us into Dyrk's physical world too, providing convincing details of the story's many locales — from small towns and beaches to the city's clubs and cheap hotels to the toniest and most desperate dwellings. A good read.

I read hundreds of books a year and, believe me, I have read a lot of very mediocre material that somehow gets published. But his time I was very pleasantly surprised.

It is very rare to find a novel in this genre that is as well-written as Madden's "Death Is Easy." While I typically almost skim a book, this author's descriptive writing style had me reading sentences over, just to enjoy the images evoked. The characters were complex, interesting, and well-developed. The humerous comments made at times in the book were great and help round out the personalities of those involved, particularly of Dyrk, the main character.

I can highly recommend this book to anyone who likes their detective novels to be well-written, as well as have a riveting plot. I'll be looking forward to a sequel, Mr. Madden!

Death is Easy is a detective novel with two mysteries. One is Dyrk Rinehart's investigation of a client's missing brother. The second, told in flashbacks, involves the death of Dyrk's wife and two children in a car accident. The novel's characters are well developed -- Dyrk's character, in particular, is fully revealed to the reader: as an investigator, as a grieving husband, and as a wise butt. Through Madden's adept writing, the reader can easily visualize settings and action. I recommend this novel to anyone, but especially to readers who enjoy the writings of Nelson DeMille, Michael Connelly, or Walter Mosley.

I would like to say that I really liked the book and was always kept interested in the suspense of what was going to happen next. I was quite surprised by what happened in the book and was not expecting that to happen. I love detective type books with suspense and it is well worth reading. So if you want a good suspenseful book to curl up and sit down to read; I would suggest this one. I didn't want to put it down. A special thanks to the author, Russell Madden for his talent in writing this book.
I would definantly rate this book a 10!!

Cindy
Boone, Iowa