Don't Explain: An Artie Deemer Mystery - Hardcover

Although it starts with the delightful premise of somebody stalking a celebrity dog, Murphy's third Artie Deemer mystery (Lover Man and Lush Life) slackens, ultimately done in by a casually constructed plot. Jellyroll, Artie's dog, who as "star of stage, screen, and retail packaging" earns enough to keep them both in treats, has been receiving threatening letters. To protect his pooch, Artie decides to hide out in a friend's boathouse on an island off the coast of Maine. About the time man and dog arrive in Maine, an unfortunate tourist has her head cut open with an ax?an event which initially interests Artie less than do the colorful locals, many of whom, as the story progresses, cheerfully confess to past killings. He's much more absorbed by the arrival of his lover, Crystal Spivey; a mysterious man dressed entirely in black; a boat that doesn't belong to one of the usual summer folks; and the appearance of some well-decayed remains that quickly vanish. The vanity of mediocre actors and Jellyroll's tendency to vomit offer Murphy lots of fodder for jokes, some of which are funny and many of which are sophomoric.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Things have changed for Artie Deemer, the jazz-loving recluse and reluctant sleuth who lives off the earnings of his movie-star dog, Jellyroll. First, he has a live-in lover these days, professional pool player Crystal Spivey, and, second, Jellyroll's fame is taking its toll--especially since the talented pooch has attracted a stalker. No wonder New Yorker Artie accepts a friend's loan of an island cabin in Maine: the perfect spot to recharge batteries and dodge the stalker. Guess what? It doesn't work out that way. Even the locals recognize Jellyroll, and soon there's a serial killer in their midst--possibly just warming up for the canine main event. This third entry in the superb Artie Deemer series is a minor disappointment; the quiet getaway turned pastoral bloodbath is just too tired a formula to enliven all that much, though Murphy makes a decent go of it with his Straw Dogs meets Lassie approach. Generally, series authors should resist the temptation to take their heroes on road trips, but Artie, Jellyroll, and Crystal are such terrific companions, we'll forgive Murphy this time. Bill Ott