Cliff Walk by Bruce DeSilva

There are some people who look like mystery writers and Bruce DeSilva is one of them, although I would have taken him for a Southern gentleman from his attire (it’s the hat). His first novel, Rogue Island, received rave reviews and, always on the lookout for a new mystery author, I was eager to read it. I am now a Bruce DeSilva fan and was the first one to reserve a copy of his latest book, Cliff Walk. By the way, DeSilva won the 2011 Edgar Award for Best First Novel for Rogue Island, so you know it’s good.

How a murder in Newport, RI and finding miscellaneous body parts of children in pig slop come together makes for quite the entertaining story, although the child pornography aspect of the book can get a little grusome.

DeSilva has created great characters: Mulligan, an old time newspaper reporter (who laments the demise of the newspaper industry) is the crime solver. His soon-to-be ex-wife, Dorcas, provides comic relief, which is definitely needed at times. Thanks-Dad is Mulligan’s side-kick, the son of the newspaper’s owner who wants to learn the business. The ensemble of editors, police chiefs, etc. round out an all star cast.

The book moves quickly. There’s plenty of action but also plenty of story and sentiment. I can picture his books being optioned for TV movies.

In trying to find a photo of DeSilva, I happened upon a mystery website, Mysterious Writers, and a good interview with him. So, here’s the link to it:

http://mysteriouspeople.blogspot.com/2010/12/visit-with-bruce-desilva.html.

If you’re looking for a good mystery to while away the hours, start with Rogue Island and keep going with Cliff Walk.