Matt Johanssen, a dedicated stage actor in his early fifties, is currently rehearsing a play soon to open on Broadway. Through the years Matt, in addition to his work in the theatre, has also anonymously assisted the NYPD in solving a number of crimes. While he is in rehearsals, thirty blocks away a startling murder takes place at the Metropolitan Museum of Art where a trustee is discovered on the roof of the Museum with a javelin thrust through his heart. The dramatic nature of the crime reverberates through cultural circles in Manhattan. A few days later, during a rehearsal of Matt's Broadway-bound play, the admired, beloved lady producer of the play is found dead in the darkened basement lounge of the theatre. Ten days later, during a gala at the American Museum of Natural History, there is another murder of a museum trustee, this one far more sensational than the one before. Working behind the scenes Matt becomes deeply involved in solving all three murders. Meanwhile, he encounters an intriguing, auburn haired woman writing about the murders, with whom he becomes involved.
Set against a background of the inner workings of the theatre, as well as the arts and cultural scenes in New York City, The Patron Murders is part detective story, part social novel, and part a witty, incisive critique of the relationship of recently acquired fortunes to the old-line arts establishments of the City.
I was drawn to read The Patron Murders because of my love of New York City and the theatre. Mr. Wilson does a good job at displaying his knowledge about the theatre and the City throughout the book. It is obvious he knows the ins and outs of what it means to work in the industry and that makes The Patron Murders feel authentic.
I was intrigued by the main character, Matt Johanssen, and his history. There are hints throughout the book that Matt has assisted in solving other crimes, but no details are ever shared. I had to check GoodReads several times because I wanted to know more about those mysteries and how Matt solved them.
The only downside to this novel was a periphery murder that takes place during the same time as “the Patron Murders.” Besides Matt playing Sherlock Holmes with both crimes, I failed to see why or how that secondary murder happened. I would have liked more focus on the one or the other. My preference leans towards “the Patron Murders” because they were more salacious. Because Matt had to juggle so many different leads on his own, the solving of all the murders felt rushed.
I would definitely consider reading Matt Jonanssen stories in the future. Mr. Wilson knows how to create authentic characters that a reader can get behind. His obvious extensive knowledge of the theatre lends itself to a fast-paced mystery that is worth investigating further.
This review was originally posted on Second Run Reviews
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31 January, 2016:
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31 January, 2016:
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