The Patron Murders by Edwin Wilson

The Patron Murders

by Edwin Wilson

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...Read more

Reviewed by Terri M. LeBlanc on

3 of 5 stars

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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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  • Started reading
  • 31 January, 2016: Finished reading
  • 31 January, 2016: Reviewed