Greg and Jill take
on what appears to be a 90-year-old murder case, dragging them
into a present-day conspiracy filled with chicanery in circles
of power and chaos created by a frenzied killer. It starts with
a stash of yellowed records found during restoration of the
long-defunct Marathon Motor Works’ buildings in Nashville. The
documents vanish, and the construction foreman who had them is
murdered. The McKenzies’ clients, Col. Warren Jarvis (who first
appeared in Secret of the Scroll) and his girlfriend,
Kelli Kane, believe the records would shed light on the fate of
her great-great-grandfather. A Marathon officer who disappeared
in 1914, he was accused of embezzlement and later found dead.
More murders occur, appearing aimed at suppressing the secret
behind the missing records. It’s a tale of greed, misplaced
pride, family loyalty, and the unpredictable violence of an
irrational mind.
Here are a few reviews:
"A skillfully woven tale
that shows detective fiction wannabes how it's supposed to be done . . . This
reader eagerly awaits the next installment in the McKenzie series. A must read!"
Sylvia Cochran,
Roundtable Reviews
"With this fourth entry into the
Mystery Sweepstakes, Chester Campbell's Marathon Murders may sweep the
prize list."
Ben F. Small, author of Alibi on
Ice
"Another excellent read . . . With
characters that come alive and a mystery that defies easy answers readers are
sure to enjoy this latest installment of a great series."
Kevin R. Tipple, reviewer for
Mystery Morgue,
Crime and Suspense, Mysterical-e
"Campbell weaves a complicated tale of
purpose and cross purpose as the interesting cast of characters show us their
motives for doing what they do. . . Recommended as a fun read, lots of action, a
well written tale to hold your attention. You’ll be wanting to read other
stories by this imaginative author. Enjoy. I did."
Anne K. Edwards, New Mystery Reader
"Having read three out of four (of)
Chester D. Campbell's books, I feel that this one is the best yet."
Patricia E. Reid, Armchair
Interviews
"Greg McKenzie's inner dialogue and
the interactions with Jill give the reader the thoughts of seasoned professional
senior citizens. The story is fun to follow and the dialogue is realistic."
Bob Spear, Heartland Reviews
"This fourth installment of the
Greg McKenzie Mysteries is proof positive the series remains strong and fresh
and is a major contender in the mystery venue . . . the not-so-easily-guessed
mystery one readers will enjoy trying to solve."
Christy Tillery French, Midwest
Book Review
"I enjoyed the free-style writing
of Campbell . . . It is a fast paced book, which goes right to the heart of the
case and doesn't stop until the end, which comes pretty fast."
Nicole Merritt, MyShelf Reviews
"Details about the only car maker
south of the Mason-Dixon line in the early days of the automobile industry and
background information about Nashville enrich the (McKenzies') search."
Jo Ann Vicarel, Library Journal
Campbell . . .
allows the reader to really get inside the characters heads. He makes them well
liked and very down to earth. You can almost imagine that any of these people
could be your neighbors. I think that is one of the things that make this such a
good story. Because the characters are so believable, you find yourself
sympathizing for them, rooting for them, and giving them a pat on the back when
they do something well.
