Michael A. Draper

From Amazon:

THE CHIEF OF INTERNAL SECURITY for New England's professional basketball team, the Highlanders, is found dead in his office, with a suicide note and conflicting evidence of foul play. Refusing to believe he would have had reason to kill himself, and frustrated with the slowness of the police force's progress on the case, Johnny's widow, Roseanne, and best friend, Randy, launch a renegade investigation of their own. Aided by Roseanne's brother Graham, a fiercely protective loose cannon, they dig up evidence that Johnny, just previous to the date of his death, was running his own undercover investigation into the drug overdose of a star player for the Highlanders. The amateur detectives find themselves mixed up with a ruthless gang of mobsters, many of whom are responsible for the drug trade-and a string of violent murders - from Washington, D.C. to Boston. When their quest takes a gruesome and deadly turn, the three wonder if they're in over their heads. A gritty tale in the vein of Dennis Lehane and Robert B. Parker,

My Thoughts:

Michael is one of my Shelfari friends. When I read that he had published two books I set out to look for them. I am happy to report that I have found them both. Hey...I know a famous author! This was an absolutely fabulous read. The characters of Randy Larkin and Roseanne Kelly made this not only an interesting story line but carried the plot beautifully to it's final conclusion. I know nothing about basketball... but you don't need to know or even like the game to enjoy this debut novel. Great job, Michael!… (mere)

Splattered Blood ( Michael A. Draper)

The head of security for a New England Basketball team, the Highlanders is found dead. The police found a suicide note but the widow (Roseanne) does not believe her husband would kill himself. She is determined to find out what really happened and who killed her husband.

With the help of her brother Graham and their friend Randy they set out to find the truth. As they start to question fellow team members they start to wonder if their is some kind of connection. They encounter some shady characters and soon their lives are in jeopardy. It is a race for time to uncover the murderer before one of them is next.

Fast pace page turner, filled with some twists and turns, and secrets that surface. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and look forward to more work from: Michael A. Draper… (mere)

Three Strikes and You're dead by Michael A. Daper

Baseball players go on strike and the fans are not happy. A baseball chat room, where people are venting about baseball, the (ball players) salaries, the strike, and more, is started. One member only known as "The Vindicator" decides to take matters into his hands and starts to kill off baseball players.

Three private investigators along with the FBI, try to stay one step ahead of the killer , track him down and bring him in. An original murder/mystery with likable characters, suspense, action and some drama. I loved the plot, I love baseball, I was hooked from the first page. A definite all night read! Murder/Mystery lovers (and baseball fans) should enjoy Three Strikes and You're Dead; !… (mere)

I'm a baseball fan, I read a fair number of mysteries, and I remember the last baseball strike. So when the author offered a new book featuring all of the above to review, I thought I'd give it a whirl. There's a lot of potential in fan angst, wealthy players and greedy owners.

In Three Strikes and You're Dead, a group of rookie private investigators who have solved previous mysteries centering around sports teams is hired by Major League Baseball to investigate the murder of star players during a baseball strike. It's a mix of police procedural and suspense with a surprisingly cozy mystery feel - not quite what I expected. The plot is good, with a few surprises. I was less impressed with Draper's ear for dialog - in spots it just didn't ring true for me.

I'd recommend it as a light mystery good for times when a distraction is needed - it would be great for an airplane ride or a long commute.… (mere)