Donn Taylor has written a wonderful character in Preston Barclay. Murder in Disguise is the third book in his series. Preston Barclay is a professor teaching one summer term at the college where a dear friend was recently found dead. The verdict was suicide, but Professor Collier’s wife begs Preston to investigate—neither of them feel Collier would have done the deed.
Barclay’s inamorata, Dr. Mara Thorn, is also in town for the summer doing research, and Barclay hopes, to further their budding romance. The two share opinions and research and discover a missing clue along with a web of sex trafficking, money laundering, and other nefarious crimes. Will they convince the cops that Collier was murdered—before being murdered themselves?
Murder in Disguise is written from Preston Barclay’s point of view. He has a dry, almost acerbic, way of speech and a delightful quirk. He hears music that seems to accompany his thoughts and situations. You are reminded of wonderful classical music as Preston muses his way through the mystery. His hippie-looking assistant, Rainbow Glencannon, brings forth a jazz rhythm whenever she appears, however. Taylors somewhat dry manner of writing took some time to get used to, but by the end of the book, I was quite charmed by the style. If you like mysteries and eccentric characters, you’ll love the Preston Barclay Mysteries. Four Stars.
Donn Taylor spent a career in the Army, in the Korean Conflict, Vietnam, Europe, and Asia. The man has seen the world. Afterward, he earned a PhD in Renaissance Literature and taught at two colleges. He has written three suspense novels, a historical novel, and a book of poetry. He lives near Houston, Texas.
I was gifted with a copy of Murder in Disguise, but I was in no way obligated to write a favorable review.