cover image Bad Lie: A Jack Austin Mystery

Bad Lie: A Jack Austin Mystery

John R. Corrigan, . . Univ. of New England/Hardscrabble Crime, $24.95 (284pp) ISBN 978-1-58465-454-4

Golf Today columnist Corrigan's fourth golfing mystery (after 2004's Cut Shot ) to feature PGA pro–turned-sleuth Jack Austin will remind many of Robert B. Parker and Dick Francis at their best. When the estranged father of a young college student Austin has taken under his wing is found brutally murdered, Austin jeopardizes his professional standing as well as his family's well-being by investigating. The deeper Austin probes, the more questions arise about the victim's background, and his inquiries soon run afoul of a vicious drug dealer. Corrigan does a wonderful job of portraying the realities of the daily life of professional golfers without slowing down the suspenseful and gripping plot. On top of that notable achievement, he also manages to craft a surprising fair-play solution. You don't have to be a golf fan to enjoy this excellent hard-boiled whodunit. (Oct.)