|
|
Five Cassie Burdette golf mysteries
will be published by Berkley Prime Crime beginning June, 4, 2002.
At the bucolic Mount Holyoke College campus, Cassie Burdette is steeling her
nerves for the US Women's Open, the most prestigious golf event in the world. She's already rattled by the absence of Laura, her
favorite caddie, and by a controversial invitation to a men's pro
tournament. But then a rival dies, and Cassie learns that in high-stakes
golf, competition can truly be murder.
Coming in March 2006 from Berkley Prime Crime...
Order the book through your favorite independent bookseller or independent mystery bookseller or online.
BUY THE BOOK
Read the first chapter |
 |
|
Here's what they're saying about Final Fore:
From Armchiar interviews:
Final Fore is a fast-paced mystery that will keep you turning the pages. The characters are quirky, complex and oh, so interesting.
From Kim Malo at Myshelf.com:
Don't let the "Golf Lover's Mystery" label scare you off if you aren't a fan of the sport. I've been a fan of Cassie's since her debut and I'm of the Mark Twain "golf is a good walk spoiled" persuasion. She's often maddening, but also very real and someone about whom you care. The puzzles she solves strike a nice balance between being solvable (the author plays fair) but not too easy. And if you are interested in golf, you'll really enjoy the insider's view of what it's like to be part of the pro tour. Recommended.
From the Mystery Morgue:
Cassie prepares for the U.S. Women's Open. Golfers, are you ready for this! Even for us amateurs, we are with Cassie on and off the green.
From Chris Wallace on DorothyL.com
I love this series. The writing is charming and fresh, the plot fast paced and suspenseful and the characters and the action feel strikingly realistic and right. But it is Cassie Burdette that gets me into the story right away. She is so loveable and human and strives just so darn hard to improve her golf game and herself. A new reader will enjoy Final Fore but I find that seeing Cassie mature in each book in this series adds richer pleasure.
From Christy Tillery French at AuthorsDen.com:
Reading the Cassie Burdette series is simply a fun way to spend one's time. The pace flows nicely, the plot twists and turns with suspense, and Cassie's sense of humor and witty asides bring a lot of smiles. Charming, refreshing, and entertaining, this series leaves the reader anxious for the next.
From Fritz Schranck at HolebyHole.com:
As in the prior novels in the series, Isleib draws upon her experience as a clinical psychologist in coming up with an appropriate resolution, while also imparting her professional insight into the reasons behind the threats to Cassie and the others. The finale gives us hope for Cassie№s fictional future, both as a golfer and as an ever-maturing young woman.
Is it any wonder that these books are such fun to read?
From John Broussard of I Love a Mystery Newsletter:
Isleib has given us a nice plot, fascinating descriptions of life in the golfing fast lane, and a complex and intriguing protagonist who is convinced that she may be the next target.
From Ron Mon at Travelgolf.com:
Over the last few years, I've become a fan of a healthy little golf mystery series. Dr. Roberta Isleib invented a terrific character named Cassie Burdette, a struggling young golf professional with a penchant for involvement in murder-related mysteries. I don't wish to bore you with details nor give away plot structure, so I suggest you read the books yourself. Dr. Isleib, a clinical psychologist by trade, knows both the human mind and the golf game beyond well, and does the requisite research (to supplement her training) to flesh out the books.
The latest tome arrived yesterday. It's called Final Fore, and details young Cassie's trials and travails at the US Women's Open at The Orchards. The author weaves her character into the goings-on at real-world events, yet finds a way to make her the center of her own story, not THE story.
Cassie's playing in the tri-tour team golf tournament at legendary Pinehurst, North Carolina. Her team--consisting of her father and her boyfriend--is driving her crazy. To add to her stress, she's agreed to serve as maid of honor in her friend's wedding. When the bride's father disappears, not even her suddenly stellar swing can lift Cassie's spirits. She starts poking around the fairways for answers, just hoping she won't be rubbed out too...
Order the book through your favorite independent bookseller or independent mystery bookseller
BUY THE BOOK
Read the first chapter
|
 |
Here's what they're saying about Fairway to Heaven:
From Angela McQuay of Mystery Morgue
Cassie Burdette is the perfect character for a mystery series. She's
spunky, funny and easy to relate to. Both men and women readers will find it
entertaining to follow her adventures in this latest novel. Those who enjoy
golf will find another level of enjoyment to this book, but it's not a
prerequisite. Even those not interested in the sport will find it makes a
good backdrop for the mystery. With plenty of red herrings and plot twists,
Fairway to Heaven is an interesting and entertaining book that adds to Ms.
Isleib's reputation as a fine mystery novelist.
From John Retzer at Golfblogger
Like the other books in the series, Fairway to Heaven works on several
levels. As a character study, it's pretty interesting. Cassie is complex and
realistic: She's troubled without being disturbing; feminine without being "girly" (her reactions to the bizarre wedding plans are very funny). If it
were simply a "chick novel ", it would still have an audience. ( not me,
though )
Isleib's descriptions of the games of the idle rich make it work on another
level. If you just extracted the wedding escapades, it would be a good
comedy. But of course, it's a mystery. And at that, it's also very good.
It's got an intriguing plot that would actually work even if there were no
golf at all...
From Geoff Shackleford at the Golf Observer:
In her fourth and best yet, Cassie Burdette travels to Pinehurst where she's
serving as the maid of honor at a hilariously tacky golf-themed wedding.
Just when you think Isleib is about to turn this into chic-lit, her golf wit
reminds that any golfer, mystery lover or fan of the game would enjoy these
books.
Read the whole review
From Kim Malo at Myshelf.com
You don't have to be a golf fan to enjoy this series, despite the 'golf
lover mystery' label. The author clearly knows her stuff, but the stories
are as much about the people who inhabit Cassie's world as the game itself.
The result is a fast-paced cozy read, with a flawed heroine you can't help
caring about, even as you want to give her a good shake, set in an unusual
but clearly depicted world that's only far enough from the every day to be
interesting. One of my favorite entries in this series.
Read the whole review
From Cindy Chow of January Magazine
The writing here is above par, with wit and sarcasm that makes even
Cassie's neurosis more humorous than annoying. Isleib, continuing a series
that teed off with Agatha and Anthony award nominations (for Six Strokes
Under, 2002), showcases her skill with a putter as well as a pen.
Read the whole review
From Jennifer Monahan Winberry at The Mystery Reader:
A satisfying mystery, an engaging heroine emerging from her cocoon and a
delightfully indulgent private country club setting are all the elements
necessary to make this read a hole in one.
Read the whole review
From Kathryn Lively (Single for Now Magazine):
Though lacking in the self-esteem department, Cassie is an endearing
character, too weary with the world to make lemonade with the lemons handed
her. Isleib's first-person narration in all her mysteries is crisp, and her
knowledge of the game is evident in accurate descriptions of Cassie's
various adventures. Isleib writes as well as Annika plays, so if you ever
decide to forsake the fairway for the comforts of the clubhouse consider
taking along these novels, none of which are under par (Or is that over
par? I told you I'm lousy at the game.).
Read the whole story
From Fritz Schrank of Hole by Hole:
When Roberta Isleib decided to place the action in her newest Cassie
Burdette mystery novel in and around the famous golfing destination of
Pinehurst, I wondered how she would deal with the contrast between the
normally bucolic surroundings and the tumultuous events that often swirl
around the young LPGA heroine.
As one might expect, Isleib handled it very well.
Read the whole review
From Donna Andrews, 6-time LPGA Tour winner
"Isleib definitely shoots under par with this book. I'm just glad life on
the LPGA tour is about birdies and bogeys and doesn't include solving murders."
From Christy Tillery French at the Midwest Book Review:
Cassie is a delightful character, with a dry wit and fresh perspective. Her
personal insights, as well as her sessions with her shrink, will amuse the
reader throughout the book. Her amateur sleuthing may lead to dangerous
territory, but Cassie proves a real penchant for solving complicated
mysteries. Golf fan or not, this is one book all mystery lovers will enjoy
reading, with plenty of twists and turns and suspicious characters. Highly
recommended.
Read the whole review
From Mary Devine at Reviewing the Evidence:
Isleib excels at character creation. Cassie is a truly three-dimensional
character, dealing with one crisis after another -- should she back off
asking questions about Dan Peters' disappearance (Jeanine initially asked
Cassie to investigate, but after ransom demands are made warns her to back
off); should she resume/continue her often destructive relationship with
Michael? How should she deal with Marian, the stepmother from hell, who is
trying to prevent Cassie from having a relationship with her half-brothers?
Read the whole review
From Patricia D'Ascoli of the New Milford Spectrum:
...a mixture of murder, kidnapping, dark family secrets and a good game of
golf for added interest, this novel makes an enjoyable and entertaining
read.
Read the whole review
|
In the third mystery of the series, Putt to
Death, due out in April 2004, Cassie takes a temporary
job as a touring pro at an exclusive New England country club. Asked
to fill in at the board of directors meeting on her first night,
Cassie soon learns that environmentalists are considered fanatics
and that women are struggling with the old boys network for parity
on the golf course. When oneof the club members is found murdered,
Cassie realizes that more than golf privileges and bird houses must
be at stake.
ORDER THE BOOK NOW:
From my favorite hometown independent bookseller RJ Julia
BUY THE BOOK
Read the first chapter |
 |
Here's what they're saying
about Putt to Death:
From John Retzer of Golfblogger.com:
I'll get right to the point: I thought this book was a great read. Even better: my non-golfing wife couldn't put it down.
Read the whole review (click on "books" and see review for September 27)
From Roberta Austin at Murder and Mayhem Book Club:
This is the third in the series of "Golf Lover's Mysteries", but you don't
have to be a golf fanatic to love this or the previous two books. Cassie is
a captivating character, who the author allows us to see "warts and all".
She has her own set of issues, which are all too common for many of us. The
reader can learn quite a bit about golfing through this book in an
entertaining way. The plot has the perfect mix of suspense, humor and
poignancy...I am looking forward to another round with Cassie and any other
books by Ms. Isleib. She is a fabulous storyteller with her own unique voice
and deserves much success.
Read the whole review
From Christy Tillery French for Midwest Book Review:
Roberta Isleib delivers a nicely packaged mystery, with plenty of characters thrown into the mix to leave the reader guessing throughout as to the actual murderer. Cassie is an appealing character, a woman with her own share of baggage savvy enough to see a therapist while trying to understand what is
behind her propensity to self-sabotage golfing skills. Her witty remarks and innermost thoughts render her even more delightful, and her ongoing
relationships with family and friends leave the reader eagerly anticipating the next in the series, simply to see where Cassie will take them.
From Brenda Weeaks of Mystery
News
I fall asleep in front of the TV when the Masters play
through. Golf is beyond me. And maybe this is why the backdrop and characters
fascinate me--that and Isleib's fun sense of humor. There is no place
she won't go. I don't think I can praise this series enough. Trust me,
despite the dead bodies, Cassie will have you grinning from cover to cover.
From Kathryn Lively of Blether.com
If only Cassie Burdette played golf as well as her creator,
Roberta Isleib, designs her adventures; she would be ranked number one
in the world. In PUTT TO DEATH, the third Cassie Burdette mystery, we
find that life on the tour is not what it's cracked up to be. Actually,
for Cassie there is no life on the tour, for too many poor showings have
led to a brief suspension from the LPGA, leaving Cassie to take on temp
work as a golf pro in a snooty northern country club.
Read the whole review
From Debbie Lee Wesselman, Amazon Top 500 Reviewer
Easy to read and equally full of tense moments, this mystery
makes great vacation or weekend reading. You don't need to read Isleib's
previous efforts to enjoy this one, although it can't hurt.
Read the whole review
From Cindy Chow at January Magazine:
One author who's succeeded in demonstrating her knowledge of golf, while
still attracting readers who have never done more than putt balls over
a moat and through a spinning windmill, is Roberta Isleib... Putt to Death's
mystery thread unravels at a healthy clip. The book is a fun read, one
that's several strokes ahead of the competition.
Read
the entire review
From Fritz Schrank's Hole by Hole:
Seeking a safe refuge to salvage her faltering game, Burdette takes a
job as the official "touring pro" for a decidedly upscale Connecticut
Country Club
Stony Creek CC is the kind of place one can sometimes see while driving
along the coastline highways of the Nutmeg Statebeautiful golf landscapes,
with gorgeous views of Long Island Sound, a multi-year waiting list for
new members, and unmistakable signs of old money on graceful display.
In addition, the place fairly seethes with old rivalries from real and
imagined slights. Keenly felt emotions are not always kept in control,
and obviously at least one person is fully capable of committing murder.
I have the distinct impression that some of Isleib's Connecticut-based
readership will recognize a few of the personalities she deftly outlines
in the story. From my own past experience as a club president, however,
I can assure them that the types themselves are actually universal. Isleib
recognizes the social comedy potential in this material, and does a nice
job in exploiting it. These parts of the book made me wish I could stand
next to her at a large party, just to listen.
Read
the entire review
From Jeff Cohen of Mystery Morgue
This is a very entertaining mystery, told in a voice that exhibits humor
along with world-weariness and keeps it from becoming too downbeat. Cassie's
position as a golf pro would seem a handicap (you should pardon the expression)
when investigating mysteries, but this does not take on a Murder, She
Wrote "what-a-coincidence" quality‹it's all believable.
It also
provides a very informative look at the inner workings of a country club.
Even for those who do not play golf, this is an exciting, enjoyable ride.
Don't let the setting put you off. If you do play golf, you'll love this
series all the more.
Read
the entire review
From Larry Gandle of Deadly Pleasures
...A very entertaining and clever mystery... Suspects come
and go and when the true killer is revealed, the solution is both clever
and unexpected. The bottom line- a very good job by Roberta Isleib and
a strong contender for best PBO at the Agathas next year.
Read entire review
From Anne Barringer of the Old Book Barn Gazette:
In PUTT TO DEATH, Isleib manages to get the reader right into the swing
of her deadly game. There's never a dull moment, even for those who don't
play golf. Her colorful words and insight successfully hook even the most
rank amateur. Even if you're not a fan of the game, this book is a fun-filled,
enlightening read and highly recommended. Play on!
Read
the whole review
From Kelly Ross of the Romance Readers Connection:
PUTT TO DEATH is the third in the series but stands alone easily as well.
Ms. Isleib has nicely put a glossary of terms in the beginning of the
book for those readers who are not familiar with the sport. There are
many suspects and when the killer is revealed it is unexpected. The mystery
is cleverly written and readers will not be disappointed.
Read
the entire review
From New Mystery Reader:
Not a big fan of golf, I was surprised at how much I enjoyed
this book. Even though there is definitely a plethora of golf related
terms and events, and the mystery itself revolves around the sport of
golf (and country clubs), somehow it all seemed somewhat incidental to
the gist of the story, as well as the characters. Isleib has created
an endearing, and surprisingly somewhat complicated, character in Cassie.
Her issues with her love life, her father, and her career are not so different
than what many women her age might face, providing the reader with a realistically
and empathetically portrayed character that is easy to relate to.
Read
the whole review
|
The second Cassie Burdette mystery, A Buried
Lie, takes place at the LPGA Shoprite Classic golf
tournament in Atlantic City. When one of Cassie's amateur partners
disappears, she wades into a swamp of prostitution, gambling, and
drug company motives to solve the mystery.
ORDER THE BOOK NOW:
From my favorite hometown independent bookseller RJ
Julia
BUY THE BOOK
Read the first chapter |
 |
|
Here's what they're saying about
A Buried Lie:
From Christy Tillery French (Midwest
Book Review)
Cassie is a fresh face in the mystery world: an athlete with a
self-deprecating sense of humor who is slightly reckless and impulsive.
The subtle chemistry between Cassie and her friend and psychological
consultant Joe Lancaster is teasing and fun. Cassie's relationship
with her mother, whom she calls "the human weed-whacker", although
convoluted and filled with resentment on Cassie's part, is one that
reads humorously real.
Isleib throws red herrings throughout the book as she leads the
reader through Cassie's somewhat bungling amateur sleuthing to a
climatic ending, ingeniously weaving the game of golf into the storyline.
A fast-paced book that mystery, as well as golf, lovers will enjoy.
Read
entire review
From Harriet
Klausner
Golf enthusiasts and fans of amateur sleuth novels will definitely
enjoy A BURIED LIE, a tale that gives the reader insight into the
competitive world of professional golf. The audience will like Cassie
because she is willing to act on her hunches when even the police
think no crime has been committed. Roberta Isleib knows how to write
an interesting who-done-it that is a hole in one for the audience.
From
Jodie L. Ball, Mysterical_E
A BURIED LIE is labeled "A Golf Lover's Mystery," but if you aren't
a golfer, don't let that stop you from reading this book. For those
of us who don't know the terminology, Isleib has provided a glossary
of terms. With its memorable characters and intriguing plot, A BURIED
LIE is sure to please any mystery reader.
From Stephanie
Shea, Online Interviewer
A BURIED LIE is a great mix of golf lore and mystery. In Cassie
Burdette, Roberta has created a likable, spunky new sleuth with
a bit of baggage and a nose for trouble. Non-golfers should not
be turned off by the fact that the setting is a golf tournament.
Roberta manages to give the reader a feel for the game but she is
able to do this in a way that doesn't get in the way of the plot.
I first "met" Cassie in SIX STROKES UNDER and enjoyed getting to
know her better in A BURIED LIE and looking forward to the next.
This is a series that will appeal to golf fans and mystery fans
alike and, if you are both, you have hit the jackpot.
From John
Broussard
A BURIED LIE is aptly subtitled "A Golf Loveršs Mystery," and
the glossary at the beginning is an essential addition for those
of us who canšt tell a five iron from a hockey stick. For the golf
enthusiast who is also a mystery buff, this is near-perfect reading.
Isleib demonstrates the uncanny ability of detailing the life of
the professional golfer on tour without boring a non-golfing audience,
at the same time weaving in a first-rate mystery.
From Janet
Overmyer
This story moves clearly and with interest, both for golfers and
non-golfers. (Many thanks for the extensive Glossary of golf terms.)
A good, enjoyable read.
From Fritz
Schranck of Hole by Hole
Roberta Isleib is a smart woman, and I can prove it.
First, she's a clinical psychologist. There's one of them in my
family, and if she's anything like him, then it's obvious she's
no fool.
Second, she's an avid golfer, which shows her brilliance at selecting
a lifetime sport to love.
Third, she likes to write mystery novels and she's good at it.
Writing genre fiction is neither a sideline avocation nor a hobby
for the weak of mind.
And fourth, she figured out how to combine all these talents and
earn herself a nice little tax deduction for research expenses at
the same time.
As for that last bit of proof, one can only make a respectful bow.
Isleib's newest Cassie Burdette novel is the second in this fine
series. In the origin story, Six Strokes Under, Burdette becomes
involved with a murder just as she's trying to qualify for the LPGA.
Read
more...
From Kathryn
Lively
Last seen in SIX STROKES UNDER, stepping over dead bodies sprawled
on the lush greens of an Orlando golf course, Cassie Burdette is
slowly inching her way into the upper echelon of ladies' golf -
one stroke at a time. A narrow passing at Q-school has landed her
on the LPGA Tour, and though she has yet to make the cut she hopes
for a change at the ShopRite Classic, a pro-am tournament in Atlantic
City.
Golf may be a good walk spoiled, and it's much worse when the sponsor's
logo stitched on the heart of your golf shirt has been replaced
with a bullseye.
No need to question whether or not author Isleib has made the cut
with her sophomore effort, A BURIED LIE reads as well as Annika
Sorenstam plays. Cassie's dry wit, matched with the intriguing premise
of medical shenanigans against this green backdrop, make for a read
golf nuts and mystery readers will enjoy.
From BOOK NOTES by Joan Ruddiman (Princeton Packet online, July
2003)
'A Buried Lie' swings true
Kathy is a great pal and a good golf buddy. She came through on
both counts with an autographed copy of Roberta Isleib's "A Buried
Lie" she picked up at the Shop Rite Classic LPGA tour at the Seaview
Marriott last month.
"A Buried Lie" is the second in Ms. Isleib's "A Golf Lover's Mystery"
series. Aspiring pro Cassandra Burdette survived LPGA Q (for "qualifying")
school as she solved a murder in "Six Strokes Under." Now Cassie
is in the heat of things as she tees off in her first pro outing
on the LPGA tour on the famous Bay course in view of the Atlantic
City skyline.
Entire Review
|
|
In Six Strokes Under (ISBN#
0-425-18522-2), Cassie battles her way through the sectional
Qualifying School in pursuit of her life's dream--a position on
the Ladies' Professional Golf Association Tour. Along the way, she
stumbles across illegal equipment and repressed memories, and begins
to understand that competition can be murder.
ORDER THE BOOK NOW:
From my favorite hometown independent bookseller RJ
Julia
BUY THE BOOK
Read the first chapter |
 |
|
Here's what they're saying about
Six Strokes Under:
"Roberta Isleib hits the sweet spot with this impressive debut."-Steve
Hamilton, Edgar Award-winning author of NORTH OF NOWHERE
"A mystery so intelligent and engaging, even readers who don't
know a driver from a nine-iron will love it."-Abigail Padgett, author
of THE LAST BLUE PLATE SPECIAL
"Golf was already a mystery worthy of Poirot. Now Roberta Isleib
has written a mystery worthy of the game."-David Owen, author of
MY USUAL GAME
"Six Strokes Under reads like a Sunday afternoon watching
Tiger Woods play--it's tough to take your eyes off it. Isleib expertly
captures the myriad personalities of professioanl golf and the unique
world of the country club and spins it like a Hollywood thriller."-Matt
Pepin, NEW HAVEN REGISTER
From Fritz Schrank of Hole
by Hole:
I like well-written mystery novel origin stories.
An origin story, as I use the term, means the first book in an intended
series covering the adventures of the protagonist. Tony Hillerman's
Navajo Tribe police novels are a good example. His first Joe Leaphorn
book, The Blessing Way, set a tone leading to a string of critical
and commercial successes. Ian Rankin's Knots and Crosses, which
featured both Detective John Rebus and the dark side of Edinburgh,
Scotland is another version of the same genre, with at least 12
sequels to tempt his followers.
Unlike novels limited to telling a single complete story, successful
origin stories for an planned series must whet the reader's appetite
to learn more about the heroine and follow her continuing character
development in the next novel.
Roberta Isleib succeeded in this difficult task with her new golf
mystery novel about Cassandra Burdette, a great new character with
a lot of gumption and a penchant for trouble. Isleib wrote a fine
origin story. It creates a fun new character, with a nice supporting
cast, and an effective hook to bring the readers back for more stories.
I look forward to following Burdette's dual career as an LPGA player
and amateur sleuth with an attitude.
Review Date: May 31, 2002
From the "Old Book Barn Gazette", June 2002
A common misconception about golf is that it's unexciting, even
boring. This book proves that not only is golf not boring, it can
be pulse-pounding, particularly if there are murderers lurking at
every hole.Six Strokes Under is an enjoyable book with interesting
plotlines and side stories. Non-golfers should not be dissuaded
from reading it, nor should serious golfers feel that the book will
be too simplistic. Isleib strikes a happy medium: she gives a great
feel for the game that's not too technical or off-putting (pun intended)
for the non-golfer. Her engaging and amusing style sinks a hole
in one. (Sorry, I couldn't resist!) Vicky Gilpin
From the "Murder on Miami Beach Newsletter":
John's recommendation of the month!
This new golf lover's mystery, first in a series, is a nice introduction
to the golf world...the author has created a tightly-woven mystery
with believable, enjoyable characters. Even if you are not a golf
enthusiast, this is a must-read for those rainy summer days. Sit
back and take a ride in a golf cart. You will really enjoy the read
or ride. July, 2002.
From The
Mystery Reader:
Six Strokes Under is a fascinating look inside the world of pro
golf. Adding to the authenticity of the book, golf lingo is interspersed,
but manageable - either through context or with the help of a short
glossary in the front of the book. Cassie is a refreshing heroine
who is very real and genuine. Even though she aspires to be a professional
athlete, she is not above a cheeseburger and a beer, though she
readily admits to any ill effects the morning after. She is easily
distracted from her game sometimes, but once she is focused, she
digs in with a strong single-mindedness. She has some family demons
in her past that are alluded to, but never completely revealed.
There are two possible theories to both crimes and though a second
possible scenario is offered, it is pretty clear which way the story
is headed. The culprit may stand out very early on, though no motive
is offered for this suspect, leaving room for doubt and other suspects
to emerge. Six Strokes Under is a strong debut that will appeal
to golfers and non-golfers alike.
Jennifer Monahan Winberry
From the I
Love a Mystery Newsletter:
Isleib mixes pro golf and the controversial subject of suppressed
memories in SIX STROKES UNDER, but don't be fooled into thinking
it might be dull. It moves at a fast clip with multiple plot lines,
bested only by her strong characters. Isleib is one new writer we'll
be hearing from again.
- Cathy Stevens |
|
