A Blues Mystery
Review by Tom Baldino
Recently I received a press release for a murder mystery novel set in the world of blues music entitled “Murder at the Crossroads.” I reached out to the co-author, Debra Shiff, stating that The Foundation would like to endorse the book to our membership if I could first read it.
Well after reading the book, which I finished in less than a day, I will tell you it’s a must-read for any blues lover who likes a good murder mystery. While the central character, his family and friends are fictional, Eddie Baker is a blues guitarist who has played with and knows many real musicians of the times who we are all familiar with. From his childhood Mississippi home in the 50’s and 60’s, to the hot bed of the northern blues migration, Chicago, to the southern California blues scene of the early 90’s, Eddie’s deep dark secrets are revealed to the reader along the way. A huge blues fan, Debra teams up for her second novel with famed blues musician Doug MacLeod to craft a story that will resonate with anyone familiar with the history of the blues and the society that it sprang up from.
This middle-aged blues man has been running from the truth for most of his life, with music being the only thing that keeps him somewhat grounded. But with “Hellhounds” on his trail, he finally confronts the thing that has plagued him since childhood. The rich story that makes this easy reading book a real page turner, had to be written by someone intimately aware of a musician’s life and then given a compelling back story. While there are hints along the way, this richly woven saga has surprises by the chapter, leading up to a stunning conclusion that even the most ardent murder mystery fan wouldn’t come up with.
Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy, and I promise you that you won’t be disappointed.
You can order “Murder at the Crossroads” on Amazon by clicking here. Please note that a portion of the profits will be donated to The Blues Foundation’s HART Fund.