Brotherly Love

With Brotherly Love Jim Sargent adds a fascinating new novel to his crime-fighting adventure series featuring writer/investigator Mickey Mathews and his older friend and sidekick, retired Army major Frank Tuttle. The action starts when Frank receives a letter from a sister-in-law whom he never knew about, and it forces him to revisit an unpleasant past and deal with a younger brother who disappeared decades earlier. This new novel is one of my favorites in the Mickey Mathews series. Brotherly Love differs from previous mysteries in subtle ways: the mood is darker, the events grimmer, and a happy ending is not certain. Frank becomes less a partner and more a fellow protagonist whose basic humanity is central to the tale. The theme of adult sibling estrangement, a common occurrence in real life, is explored with compassion. It develops that Frank’s brother Jack is involved in a smuggling ring that operates between Michigan and Canada. Before the novel reaches its dramatic climax, Mickey and Frank will encounter violence, kidnapping, and death as well as a host of interesting characters on both sides of the border. All this is set in historian Jim Sargent’s favorite locale, Michigan in the 1940s, which is beautifully rendered and presented with a level of detail that will please any Americana enthusiast

I enjoyed Brotherly Love, even though it was my first Mickey Mathews mystery. The story was solid and engaging, and anyone who has lived in or visited the Northern Michigan / Canadian border area will find it enjoyable. Sargent's historical knowledge and easy writing style make this a pleasant read. I'll probably try a couple more of the Mickey Mathews mysteries. Who wouldn't be up for a little murder, kidnapping, mayhem, and booze running?

I just finished reading "Brotherly Love" by Jim Sargent. It was very hard to put it down once I got started. Even though I have a little trouble with my eyes I would read a chapter, put it up for a while and then go back to it. Towards the end I just couldn't put it down, had to finish it. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves mysteries.

I recently finished reading Brotherly Love. I loved the story and twists and turns. This is my first book written by Jim and I have gotten the rest of his books and anxious to read them. Jim is a great mystery writer and I highly recommend you read his books. Thanks Jim.

Brotherly Love brings crime sleuth partners Mickey and Frank back to Michigan in Jim Sargent's mystery. The time and place are unique to mystery fans. I live all of Sargent's mysteries, and each develops our favorite characters more. If you read and love this one, be sure to check out his earlier books, as well.