This is the first book I’ve read in the Rocky Bluff P.D. series, but after reading An Axe to Grind, I intend to read the rest of the series. I want to know what happened to bring the characters to where they are now. Though Rocky Bluff is a fictional location, the town and the people seem very real.If you like to read while you’re eating, as I do, you might want to avoid starting this book at meal time. The first scene—when the police are investigating the crime scene with a decapitated body and massive amounts of blood—is pretty gory. However, that’s the only part of the book that will make your stomach a little queasy.The main storyline involves the investigation and solution of the crime, but the relationships of the police officers and their personal lives are interwoven into the mystery. Readers who enjoy relationship stories will enjoy An Axe to Grind as much as lovers of crime fiction.Detective Doug Milligan and fiancee and fellow police officer Stacey Wilbur are so wrapped up in their respective cases—his the murder of a stalker and hers a molestation case involving the son of a friend—that they don’t have time to plan their wedding. When Doug disappears while trailing a suspect, Stacey goes looking for him, and finding time to plan a wedding pales in comparison to finding Doug in time to save his life.Author F.M. Meredith is currently on a blog book tour for An Axe to Grind. I recommend you check out the other stops of the tour for interviews and excerpts. ( )

Who ever thought reading about a decapitated corpse couldn’t be funny hasn’t read, “An Axe To Grind, A Dark Oak Mystery” by F.M. Meredith.

No, it’s not a comedy and the murder isn’t funny. I’m guessing F.M. Meredith didn’t write this to focus on the comic side.

However, author F.M. Meredith has found a way to write a gripping murder mystery while including enough light-hearted moments that the book isn’t dark and ominous.

The story centers around the death of Kenneth Buchelo. When his decapitated body is found by the paperboy, detectives of the Rocky Bluff Police Department are called in. As Detectives Doug Mulligan and Frank Marshall begin their investigation, they find Buchelo lived in a fantasy world constantly telling lies about his life. In addition, they discover he’s a stalker.

While working on the case, Detective Mulligan is also trying to work on wedding plans with his fiancée Stacey Wilbur, a Vice Detective. The main obstacle in the plans is Mulligan’s house guest, Officer Gordon Butler.

Herein lies the fun part of this book. The old saying, “If it wasn’t for bad luck, I won’t have any luck at all” applies to Officer Butler. The man seems to have the worst luck and it’s never his fault. Some of the situations he gets into, you can’t help but laugh.

There are several minor stories going on at the same time as the investigation, but the author ties them all together nicely. There are no lose ends nor rocky transitions.

The focus on the murder will keep you on the edge of your seat. There are quite a few prime suspects who have a motive for killing Buchelo including family members of the girl he was stalking. In addition, there are several other people that make you suspect they might have motive too.

The plot is fast pace with just enough suspense to keep you guessing. The characters are likable and by the end of the book you’re wondering what case the detectives will be working on next.

“An Axe to Grind” is the sixth book in the Rocky Bluff Police Department series. This is a stand alone book that doesn’t have to be read in order. There are references to earlier incidents from the previous books, but the reader isn’t left in the dark if they haven’t read them. The references are just enough to peak your interest to make you want to read the other books.

Author F.M. Meredith has created a great group of officers in the Rocky Bluff P.D. They’ll make you feel safe and secure as they solve their latest murder mystery.

One final note. I don’t know if F.M. Meredith meant to have a humorous side to her story or not. If not, I hope this doesn’t offend her. I haven’t seen the book mentioned as a cozy or light-hearted mystery anywhere.

However, to me the humor is a part of it. It by no means takes away from the murder mystery. To me it enhances the story. Be sure to pick up a copy and read it yourself. See what you think and let me know. ( )