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Michael Weitz is the author of the award-winning Ray Gordon mystery series. He's also written short stories, television commercials, and documentaries. He is an avid chess player and student of the game, and has an eclectic mix of other hobbies and interests including bicycling, photography, pool and astronomy. Michael lives in the Pacific Northwest with his wife and dog.
Reviewed by Susan Sewell for Readers' Favorite
A man's grisly death ignites his chess teacher's suspicions and, like a bulldog, he won't let up until he finds the truth in the exciting murder mystery Even Dead Men Play Chess by Michael Weitz. Ray is a chess aficionado and about once a month, even though it is a fairly long drive, he travels to Spokane to teach Walter chess. This time, however, when he arrives at Walter's house, Ray is stunned to discover Walter died a few days earlier in a bizarre accident. Unable to wrap his mind around Walter's carelessness, Ray begins to snoop about. With Ray looking into Walter's life and those closest to him, Walter's neighbors and family are uncomfortable and wary. Despite their attitude and the fact that Walter's family asked him to leave their home, Ray can't let it go and continues investigating. When he inadvertently uncovers a meth lab, Ray becomes the target of a drug-induced psychopath who is determined to wipe him out. Is there a connection between the drugs and Walter's death? Can Ray prove Walter was murdered before he becomes the next victim?
Even Dead Men Play Chess by Michael Weitz is a compelling murder mystery with a captivating storyline, engaging characters, and a fascinating plot. The protagonist, Ray, is easily related to and quite likable. For someone obsessed with chess, a quiet board game, Ray doesn't seem to mind getting physical in the scraps he tends to instigate. This is an enjoyable novel with enough action and mystery to keep the reader entertained and involved to the last page. These attributes, plus the positive lack of mature language and scenes, make this book an irresistible addition to the libraries of those who love a riveting amateur sleuthing murder mystery.
