MIND SCRAMBLER by Chris Grabenstein

    This novel by the very talented Chris Grabenstein was somewhat disappointing. His previous mysteries featuring John Ceepak and Danny Boyle have taken place in Sea Haven, New Jersey while this one sent them out of their (and the author's ) comfort zone to Atlantic City. This book was a little less tongue-in-cheek and the plot line was entirely too dark for the characters I have come to know. I felt like the author could not decide from one chapter to the next whether he was trying to write in his usual vein or if he was trying to delve into a deeper,more complex and disturbing social issue. Frankly, it did not work. For me, it was patently obvious fairly early on who the the "bad guys", murderers, and criminals were. The red herrings,as they say in the mystery writing world, were anything but; the smoke and mirrors used by the characters were as see through as saran wrap. While I would highly recommend Mr. Grabenstein's books to everyone this one fell far short of the mark. It just did not captivate me and I had a difficult time finishing it. I am going to give this book a "MEH" rating. Read his other books, you will not be disappointed.