Martinis & Mayhem ticked a lot of boxes for me. Firstly, I have worked in prison, so the opening chapters were obviously big draws for me. Secondly, I have always been interested in San Francisco, but never visited. This, therefore, was a thrill. And finally, the gay subplot was something very close to home for me - I am gay, and so it was nice to see this series being so mixed in terms of characters’ sexuality. Several issues, however. George Sutherland may be a huge favourite with plenty of fans, but not so much with me. He’s okay, and well-characterised (I understand he is actually based on Donald Bain’s father) but I feel he is too much. His Scottish phrases were overdone—constantly put in for no apparent reason that I can see. I don’t like this “almost romance” between he and Jessica. It’s not true to what we see onscreen, and therefore it is difficult to imagine it happening with Angela Lansbury playing it. Jessica is like a tittering schoolgirl around him, insisting that he extend his plans to involve her, which is a bit selfish considering he is in San Fran for work purposes. Otherwise, it was very enjoyable, as I have said.
Apparently this is not the first book in the series, so I'll have to go back to the beginning. I wouldn't say this book is spectacular, especially if you have not seen the show. BUT since I'm a fan of the show, I love Jessica's character and, while reading, the story played in my head like another episode. Thus 4 stars instead of 3. however, I'm not sure the writer ever watched the show, there's a bunch of inconsistencies. Nothing major, but enough. Also, I am not a fan of Jessica's newfound love interest. I don't think the real Jessica Fletcher would bother with a romance as she doesn't have the time, and she's very independent.
What do You think about Martinis & Mayhem (1995)?
The book, Martinis & Mayhem, is a simple read for those who like light murder mystery books, which I do. This murder mystery story is told in San Francisco. Besides the fact, there's a plot and an innocent victim is sent to jail and only Jessica Fletcher gets to the bottom of the crime, the book tells a lot about San Francisco. Mrs. Fletcher takes us to some places where I wish I could have checked out when I was there a few times. Walking over the Golden Gate Bridge would have been a splendid idea if I knew about it or thought about it. If I ever go again to San Francisco, that would be on my list to do. But I did once walk down the crookedest street; whereas Mrs. Fletcher drove down it. That was very nice.Whenever I get a chance, I enjoy watching Murder, She Wrote series. I personally think the Murder, She Wrote books are more enjoyable-more detail. I hate to say this, but as much as I like the series, I usually fall asleep with them.
—Sonya
