The JAWSfest Murders (A Martha's Vineyard Mystery) (Volume 1)

I have been a lifelong Vineyard visitor, and have always enjoyed reading books about the island, especially fiction. The late, great Philip R. Craig began writing Martha's Vineyard Mystery books in the early 1990s, and I was hooked right away. After 17 or so entries in that series, Craig passed away, and I was hard-pressed to find other books that gave me the flavor of the island I became such a fan of in reading his books...until my friend Crispin started churning out his own series of Vineyard mysteries, and my happiness returned! This first book in his series was an instant joy to read. Crispin captures the island beautifully as he also has spent so many summers on the island himself. The storyline is pure mystery and thrills, all taking place in the midst of a very familiar event on the island. Crispin's use of character, location and descriptive storytelling made it not only a truly enjoyable first foray, but as I suspected might have happened, it ended all too quickly! Thankfully there's several more books for me to read, and as I get ready to head to the Vineayrd in a couple of days, Crispin's second book, DEADLY CATCH is already loaded onto my Kindle! The way Crispin tells his story makes the reader feel like they are right along with the characters on their journey to find out whodunnit...and that was a trademark Phil Craig method as well. It makes the story entirely more personal-feeling to me, and kept me invested in everyone involved in the entire caper...a big plus in my book. If the rest of Crispin's entries are as enjoyable as the first, I'm gonna have a slew of reading to do. I may have been a little late to the game of finding the series, but I'm glad I did, and I suggest anyone who likes a good mystery, and has a love for Martha's Vineyard as I do...and clearly as Crispin does, too, grab these books up and hit the beach! Well done, my friend!

Hello from Idaho. The JAWSfest Murders had me guessing until the very end! Exceptionally written, the author, Crispin Haskins, has a strong ability to explain the protagonist's surroundings that is second to none. It is like you are there with "Charles" in Martha's Vineyard. I am convinced that I will visit Martha’s Vineyard someday, now more than ever!

I purchased all 4 Crispin Haskins Martha's Vineyard Mysteries yesterday, I have already devoured the first two and would be on the third if I didn't have to recharge my Kindle. If you have ties to Martha's Vineyard then you just want to keep reading to see what part of the Island this fabulous author will take you to next! If you don't already have those ties, then you'll wish you did! Laurie and Charles are such likable characters, I can't wait to follow wherever they go!

"It's nice to read a book and know exactly what your talking about, the shops, Inns, restaurants, pubs, towns because of my 7 trips to the island... So descriptive, made me feel like I was there again- thank you." A well paced, very descriptive novel that was full of suspense, humor, and horror. Characters are very deeply thought out, and an ending that twists and turns and comes together tightley wrapped like a bow on a Christmas present. Crispin Haskins has amazed me and brought the love of the film "Jaws" back up to the top on people's mindes......but then again, I don't think it has ever left. Needs to be made into a film. LOVED IT!!!!!!!!

I LOVED reading this mystery! The author beautifully describes some of my favorite places on Martha’s Vineyard in this book, and I can’t wait to jump into the next one. I went ahead and purchased ALL of the books in the series and hope Crispin keeps ‘em coming!

Loved this book! If your are familiar with Jaws or the Vineyard this is a must read! The author has the characters walk you through the town and experience all the vision and smells you find on the island. The characters are well developed and you instantly feel at home with them. I highly recommend this read!

Crispin Haskins delivers a brilliant page turner, a mystery to enthrall islanders and summerdinks alike, but most definitely aimed at pleasing the millions of moviegoers who were scared from the water after that initial viewing of JAWS, and moreso, the FINATICS who rushed back into the theatre, time and time again, never able to fully quench their appetite for Spielberg's masterpiece. I am one such person. One of maybe thousands, perhaps tens of thousands of people who adore this film like no other. Crispin has a firm grasp of what his target audience loves, and he displays it on every page, from beginning to end, amping up the suspense with every step through the woods, every swim stroke off the beach, every bridge jump into murky waters. I thought I had seen all there was to see at last years Jawsfest. Clearly I was wrong. Thank God for Crispin Haskins and this thoroughly enjoyable story that let's us all in on just what the Chief of Police and his amateur ichthyologist friend were up to while everyone else was busy drinking and singing "Show me the way to go home..." Brilliant work, Crispin!

Loved this book. It starts out setting the stage on Martha's Vineyard with a description that is so vivid and charming you will want to go there yourself just to take a look. It is obvious the author loves this island in his descriptions, relayed through the main character Charles. Charles is a smart, thoughtful and unique guy with a dry wit that keeps you entertained. The friends he meets along the way in his adventure on the island are also quirky and all unique and believable in their own way. I liked how the characters, from all over the world, are somehow connected by JAWS. It makes for an interesting murder investigation, as you wonder if and how these murders and a movie could possibly be connected. The book kept me guessing, especially toward the end. I had a hard time putting it down - it got really intense! The story definitely has some unforeseen twists and surprises. It's very cleverly written. You will not be disappointed. I can't wait to read the sequel!

Reading this book put me right on the island of Martha’s Vineyard. I really felt like I was there, making friends with the lead characters. The plot is fun too.

First of all the Vineyard is a wonderful place and if you’ve never been there , this mystery will make you put it on your travel list. Mr. Haskins captures its milieu wonderfully. Then there are the characters each unique and wonderfully created. The best is the mystery a real page turner with a surprise ending. A fine book to spend some time with.

I have been a lifelong Vineyard visitor, and have always enjoyed reading books about the island, especially fiction. The late, great Philip R. Craig began writing Martha's Vineyard Mystery books in the early 1990s, and I was hooked right away. After 17 or so entries in that series, Craig passed away, and I was hard-pressed to find other books that gave me the flavor of the island I became such a fan of in reading his books...until my friend Crispin started churning out his own series of Vineyard mysteries, and my happiness returned! This first book in his series was an instant joy to read. Crispin captures the island beautifully as he also has spent so many summers on the island himself. The storyline is pure mystery and thrills, all taking place in the midst of a very familiar event on the island. Crispin's use of character, location and descriptive storytelling made it not only a truly enjoyable first foray, but as I suspected might have happened, it ended all too quickly! Thankfully there's several more books for me to read, and as I get ready to head to the Vineayrd in a couple of days, Crispin's second book, DEADLY CATCH is already loaded onto my Kindle! The way Crispin tells his story makes the reader feel like they are right along with the characters on their journey to find out whodunnit...and that was a trademark Phil Craig method as well. It makes the story entirely more personal-feeling to me, and kept me invested in everyone involved in the entire caper...a big plus in my book. If the rest of Crispin's entries are as enjoyable as the first, I'm gonna have a slew of reading to do. I may have been a little late to the game of finding the series, but I'm glad I did, and I suggest anyone who likes a good mystery, and has a love for Martha's Vineyard as I do...and clearly as Crispin does, too, grab these books up and hit the beach! Well done, my friend!

Hello from Idaho. The JAWSfest Murders had me guessing until the very end! Exceptionally written, the author, Crispin Haskins, has a strong ability to explain the protagonist's surroundings that is second to none. It is like you are there with "Charles" in Martha's Vineyard. I am convinced that I will visit Martha’s Vineyard someday, now more than ever!

I purchased all 4 Crispin Haskins Martha's Vineyard Mysteries yesterday, I have already devoured the first two and would be on the third if I didn't have to recharge my Kindle. If you have ties to Martha's Vineyard then you just want to keep reading to see what part of the Island this fabulous author will take you to next! If you don't already have those ties, then you'll wish you did! Laurie and Charles are such likable characters, I can't wait to follow wherever they go!

"It's nice to read a book and know exactly what your talking about, the shops, Inns, restaurants, pubs, towns because of my 7 trips to the island... So descriptive, made me feel like I was there again- thank you." A well paced, very descriptive novel that was full of suspense, humor, and horror. Characters are very deeply thought out, and an ending that twists and turns and comes together tightley wrapped like a bow on a Christmas present. Crispin Haskins has amazed me and brought the love of the film "Jaws" back up to the top on people's mindes......but then again, I don't think it has ever left. Needs to be made into a film. LOVED IT!!!!!!!!

I LOVED reading this mystery! The author beautifully describes some of my favorite places on Martha’s Vineyard in this book, and I can’t wait to jump into the next one. I went ahead and purchased ALL of the books in the series and hope Crispin keeps ‘em coming!

Loved this book! If your are familiar with Jaws or the Vineyard this is a must read! The author has the characters walk you through the town and experience all the vision and smells you find on the island. The characters are well developed and you instantly feel at home with them. I highly recommend this read!

Crispin Haskins delivers a brilliant page turner, a mystery to enthrall islanders and summerdinks alike, but most definitely aimed at pleasing the millions of moviegoers who were scared from the water after that initial viewing of JAWS, and moreso, the FINATICS who rushed back into the theatre, time and time again, never able to fully quench their appetite for Spielberg's masterpiece. I am one such person. One of maybe thousands, perhaps tens of thousands of people who adore this film like no other. Crispin has a firm grasp of what his target audience loves, and he displays it on every page, from beginning to end, amping up the suspense with every step through the woods, every swim stroke off the beach, every bridge jump into murky waters. I thought I had seen all there was to see at last years Jawsfest. Clearly I was wrong. Thank God for Crispin Haskins and this thoroughly enjoyable story that let's us all in on just what the Chief of Police and his amateur ichthyologist friend were up to while everyone else was busy drinking and singing "Show me the way to go home..." Brilliant work, Crispin!

Loved this book. It starts out setting the stage on Martha's Vineyard with a description that is so vivid and charming you will want to go there yourself just to take a look. It is obvious the author loves this island in his descriptions, relayed through the main character Charles. Charles is a smart, thoughtful and unique guy with a dry wit that keeps you entertained. The friends he meets along the way in his adventure on the island are also quirky and all unique and believable in their own way. I liked how the characters, from all over the world, are somehow connected by JAWS. It makes for an interesting murder investigation, as you wonder if and how these murders and a movie could possibly be connected. The book kept me guessing, especially toward the end. I had a hard time putting it down - it got really intense! The story definitely has some unforeseen twists and surprises. It's very cleverly written. You will not be disappointed. I can't wait to read the sequel!

Reading this book put me right on the island of Martha’s Vineyard. I really felt like I was there, making friends with the lead characters. The plot is fun too.

First of all the Vineyard is a wonderful place and if you’ve never been there , this mystery will make you put it on your travel list. Mr. Haskins captures its milieu wonderfully. Then there are the characters each unique and wonderfully created. The best is the mystery a real page turner with a surprise ending. A fine book to spend some time with.

Three things I love: reading, Jaws and Martha's Vineyard. Crispin has satisfied all three in this great, easy to digest debut novel. Reading this, I could imagine myself on the island - the sights and smells and locations and general feeling of being a Vineyard visitor. That gift is wrapped around a great Jaws-centric mystery that I read straight through. I'm off to order book number two and continue my vicarious Vineyard vacation. Well done first novel...can't wait to read more.

I absolutely loved this book! I happened to converse with the author on instagram and decided to buy it. I'm so thrilled I did. It certainly brought me to discovering his books! Also being a resident in Massachusetts and having been to Martha's Vineyard for Jawsfest before it peaked my interest even more! If you love a good mystery then check it out! I can't wait to read deadly catch next! Keep writing Crispin please!!!!!!

The Jawsfest Murders had my attention from the first page. I particularly enjoyed the scenes described in this novel, as I am a frequent visitor to Martha's Vineyard and Cape Cod. Mr. Haskins kept the reader in suspense right up to the end, and I never would have guessed his ending. I am looking forward to reading more of his novels.

This book takes you right back to Martha’s Vineyard from wherever you are reading it. Crispin provides such vivid and accurate descriptions of the island that you can practically smell the apple fritters. The character development is something I’m looking forward to as I continue to read the series. Great work!

Parts of this book stirred up such great memories I have had on the vineyard with my family. It definitely encompasses the magic of MV! I loved the characters and I now I feel like I must have breakfast at the Edgartown Inn!

This is great book it makes you feel like your really a part of the island. As an annual visitor to MV I'm thrilled to see "jaws" is still celebrated! Great read!

From the first chapter I couldn't put this book down! Made me feel like I was back on the island as a kid again. If the vineyard is a part of your life you HAVE to read this book. 5 stars!

Such a great book! Had a hard time putting it down! Love That it takes place on one of my favorite islands, Martha's Vineyard. On to book 2!

Great story, with plenty of intrigue. Charles is a very interesting character and I hope he is featured in subsequent books.

One of the best mystery books I have read in a long time. Crispin Haskins has a gift for transporting you to the Vineyard and immersing you into this spectacular who done it. Can't wait to read his next three mysteries!!

A perfect book for beachside, lakeside or poolside reading. I felt like I was on the island and part of the group. Deadly Catch up next!

I really enjoyed this murder mystery. It kept me intrigued and in suspense until the end. I also loved how the author describes with great detail Martha's Vineyard. I am looking forward to visiting myself and looking for the many landmarks mentioned in the novel. The Jawsfest scenario was unique, interesting and fun. I am looking forward to more mayhem with Charles's return to the Vineyard.

I'm not usually a mystery reader, but this book sucked me in! Maybe it's the idyllic setting in Martha's Vineyard or the slew of odd and intriguing characters that made me laugh and kept me on the edge of my couch. I would recommend it to anyone who loves to be entertained and whisked away to an exciting world of intrigue and murder. Great read! Thank you Mr. Haskins.

Wow! What a great read, especially for a first novel. I'm looking forward to reading more of Mr. Haskins' work. He kept me interested all along with his character development, clues, descriptions, and snappy dialogue that kept pace with the sense of urgency felt throughout this mystery. Way to go Crispin!

A MUST read! Action packed thriller that you just can't put down! I read it in one day! Now ready for the next 3 Crispin has written! Loved it!

A brilliant first novel from author Crispin Haskins. Well written in every respect, I couldn't put this book down once I started reading it. Well thought out story, characters and situations. If you love a good mystery, don't let this book pass you by.

Fun read! This is the perfect book to bring along and enjoy on the Vineyard...... sip a G&T......flip the pages....

This is a well plotted mystery that builds suspense throughout. The clues are nicely embedded in the story and can be followed with a little thought. The characters are well developed as are the relationships and the descriptions of Martha's Vineyard make you feel like you are on the island with the characters in the book. This is a great first effort; I look forward to the following books.

Having read this book in just 2 sittings, obviously, I couldn't put it down! Very well written, especially the descriptions of the specific areas of Martha's Vineyard! I felt I was really there! Looking forward to more from this first time author!

Thoroughly enjoyed this book! Not only did I want to keep reading till I found out who did it, it was so descriptive that I now want to visit Martha's Vineyard!

Great Read! Good mystery that leaves you guessing till the end!

I fell in love with Martha's Vineyard and the characters portrayed. I am waiting to find out what Charles does on his next trip there.

It held my interest with vivid imagery and suspense! It was an easy read and description makes me want to visit Marthas's Vineyard.

Great description of the island

This book reads like a movie! I wasn't sure what to expect since I go more for light beach reads, but a couple of pages in and I couldn't put it down. The definition of a real page turner. I'm quite familiar with Martha's Vineyard, so I couldn't wait to dive in (pardon the pun), but Crispin's description is so vivid, you don't need to know the island. The first chapter gets your heart racing and you really want to know, where is he going with this? Well hang on for a suspenseful ride because the twists and turns all come together in the end. I must add, buy all the books at once, because your going to get attached to Charles and Laurie and want to know what lies ahead for them.

All I can ask of a mystery is that it keeps me guessing and it gives me a bit of an escape. This title did both. I didn't guess the ending (and I often do) so I was very pleased with how the story was constructed-- it was well-paced and unpredictable. After starting last week I got derailed by a number of family commitments, but then I finally sat down with the book again the other day and have since blown through the book in two sittings. An unexpected bonus was that this story also helped me add something to my bucket list-- a visit to Martha's Vineyard. You can't help but want to have your breakfast in the garden at the Edgartown Inn, then spend all morning reading out on their front porch. The perfect beach read for summer (even though it may not be safe to go in the water)!

That’s it. I’m hooked!! Mr. Haskins book is a gripping mystery that captures everything I love about the vineyard. I can’t live on the island but I can travel there anytime with his books. I just ordered the second one in the series and can’t wait to get it!! Well done!!

Crispin Haskins writes this brilliant first in the series book on a story based on real locations of bars, cafe's and Street names that Martha's Vineyard has today. The two main characters in the book grabs your attention, trying to solve the murder's and who did it. It's settings is during when MV holds the JawsFEST, and he pulls out a few famous Jaws locations to keep it within a Jaws theme. This is a great book which is enjoyable to read, not heavy at all, humorous with that great twist. I need to read Deadly Catch to see what happens next in book No.2!

I am not a big reader by no means but i took a chance and bought this book and it was hard to put it down. I myself love Jaws and Martha's Vineyard and the book makes you feel like you want to go back to the island. Well written and a fabulous read. bought the whole series to find out what happens next. Crispin Haskins did great job. Really enjoyed thank you. Mark Ames

A perfect vacation book to read during or right before your trip to Martha's Vineyard!

A page turner for sure, twists and turns that had you wondering what was going to happen next. Took you all over Martha's Vineyard with great descriptions and you felt like you were right there. The ending was surprising but made sense. Loved it and look forward to the next one, Deadly Catch

How can I be the first to review this mystery. Fascinating plot, great local color and characters that amaze. I'm hooked and can't wait to start the next in the series. I've been to the Vineyard and Crispin Haskins nails it.

If you are a JAWS Fan then this book is a must!!! Brings you rite to Marthas Vineyard and vibes of being in Jaws. I LOVED this book and i am looking forward to Crispins other books.

Leaves you on the edge of your seat. Great mystery! Very descriptive view of the island. Once you dive in you'll be hooked!

I am a fan of Jaws, Martha's Vineyard, and now Crispin Haskins! However, you don't have to be a fan of Jaws or Martha's Vineyard to enjoy this book. You just have to be a fan of mysteries and/or fun reads. Bring this book with you on vacation and read it with your toes in the sand and the sun on your back. And be careful if you go in the water!

JAWSfest Murders is a brilliant edge of your seat page turner. It's full of amazing characters, both developed and complex set in the magnificent beauty of Martha's Vineyard. JAWSfest Murders is a delightful read, full of twists, surprises and suspense. The characters are a delightful mix of developed and complex nature.....absolutely brilliant! Crispin Haskins has the gift of an amazing mystery writer who will always captivate his readers. I can't wait for his next novel!

This book is so well written, gives a wonderful description of Martha's Vineyard as the story plays out also. Could almost act as a guide book in its own right. The murder mystery keeps you guessing right up to the end and it's a true page turner throughout. I highly recommend this book and look forward to the author's future projects!

A fun book to read and I loved how all of my favorite places are incorporated into the story!

A must read - the easiest way to be transported right to the scene of the story, and THE ultimate beach read. If you are a longtime Vineyard lover, or just looking for a story full of suspense - this book will get the job done. So looking forward to the next one!

Written well! Story pulls you along on on an interesting ride through Martha's Vineyard. The book was descriptively written, and made me feel I was with Charles as he investigated then solved the mystery. I look forward to reading the next installment of this series.

wonderfully written and anyone who is a jaws fan will just love this book i couldnt put it down great story 5 stars for haskin

A great, enjoyable read. A nice balance between dark, nail-biting tension and sunny, seaside scenes with a love for Martha's Vineyard and Jaws FINaticism. Makes me want to visit.

What a great story with such believable characters. I couldn't put it down and Crispin Haskins is an exceptional writer. Not going to add in spoilers just get it and read it! I absolutely loved it and will now move on to his other books - let's hope there's more in the pipeline. Crispin has clearly got a lot of experience of Martha's Vineyard his description of the surroundings are so detailed yet never boring. I just want to jump on a plane and go over. 10/10

You had me at the title alone. I love jaws, I love murders and I love this book. The characters are amazing and very believable, I fell in love with them instantly. I have always been desperate to visit Martha’s Vineyard and this novel took me there without even leaving my sun lounger. I even love the large font, my eyesight isn’t what it was and so this was perfect. Every Jaws lover and murder mystery fan should get this book, it’s a keeper!

it will swallow you whole and spit you right into Martha's Vineyard, Crispin Haskins is an incredible writer. Seriously..best book I've read in years if not since Jaws. I was absolutely enthralled from the opening sentence to the last. His description of the surroundings are simply stunning and has had me reaching for the laptop and pricing a wee holiday. The story is superb and well written with amazing detail. I will recommend this book to everyone I come in contact with in the foreseeable future!

In the novel Jaws the shark could not stop, it had to keep moving forward. You wont be able to stop reading until you've reached the last page, hopefully in one piece! An excellent novel that brings Martha's Vineyard to life with some added scares. Buy it before you go swimming.

haskins passion for jaws and martha's vineyard shone through this beautifully written book .if you are a jaws fan you will love this book ,great storyline a must read

Not one for mysteries, I was pleasantly surprised by this read. Once I started, I could not put it down. I was transported to picturesque Martha's Vineyard and was so lost in the beauty of the island and it's colourful characters, I didn't see 'it' coming! A Jaws fan or not, you will get lost in Charles' tour of this beautiful island and will, like me, be adding this destination to your bucket list!! This is not your typical, predictable mystery. Full of twists and turns, Crispin had me guessing 'whodunnit?' until the end! Do yourself a favour and pick up this book. Crispin's next three novels are on their way to my mailbox and I can't wait to spend more time with Charles on the island to see what happens next.