Reviews, etc.
- The Merry Genre Go Round Reviews
- Harriet Klausner From Library Journal
- America's Book Review
- Suspense Publishing
- Linda Furiate
- Patricia Reid
- Meanderings and Muses
- BOOKGASM
- Feathered Quill Book Reviews
- Publisher’s Weekly
- Mary Ann Smyth
- Bookfetish
- Laura Hartman (the GENREVIEW)
- Cherie Jung
- SAN FRANCISCO BOOK REVIEW / SACRAMENTO BOOK REVIEW
- B. BURCROFF
- Joseph’s Reviews
The Merry Genre Go Round Reviews
By harstan
In Manhattan David Lowell runs Starlight Detective Agency. His best source for during an inquiry is using astrology charts; even his broker sells or buys when David tells him his order. His daughter Melinda enters his office just before closing. Without a hello, she hires him. Melinda explains that as the most junior associate at her law firm, she is stuck with a pro bono case. Bartender Johnny Colbert has been charged with the murder of Lower Manhattan Debt Claims Judge Farrah Winston. She hands her dad her acrimonious uncooperative client’s birth chart, which he analyzes like a real Sherlock Holmes enhancing the likely facts with an astrology reading.
Though the case is shut and closed, he and his team (Sarah the office assistant Sarah, Mort the hacker and Andy the bodyguard/driver) begin to find cracks as he seeks a killer’s “Mercury in retrograde” mistake. Murder In The 11th House is a fun lighthearted paranormal Manhattan murder mystery starring a brilliant idiosyncratic protagonist and his eccentric team. With a nod to Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes and Victoria Laurie’s Psychic Eye series, this entertaining story line contains astrological references throughout that add uniqueness to the sleuthing. It is in the stars that readers will enjoy our first but not last visit to the Starlight Detective Agency.
Harriet Klausner From Library Journal
July 2011 Lewis, Mitchell Scott. Murder in the 11th House: A Starlight Detective Agency Mystery.
Why not use astrology to solve cases? That's exactly what idiosyncratic detective David Lowell does so convincingly in this fun debut. A tough bartender is being framed for the murder of an up-and-coming female judge, and David's lawyer daughter has inherited her case. Already known for his astrologic expertise, David reluctantly turns his skills toward what looks like an open-and-shut case. It turns out the beautiful and perfect judge, who also had political aspirations, was not loved by everyone. David's team digs out the seamy details, relying not just upon his battered ephemeris but astrologic databases that can pinpoint a "Mercury in retrograde" moment when a confident killer made a mistake. VERDICT Add this one to your orders. It's a perfect afternoon read that will provoke smiles. Almost cozy, with a Mr. Monk "like ensemble cast, this series debut has tremendous potential.
America's Book Review
Karen Elley
Production Designer/Writer BookPage
The signs were favorable for my call to debut author and astrologer Mitchell Scott Lewis at his Manhattan home. Consulting the stars for any matter of events—even a phone interview—is run of the mill for Lewis, who has been a practicing astrologer in New York City for more than 20 years. Well in advance, Lewis successfully predicted the exact top of the housing market, the deterioration of the mortgage business and the 2008 market crash. He has appeared on 20/20 and been quoted in Barron’s, the New York Post and other leading publications. “You can use astrology for anything,”
Lewis says, “and I’ve always wanted to write a mystery. Many of my clients have asked me why I didn’t write an astrology book. The effort that goes into that would be the same as a novel and, quite frankly,” he admits, “the only people that would read it would be astrologers.” Lewis hopes to appeal to a wider audience. “I wanted to fit the astrology into the mystery genre, not to shove it down people’s throats, but to show them what can be done.”
In Murder in the 11th House, the first book in Lewis’ Starlight Detective Agency series, birth chart, street-smart savvy astrology detective David Lowell takes on the investigation of a pro bono murder case to help out his young defense attorney daughter, Melinda. “I wanted to fit the astrology into the mystery genre." When asked if he had ever assisted in a murder case investigation, Lewis was at first hesitant to reply. “I’ve been consulted by private families—not by the police—to do some work on a murder case. It was a pretty sordid affair. To tell you the truth, it’s a little bit scary when you’re dealing with murder and you’re not David Lowell with a bulletproof car, a bodyguard and all the money in the world.” Lewis says he conjured up a wealthy private investigator for a reason. “I got so tired of all those poor schleps, like Rockford—although I love the guy, I wanted someone with power so I could see how he uses it, someone who has money in a society that has been corrupted by it.
All around him is a society that is crumbling . . . hopefully it will pull itself together, but as of now, we’re in a dark time of the history of mankind.” In Murder in the 11th House, darkness comes in the form of a car bomb explosion in the parking garage of the courthouse that kills Judge Farrah Winston, a beautiful, much loved, paragon of virtue. The accused is Joanna (Johnny) Colbert—a foul-mouthed bartender with a gambling problem and a hair trigger temper. “In the case of the judge,” Lewis says, “I developed the character first, then fit the astrology to her. With Johnny, her chart came to me first, very quickly, because I wanted certain personality traits. Then I wound up changing it right before publication because the moon was within a few minutes of the sun, which makes it more powerful and brings up the father figure more, an area where Johnny has a big problem.”
The astrology used in the book is researched and authentic. “I’m going to put the charts up on my website so anyone who’s studying astrology can see what I’m talking about. But I’m keeping Lowell’s chart a secret for a reason. I’m giving clues, and at some point, I’ll probably ask my readers what kind of chart they think he has and why.” As the story progresses, all the evidence—celestial and otherwise—points to Johnny. Determined to find out who killed Judge Farrah even if it turns out to be their client, Lowell meticulously examines the charts of the judge’s clerk, a self-important senior partner in a prestigious law firm, the judge’s sister; a pathologically shy, mousy woman who stands to inherit her dead sibling’s fortune; and even the judge herself. As time grows short, Lowell enlists the aid of his feisty secretary Sarah, a smart cookie with a penchant for expensive shoes, and his trusty sidekick, Mort, an accomplished hacker and sometime psychic. When someone tries to kill Johnny, Lowell knows he’s on the right track. But there’s a bad moon rising, and they’re all endangered as the action heats up.
Although you may not believe in signs, by the time you reach the end of Lewis’ Murder in the 11th House, you might be wondering if it’s possible to determine the identity of a murderer with a little help from the stars. In spite of all the darkness he sees around him, Lewis has a well-developed sense of humor that shines through in his quirky characters, resulting in a fun, entertaining, socially insightful and informative read.
Suspense Publishing
Reviewed by Starr Gardinier Reina, author of “Deadly Decisions,”
published by , an imprint of Suspense Magazine
“Murder in the 11th House” by Mitchell Scott Lewis:
The position of the Moon, Sun, and other planets can tell us so much more about people than I realized. In this novel, Lewis uses laymen’s terms to depict an extraordinary way to solve a murder.
Astrologer David Lowell is the father of Melinda, a smart, budding attorney who was given a case that appears as if it’s an open and shut situation. She calls on her father and his expertise for assistance. Johnny Colbert is accused of blowing up Farrah Winston, a federal judge. Johnny can be brash and downright rude at times, but she’s also well-versed in bombs and becomes the number one suspect.
David and Melinda and a few other friends use astrology to help determine if Johnny’s innocent. When David himself becomes a target, the question arises as to whether Johnny is behind the newest bomb scare. Armed with not much more than suspects’ birthdates, David unearths corruption that leads to the untimely death of Farrah.
You will be just as surprised as I was to find out who the guilty party is (or is that parties?). Besides the who-dun-it in this story, Lewis fascinated me with how astrology can help solve a crime. A great read.
Book Review by Linda Furiate
September 20, 2011 by Linda Furiate
Murder in the 11th House by Mitchell Scott Lewis
Released September 6, 2011 Murder in the 11thHouse focuses on David Lowell, an astrologer/detective who engages the astrology charts of those who have knowledge of the murder of an attractive, up and coming Judge in New York City. Murder in the 11th House is the first in a series of books for the Starlight Detective Agency written by astrologer Mitchell Scott Lewis.
David works with his daughter, Melinda, a young defense attorney who is also a student of astrology. Together they seek to unravel the mystery as to who killed Judge Winston as Melinda tries to prove her client, Johnny Colbert innocence.
Mitchell does an excellent job weaving astrology into this detective work as he sorts through countless astrology charts seeking to understand those who knew Judge Winston and figure out why they may have had motive to cut short her existence.
I found Murder in the 11th House not to be your typical astrology book, yet Mitchell explains aspects well enough that even those who know nothing about astrology can make sense of his analyses. And for those of us who are more experienced astrologers, Mitchell is able to interpret planetary configurations while providing thought provoking delineations throughout this book to keep the reader engaged not only on the astrology, but more importantly on the intriguing and titillating murder plot.
Patricia Reid
David Lowell is not your run of the mill detective. David is an astrological detective and is very good at his job. David has studied astrology and has become such an expert that he has used his knowledge of to buy and sell in the stock market and is now a wealthy man.
When Lowell is asked to use his skills to prove the innocence of Johnny Colbert, a woman accused of murdering Farrah Winston, a Judge in the Debit Claims Court in Lower Manhattan, Lowell’s first inclination is to decline. The fact that Johnny Colbert is represented by Melinda Lowell, David Lowell’s daughter, is a convincing enough fact to make him take the case.
Johnny proves to be loud-mouthed and a rather rough person on the exterior but further investigation proves that there is a lot more to her than meets the eye. When Johnny is attacked in the jail Melinda talks her father into posting bail and letting Johnny stay in his townhouse. Lowell is not too pleased with this arrangement but tends to do most anything his daughter asks.
Lowell is helped in the investigation by his assistant Sarah as well as Mort, a talented computer hacker. Lowell’s bodyguard is always right around the corner when Lowell needs him.
It seems that Judge Winston had big plans for her future and, as Lowell finds out, that certain people did not want her plans to become a reality.
This first book in the Starlight Detective Agency series is a good one and shows that astrology can be used in many ways.
Meanderings and Muses
Dorothy L.
1. What is the book you are currently reading? MURDER IN THE 11th HOUSE
2. Where is it set? NEW YORK CITY
3. What is the time period in which it is set? PRESENT
4. On what page are you? 130
5. Have you learned anything-any bit of information-you didn't know before? You bet! There's a lot about astrology, which is written in a fun, interesting way.
6. Have you read other books by this author? This is his debut novel for a new series featuring an odd, wealthy, likeable astrologer-detective along with a delightful ensemble cast.
7. Based on what you've read so far, do you like the book? YES!!!!
8. Once you've finished this book, do you think you'd read more by this author? YES!!! Already tapping my toe for Book #2.
Best, Kaye in Boone, NC
BOOKGASM
Astrological detective David Lowell must use his astrologer’s charts and knowledge to solve the murder of a state judge in a New York City parking garage. Joined by his daughter, Melinda, a young defense attorney who believes the person arrested innocent; his hacker sidekick, Mort; patient assistant, Sarah; and bodyguard Andy, Lowell races against time to prove the innocence of Johnny Colbert, a mouthy bartender accused of the crime. Birth charts and street smarts help Lowell sort out the misdirections of a cast of characters, ranging from the judge’s clerk to the judge’s life itself, to trace the crime back to a surprising source.
Feathered Quill Book Reviews
The Starlight Detective Agency, in Manhattan, is run by David Lowell, an astrologer/detective who uses astrological charts to find the bad guys and solve cases. He is hired by his daughter Melissa, who is a defense attorney and also very interested in astrology to investigate and prove the innocence of Johnny Colbert (a female bartender with a big mouth). Johnny is accused of murdering a judge in a New York City parking garage. Being an astrologer, David starts an astrological chart using the person's birth date and time of birth. This tells him about the individual and what he can expect while investigating.
Melissa being a junior associate in her law firm, is handed a pro bono case involving Johnny Colbert, who has been charged with the murder of Manhattan Debt Claims Judge Farrah Winston. She has already looked up Johnny's birth chart, handing it to her father and he proceeds to give it his utmost attention. If he sat with a magnifying glass like the old time detectives it would be the same sort of scrutiny. The likely facts make it look like an open and shut case. The Judge was killed by a car bomb. The suspect got into a heated argument with the judge earlier that day in court and the suspect is also a member of a national guard unit that specializes in making and defusing bombs. What else would you possibly need for a conviction. David has an interesting staff including: Sarah, office assistant; Mort, an extremely able computer hacker and Andy, his bodyguard/driver. While searching for clues that will exonerate Johnny, he is sure that the real killer is out to get rid of Johnny so, he invites Johnny to stay in his New York Townhouse until she goes to trial. She is obviously not an easy person to be around and this makes for some really great situations.
This first book in The Starlight Detective Agency Series is a definite winner. With the help of everyone's birth charts, David is able to sort out the sheep from the goats and find the real reason for the crime that will involve an interesting surprise ending. If readers thought that Sherlock Holmes could be a psychic from time to time, you ain't seen nothin' yet. This story and its astrological searches is unusual detecting and hopefully will not be the only time we meet David and his unconventional team.
The writing is first-class, as it would be as the author is a practicing astrologer and the characters meld together so well. According to Shakespeare's Hamlet: There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio than are dreamt of in your philosophy. That line was stated, in the publicity, by author Jeanne Matthews and is certainly true. So, as I said before, you ain't seen nothin' yet.
Publisher’s Weekly
“Lewis’s winning debut, the first in a new series, introduces New York City detective David Lowell, a highly intelligent, intuitive sleuth who’s also an astrologer…Like Sherlock Holmes, the eccentric Lowell makes deductions that astound or offend those privileged to hear them. Lewis, himself a practicing astrologer, leavens the action with just the right amount of technical exposition”
Reviewed by Mary Ann Smyth
Murder in the 11th House by Mitchell Scott Lewis presents murder from a different angle. David Lowell, an astrological detective, uses his charts and vast knowledge of astrology to solve the murder of a federal judge in a New York City parking garage.
Lowell must do well in his business as he seems to have unlimited funds as well as the aid of Andy, his chauffeur and bodyguard. He is helped in his mission by his defense lawyer daughter Melinda and a most necessary tool, his hacker Mort, as well as his assistant Sarah.
Lowell uses birth charts to assess suspects' backgrounds, being able to also gauge what type of personality he is dealing with. Don't scoff. The astrologer's work brings results and could make a believer of you.
Apart from that, Murder in the 11tll House is a fast-paced, action-filled mystery that holds your attention throughout and makes you sorry to say goodbye to the characters you've just met. This is a good read. Don't miss it.
Author Lewis has a long history as a practicing astrologer and teacher. He is also an accomplished jazz pianist and singer-songwriter.
Bookfetish
Please see below for a new review of Murder in the 11th House from a reviewer with .
“Murder in the 11th House” is the delightful debut novel by author Mitchell Scott Lewis. Set in New York, the story follows protagonist David Lowell of the Starlight Detective Agency as he takes on the task of proving bartender Johnny Colbert’s innocence in a murder case. Despite the fact that all of the evidence is pointing elsewhere, Lowell and his daughter/lawyer are convinced that there is more going on than meets the eye and it’s anything but an open and shut case. Getting further from Johnny’s ‘guilt’ and closer to other leads brings danger and unknown enemies out of the woodwork and into Lowell’s rigidly private life. Can astrology and his powers of deduction keep them out of the crosshairs long enough to prove Johnny’s innocence?
Containing exciting and believable characters, “Murder in the 11th House” is a fascinating story from page one! Lowell may come off as an uppity and self absorbed snob but his talent as an astrologer and his unintended charm make him endearing and unforgettable. Author Lewis has an amazing flair for details, especially the little nuances of New York – he really puts you there. Intelligently written, the book speaks with authority on the subject of astrology. I absolutely love when authors can pull this off successfully. While I may not know if what Lowell speaks of is actually true in the field, Lewis’ writing style certainly makes it sound convincing! Further, I found the author’s biography on the book’s inside jacket particularly intriguing as he has a great deal of expertise in astrology. The bio notes Lewis as an ‘astrologer’ and at one point in the novel, Lowell makes this distinction and refers to himself as an ‘astrologer’ versus an ‘astrologist’. I found myself wondering if Lewis pictured himself as Lowell during his writing process. Regardless of this answer, the author’s expertise on the subject provides the foundation to Lowell’s genius and an essential part of the novel’s uniqueness and appeal.
“Murder in the 11th House” is the perfect read for mystery/thriller fans, those that enjoyed the television series, ‘Monk’, and anyone that likes a mystic twist in their novels. There’s the perfect amount of suspense to drive the reader on but not so much that it makes the book’s overall feel too heavy. Frankly, I can’t wait for the sophomore installment in the Starlight Detective Agency Mystery series!
Reviewed by Laura Hartman
Mitchell Scott Lewis introduces us to David Lowell in his debut novel, Murder in the 11th House, the first in his Starlight Detective Agency Mysteries. Lowell is an eccentric self-made millionaire that relies on astrological charts to guide his daily life, determine what stocks to purchase or sell and solve murders.
In an effort to spend more time with his daughter Melinda, Lowell agrees to help her prove the innocence of an accused murder. Melinda’s client, Ms. Johnny Colbert is accused of murdering a judge that she threatened in open court. Melinda believes her brash, loudmouthed client is innocent and Lowell’s charts confirm his daughter’s opinions. When someone resorts to attempted murder to get the Starlight Detective Agency off the case, the action heats up from a simmer to a boil.
This was a fun book. It was unlike other mysteries, due to the astrological angle. Whenever Lowell met someone new, he asked their birthdate and time of birth so he could work up a chart on them to better understand them. Who hasn’t read their horoscope in the paper at one time or the other? I wanted to contact Lowell with my birth info to have him “read” me! And it was interesting to look behind the curtain a bit by learning what the 11th house (and other houses) represented in the astrological world.
Lewis was spot on creating cool characters for his novel. He promises more by crafting different personalities that mesh and conflict in and out of the detective agency. I can’t wait to see his next book.
Reviewed by Cherie Jung
The Starlight Detective Agency is run by David Lowell, an astute astrologer. Yes, an astrologer. He consults natal charts for insight into his cases. MURDER IN THE ELEVENTH HOUSE involves the murder of a judge. Lowell is hired to prove that Johnny Colbert isn't the killer. But she does have a temper and she did threaten to kill the judge while being lead from the court room by the bailiff, having been charged with contempt of court. To reveal any more would spoil the fun of reading this book yourself.
The author has created an ensemble of quirky, loveable characters that would be a pleasure to read about even if they weren't solving crimes. This is the first book in what I hope will be a long series. I look forward to reading more cases handled by the Starlight Detective Agency.
The author has been a practicing astrologer in New York City for over twenty years.
SAN FRANCISCO BOOK REVIEW / SACRAMENTO BOOK REVIEW
Posted in Mystery, Crime & Thrillers by editor - November 15, 2011
Astrologer David Lowell uses birth charts and other tools to solve cases at the Starlight Detective Agency. When his daughter, a young defense attorney representing a bartender accused of murdering a federal judge, asks for his help, he doesn’t know what he’s getting into. This case threatens not only his life, but the lives of his daughter, colleagues, and friends. Will he have the street smarts and astrological chops to solve this case?
The mystery ties into the current political malaise that’s spawned both the Tea Party and Occupy Wall Street movements, giving it a contemporary feel. The astrological analysis adds an interesting flavor to the mystery, allowing the protagonist to narrow down his list of suspects in a unique way. This book is a good choice for mystery fans looking for an offbeat read.
B. BURCROFF
Murder in the 11th House: A Starlight Detective Mystery
Posted by boomergrl49
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the first book of a series, and I found it a fun read.
I work hard, and when I come home from work I want to relax, unwind, and zone out, and murder in the 11th House helped me do this! I finished this book tonight while soaking in nice warm bubble bath.
David Lowell is an astrological detective. I don’t know anything about astrology, except that I’m a Leo. I’ve never been that interested in astrology, but I like the characters that author Mitchell Scott Lewis has created in this book.
Lowell has an entourage helping him solve the murder of a New York City judge–his daughter, a personal computer hacker, a fashionable assistant, and a chauffeur/bodyguard (and Julia, his live-in housekeeper, except she’s more of a major domo). To round out the cast of quirky characters, there’s a police detective who thinks he’s caught his suspect, a foul-mouthed bartender named Johnny who’s been accused of blowing up the judge, and a host of bad guys.
It’s a fast-paced and fun read, and dang it, this book made me smile (and I need to smile more).
Joseph’s Reviews
This debut mystery novel with, dare I say it, a quirky twist, captivated me from the first page. The main character’s name is David Lowell, which is not that unusual except that my late father’s first and middle names were David Lowell. Author Mitchell Scott Lewis has a distinct advantage when it comes to attention-grabbing in other ways as well. The Starlight Detective Agency relies upon astrology for sleuthing insights. Moreover, prospective clients are vetted when they first encounter Mr. Lowell. He provides an unvarnished astrological reading that doesn’t always sit well. Since the agency does not rely on fees, the clients tend to be more interesting than well-heeled.
The author has made good use of his own life for the premise of the tale. Like David Lowell, Lewis has made money by investing according to astrological information. He, too, is an astrological consultant with a credible client list. The thoughtfulness and dedication he uses to portray the other main characters, Melinda (Lowell’s daughter) and Johnny Colbert (the desperate client), make this a gentle engaging read. The reader need not be a believer in astrology or even have an inkling of how it works. Lewis fits in just enough background information to lend credibility to an often-misunderstood discipline.
Johnny Colbert is a tough and street-wise female bartender who is caught in a situation that many folks experience only as a nightmare. A judge is murdered, Johnny recently made a threat on the judge’s life in open court and there’s little doubt as to who committed the murder. Melinda, who is an attorney with a white glove firm, has taken on Johnny’s defense as pro bono work for the firm. She feels that Johnny has been wrongfully accused. Of course Melinda knows that her dad has plenty of wisdom and technical experience to shift the case from hopeless to a better outcome.
The plot has just enough twists and red herrings to keep the reader involved and engaged. This book is a mini vacation and very much worth the price of the ticket.
Well recommended.
Ruta Arellano