Matters of Doubt

A Cal Claxton Oregon Mystery, Book 1

By: Warren C. Easley, Poisoned Pen Press

Narrated by: Michael Kramer

Length: 9 hrs and 14 mins

Publisher's summary

Cal Claxton is determined to reinvent himself as a small-town lawyer in the aftermath of his wife's suicide. Once a hard-charging Los Angeles prosecutor, he now lives in solitude in an old farmhouse overlooking Oregon's wine country. When a scruffy, tattooed kid shows up asking for help in solving a cold case - that of his mother's murder - Cal wants to say no. Times are tough, and he's no private eye, anyway. But the kid, who calls himself Picasso, has ridden a bicycle in the rain all the way from Portland, and something about his determination touches Cal.

It turns out that Picasso is homeless, joining the legions of kids who are drawn to Portland's Old Town. He is also a gifted artist in the process of painting a mural on the side of a health clinic run by an idealistic doctor named Anna. Things take an ugly turn when Picasso is charged with the murder of a prominent Portland businessman. The evidence against him is overwhelming, but Cal steps in to defend Picasso at Anna's urging. Suddenly, Cal finds himself pitted against the police, the media, and some of Portland's most powerful citizens.

Is Picasso being framed? And if so, is there a connection between the two murders? Cal's desperate search uncovers a dark web of blackmail, deception, and a lineup of suspects from Portland's A-list. As he peels back the layers of truth, he realizes too late that he has put both himself and Anna in the crosshairs of a ruthless killer.

©2013 Warren C. Easley (P)2019 AudioGO

I enjoyed it

Read some of the reviews before starting listening. They were obsessing on presumed political views instead of the books story. Why, oh why? Well, I do not mind a bit of social concience, respect for fellow human beings down on their luck and also diversity and otherness wowen into any story. Actually, being presented for worlds and experiences outside of my own is to be prefered, at least if it is well written. I’m not American - I actually live in one of the awsome Norwegian fjords mentioned at the end - so just maby I am less affected by the US strange and tragic division and cancel culture that I believe colours those reviews. Anyway, I focused on the story instead. I enjoyed this straight forward, unpretensious crime/mystery book with it’s classical gallery of good, bad, ugly and beautiful people, and a couple of murders to be solved. I had a good time listening to the book while I did my dayly walks scrambling along my fjord. Easy and straight forward story, non-complex people, most of them with good hearts, even a couple of the more shady ones. Not earth moving, perhaps, but entertaining. Well performed by M Kramer.

Time Sensitive

I read crime fiction as escapism. This read had great potential because of the good writing and plot, interesting characters, and touches of humor. Nonetheless the ugly divisive politics of today is front row center with good V evil based on party politics making escape from the divisiveness and stress of today’s ugly environment impossible. If I want to be bombarded by political activism and the accompanying opinionated lectures I’ll go to cable news.

Matters of doubt

a well written fairy tale. full of leftist lies .one in particular was the statement that "Cuba has the best health care in the world". IN ACTUALITY the rank 31st in the 32 countries of our hemisphere. The book would have been more enjoyable if the author had not spent so much time trying to label all negative characters far right. To bad, this author goes onto the garbage heap.

Too much politics!!

For goodness sakes!! Cuba has the best health care??? The rest of the book was just mediocre.

Liberal Crap

Warren Easley, the author is a misinformed pure liberal bigot. His hatred towards conservatives is applauding. Blaming conservatives for the homeless problem in Portland Oregon is wrong. Democrats run Portland and Oregon.

Very enjoyable

Good story, good characters and good narrator. Kind of a whodunnit all while trying to prove who didn't. Spoiler: the dog lives :)

Good Mystery and a Great Narrator

Having lived in Portland for decades, it was wonderful to hear about favored restaurants, natural wonders, and cultural concepts of our beautiful, yet painfully fraught city. The story was interesting and the mystery naturally evolved. Having one of audio books best narrators helped to add depth to the story and character tone.

My biggest complaint was that the main character was supposed to be semi-local, having lived in or near Portland for many years, but still sounded like a fresh out of Cali tourist when mispronouncing proper nouns with some pretty significant historical history. This oversight by Michael Kramer was disappointing and rather distracting since it contrasted sharply with all of the other accurate Portland information.

While it was an enjoyable listen and well worth the credit and time spent, I’m not chomping at the bit for the next book just yet. If you enjoy a good mystery I recommend you give this one a listen!

interesting intense mystery

I liked the social policy commentary on homeless youth. other commenters didn't. It provided context for the story, helped build depth in the one important character, and is a social problem that gets little coverage in most policy discussions.

So So

NO SPOILERS!

The story was quite drawn out but I enjoyed the characters enough to keep listening. The narrator has a really old fashioned way of performing. It made me think the book was really old.

I recommend if you like interesting characters, mysteries and drama.

Inaccurate use lack of knowledge

The authors use of terms for firearms really irked me. He continually mentioned a revolver then described it as a Glock 9mm. I would think a little research on the writers/editors/publishers part would have gone a long way.

Excellent story and characters

The great narration kept me listening from start to finish. The combination of a strong story with mouth-watering cuisine and developing romance was outstanding. I REALLY hope that the rest of the series is recorded soon. PLEASE!!!!

Slow to start but

Restarted first couple of chapters several times. So glad I stuck with it brilliant narration and story. Next one please!

Loved it.

Great to have a different setting for a crime novel. Really enjoyed the characters and story. Good narration. Hopefully Audible will include more of the series,

Excellent

Great storyline especially setting out the plight of the homeless. A bit confusing at times with all the characters but nevertheless a great listen

where is the rest of the series?!

mr Kramer, pkease stop doing fantasy and read more of these! enjoyed the book, enjoyed the reading. thanks

riveting

I absolutely loved it. Characters tightly woven so the story was easy to follow. I was so disappointed when it ended.

Good story, well narrated

Reminiscent of Philip Marlowe et al so ideal for lovers of the old film noir genre but updated.

very good

very good story. brilliant narrator who was eay to listen to. hope there will be more

Absolutely brilliant!

So good I’ve listened all day! Highly recommend this book and Author also it’s on plus at the moment!

Good easy listen

Good story in a traditional style - well narrated and with enough complexity that it doesn’t turn into a one hour detective type show …