Papa's Problem

By: Patrick Kendrick

Narrated by: Tim Campbell

Length: 11 hrs and 29 mins

Publisher's summary

In depression era Key West, Ernest "Papa" Hemingway becomes embroiled in a plot that involves illegal gambling and smuggling refugees when he finds himself the suspect in the murder of a Cuban prostitute. Working with the mysterious former Scotland Yard inspector, Emmet MacWain, they delve into the dark side of this sunny paradise and find the answers that may help save hundreds of innocent lives as well as their own.

©2008 BluewaterPress, LLC (P)2013 Patrick Kendrick

Papa's Problem

What was one of the most memorable moments of Papa's Problem?

The author has done a good job of mixing history, world events, greed, intrigue into a fast-moving murder mystery centering it around the famous author Ernest (Papa) Hemingway. The action is amazing throughout. There is great interplay with Hemingway, his wife Pauline, the Sheriff, and a Scotsman, Emmet MacWain, newly retired inspector from Scotland Yard and now living in Key West. Into this mix are the many Cubans living there and also many Jews fleeing from Germany. Enjoyable audiobook

"I'm the guy that makes up the stories, remember?"

Any additional comments?

A novel set in 1939, in Key West, Florida, at the end of the depression era and on the verge of humanity being tipped into World War II, Patrick Kendrick successfully blends fact and fiction to build this truly impressive book. Not knowing what to expect, I had anticipated from the opening chapters that this would be a colourful murder mystery set around the central figure of real life, famous adventurer author, Ernest Hemingway, and it was. I had also anticipated from the stunningly simple but vibrant cover illustration that there would be humour. And there was. But there was so much more as the story catapults into the social and political events of the era and incorporates beautiful women, gangsters, folklaw, prostitution, prejudice, murders, mosquitoes, sharks, sunshine, hurricane, love, jealousy, greed, betrayal, loyalty and a Scottish ex Scotland Yard detective.

Starting with the simple discovery of the almost decapitated body of a woman found close to the blood splattered unconscious, drunken Hemingway, ex detective Emmet MacWein is asked by the charming Pauline, wife of the loutish author, to look into the killing in the hopes that someone else had committed the murder. As he does so, what had appeared to be a simple crime opens up into the revelation of profiteering and cruelty throughout the whole area with tentacles reaching even to the centre of government.

It takes a reader of considerable talent to convincingly perform such a vast storyline and Tim Campbell's narration was suitably impressive. Staying calm and measured throughout, he manages to give credible voice to all of the host of characters, each distinctive and with appropriate accent. Even his Scottish dialogue - and there is a lot of it as one of the foremost figures is from that country - is pretty good, in spite of being a notoriously difficult accent to emulate. His calm reading helps to.ground the sometimes frenetic action and make it all the more horrific in so doing. An excellent performance.

This is a book which will stay with me for a long time. Although set in a period some eighty years ago, the underlying themes are still as alive and true now as then and in this current period of troubles and people being forced to flee from their homes, we would all do well to remember what can develop from the uncaringness of others. My deep thanks to the right's holder who gifted me a copy of this amazing book, via Audiobook Boom. I have been enriched by it and recommend it to everyone.

Interesting Background For This Story

I received this audioiobook for free and am freely offering my unbiased review. Loved the background of all the characters involved. Thought story moved a little slowly at times but, overall enjoyed it very much..

Who dune it mystery set in tropics

I enjoyed this book for several reasons. One the narrator was fantastic! I love when a person can bring a story to life for me. Second it is set in my own back yard of the Florida keys. While some of the story was a little too graphic for me. The over all story and mystery was really good. The narrator did a fantastic job of bringing the author story to life! Lots of things in it to keep you wondering and thinking. I had just finished the book on the doomed ship that left Germany full of over 900 fleeing Jews hoping to escape hitler's concentration camps . Only to be turned away by Cuba and later the USA . So this book was not so far out there with its plot and story line. I received this book at no charge in exchange for an honest review.

Key West's Most Famous Resident

Would you consider the audio edition of Papa's Problem to be better than the print version?

I haven't read the print / E book edition. But I was impressed with Tim Campbell's voice acting on the Audible edition. Excellent character representations, exceptional accents and he nails dialects. Great pace, great voice for listening to. His work added a lot to my enjoyment and to the success of the project. To be truthful, he was much better at bringing the story to life than my own imagination may have been able to do by reading it in print.

What other book might you compare Papa's Problem to and why?

I like Historical Fiction. I found a lot of what I enjoy in the Max Allan Collins' Matt Heller series in this book. Emmett MacWain is a fantastic Protagonist. And Hemingway, his entourage, the people of the Florida Keys, the sub story of the Jews immigrating to Cuba and Cubans coming to America... extremely interesting. Add the murders and skullduggery.

Which scene was your favorite?

MacWain ... "introducing" himself to Papa! lol

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I was enmeshed with the characters, the setting and the whole story!

Any additional comments?

This is a good un! It had the components that kept me involved until the end.

Thank you for the opportunity to review it!

This review copy audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost. I am happy to give my honest review of it. I think I'm suppose to mention how reviewing this was voluntary on my part.

Hemingway's Key West

Well done historical fiction / murder mystery. Several authors have used this era as a back drop for their novels and Patrick Kendrick's take is an authentic and satisfying representation of the genre. I found the protagonist to be laudable and the portrayal of a down in his cups Hemingway believable. I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audio book by the author, narrator, or publisher but had I stumbled over this book on my own, certainly would have bought a copy. Thanks

Illegal Activities..

Any additional comments?

This book is filled with Suspense and Interesting well written characters which made it very very

difficult to put down.

The mystery in the story line kept me guessing until the very end.

I don't want to give anything away, so, I will just say that this book is a Good Read and

addition to anyone who enjoys a Mystery.


Tim Campbell did well with the narration as usual.

Note:
"This audio book was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review."

Excellent Story and superb voice acting!

Would you consider the audio edition of Papa's Problem to be better than the print version?

No. Both versions are great! I prefer the Audio as that is how I do my "Reading".

What was one of the most memorable moments of Papa's Problem?

One of the best moments is when the Calvary shows up to save the day!

What about Tim Campbell’s performance did you like?

Tim Campbell's narration is not just reading. He is a great voice actor. Each character is given a distinct voice and it helps to develop each of them.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I did laugh at a few parts!

Any additional comments?

This is an outstanding book. There are some clever plot twists and it is engaging the entire time. It is obviously well researched and takes you back in time to pre WWII Key West. The characters are superbly developed and completely believable. Supporting characters are developed enough to be "people" without distracting from the main story and characters. This is an outstanding read if you like mystery and detective style books and stories. Patrick did an amazing job! So much so that I am going to Key West to hunt down some of these spot at the end of this month.

Papa's Problem

Would you listen to Papa's Problem again? Why?

No. I don't care to read books twice. I already know how it ends

What did you like best about this story?

The caricatures and the place went very well together.

What does Tim Campbell bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He was quite good at bring the caricatures to life.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No. It's what I would call an easy read.

Any additional comments?

I was voluntarily provided this review copy audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator.

This is such a wonderful book five star rated

I am very new to the genre of historical fiction. This is probably only the second or third book that I have read in this genre. With that said I would highly recommend this book to any, and every body. It was a moving novel from beginning to end I can not wait to read more of this authors books. I was voluntarily provided this review copy from the author and publisher or narrator This is a book that was clearly an honor to read