Reviews

Reviews for “Here Be Monsters”

"Here Be Monsters" is Jamie Sheffield's first novel set in the Adirondack Park of Northern NY. Jamie Sheffield is a great story teller, and he creates a world based in the beautiful place he calls home. The title of the novel may conjure up a story about a sasquatch type creature, or even man eating fresh water lake monsters. Instead, we are introduced to Tyler Cunningham, and a small group of unique characters that will stay with you long after finishing this book. I am eagerly looking forward to the next Tyler Cunningham novel.

*****

I just finished reading Jamie Sheffield's first masterpiece Here Be Monsters. From the very first page Jamie Sheffield managed to capture my mind and heart with his character of Tyler Cunningham. I only put the book down long enough to get a few hours of sleep and even then I found myself waking up early to read more before I had to go to work. I was totally captivated with the adventure.I absolutely cannot wait until Jamie Sheffield produces a second book and continues on from there. Jamie's descriptions of the Adirondack Park and North Country made me feel as though I were right there with him soaking in the beauty of that area. Now ready for Book 2

*****

"Here Be Monsters" is the debut novel of Jamie Sheffield, an author who resides in the Adirondack Park in upstate NY, and his intimate knowledge of that great wilderness rings through with loud & clear accuracy as well as an accute attention to detail when describing the local haunts & habitats. That accute attention to detail is also put to good use when describing Tyler Cunningham, the Coke-swigging, back-packing, hammock-camping, dog-loving, mystery-solving, law-bending (and sometimes breaking) protagonist/hero.

*****

This is a first for me in all my 62 years. I cracked the book about mid-morning and didn't stop. I read it straight through to the ending. I have never been that enthralled with a book before and usually have no problem putting them down, sometimes taking weeks if not months to get through one.

*****

Very good read. I hard a very hard time putting the book down not knowing what Tyler would run into next. A quirky story that keeps you in suspense while on the verge of laughing. Lots of local color on the Adirondack Park keep the story believable with a good mix of fiction to keep the Park safe and inviting. Looking forward to upcoming novels and stories of Tyler Cunningham's adventures.

*****

Tyler Cunningham is not your typical, hard boiled private detective; he's mostly a loner all right, but (due perhaps to Asperger's?) relates to and interacts differently with the world than most of us. Even with his quirks he's still an immensely likable character; the author doesn't drown the reader in Tyler's quirks, just enough to explain the way he is. A great story full of interesting, believable characters, and the descriptions of the Adirondacks area where it takes place were beautiful. I can't wait for the next in the series; I hope there are a lot more to come! (P.S. Mr. Sheffield, do you know where I can get the cane-sugar Cokes that Tyler drinks? I'm a Coca-Colaholic too! :D)

Reviews for “Caretakers”

First, let me say that I ADORED "Here Be Monsters", the first in the Adirondack Tyler Cunningham series. I eagerly awaited the next book; hoped it would match my expectation; and Jamie Sheffield did not disappoint!! If anything, his writing has only gotten stronger and sharper. I will not give anything away about the story and spoil the fun. The mystery is enticing and comes to a jaw dropping conclusion, that alone would be enough. But Sheffield's ability to get inside the head of his unique protagonist; as well as make poignant statements about life and the world we live in through Tyler's eyes; make this a fantastic reading experience. This is a book that will please readers looking for a complex and startling mystery and are tired of reading from the perspective of the same old, cookie cutter, hero but who want something more original. My only complaint is that the joy in reading it was over too quickly as I devoured it in a matter of days. Cannot wait for more.

*****

I put some books off until my schedule can allow a few late nights, and I correctly placed Caretakers in that category. Tyler Cunningham keeps me reading into the night. Jamie Sheffield writes incredible detective stories, and he beautifully illustrates the interesting and even brilliant thought patterns of one who thinks and acts outside social norms.

*****

Another literary delight finds its way out of the Adirondacks and onto my Kindle. Caretakers like Mr. Sheffield's other works had me imagining and wishing that I was in the Adirondack Park right alongside SmartPig. Having read all of Sheffield's publications to date all I can say is that I want, need, and yearn for the next...

*****

You know you're in the hands of a skilled author when he can persuade you to eagerly devour a book in a genre you normally detest. As a general literary rule of thumb, I intensely dislike mystery novels ... but Jamie Sheffield has created an utterly fascinating character in Tyler Cunningham that has made me a believer. Not in the mystery genre as a whole ... but definitely in any mysteries that Sheffield writes with Tyler as the protagonist.

I mean, what other sleuth fuels their deductive prowess with ice-cold Coke, Twinkies, and Chinese food (of both great and mediocre quality)? Tyler is unlike anyone else, does not think/act/socialize like anyone else, and the pleasure of this series is not so much in watching the plot twists unfold, but in observing how Tyler's weird (in a non-derogatory sense) mind employs various abnormal methods to unravel the problem.

Sheffield's debut novel, "Here Be Monsters," was good, but "Caretakers" finds the author even more firmly in control of his writing, which is stronger/tighter and infused with the confidence of a bona fide professional. And as always, the Adirondack Park of upstate NY is not just a setting, but a character ... a character that Sheffield knows with the intimacy of a long-time lover. If you live in this neck of the woods (no pun intended) you'll appreciate all the references to familiar (and some not so familiar) locales. If you don't reside in the Adirondacks, by the time you complete this book, you'll wish you did.

The mystery market is mobbed with detectives and private detectives and wannabe detectives, but despite this glut of characters, Tyler Cunningham stands uniquely alone (and that's just the way he likes it) and it is this uniqueness that should ensure this series of mystery-adventures not only continues, but continues to gain more and more fans.

*****

I thoroughly enjoyed this twisted tale! I was pretty hooked on the protagonist when I read Here be Monsters, but this story was even more of a thrill ride. Lucky for me I am nowhere near as smart as Tyler, so I do not figure it all out before he does. I look forward to going on more adventures in the wilds of Adirondack Park with Tyler. I also hope Barry hangs around as he amuses the neck out of me.

*****

This is the second Tyler Cunningham Adirondack mystery I have read and thoroughly enjoyed. Tyler, the main character, is a departure from the usual detective. Tyler has many of the characteristics of a person with aspergers. He has a great knowledge base, thinks "out of the box," and struggles with interpersonal relationships. Tyler's uniqueness is consistent and well done.

*****

The Adirondack back story and locale are well presented by someone who obviously knows the area and loves it. The descriptions of the Great Camps ~ their current state and their place in Adirondack history was well done.

Reviews for “Between the Carries”

I hadn't realized how much I had missed Tyler Cunningham until I started reading this new novel by Jamie Sheffield. I could feel/smell/taste/see some of the wonders of the Adirondacks through this book, getting transported there easily through Tyler's descriptions. The action is (as it has been in the prior novels) unpredictable and heart-stopping. It was interesting to take a look inside Tyler's head and to learn some of the reasoning behind his decisions/actions. This is my new favorite in the series (as will the next one be when it is written and read.) I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves or wants to learn about the Adirondacks, enjoys quirky characters, exciting action and a book you can't put down until it is finished with you.

*****

I have read all the previous books and novellas following the adventures of Tyler Cunningham, and relish his thought processes. He sees and interacts with the world in a unique way. Jamie's writing style makes one instantly engrossed in the story - you forget that you are reading a book; there is just the story. I hope there are many more to come!

*****

Just between you and me, murder-mysteries are not my thing ... unless they are Tyler Cunningham murder mysteries. This is the 3rd book (plus assorted short stories/novellas) in Jamie Sheffield's uniquely absorbing series about a social misfit who just doesn't see the world like the rest of us and puts his skewed mental view to work solving problems. As always, his fuel of choice is Canadian Coke, greasy Chinese food, and donuts (Hey, Tyler might be the smartest guy in any room at any given moment, but nobody claimed he was the healthiest.)

As only Tyler can, he takes to the backwoods of the Adirondacks--perhaps more of a character in this book than ever before--to solve the murder that has been pinned on someone Tyler believes is innocent. As is usually the case with Tyler, he discovers the killer's identity, but not without dangerous consequences.

I could prattle on for pages, but there really is no need. Mystery fans need to be reading this series. Adirondack fans need to be reading this series. Fans of unique/weird/awkward protagonists need to read this series. In fact, the only people that shouldn't be reading this series are those who are fans of missing out on good books.

*****

Wonderful, entertaining, read, especially for Adirondackers. Jamie Sheffield's experience, as a Special Ed teacher, influenced his writings to portray folks, whose minds operate on a different level, in a positive way. We looked for "Smart Pig Detective Agency" as we drove thru' Saranac Lake, today. The author's description of the area makes the reader forget that it's fiction. We're watching for the next book in the series.

*****

I simply could not put this book down! The pacing was extraordinary--slow introspective moments for Tyler, break-neck canoe chases, zinging bullets, ricocheting plot line. And time for the reader to consider Tyler and the spectrum of autism, handled with respect, understanding, and love by Jamie Sheffield. The ADK, a winning hero, a compelling supporting cast--what more could a reader want.

*****

Book 3 has been just as much of a good read as all the other books Mr Sheffield has put out for us Tyler fans to read. Best read after the first two so if you have not bought any of his three full books doing in order does make a lot of what goes on in this one work better for the reader. I like that there is not a lot of "bringing you up to speed" with back story just the right amount to remind you what you have already read. I do not read a lot anymore so Mr Sheffield being able to make me look forward to his next efforts is huge.

*****