The Death Merchant (Diagnosis Murder, 2)

Rating:
Summary: You don't have to be a fan!
Review: A wonderfully written and absolutely entertaining book. No other series of books is closer to the characters than those of Lee Goldberg. I couldn't stop reading until I was finished ... reading it in trains and buses and any other place it took me only 20 hours. Buy it NOW!!!

Rating:
Summary: Captures the Humor from the show
Review: and more. It isn't a mystery, as you already know who the killer is from the beginning-as it tells his point of view. The chase however, is the story and you get to see a little bit of what drives Mark Sloan to do the things he does. The story is a quick read, but enjoyable throughout each page. I liked the mystery of the first one a little better, but this one had a lot of the humor elements that I loved from the show. I could actually picture Mark in the chair at the end!

Rating:
Summary: Entertainment on its best
Review: I wish I could read the Diagnosis Murder novels once again as if it is the first time. Each novel is unique, has its own style, and is very easy to read, even if the reader hasn't heared about Diagnosis Murder before.
Mr. Goldberg knows perfectly how to facinate the reader, and how to lead him or her on the wrong way. It is really hard to put the novels aside before the end.
For those who know the show from TV, it is as if they are watching another episode.
Lee Goldberg has a loyal readership here in Germany, also in Switzerland and Austria, and we are very much looking forward for the next novels to come.

'The Death Merchant' - one of the most exciting books I ever read.

Rating:
Summary: Race Against the Clock to Stop a Killer
Review: Mark and Steve are enjoying a vacation in Hawaii. Well, Steve is, but Mark is missing his work and solving mysteries. While Steve sight-sees, Mark spends his time helping fellow guests with their minor injuries. In this way, he befriends Danny Royal, a local who just swam through a school of jelly fish. Mark is shocked to see Danny attacked by a shark the next day. But when the body is recovered, Mark suspects that it was really murder. Steve is reluctantly drawn into the investigation. Mark and Steve are surprised to learn that Danny was not who they thought he was. In fact, they don't know who he was. Can they solve this bizarre crime in time to stop the killer from striking again?

Once again, Lee Goldberg has captured the heart and sole of this TV show. Just what you'd expect from one of the former producers. The plot of this book is original. We know most of what's going on and why before Mark does, even spending time in the villain's point of view. But this only makes the suspense mount as we watched Mark try to figure things out before the killer strikes again. My only real complaint is that Jesse and Amanda have greatly reduced roles. I always loved the ensemble feel of the show. Still, their appearances are great, and I especially loved their first scene at BBQ Bob's.

Any fan of this TV show should do themselves a favor and get this book. Even if you didn't watch the show, you'll still enjoy this thrilling tale of detection starring a wonderful amateur sleuth.

Rating:
Summary: Race Against the Clock to Stop a Killer
Review: Mark and Steve are enjoying a vacation in Hawaii. Well, Steve is, but Mark is missing his work and solving mysteries. While Steve sight-sees, Mark spends his time helping fellow guests with their minor injuries. In this way, he befriends Danny Royal, a local who just swam through a school of jelly fish. Mark is shocked to see Danny attacked by a shark the next day. But when the body is recovered, Mark suspects that it was really murder. Steve is reluctantly drawn into the investigation. Mark and Steve are surprised to learn that Danny was not who they thought he was. In fact, they don't know who he was. Can they solve this bizarre crime in time to stop the killer from striking again?

Once again, Lee Goldberg has captured the heart and sole of this TV show. Just what you'd expect from one of the former producers. The plot of this book is original. We know most of what's going on and why before Mark does, even spending time in the villain's point of view. But this only makes the suspense mount as we watched Mark try to figure things out before the killer strikes again. My only real complaint is that Jesse and Amanda have greatly reduced roles. I always loved the ensemble feel of the show. Still, their appearances are great, and I especially loved their first scene at BBQ Bob's.

Any fan of this TV show should do themselves a favor and get this book. Even if you didn't watch the show, you'll still enjoy this thrilling tale of detection starring a wonderful amateur sleuth.

Rating:
Summary: You don't have to be a fan!
Review: The Death Merchant is the type of book you can't put down. Once you start you can't stop! It has some light comedy in it but a lot of drama. Lee you once again proved yourself the BEST! The Death Merchant blows away The Silent Partner. I recommend this to all the Diagnosis Murder Fans out there! Again thanks Lee for a great story! :-)

Rating:
Summary: Edge of your seat reading
Review: The Death Merchant is the type of book you can't put down. Once you start you can't stop! It has some light comedy in it but a lot of drama. Lee you once again proved yourself the BEST! The Death Merchant blows away The Silent Partner. I recommend this to all the Diagnosis Murder Fans out there! Again thanks Lee for a great story! :-)

Rating:
Summary: Diagnosis: You're gettting better
Review: These comments relate to the series more than to the specific book. If you are looking for a new series for entertaining reading, this is it.

This book (#2) is written much better than the first one of the series and I look forward to subsequent books as Lee Goldberg gains experience transitioning from scripts to books.

The Diagnosis Murder series is a cozy-type mystery, so there is no tremendous depth to the stories, but they are entertaining.

If you love the Diagnosis TV series, you will love this new book series. If you are not a fan of the TV series, you can still enjoy these books.

Goldberg's humor is very well placed. I especially enjoy the dialog among the well-known characters.

If I could offer one word of suggestion to Lee Goldberg and his editors it would be this: Suggest trimming down, or eliminating, direct reference to trendy items or celebrities. To me, they detract from the stories rather than enhance them. But this is my only complaint.

If you want to learn about the plot or story line, please read the other reviews. My comments are directed solely to whether or not I think a book is worth buying. In the context of "Diagnosis Murder," this one is. I liked it a lot better than book #1 as the art of storytelling was vastly improved.

Rating:
Summary: Just Like the TV Series!
Review: This was an extremely enjoyable book/mystery to read. The pace was quick, and the writing was witty and involving. As a fan of the show, I could definitely imagine each of the characters saying their lines in this book. The descriptions of settings (i.e. Hawaii and Colorado) were a bit lacking, but the characters are what drive this story and keep you reading on and on. I found the book extremely reminiscent of the television series itself, and the personalities of the characters were exact - I could completely imagine each of them voicing the dialogue from the book. The mystery itself was well-developed and was just long enough to complete the story without any unnecessary writing. Even for those who never watched the Diagnosis Murder television series, this book will be enjoyable - the writing is lighthearted, yet purposeful, and the characters are interesting and unique. I am definitely interested in reading more from this series and hope it continues for some time. I have already recommended the book to some friends who enjoy lighter problem-solving books.

Rating:
Summary: Second mystery just as charming, funny, and fun as the first
Review: While on a reluctant vacation with his son Steve, Dr. Mark Sloan witnesses a new found friend die in a horrific shark attack. Or so everybody thinks. It turns out that the man was dead before the shark had him for lunch, so why was he murdered? The answer is a surprise, and how Dr. Sloan chases down the murderer makes for a satisfying mystery read. While The Silent Partner read more like a novelization of unused scripts for Diagnosis Murder, The Death Merchant reads like an actual novel. Even those unfamiliar with the show and its characters will enjoy it. Good stuff and highly recommended.