Artist's Proof: A Mystery

by Gordon Cotler

Ex-cop Sid Shale took early retirement from the NYPD and now relishes the peace and quiet of home--a beach-front bungalow in a small Long Island village where the latest "crime spree" is a rash of bicycle thefts. Sid now has two to follow his dream of being a full-time artist and, with the help of his agent/ex-wife, to sell enough of his paintings to pay his daughter's college tuition bills.Then a sixteen-year-old girl is murdered a few houses down the shore from Sid. In just a few short hours everyone, from the inexperienced village cops to the girl's mother, knows that she'd once modeled for Sid--in the nude. Whether he likes it or not, he's back in the crime-solving business, this time to save his own skin.With a superb story, an eminently likable sleuth, and the hard-to-put-down prose that has continually characterized Gordon Cotler's work, Artist's Proof is another exceptional read from an exceptional writer. "Sturdy prose, pointed observation, subtle wit, and a fine sense of place." - Library Journal

270 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 1997

Reviews

[Michael Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another story from an author I have never seen before. Set in the 80s or 90s, a retired NYPD officer is following his love of painting. His life intersects with others in the small town on long island and he gets caught in a murder investigation. One of his models is killed, he is a prime suspect. Old issues from his days in New York city drive the investigation against him and he is forced to work out the solution. Good characters and the action flows nicely.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This may be the best detective novel most people have never read. I loved the former NYC cop who took early retirement and moved to the east end of Long Island to paint. Loved the setting. Loved his voice. Thought I had the murder suspect figured out but I didn't. And the conclusion was logical and well developed. I found the book while browsing in tennessee's online library and very glad I did.

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick mystery with a funny, likable main character.