First, readers react from places miles apart:

¶ “I like your flow. A smooth roller coaster ride. The architecture of your words is brilliant. You know your craft.” Tammie from Minnesota

¶ “I am a big film noir fan and your book fits neatly into that genre. I am looking forward to the next Red Maguire novel!” Tom from North Carolina

¶ “As an Australian who’s been to Montana, but not Butte, I really appreciated the picture of a tough town in tough times. There are some fascinating characters, apart from Mr Maguire who we will no doubt hear from again. The newspaper editor maybe existed in the author’s past life as you surely couldn’t make him up. It is a good story very well told with a few totally unexpected plot twists. Overall, well recommended and when we can travel again Butte may have to be a place for a look around.” Roy from Australia

¶ “I just finished ‘Purples Roses,’ Kevin, and ironically recently reread Dashiell Hammett’s ‘Red Harvest.’ I liked yours better.” Terry from Montana

Next, reaDers react to the Montana backdrop

¶ “I have read ‘Mystery of the Purple Roses.’ Loved it! Now I am reading ‘Summer of the Black Chevy,’ Another really good read! I love your writing! I am a Butte fan. Grew up there and miss it. Butte is in my heart and always will be. I live in Minnesota now and have for the past 51 years. But Butte will always be my hometown. Mr. Giles, please keep writing books and I will be reading them!” Connie from Minnesota

Red Maguire, newsman crime fighter, investigates a string of odd murders in Montana in 1954.

¶ “Nicely done. It was a quick read and thoroughly entertaining. Looking forward to some more Butte backdrop.” Earl from Oregon

¶ “Very enjoyable. Surprise ending, you have a vivid imagination. Good job, give me a heads up on your next book.” Jim from Montana

¶ “I enjoyed ‘Mystery of the Purple Roses.’ A perfect read for a winter storm weekend. I work in Butte, love Butte people and culture. The nicknames and mining history made the read even better. Looking forward to Book 2.” Donna from Montana

and then, Readers react from other countries

¶ “Every time I put it down I really looked forward to picking it up again. You nailed it with this one. I particularly loved your use of time and place. All the way through I felt I was really there which is not bad from Brisbane. Well done.” Lyn from Australia

¶ ” ‘Mystery of the Purple Roses’ is my latest read by my friend Kevin Giles. It’s a great story with a wonderful 1950’s period flavour about a crime reporter in Butte, Montana. And since it says “Book 1,” I’m excited to read further about Red Maguire! Keep writing Kevin!” Gail from Calgary, Canada

And then, ‘Boy am I hooked!’

¶ “I just finished ‘Mystery of the Purple Roses.’ Boy am I hooked! Looking forward to the next one. I sent ‘Summer of the Black Chevy’ to friends in Washington. Heard from them yesterday it was a hit! Told them about your new book.” Carol from Iowa

¶ “Just finished reading ‘Mystery of the Purple Roses’ and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Looking forward to reading more ….” Judith from Montana

¶ “Read the book expecting my old friend Kev to give me a ride. No disappointment as I thought I had solved it but there was the “why” that plagued me. The ending brought it all together with a satisfying ‘ahhh!’ Thanks for the good read/ride. Can’t wait for the next installment.” Fred from Colorado

¶ “Great book! Everyone should read it!” Buggs from Montana

¶ “Covered with goose pimples, I just finished your fabulous new novel, ‘Mystery of the Purple Roses.’ You have mastered conversational writing with your masterful characters moving the book to its surprise conclusion. I can smell and taste gritty Butte, Montana. Congratulations on another wonderful achievement! A must-read!” Suzanne from California

¶ “You wrote a great mystery! It kept my interest all the time, and a surprise at Who Done It. I am looking forward to Book 2 of Red Maguire, crime-solving ace reporter. Your first book had thrills, chills and murder!” Connie from Montana

Finally, ‘Vivid images,’ reader says

¶ “Can’t wait to read it … love that you write about Deer Lodge and Butte… I can relive my wonderful childhood. Memories flow majestically through your vivid images.” Brandy from Montana

¶ “Dotting I’s, crossing T’s. Easy? It takes an artist to incur “Give Me More!” I am anticipating “more.” Ardy from Kansas

¶ “Finished ‘Mystery of the Purple Roses.’ Fun, quick, easy read. Very creative great ending!” Joyce from California

 

Buy! Mystery of the Purple Roses

Western Montana native Kevin S. Giles wrote the popular prison nonfiction work Jerry’s Riot, the coming-of-age novel Summer of the Black Chevy, and a biography of Montana congresswoman Jeannette Rankin, One Woman Against War, which is an expanded version of his earlier work, “Flight of the Dove.” His new novel, Headline: FIRE! is the third in the Red Maguire series. Masks, Mayhem and Murder is the second. The first is “Mystery of the Purple Roses.” More information is available at https://kevinsgiles.com.