Catch and Keep

by Ronald Weber

Book Overview

In this sequel to Ronald Weber's Aluminum Hatch, Fitzgerald gets a call from a colleague in the newspaper business, asking Fitzgerald to see if he can locate a wannabe reporter who hasn't checked in... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0373263880
• ISBN13: 9780373263882
• Release Date: June 2001
• Publisher: Worldwide Library
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 0.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 4.2" x 6.6"

Customer Reviews

A good catch, but a shallow pool.

Ron Weber's "Catch and Keep" is a good mystery. It has a good cast of characters, well drawn and true to life in Northern Michigan. The plot lines are twisted and interwoven: the environmental feuds, the Michigan militia, the challenges of human diversity--all of these are true to Northern Michigan as well.And the description of the Borchard/Boardman, and of the town politics, and even the Big Boy turned brew pub and the tourist-clogged streets of Traverse City--all are realistic and well-described.I should know: I live there! I have to say that not only has Weber selected an intriguing and beautiful area in which to set his mysteries, he has created real and believable characters and a fascinating plot line which has its foundation in Northern Michigan sociology and culture. To my mind the fatal weakness in the novel is the understanding and portrayal of the women. Lucille, Sarah, and Allison are central to the action. It is the allure and secret of Lucille which brings the death of Allison and the passion of Sarah, not to mention the obsession of Mysterious Max. But Weber brings the reader no understanding of this motivation, no real empathy for the human tragedies displayed here. It's a strangely academic and dispassionate view which leaves the reader puzzled and confused.

Me and my DH loved it.

I had a jealous reader lurking around while I was reading this one. When I mentioned the subject of this fishy cozy, a head went up and an added interest came looking over my shoulder. Living with someone who helps out at the local lake has made me familiar with the Catch and Release project for lakes, but I won't go into my opinion or anyone else's. I will say using the subject in a mystery is inspiring, and there's nothing wrong with having a little fun with it.Fitzgerald is a political reporter who at the moment is living a life I'm sure many men would like to live. After winning the lottery, he took an extended leave from his job. He has rented an A frame with the view of the Borchard River and fishes when he is not writing. The only problem is that his collogues at the paper know where to find him. Phillips calls to ask a favor of Fitzgerald. A fellow writer hasn't checked in and Phillips wants Fitzgerald to check on her. When Allison Thorne started out writing about catch and release ethics, she met the Catch and Keep Alliance, a group that may or may not have connections to the Michigan Militia. When Fitzgerald finds her the mystery and mayhem begins.Great premise. Great mystery. Interesting small town characters. The ending was not what I was expecting at all. Great curves Mr. Weber.

Bet you can't put this one down

Freelance reporter Allison Thorne is working on a story about the Catch and Keep Alliance. The organization of homeowners along Illinois' Borchard River wants the repeal of some fishing laws. The journalist hopes to spice up the seemingly boring story by finding a tie between the association and a local militia group.On the day that Allison is to submit the story, she fails to show up prompting her concerned editor to ask Fitzgerald for help. Fitzgerald is a former police reporter for the Detroit Free Press who retired after winning two million dollars in the lottery. He is currently writing a book while residing in a snug little cabin on the banks of the Borchard River. Fitzgerald gladly agrees to help his former co-worker. He drives to Allison's home in Ossining only to notice the door to her trailer is open. He enters to find Allison slumped over her computer with a bullet in her head. Unbeknownst to Fitzgerald as he goes after a killer is that someone will murder again to keep secrets from being exposed.Fishing enthusiasts will love CATCH AND KEEP, a mystery novel that explores the fascination people have with this sport. Fitzgerald is an unusual character who hides much of his inner self from the audience yet his air of intrigue keeps the reader turning pages in the hope of gaining insight into his personality. The mystery is entertaining as Ronald Weber works his creative juices to gleefully describe a populated back wooded area.Harriet Klausner