Fifty Grand: a novel of suspense by Adrian McKinty
What is a Cuban Detective's life worth in this mystery?
This novel of suspense, Fifty Grand by author Adrian McKinty is (in my humble opinion) a fabulous book! A "good read" most definitely!
Detective Mercado thinks this detective's life is worth a whole lot more than Fifty Grand! Mostly because the Cuban life in question here belonged to her father.
I assure you that you have not read anything quite like this novel--unless you have read other books by McKinty. He has a unique style in which he unwraps a plot page by page. I think he uses techniques he might have learned from studying F. Scott Fitzgerald (Tender is the Night) or Ernest Hemingway ("Fifty Grand" - a short story by Ernest H. -- interestingly enough).
The opening scene of Fifty Grand begins in cold and lonely Nowhere, Wyoming where a man will be silently slipped into a frozen lake like the one shown here. Then the action jumps back six months to Havana to set up the play of events. McKinty continues this "time jumping" throughout the book. It is not confusing. It is just plain interesting how the past in Castro's modern day Cuba influences future events in Wyoming.
McKinty's writing style is "fat free". What's described is just what you see in your mind. No more, no less.
I hope this is (probably) the beginning of a possible series. Mercado is a good character to choose to follow. I would love to see another mystery that is solved by this detective.
I would advise anyone who loves a good book with mystery, crime and suspense to add this novel to your fiction reading list!
(Image: Creative Commons/Flickr user: ah zut)
Praise for Mystery Author McKinty:
''He is a cross between Mickey Spillane and Damon Runyon--the toughest, the best. Beware of McKinty.''
--Frank McCourt, Pulitzer Prize-winning author
Fifty Grand: a novel of suspense - and a well crafted mystery book, too ~
The Kindle edition of this novel is $9.99: You can read an excerpt before you buy it.
Visit Cuba with your eyes:
Locations mentioned in Fifty Grand
Plaza Vieja, Havana Cuba
Plaza Vieja in Havana, Cuba on a map:
One of the settings for the novel. I love photos that can let me see what I am reading about in a book.
Mercado's Hometown: Santiago de Cuba
Lonely US locations in Fifty Grand:
Where the suspense could have happened.
A person could die on this road in Nowhere, Wyoming
A person could freeze in Lake Solitude
Have You Read Adrian McKinty? - Remember to sign my guestbook at the bottom of the page.
Ever heard of Adrian McKinty? Did I convince you to read his novel?
McKinty is in my opinion a hidden gem! Check out his 
Will you read novels written by Adrian McKinty?
Fifty Grand !
And worth every cent, peso, pound, or whatever!
On a scale of 1-7, what did you REALLY think?
Read It? Then Rate this suspense novel, if you dare...
If you HAVE read 50 Grand, please give me your opinion.
If you have not read it yet, I encourage you to do so. You will not be sorry.
After you read it, come back and rate it.
Thanks in advance for sharing!!!!
The best last line ever in a novel:
"...I'll turn the brightness outward." ~
Mercado ends the novel.
Find a Good Price on Ebay for one of McKinty's Books:
Ebay is always an excellent source for books--used or new. This list is generated by Ebay and will change often.
Adrian McKinty's official blog site: - McKinty used to live in CO, but now he is in Australia.
Keep up with this international writer on his website/blog.
- the psychopathology of everyday life ~ Adrian McKinty's blog
The author's official blogspot!
More books by Adrian McKinty to add to your reading list: - Vote for your favorites, or add any I missed.
You can read a few of the first pages from Fifty Grand by clicking 
Then click "Search Inside This Book" which is on the left side of the page under the book's image. Enjoy!
Read a review of the Novel Fifty Grand - or read the short story by Ernest Hemingway
Click on the links below to find information that will expand your mind.
You might also find something to enhance your pleasure while reading McKinty's novel.
- Adrian McKinty: Fifty Grand | The List
Seeking to avenge the death of a father she hardly knew, cop Mercado flees unrelentingly bleak Cuba for the celebrity-filled Colorado ski resort where he was killed in a hit-and-run, his demise covered up with a pay-off to the sheriff. - The American Idea: The Best of the atlantic Monthly on Google Books
You can read the short story, Fifty Grand, at this link for . You might have to scroll to find it, but it is there.
Visit McKinty's Cuba (Thank You Flickr for making this visit possible!)
all content found using Flickr Creative Commons Search
Where Mercado lives and works in the novel 50 Grand.
Share what your take is on this wonderful author. Feel free to write a mini-review of any book by him that you have read.
Thanks for visiting and don't forget to rate my lens at the top of this page.
Havana, Cuba
