What a delight this book was to read! I had seen this book mentioned on BeatlesNews.com and decided to find the author and ask for a review copy. Ms. Carpenter said she’d contact her publisher about getting a copy to me, but after several weeks my mailbox was still empty, so I just bought my own. I prefer buying my own copies to review anyway so I don’t feel obligated to the authors/bands/producers.
Though not really a Beatle book, this fictitious murder mystery takes place in 1993 at a Beatles convention in southern Indiana. When a member of the local Beatles tribute band is murdered, Sandy Fairfax becomes suspect #1 in the eyes of the local police. Sandy is a childhood TV star turned popstar in the 70’s. Pulling from his four years on TV as Buddy Brave, Boy Sleuth, Sandy sets out to clear his name and find the real killer.
This is author Sally Carpenter’s first book in her ‘Sandy Fairfax Teen Idol Mystery Series’ and I think she’s done a great job depicting the nuances of a Beatles fan convention. Throughout the book, we Beatles fans will find many similarities to the well-known Fest for Beatles Fans that take place every year in NY and Chicago. In fact, Ms. Carpenter even mentions Mr. Lapidos’ conventions in her book. Another nice touch is the chapters are named for Beatles songs and Beatles lyrics are hidden within the text of the book.
I find this book to be a great little easy and leisurely read. I only wish Ms. Carpenter were going to write more stories with the Beatles as a theme.
By the time I was halfway through this book, my review copy showed up in the mail! So, I’d like to share this copy with my readers. Anyone posting a comment in the comments section of this post will be entered to win a copy of ‘The Baffled Beatlemaniac Caper’! Contest entries will only be accepted until 11:59 pm on Saturday, October 29, 2011. I will use the random number generator at Random.org to pick the winner and post it on Sunday, October 30th. Good Luck!
You can read another review of this book and an interview with the author here.
This book is available on Amazon.com.
I rate this book: 3 out of 4 Beetles
Beatles-Freak's Reviews 
I teach a Beatles class at IUPUI and would love to read and possibly recommend this book.
Thanks!
http://www.TheBeatlesGuy.net
I would love to read this book!
I’m happy to see Sally receive such a good review for her novel. I’ve read a couple of interviews with Sally and I know that she did a ton of research to write “The Baffled Beatlemaniac Caper.” I look forward to reading it.
Hi Patricia,
You’re the winner of ‘The Baffled Beatlemaniac Caper’! Email me your mailing address and I’ll get this book out to you ASAP!
Congrats!
Jenn
I would love to read this Beatles related book and share it with my 11 year old who is a new fan of the Beatles and shares my passion for the Fab Four!
I’m looking forward to reading this book. It sounds like a lot of fun. What a nice review.
I’ll take a shot at winning that book…
C-c-c-comment 😛
Oh! Mystery books are the best! I want to participate!
Great review, hope I win. 🙂
I have been a Beatles fan since I was 11 yrs old in 1962. I was one of those that knew everything about them- so much so that my Mom used to tell people I knew when they ate lunch!! However, I was never a screamer… nope. Love anything Beatles and have a huge collection still from the 60’s and ALL of my original vinyl albums.. maybe I shouldn’t admit that…??
Awesome book cover btw!!
Consider me a potential fan of Sally’s book. I’ve never been much of a murder mystery sort or even fan fic…..but if you say it’s good, I would give it a shot!
Would love for my kids and I to read this!
I’d love to read this book! I’m a big fan of The Beatles and Beatles Conventions, since I go to The Fest every year in Chicago!
Count me in please.
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