What do readers think of Green Monster by Rick Shefchik? Write your own review.

I asked to review Green Monster by Rick Shefchik because I am a baseball fan and a mystery book fan. Sam Skarda, a private investigator is asked to investigate a blackmail case involving the Boston Red Sox and the 2004 World Series. The action moves between Minneapolis, Boston, LA and Caracas Venezuela. There is a lot of focus on the history of the Boston Red Sox and the curse of the Bambino. The book moves quickly and is an entertaining read. Some of the plot twists seem a bit unbelievable but the ending of the book provides a nice surprise.

I am a lover of good mysteries and anything that has to do with baseball so I was eagerly awaiting this book. Unfortunately, I was very disappointed. This book is not a good mystery and the baseball background leaves much to be desired. The characters are weak, and in the case of the two ballplayers, are unrealistic. Much of the story is unbelievable. How in the post 9/11 world can the main character fly commercial airliners all around the world and arrive carrying his favorite glock automatic? Some lovers of action and adventure may enjoy this book but not mystery lovers and baseball fans.

Unfortunately, Green Monster is a standard mystery with different players. It is advertised as being about the Red Sox. Not quite. The extortion note and signed Babe Ruth (no less) is about owner of the Red Sox and the fact he thinks that not only the Red Sox, but all of baseball will be crushed forever if this gets out (some how this sounds familiar).

The note proclaims that the 2004 World Series (that the Red Sox won) was fixed.
Sam, the private eye, is trying to find the real author of the note and whether the game was actually fixed, He says he doesn't know who to trust, then meets the every big-shot mobster …more he can find.

There are many parts of the book which simply do not ring true. I will not say more in case someone actually wants to read this. I cannot, in good conscience recommend this, even for the beach. (less)