Hey everyone! Like with everything this year, I’m way behind in writing and posting reviews. I read In Search of McDoogle by Mae Clair shortly after its release date but didn’t write or post my review until last week. I wanted to share it with you today.
Blurb:
In search of something ugly…
All Brady Conrad wants to do is earn a few merit points with his artist girlfriend, so he volunteers to cover her gallery when she leaves town. What should be an easy day of sales goes belly up when he mistakenly sells a cherished painting.
With the clock ticking toward Vanessa’s return, Brady has less than a day to track McDoogal down. He coerces his friend Declan to tag along for moral support. How difficult can it be for an investigator and the director of a renowned institute to find a single painting in a town the size of a postage stamp?
Neither Brady nor Declan counted on a suspicious sheriff, rival baseball teams with a longstanding grudge, or a clueless kid trying to win his girlfriend with all the wrong gifts.
McDoogal is smack in the middle. But Brady’s biggest dilemma isn’t the disastrous hunt. It’s confessing to Vanessa her painting is the ugliest thing he’s ever seen.
My review:
The Things We Do for Love
Anytime I see a new release by Mae Clair, I know it’s going to be a fantastic read. Having enjoyed both her Hodes Hill and Point Pleasant series, as well as single titles such as Eclipse Lake, I immediately bought a copy of In Search of McDoogle.
While this story is far different from her usual genre, it didn’t disappoint.
Brady Conrad wants to impress his girlfriend. When he accidentally sells her beloved painting, he enlists the help of his friend, Declan, to help retrieve it.
What follows is a trip to a nearby town in search of the elusive “masterpiece,” a cast of quirky characters, a comedy of errors, and lots of laughs.
A solid five stars for this one.
I completely agree with your review, Joan. It was a great read:)
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was a light in the midst of this crazy year!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Just call me an impulsive book buyer! Your review convinced me I needed to buy my first Mae Clair mystery. Great review and a solid 5 stars always get my attention, especially when they’re your stars!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think you’ll enjoy it. Much different from her usual genre, but well-written and entertaining.
LikeLike
This is a great review, Joan. Sharing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Robbie. I really enjoyed reading the book.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I enjoyed this one, too. Nice to see it getting a little press today.
LikeLiked by 2 people
It was such a nice surprise to find Joan’s review today, Craig. So glad you enjoyed McDoogal, too. It was a fun story to write.
LikeLiked by 2 people
It was a fun read!
LikeLiked by 1 person
A wonderful review for a wonderful story, Joan! I thoroughly enjoyed this short story from Mae, and even though it was a different direction for her, she pulled it off perfectly! I want to know more about these characters!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I would love to see them in future stories as well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so glad you enjoyed McDoogal, Jan. It was definitely a new writing direction for me, but so much fun to experiment. I hope to revisit these characters in the future. It’s great knowing they (and my change of direction) were well received. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a wonderful surprise to find this review today, Joan. You’ve made my morning! Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts about my quirky little story on your blog. I am so glad you enjoyed McDoogal! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was a pleasure to share. Sorry it took so long. I loved the book!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
A wonderful review to share, Joan. Bravo to Mae! 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
I enjoyed this one immensely. Thanks for stopping by, Natalie.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Natalie!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Have this one waiting on my Kindle. I’ve read most of Mae’s other books, so I’m excited to read something that’s out of her usual genre.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I think you’ll enjoy it, Teri.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Glad you’re looking forward to it, Teri. It’s definitely different than anything else I’ve written, LOL! I hope you enjoy!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Super review, Joan. McDoogal is on my Kindle and scheduled for a 2023 read. 😁 I think I better move it up. Thanks.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Your list sounds like mine. I have some from 2014 that I’ve never read. This is a quick read and I think you would enjoy it.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks again, Joan.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Heehee! You plan that far ahead, John? 🙂
Whenever you get to it, I hope you enjoy. It’s a short little thing, but I think you may like the quirkiness of it.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Mae.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I loved this story, too. It doesn’t matter what genre Mae writes in, her plots are well-crafted, her characters well-developed, and her stories have heart. This light-hearted romp was a departure for her, but it’s every bit as good as her darker work. So nice to see it highlighted here today. Best wishes to her. Thanks, Joan.
LikeLiked by 3 people
I feel the same way. Mae always writes a great story.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Aww, thanks ❤
LikeLiked by 2 people
So nice of you to say those things, Staci! I am so glad my work resonates with you ❤
McDoogal was such a departure for me, I worried how it would be received, but when I hear comments like this it makes me want to play in that world again. It will be nice to experiment between longer works with short little stories like McDoogal.Thanks for all your support!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’ve read this one and really enjoyed it. The banter between the men was priceless!
LikeLiked by 3 people
It really was. Mae did a great job with the characters.
LikeLiked by 3 people
LOL! So good to hear that, Priscilla. I had fun with all that back and forth banter. It was a pleasure to write. I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I thoroughly enjoyed reading In Search of MacDoogal. Great review. Thanks for sharing, Joan 🙂
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks, Harmony. This is one I would read again. During this crazy year we especially need a little cheering up.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Harmony! Releasing a short little fic between longer works was a fun diversion. I hope to do it again!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Unusual theme from Mae Clair, but a must read to see why she chose it?
LikeLiked by 3 people
It is different from her usual genre, but I thoroughly enjoyed it.
LikeLiked by 3 people
A wonderful testimony!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well, truth is I have a very silly side that I rarely embrace. Every now and then it’s fun to play, and I definitely did some playing with this novella, LOL.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Can’t wait to see what you’ve been up to!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Aww, thanks. I hope you enjoy!
LikeLiked by 2 people
This sounds a great Covid cheering read.
LikeLiked by 2 people
This book couldn’t have come at a better time! We all need a little more laughter these days.
LikeLiked by 3 people
It’s definitely humorous and fun, Janet. I know a number of readers enjoyed it during lockdown and said it lifted their spirits and gave them a smile. If you give it a try, I hope you enjoy it!
LikeLiked by 1 person