Larry K. Collins

I just finished reading Murder in Paradise, an Agape Jones mystery by Lorna and Larry Collins. The story is set in Hawaii. Agape Jones, a retired NYPD detective is enjoying retirement with his wife, Gerry, when he is asked to take a special assignment to assist in discovering the circumstances surrounding the death of a state senator's son, Philip Fowler. Although Jones is reluctant to leave his wife and new laidback lifestyle for a few days, he is also excited about the prospect of hunting down a killer.
As the story unfolds, the Collins describe the environment, the food, and the rich cultural traditions of Hawaii. This is the only state I haven't visited, but after reading Murder in Paradise, I feel as if I'd spent time in this exotic location.
If you're looking for a mystery with a stunning setting, likable protagonist, and engaging plot, look no further.

Kathleen Kaska… (mehr)

Agape Jones, NYPD detective retired from the job after a shooting injury ended his long time career. Moving to Hawaii , where his wife took a job teaching English at the college. So it was only natural for him to head security for the National Authors Conference that is held every Labor Day Weekend. With the authors and would be writers converging at the hotel getting ready for the big day ahead , Robert Dyer who was a noted poet and critic is found dead on the stairway. When Agape arrives on the scene instinct kicks in and he starts taking notes. He may be retired but old habits are hard to break. When he is asked to help out on the investigation he jumps at the chance even though his wife is less than pleased. This looks like an accidental death, but is it? It’s a well known fact that he was an arrogant man and was disliked by many of the authors there that weekend. As he starts to investigate what a mess he runs into. Girlfriends, ex girlfriends, a wife, a daughter, publisher and many more all who may have had a reason to get rid of him. When each one starts accusing each other the list grows of suspects. Pulling out his old skills, there is something that he can quite put his finger on.

This is a very well written cozy mystery that keeps one reading right through to the surprise ending. The twist and turns and accusations is written so well that one may think they know who the murderer is only to change their mind after the next couple of pages. As I read this book the one think that came to my mind was, there has to be a sequel. I can picture Agape coming out of retirement against the better wishes of his wife, or I hope there is. I love a good cozy mystery and this one fit the bill perfect. For all Cozy Mystery Lovers out there I recommend grabbing a copy of Murder… They Wrote. I know you won’t be disappointed.

Rated 5 Stars
by Miss Lynn… (mehr)

Reviewed by Kelli Glesige for Reader Views (3/06)
Co-author Larry K. Collins was a project engineer assigned to the construction of the amusement park Universal Studios Japan, and Lorna, his wife was in Document Control. For 31 months, Larry and Lorna lived in Japan during the building of Universal Studios Japan, moving to Osaka in August 1998 from their permanent home in Dana Point, California until the park opened on March 31, 2001. “31 Months in Japan” is the story of the culture shocks the Collins encountered, the wonderful friends they made, and the sharing of their many interesting challenges and adventures, beginning with the first obstacle in May 1998 when they learned their building site was contaminated and the subsequent 18 month clean-up.
“31 Months in Japan” will entice those curious about traveling to or possibly living in Japan. The behind the scenes work that goes on during the construction of a theme park is also covered, so if you are enthralled with all the plans that go into building a theme park from the obtaining of the land until the gates are opened to the public, you will be entertained.
The book is written like a journal, Larry writing about his encounters as a project engineer, working on the Jurassic Park and JAWS water rides, along with the Water World show, then Lorna sharing her experiences with obtaining housing, cooking and working in Japan. They cover the gamut in telling us about Japanese fashions, home furnishings, festivals, holidays, weather, roadways, maps, parking, waste removal system, communal bathing, golf, rituals, work ethic, appropriate social behavior, and obtaining and preparing familiar food.
At the beginning of each chapter, a new Japanese word is introduced with its pronunciation and meaning, and we are then told a story of how that Japanese word relates to an encounter shared by the Collins. By the end of the book, we should have a few Japanese words in our memory.
The differences between America and Japan were eye opening. Larry experienced driving with only ½” between his left front tire and a three foot ditch running along the side of the road. When passing another vehicle, Larry relates there would be only a scant ¼” space between the two vehicles door-to-door. Also, before purchasing a car in Japan, the Collins learned one must first have an assigned place to park it. A final random thought I found interesting was that American pizza in Japan has corn atop, is drizzled with mayonnaise, and has toppings of seafood and seaweed.
The Collins eagerly and enthusiastically share with us their experiences of Japan. They tell us about Jurassic Mark, Raouf Iskander, the Nihon Cowboy, their Japanese “daughter” Yasuko and Jurassic Jack. The Collins came back changed individuals but only for the better. It is obvious of the great love they felt for the many special friendships solidified by their times in Japan. The Collin’s book is a tribute to the great number of colorful personalities that came together to make the building of Universal Studios Japan a success!… (mehr)