Books

Flim Flam is the fourth novel in Carl Schmidt’s Jesse Thorpe Mystery Series, set in Maine. The story follows private investigator Jesse Thorpe as he investigates the murder of Scott Decker, a young entrepreneur from the Lewiston area, who is found dead in his home, with a trove of gold bars missing from his wall safe. Scott’s former high school sweetheart hires Jesse to uncover the truth behind his death.Witnesses suggest that Scott may have made his fortune in the opioid trade, but his family and closest friends insist that can’t be true. Suspects abound, including Scott’s ex-wife, his business partner, and several associates from a local militia. Jesse’s investigation spans six y...

Redbone is the third novel in Carl Schmidt’s Jesse Thorpe Mystery Series, set in Maine. The story follows private investigator Jesse Thorpe as he investigates the death of Julio Redbone, who, after serving eight years in prison for a minor offense, receives a gubernatorial pardon but dies a month later from a lethal dose of potassium cyanide.While the Portland police consider it a probable suicide, Julio’s mother, Juanita, believes otherwise and hires Jesse to uncover the truth. As Jesse delves deeper, he uncovers a network of violent criminals in high places. The novel is noted for its intricate detective work, forensic details, and witty dialogue, bringing to life the local charm of Ma...

A Priestly Affair is the second novel in Carl Schmidt’s Jesse Thorpe Mystery Series. Set in Maine, the story follows private investigator Jesse Thorpe as he is hired by Monsignor Francis O’Reilly to locate his three-year-old daughter, Evelyn, conceived during a one-time encounter with a parishioner, Nicole Levesque. Despite confirming his paternity through DNA testing, the monsignor has never met his daughter and has been paying annual child support without any contact.As Jesse delves into the case, he discovers that Nicole is part of an organized group of con artists who use deception and threats to maintain their schemes. The investigation takes a darker turn when another paternity vic...

Dead Down East is the first novel in the Jesse Thorpe Mystery Series by Carl Schmidt. Set in Maine, the story follows Jesse, a multifaceted character who juggles roles as a carpenter, musician, and private investigator. His tranquil fishing trip is abruptly interrupted by a distress call from Cynthia Dumais, a former client entangled in the assassination of Maine’s governor, William Lavoilette.As Jesse delves into the investigation, he uncovers a web of intrigue involving the governor’s numerous affairs, each presenting potential motives for murder. With the assistance of his eclectic group of friends—including bandmates, a psychic, and his assertive girlfriend, Angele Boucher—Jesse ...