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Malone Mystery #1
Mixed Messages
It’s estimated that there are at least twenty to thirty active serial killers in the United States at any given time. There’s one on the loose on the west side of Cincinnati.
It’s the week of Halloween and Ann Kern struggles with several issues. Her primary concern is her marriage which, like her west side neighborhood, is in jeopardy. Her husband is drinking heavily and his behavior toward her is erratic. One minute, he’s the kind, loving man she married and, the next minute, he’s cold and cruel.
Ann dismisses a psychic’s warning that she is in danger. But, when she receives a series of ominous biblical quotes, she grows nervous and suspicious of everyone, including her own husband.
As the bizarre and frightening events unfold, Ann discovers a handmade tombstone marked with her name, pushing her close to the edge. Will she be the Westwood Strangler’s next victim?
It’s the week of Halloween and Ann Kern struggles with several issues. Her primary concern is her marriage which, like her west side neighborhood, is in jeopardy. Her husband is drinking heavily and his behavior toward her is erratic. One minute, he’s the kind, loving man she married and, the next minute, he’s cold and cruel.
Ann dismisses a psychic’s warning that she is in danger. But, when she receives a series of ominous biblical quotes, she grows nervous and suspicious of everyone, including her own husband.
As the bizarre and frightening events unfold, Ann discovers a handmade tombstone marked with her name, pushing her close to the edge. Will she be the Westwood Strangler’s next victim?
- GenresMystery
219 pages, Paperback
Published April 17, 2012
6 people are currently reading
432 people want to read
About the author
Patricia Gligor
9Ìýbooks71ÌýfollowersI'm the author of the five-book Malone Mystery series and I've just published "The Legend," the fourth book in my Small Town Mystery series.
When I'm not writing, I enjoy reading mystery/suspense novels, touring and photographing old houses and traveling. I also enjoy going to yard sales, estate sales and flea markets because you never know what treasures you'll find - it's a mystery!
When I'm not writing, I enjoy reading mystery/suspense novels, touring and photographing old houses and traveling. I also enjoy going to yard sales, estate sales and flea markets because you never know what treasures you'll find - it's a mystery!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
January 4, 2017
As I read a piece of fiction, I’m always looking for the “elements of fiction� in it—storyline, character development, conflict, climatic arc and on and on. Author Patricia Gligor passes the test on all of these with flying colors in “Mixed Messages.� I was particularly impressed with the character development of the main character of the story, Ann Kern: A very likeable, yet complex, fully-developed character of fiction.
I have heard it said that when Stephen King writes a story, he throws out a lot of “strings�-- strings being characters, scenes, and so on. By the time the story ends, all of these “strings� have to be tied together. Well, author Patricia Gligor weaves an intricate tapestry with words that when done one has enjoyed the journey and the story.
Alan Zacher
I have heard it said that when Stephen King writes a story, he throws out a lot of “strings�-- strings being characters, scenes, and so on. By the time the story ends, all of these “strings� have to be tied together. Well, author Patricia Gligor weaves an intricate tapestry with words that when done one has enjoyed the journey and the story.
Alan Zacher
July 23, 2013
I'm from Cincinnati, so when I saw this book and read the synopsis I had to read it. Ms. Gligor did a great job with the development of each character. Flashbacks within the story made it easy to understand them. Although I enjoyed the story, the plot was ok...if this makes sense. The story has great potential to be a very good mystery, but there wasn't enough of mystery. I felt as if the mystery/suspense areas in the novel were rushed as well as the end. I am looking forward to reading the sequel to see if my hunch is right on who is the killer.
September 9, 2019
Strong character development. Definitely keeps you guessing and has interesting interwoven characters.
October 11, 2012
This was a fun read, and a good choice for October, as the events take place in the days before Halloween. I was drawn to the protagonist and particularly enjoyed the dialogue and the descriptions of this area of the U.S. that I have never visited.
I came into it expecting something different--I think because the phrase "serial killer" evokes pretty powerful imagery. Truth be told, the story was much more about relationships, dealing with past grief, and alcoholism. The serial killer story line was mostly in the background, never quit peaking for me in terms of suspense or scare-factor.
I really liked that the story was told through multiple characters--reminded me of some of the best of Steven King and his ensemble books. The shift in point of view was sometimes distracting, though, and at times the internal monologue of the protagonist, with the why's and what-ifs, went on longer that I'd hope.
If you're a fan of a satisfying ending, then this book is for you--there is a resolution to (or acceptance of) all the important conflicts, with enough teases of the future to make the next Malone Mystery worth picking up.
I received this book as part of a Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ book promotion giveaway. I'm glad I waited until October to read it--it really was a fun way to enter into the Halloween and fall spirit.
I came into it expecting something different--I think because the phrase "serial killer" evokes pretty powerful imagery. Truth be told, the story was much more about relationships, dealing with past grief, and alcoholism. The serial killer story line was mostly in the background, never quit peaking for me in terms of suspense or scare-factor.
I really liked that the story was told through multiple characters--reminded me of some of the best of Steven King and his ensemble books. The shift in point of view was sometimes distracting, though, and at times the internal monologue of the protagonist, with the why's and what-ifs, went on longer that I'd hope.
If you're a fan of a satisfying ending, then this book is for you--there is a resolution to (or acceptance of) all the important conflicts, with enough teases of the future to make the next Malone Mystery worth picking up.
I received this book as part of a Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ book promotion giveaway. I'm glad I waited until October to read it--it really was a fun way to enter into the Halloween and fall spirit.
November 9, 2016
Even 3/4 the way through this novel I didn't know where my focus should have been. It opened with Ann -- and the first three chapters were third person limited from her point of view, so I was well invested in her life when things shifted. LaterIt seems as though it's Ann's story, because we opened with her -- the first four chapters are in limited third, from Ann's POV -- but the author eventually introduced at least three more point of view characters, which only served to confuse me. Each time she introduced someone new, she spent so many paragraphs detailing their backgrounds the story lost the little bit of momentum it had.
It's true that in small towns many people are related and have long histories with each other, but it seemed every character in this novel was an alcoholic, abuser, and/or killed in an auto accident or related to someone who was. There were more than a few coincidences in this novel.
Eventually all the pieces do come together -- in a way the reader could not have anticipated, so if you like a book where you can follow the clues, you'll be disappointed (as I was).
It pains me to write a less-than-positive review about this book, but need to be honest about my reaction to it so others will be aware of what they're buying into. Perhaps the subsequent Malone Mysteries have or will overcome these weaknesses.
It's true that in small towns many people are related and have long histories with each other, but it seemed every character in this novel was an alcoholic, abuser, and/or killed in an auto accident or related to someone who was. There were more than a few coincidences in this novel.
Eventually all the pieces do come together -- in a way the reader could not have anticipated, so if you like a book where you can follow the clues, you'll be disappointed (as I was).
It pains me to write a less-than-positive review about this book, but need to be honest about my reaction to it so others will be aware of what they're buying into. Perhaps the subsequent Malone Mysteries have or will overcome these weaknesses.
May 7, 2012
Mixed Messages by Patricia Gligor held my attention from beginning to end.
Ann Kern is having major marital problems, and she doesn’t feel like there’s anyone she can turn to. Her husband is drinking heavily, disappearing for hours at a time, and his attitude toward her has changed. Her once loving husband is cold and distant, and he can be cruel at times. Ann takes a job at the local church in the hopes that the extra income might help alleviate the problems.
In the meantime, it’s Halloween week and there’s a serial killer at large. After receiving ominous and anonymous notes, she discovers a makeshift tombstone with her name on it. Between neighbors, her husband and the priest at the church where she works, Ann doesn’t lack for suspects.
One of the things I particularly liked about this book is that the author really gave you insight into the characters involved in the story. I felt like I knew them by the time I finished the story. Ms. Gligor really involves the reader as the events unfold.
I highly recommend this book to people who enjoy mysteries and those who like good character studies, and to anyone who simply enjoys a good book. I’ll be watching for more from Patricia Gligor.
Ann Kern is having major marital problems, and she doesn’t feel like there’s anyone she can turn to. Her husband is drinking heavily, disappearing for hours at a time, and his attitude toward her has changed. Her once loving husband is cold and distant, and he can be cruel at times. Ann takes a job at the local church in the hopes that the extra income might help alleviate the problems.
In the meantime, it’s Halloween week and there’s a serial killer at large. After receiving ominous and anonymous notes, she discovers a makeshift tombstone with her name on it. Between neighbors, her husband and the priest at the church where she works, Ann doesn’t lack for suspects.
One of the things I particularly liked about this book is that the author really gave you insight into the characters involved in the story. I felt like I knew them by the time I finished the story. Ms. Gligor really involves the reader as the events unfold.
I highly recommend this book to people who enjoy mysteries and those who like good character studies, and to anyone who simply enjoys a good book. I’ll be watching for more from Patricia Gligor.
July 20, 2015
This was not so much a mystery as a tightly-woven plot dealing with relationships, secrets, domestic abuse, and alcoholism, which is not a bad thing in itself, but slightly disappointing if the reader is expecting a fast-paced thriller. Most of the book dealt with the internal thoughts and emotions of the characters. What I thought would be the main theme of the story—that is, the serial killer terrorizing Cincinnati—was relegated to more of a subplot and really didn’t come to the forefront until near the end.
On the other hand, the author did manage to deliver a story filled with tension, suspense and memorable characters, who were introduced through a series of different POVs. As for the serial killer, there were plenty of plausible suspects, including Ann’s own husband, David, who had suddenly turned into a cold, abusive stranger, her somewhat peculiar young neighbour, Lawrence, who had a crush on her and sent her love poems, and even a priest, who despite his profession, harboured anger and resentment toward Ann for events that happened in her family’s past.
I felt that the ending was a bit rushed and abrupt, and resolutions to all the events seemed to be just a little too nicely wrapped up.
All in all, though, this was a decent book and fairly well-written.
On the other hand, the author did manage to deliver a story filled with tension, suspense and memorable characters, who were introduced through a series of different POVs. As for the serial killer, there were plenty of plausible suspects, including Ann’s own husband, David, who had suddenly turned into a cold, abusive stranger, her somewhat peculiar young neighbour, Lawrence, who had a crush on her and sent her love poems, and even a priest, who despite his profession, harboured anger and resentment toward Ann for events that happened in her family’s past.
I felt that the ending was a bit rushed and abrupt, and resolutions to all the events seemed to be just a little too nicely wrapped up.
All in all, though, this was a decent book and fairly well-written.
September 3, 2012
Ann Kern’s life is in turmoil. Her husband is drinking, acting erratically and staying out late. On top of that there’s the stress of caring for two active children, dealing with an obnoxious mother-in-law and beginning a new job with an employer who holds a grudge against her family.
Her life is in turmoil. And it’s about to get worse.
There’s a serial killer stalking the neighborhood and Ann is getting odd messages that make her suspect she could be targeted as his next victim.
Ann’s imagination gives her plenty of suspects, including her husband, a neighbor and even the priest for whom she works. Every one of them has been giving her mixed messages. Her nervousness and suspicion increase in Halloween week when she discovers a homemade tombstone bearing her name in the cemetery.
In this, her first novel, Patricia Gligor has crafted a group of memorable characters, a tense plot and a satisfying conclusion for all the various threads.
Her life is in turmoil. And it’s about to get worse.
There’s a serial killer stalking the neighborhood and Ann is getting odd messages that make her suspect she could be targeted as his next victim.
Ann’s imagination gives her plenty of suspects, including her husband, a neighbor and even the priest for whom she works. Every one of them has been giving her mixed messages. Her nervousness and suspicion increase in Halloween week when she discovers a homemade tombstone bearing her name in the cemetery.
In this, her first novel, Patricia Gligor has crafted a group of memorable characters, a tense plot and a satisfying conclusion for all the various threads.
October 17, 2012
The residents of a Cincinnati neighborhood are being stalked by a serial killer and Ann Kern fears she’s the killer’s next victim � and so did I as I raced through this book to reach the breathtaking conclusion!
MIXED MESSAGES presents tightly spun plot with fascinating characters and on-the-edge of your seat scenes. The author wrote with alternating point of views which allowed me a peek into the minds of several characters—Ann’s abusive husband, a slightly deranged neighbor, a gold-digging psychic and even a priest with anger control issues. Adding to the complexity of the plot, the author expertly wove in bits and pieces of Ann’s past secrets and current idiosyncrasies. In the end, all the pieces of the puzzle came together in a perfect, jaw-dropping, conclusion.
I simply couldn’t turn the pages quickly enough.
MIXED MESSAGES presents tightly spun plot with fascinating characters and on-the-edge of your seat scenes. The author wrote with alternating point of views which allowed me a peek into the minds of several characters—Ann’s abusive husband, a slightly deranged neighbor, a gold-digging psychic and even a priest with anger control issues. Adding to the complexity of the plot, the author expertly wove in bits and pieces of Ann’s past secrets and current idiosyncrasies. In the end, all the pieces of the puzzle came together in a perfect, jaw-dropping, conclusion.
I simply couldn’t turn the pages quickly enough.
October 8, 2013
Fans of Mary Higgins Clark will greet this novel with enthusiasm. Like Clark in her early classic mystery/suspense novel A Stranger Is Watching, Gilgor creates a frightening world for a sympathetic protagonist. Ann Kern, loving wife and mother, is surrounded by threats. Her husband, an alcoholic and a gambler, is emotionally unstable. There is also a serial killer on the prowl on the west side of Cincinnati and it appears that Ann is intended to be his next victim. There are a number of possible suspects. Author Gilgor thoroughly develops each character in the novel, going into back stories, thoughts, behavior and actions. But this does not slow the plot which develops at a fast pace. Definitely a novel the reader will not put down until the final words are read.
December 27, 2014
Ann Kern's life sucks! A husband who drinks, money problems, problems at school with the kids, creepy neighbors, an obnoxious mother-in-law...oh yeah, there's a strangler on the loose. I generally like to read a series in order, but in this case I read book 3, Desperate Deeds first. That book alludes to past problems in this family, but I had no idea! This is an interesting book that plays on the tensions between characters to create suspense and draw you into the mystery. The Cincinnati setting is well-drawn, as are the main characters, and the troubles they face. This is a quick read that keeps you guessing to the end. And, as with any series, when you start with book 1 you know there's more to come! You'll want to read those too.
September 17, 2013
Mixed Messages is a serious Mainstream story more than a mystery. The author has used multiple POVs to give backstory working its way to the main character, Ann, showing the troubled marriage and her husband's mental problems that go back to his childhood. Behind all that, a serial killer is loose in the proximity and leaving messages that make Ann wonder if she is the next intended victim. There are times when the multi-POVs threaten to hijack the plot, and a few times when too many depressing scenes have to be experienced to get where it wants to go, but eventually it does come together very well.
March 9, 2015
I'm a cozy mystery gal. Usually no exceptions, but I chose this book (and the next 2 in the series) because I went to the same high school as the author, and the books take place in familiar territory. I expected a mystery, but, instead, got an almost Hitchcockian tale of suspense. And, here's the surprise: I really enjoyed it. Patricia Gligor writes very readable and flowing prose and crafts an atmosphere of fear and regret wrapped up in the kind of coincidences that usually happen only in real life. Then she incorporates the very serious problem of alcoholism and its tragic effects on the families involved.
July 7, 2018
At the ending of the book I thought it didn't spark a lot of interest for me. Ann had trouble with her husband drinking and temper problems . She thought it was her fault. In their town it appeared to be a serial killer running loose. The story throws out about 5 or so ideas whom to think it was. I couldn't figure it out tho I thought I guessed it right - but I didn't. She talked to a counselor about her family issues. She then started to get scared about who this killer was. In the end it all worked out for the family.
April 1, 2013
Patricia has crafted a unique mystery. Being a mystery lover, I've read a lot of them, but I've never read one quite like this. Her character development is superb. Without giving anything away, let me just say that I would have never guessed who the murderer was. Great job, Patricia. I just bought, Unfinished Business, because I have got to find out what happens next.
May 4, 2013
This was portrayed as a mystery, if that's what you're looking for, this book may not be for you. The mystery - serial killings - is really a subplot. I enjoyed the storyline, even though it wrapped up a little too neatly. A lot of the writing covered what was going on in the characters' heads, which would describe what was going on according to each.
October 24, 2013
MIXED MESSAGES is a fast-paced Halloween mystery perfect for this time of year. I found the characters to be well developed and quite interesting. The story held my attention right down to the last page. I'm looking forward to reading the next Malone Mystery. So, when you feel you need a break from those hard-core suspense thriller, be sure to pick up MIXED MESSAGES for a quick, enjoyable read!
August 8, 2012
Passionately written, you can tell Gligor has personal experiences tied into the writing of this novel in parts. Another Cincinnati author, this book takes place in Cincinnati too which made it a treat for someone from Cincinnati to read. Writing style is good. Recommend giving her a try.
April 14, 2014
I generally read detective stories or thrillers. This was more of a suspense novel. As such, it accomplished the job description of that genre -- to keep the reader turning the pages quickly to find out what happens next. I own the next two books in the series and I look forward to reading them.
May 17, 2013
nice read
December 20, 2014
Looking for a spine chiller this will get you going. Clearly written with character development necessary to a good read.
March 28, 2018
This was a story filled with tension and suspense. While the overall premise seemed - according to the summary - to be a town in the grip of a strangler, it soon veered off into a different direction. The story consisted of many subplots featuring alcoholism, lost loves, ADHD and even albinism and the main thread of the serial strangler popped up now and then, just as though to remind us the strangler was still on the loose.
With many a changing POV, what began as Ann's story soon developed into a multi-layered piece with several characters taking centre stage as their past secrets were revealed.
The story does tend to wallow on past memories and there is much reflection and soul-searching going on, which - for me - detracted from the suspense and slowed the story down considerably.
Nonetheless, it was a well-written tale, although the ending was rather rushed and got swallowed up in the domesticity of the character's lives.
With many a changing POV, what began as Ann's story soon developed into a multi-layered piece with several characters taking centre stage as their past secrets were revealed.
The story does tend to wallow on past memories and there is much reflection and soul-searching going on, which - for me - detracted from the suspense and slowed the story down considerably.
Nonetheless, it was a well-written tale, although the ending was rather rushed and got swallowed up in the domesticity of the character's lives.
November 1, 2018
More lessons than mystery
This first book in the Malone Mystery series is mostly devoted to backstory, introducing us to the histories of the main characters and their families. Nevertheless, the story flowed smoothly and I quickly became interested in the Ann and her family. A good introduction to the series.
This first book in the Malone Mystery series is mostly devoted to backstory, introducing us to the histories of the main characters and their families. Nevertheless, the story flowed smoothly and I quickly became interested in the Ann and her family. A good introduction to the series.
May 11, 2019
Decent book. Good character development. Loved the Westside references.
May 15, 2020
Not to bad.
It really was not much of a mystery. Not much action. I liked most of the story and was happy there was no language.
It really was not much of a mystery. Not much action. I liked most of the story and was happy there was no language.
May 2, 2013
Mixed Messages has a decent plot. A serial killer is loose in cincinnati. The central character is Ann, a housewife trying to hold her family together. Her husband has been acting strange, has anger issues, and his mother thinks he is perfect. There is a vast cast of secondary characters. The landlady, her misfit son, a local priest, a psychologist, a scam psychic. And we learn all of their sordid stories, ad nauseum. Every page is filled with backstory and very little real interaction occurs. Now, I like a good trip into the minds of memorable characters, but the author tries to throw out red herrings, so we mostly see the dark side of all the others while Ann talks herself out of being a smart, savvy woman who has never heard that alcoholism is now considered a disease. This book honestly reads like a good first draft of a beginner writer's first novel. There's no emotional kick, and everyone is only seen as a potential killer to thicken the plot.
January 4, 2014
I won Gligor's second novel, Unfinished Business in a first-read giveaway. Even though it said that the novel is a stand-alone, I wanted to read Mixed Messages before I started Unfinished Business.
I enjoy reading mystery books but I don't normally pick them for myself. I end up reading them for a book club or when other people recommend them. I did enjoy reading this mystery.
The book was well-paced. Gligor made the reader think that the murderer was several different people, as any good mystery writer does. There were a lot of character in the novel and it was sometimes difficult for me to remember each person's backstory. It seemed as though everyone had a really shitty childhood but I guess that helped explain their behaviors.
The book kept my attention but did not blow me away. The ending was a bit abrupt and things were tied up too nicely for it to be believable.
I enjoy reading mystery books but I don't normally pick them for myself. I end up reading them for a book club or when other people recommend them. I did enjoy reading this mystery.
The book was well-paced. Gligor made the reader think that the murderer was several different people, as any good mystery writer does. There were a lot of character in the novel and it was sometimes difficult for me to remember each person's backstory. It seemed as though everyone had a really shitty childhood but I guess that helped explain their behaviors.
The book kept my attention but did not blow me away. The ending was a bit abrupt and things were tied up too nicely for it to be believable.
February 24, 2016
In my opinion this book wasn't much of a mystery novel. It was more of a story about the hardships in the main characters life and how her life intermingled with the other characters in the book.
There was a splash of mystery here and there but it took a long time for any tension to build and when it finally did, it didn't last long. It also seemed like the author was in a bit of a hurry to wrap things up at the end. I felt cheated by the brief explanations used to wrap up some of the more interesting parts of the story.
This wasn't a bad book, it just didn't have the suspense that I was hoping for.
There was a splash of mystery here and there but it took a long time for any tension to build and when it finally did, it didn't last long. It also seemed like the author was in a bit of a hurry to wrap things up at the end. I felt cheated by the brief explanations used to wrap up some of the more interesting parts of the story.
This wasn't a bad book, it just didn't have the suspense that I was hoping for.
November 4, 2018
I think if this book was labeled as a contemporary life story it would get better reviews. This is really the story of a woman and the struggles of life. The mystery of a serial killer doesn't appear much in the book. I still found the writing is well done and the story is a good reflection of life, I think readers open this book and expect a serial killer mystery and instead get a good look at life.
January 20, 2014
It was one of those books my dad used to call gotcha books. It's written well enough to finish reading it but it never got to a good climax. So got you to read it. It left you wondering
why did you read it. who is Marlone and what was the mystery? was just another feel good book reminding you to cherish family.
why did you read it. who is Marlone and what was the mystery? was just another feel good book reminding you to cherish family.
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