Amen Corner

Rick Shefchik
Poisoned Pen Press (2007)
ISBN 9781590584118
Reviewed by Susan Pettrone for Reader Views (12/06)


Earning a chance to play in the masters at the Augusta National Golf Club appears at first to be a dream that has come true for twin cities Policeman Sam Skarda, but soon it becomes apparent that playing at the masters won’t be all Sam does while in Augusta. Injured in the line of duty, Sam was encouraged to pursue his love of golf as a form of rehabilitation, but who knew he’d rise in the ranks to the point that he would qualify to play in the masters? Sam certainly didn’t. He finds himself traveling to the masters reveling in his good fortune, never dreaming that he will become embroiled in a case that threatens to shut down the master’s for good.

As “Amen Corner” begins, the reader quickly realizes that there are more hazards at the Augusta National Golf Club than mere sand traps. There is a killer loose with the sole purpose of stopping the masters at all costs, including taking the lives of any and all who stand in his way.

With a cunning that is sharp and a cool head besides, the killer methodically works towards his end goal of ending the masters and ruining the life of more than one person in particular. Avoiding detection throughout the book with an imagination and cruel methods besides, this killer is bound to achieve his desired end unless someone can stop him end his plan.

Sam Skarda is pulled into the fray when a body turns up with the words “This is the Last Masters” burnt into the grass on the nearby 10th green. With the deliberate destruction of the 10th green, one cannot help but wonder if the famed green jacket of the masters is doomed to be destroyed by this madman as well. Soon there are even more bodies, each one invoking a fear that cuts deep within the soul of those involved in the planning of the masters.

When the bodies of the Rules Committee Chairman, New York Times columnist Debra Scanlon and Danny Milligan turn up one after another, Sam finds he is a race against time. Caroline Rockingham finds herself by his side, serving as not only his caddy but his love interest as well and proves to the readers that she is not a woman to be fooled with, that she has savvy and strength of her own. Sam shows grit, drive and plain old street smarts as he works to outwit the master’s killer at his own game and as the clock winds down on the masters, Sam pulls within himself a rock steady mind and keen insight that is needed so badly to stop the killer cold before he can get in the last shot in his deadly game.

As “Amen Corner” draws to an end and it becomes clear exactly what the master’s killer has in mind for the finale in his twisted game, we see Sam even the score and sink what; to this reader, was the winning shot in a deadly race to save the masters and win more than the fabled green jacket…the masters itself!

As the daughter and wife of avid golfers, and one who is privy to their tales on the links, I found myself thoroughly enjoying every moment of this book. The sharp character of Sam, the “smarts” of Caroline and the cool determination of the killer, all make for an extremely entertaining read.

I would highly recommend “Amen Corner” for anyone with a love of golf as it is not only a mystery but a look behind the scenes of the masters and those who enjoy the game of golf. This book promises from start to finish to be a winner in every sense of the word and Sam Skarda delivers the winning stroke for the masters and ensures it’s future in the world of golf as well, delivering both a great “read” and an engaging story all wrapped up in one!

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