"Moral
ambiguities, snappy dialogue, and twists that keep the pages turning...
altogether an exceptionally accomplished debut novel" -- Chris
Rogers, author of BITCH FACTOR
PUBLISHERS
WEEKLY
L.B. Cobb's debut
book, Splendor Bay, lands ex-lawyer Bill Glasscock in the worst day
of his life, and the stars of the show are his girlfriend (gone missing),
his ex-wife (also missing) and her lover, Governor Wallace Moreno (found
dead on the beach in front of Sally's mansion). Bill, the prime suspect,
embarks on a whirlwind search for the women in his life, the murderer and
proof of his own innocence. (Mystery Notes, November 26, 2001, copyright 2001
Cahners Business Information).
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MIDWEST BOOK
REVIEW
Eat your heart
out, New York. Or, more specifically, all you New York publishers. You've
let another rising star slip through your fingers.... [L. B. Cobb] is one
savvy lady who not only knows how to plot an intriguing mystery but also
knows how to people that mystery with remarkably complicated yet
true-to-life characters. The fact that she does this so skillfully belies
Cobb's standing as a first-time author and makes this book a pleasure to
read.
Splendor Bay's story line might be considered trite if
handled less deftly: jilted husband finds body of wife's lover outside his
home, becomes prime suspect in the murder, then escapes arrest by deducing
the identity of the killer. An age-old theme of mystery novels, but in
Splendor Bay, the commonplace becomes extraordinary due to the identities
and emotional intensity of the characters.
Bill Glasscock is not your everyday high-priced lawyer.
Instead, he's a man who walks away from his job in the middle of a trial
-- thus earning himself a suspension from the bar -- after discovering his
wife in bed with the governor of the state. But it's not only his job that
Bill abandons. He shakes off an entire way of life, reverting to a
beach-bum existence that includes shacking up with his wife's cousin, the
beautiful state's attorney general, Sally Solana.
Likewise, Eleana Glasscock is no ordinary housewife bent
on a fling with a political celebrity. She's a woman whose position as
head of the state archives provides her with ample opportunity to mingle
with the local power brokers. Her involvement with Gov. Wallace Moreno is
due more to loneliness than love, her husband being too busy getting rich
to pay her much attention.
Toss in Bill and Eleana's teenage son, Davy, an
insulin-dependent diabetic who's torn between both parents, and you have
the makings of a family in turmoil where forgiveness and healing seem
almost impossible. But murder has a strange way of drawing people
together. In Splendor Bay, the need to protect Eleana and Davy drives Bill
to reexamine his relationships with both family members and friends. Most
difficult of all, he's forced to take a long, hard look at himself. His
quest for self-discovery becomes as arduous as his hunt for the governor's
killer.
It's rare for a writer to be able to imagine, much less
clearly convey, the emotions of both sexes. Earning the simultaneous
sympathy of the reader for differing characters is even more difficult.
Cobb, though, accomplishes both of these things in Splendor Bay, and she
does so in a way that is neither maudlin nor contrived. Instead, she uses
crisp dialogue and cleanly written prose to portray the torment of love
gone astray and the soul-searching task of personal recovery. What makes
Cobb's feat even more remarkable is that it's accomplished in the context
of a murder mystery.
Make no mistake, Splendor Bay is a fast paced suspense
story sure to appeal to lovers of the genre. But it's a mystery of the
heart as well, and as that, it succeeds where many other novels fail. Cobb
is one helluva writer. Thank goodness she chose to shine her light in the
field of mystery! (Reviewed by Mary V. Welk for Midwest Book Review (January 2002). Also appears in
Dorothy L and Under the Covers Book Reviews.)
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REVIEW OF TEXAS
BOOKS
The exceptional
sense of place draws you in when you begin Splendor Bay, a sensual,
suspenseful, murder mystery set in a beautiful, by-the-sea town, "a
little spot of heaven on planet earth." Bill Glasscock, ex-lawyer
turned private investigator, is enjoying the view until he realizes the
crime scene on the beach is definitely going to implicate him. The
"floater" turns out to be the governor, who has been chummy with
Bill's soon-to-be ex-wife. Known since third grade as "fragile
dick," Bill tries to avoid politics and criminal activities. He'd
like to see himself as suitable only for "damsel saving."
The plot thickens and complicates with a missing mistress
and a missing ex-wife, Bill's sixteen-year old son in danger, the
involvement of his substitute parents. All provide alternate suspects.
With the FBI, the state police and the county cops stepping on each others
toes, Bill has to dance through his investigation without getting detained
by any law enforcement people.
Throughout the story, Bill is attempting to cope with his
losses of his mother to cancer, his father to suicide, his wife and son to
divorce. Cobb's protagonist comes off the page as a real person, very
likable, not a flat, cardboard lawyer turned PI. When childhood friends
make Bill the repository for secrets, he recognizes the gray areas in real
life.
I am impressed with the quality of the writing. Cobb's use
of clever dialogue, creative comebacks, and innuendos to contemporary
events offer enough details to keep me turning the pages. Splendor Bay can
give any of the big name mystery writers a competitive run. (Reviewed by
JoAn Martin for Review of Texas Books, Winter 2002; Review of Texas Books
is a print publication of Lamar University Department of English and
Modern Languages for Texas Libraries.)
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THE REBECCA
REVIEW
L.B. Cobb's
writing style takes full advantage of verisimilitude in a similar way many
of W. Somerset Maugham's stories evoke a sense of confidence in the
reader. She also uses those little twists and turns that keep you
questioning and her chapter endings plunge you into the next page with a
sense of undeniable curiosity....you will really start to love Bill for
his thoughts, be they the thoughts of a man in love or the conflicting
thoughts he faces in trying to solve the mystery of his life or the
humorous, laugh-out-loud contemplation of one witty guy who is trying not
to take life too seriously, while learning life can be one serious game
when those you love are in peril. An expertly crafted mystery with a touch
of sensual intrigue. Splendor Bay will leave you amazed by the poetic
justice of it all. The best mystery I've read, bar none...Summer reading
at its best! (Reviewed by The Rebecca Review, an Amazon.com Top Ten Reviewer.)
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MURDER AND
MAYHEM BOOKCLUB
This is Ms
Cobb's first novel and is a story about Bill Glasscock, or Fragile Dick to
his friends. Bill wakes up at his girlfriend Sally's beach house on
Splendor Bay and sees the city cops looking at a body on the beach that
has diamond studs in his shirt. Bill being the good ex attorney and
private investigator decides to wander down to the beach to find out the
details of the John Doe that has appeared on his girlfriends beach. Come
to find out it is the Governor of the state, and said Governor is his ex
or soon to be ex-wife's boyfriend. His girlfriend also seems to be missing
and Bill takes you on the search to find who did this to the Governor,
because all fingers are pointing at him.
The dialogue in this book is very witty and I think it
reminds me of the Robert B Parker Spenser series because of the sarcasm. I
found it to be a very good, easy and fast book to read. Very likeable
characters that you begin to really care about. A bit of a love story
about how even though you have an ex wife, is she ever forgotten? Do you
just stop loving her because you have found her in bed with the Governor?
Do you stop loving the girlfriend because the ex wife that has just lost
her boyfriend and tells you she still loves you? There is also your son of
sixteen years to consider. Bill has been a bit of a bum for a while and
what effect is that having on him. Should Bill get his act together and
try and spend some time with Davy, or should he just let his wife worry
about that. There are lots of different twists and turns in this book and
I found them delightful. I liked the interactions between Bill, his
friends and extended family. I liked the fact of him being an ex-attorney
on suspension and the dilemma about what he was going to do with the rest
of his life.
I would like to see this become a series, but my
understanding is that she is in the in the process of having another novel
published with new people. I for one will have to have a look at it.
(Reviewed by Connie Rutter, Murder and Mayhem Bookclub.)
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THE ROMANCE
READER CONNECTION
What started out
as a serene, beautiful day is turning into a nightmare for Bill Glasscock,
a former attorney who was suspended following claims of malpractice. Bill
has been working as a private investigator and is living with Sally
Solana, the state's Attorney General. Bill and his wife, Elena, may be
separated, but he still has deep feelings for her and their
sixteen-year-old son, Davy. Bill wakes up to find his girlfriend gone, so
he opts to take a jog on the beach. Before long, the body of Governor
Wallace Moreno is found on the beach just below Sally's abode. While Bill
is trying to hide his glee at the death of Eleana's recent lover, he soon
finds himself trying to find his missing girlfriend, Sally, prove his
wife, Eleana, innocence, and save those he loves from a ruthless killer
who is intent on wiping out not only Eleana, but also Davy, Bill's son.
Packed with action, realistic characters who not only face incredible
hurdles, but also react with genuine emotions, and tongue in cheek humor,
SPLENDOR BAY is a book to be savored. The pace does not rush you to the
end; rather it slowly builds to the unexpected ending. (Reviewed by Tracy
Farnsworth, TheRomanceReadersConnection.com.)
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ROGER PAULDING
REVIEWS
Top Notch Story-telling: One
glorious morning, Bill Glasscock, also known as Fragile Dick, awakes with
a glorious hangover. He's at his girlfriend's house. She's gone and when
he looks out the window at the Bay, he sees a body in the surf which just
happens to be that of Governor Wallace Moreno, his soon-to-be ex-wife's
boyfriend. It's not long before the cops decide Bill did it in a fit of
jealousy. From there, the plot catapults with intrigue, quirky characters,
conflicted relationships, and wry, wry humor. Did I mention the humor?
Keeps the pace rolling, keeps you interested and you'll never figure out
the end until you get to the end. This writer is a terrific new voice in
the genre that will have the Kinkster, Carl Hiassen and Robert Crais
looking to their laurels. Keep up the good work, LB. Deserves an Edgar.
(Reviewed by Roger
Paulding, Barnes & Noble.com)
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SCRIBES WORLD
REVIEW
This novel starts
out grabbing you immediately! It opens with a body washed up on the beach
where our main character Bill Glasscock, a suspended-for-malpractice
attorney now working as a P.I., just wakes and tries to shake off another
one of his famous hangovers, steps out onto the patio deck overlooking the
ocean for some fresh air. What unfolds from there is something Glasscock
can't ignore and finds he has to protect his family and loved ones while
trying to uncover the mystery of the murder and what it has to do with
him. Now if only Glasscock could find his soon to be ex-wife. It also
seems his girlfriend Sally is missing, who happens to be the state's
Attorney General! Soon Glasscock discovers the body is none other than
Governor Wallace Moreno, Bill's soon to be ex-wife's lover! Somehow, Bill
is not surprised to find out who is the prime suspect, and now he must
find the murderer before the killer comes after him! What Glasscock
unravels, will change his life and everyone he knows from his past,
present and future, which is something Bill doesn't want to ever repeat.
A great mystery which is entwined with funny and witty
characters. Loved the way the book continues on with dates and times as
you get a real good feel of what Glasscock was experiencing. Just when you
thought you knew who was behind all the murders, you turn the page and
find a new clue which throws you right off. I find that is what makes a
great thriller and a can't put down book! You will be surprised with the
conclusion of this novel. (Reviewed by Vicki Duby, February 2002, Scribes
World Reviews, www.scribesworld.com.)
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MYSHELF
Bill Glasscock
was looking forward to having a nice relaxing day in one of his favorite
places, Splendor Bay. Unfortunately, the dead body found on the beach puts
a halt on his plans. Bill never realized how fast things could go from bad
to worse. This is exactly what happens when the body found turns out to be
his ex-wife's lover. On top of that, the man is a governor, which makes
the police even more eager to solve his murder. The police have decided
that Bill has their favorite motive, and he is now their prime suspect.
Not thrilled with his life at the moment, Bill tries to
get in touch with his lover, who is the state's attorney general, but it
appears she is missing. As people start disappearing for good around bill,
he decides he must take action before his life disappears behind bars.
Splendor Bay is what I would call a psychological
suspense. Bill Glasscock must face up to his morals and find out where and
how far they will take him. He has failed before in life at things that
mattered but now that is not an option and he must see if he has what it
takes to live up to the challenge of saving his and the people's lives he
cares about. I enjoyed losing myself in this story. It was a quick read
with satisfying twists and a great ending. At first, I felt that Bill was
not a character that I could like but the farther I read in to the story,
I had to change my opinion. He is a definitely a character that grows on
you. I look forward to reading more works by LB Cobb. Buy a copy.
(Reviewed by Robyn Glazer, MyShelf.com.)
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RENDEVOUS
MAGAZINE
Bill Glasscock
("Fragile Dick" to his friends) is a suspended attorney who is
working as a PI right now. The Governor is found dead on a beach. Eleana,
Bills almost ex-wife, has been going out with the governor for some time,
and Eleana and the woman Bill has been living with, Sally, has vanished.
So all of them -- Bill, Eleana, and Sally (the girlfriend) -- are
suspects. His whole life seems to be going to the dogs. Attempts are made
on his wife's, his son's, and his life--things are getting dangerous.
There's plenty of humor, suspense, and complications in this excellently
crafted mystery. Put this one on your "must read" list.
(Reviewed by JP, November 2001, Vol.18.No.6.)
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BVS REVIEWS
A Mystery By The
Bay: Every once in a while I come across a gem of a mystery novel. This
type of novel is where you want to read it cover to cover in one sitting.
A novel that I just finished gave me that feeling... I know, Splendor Bay
sounds more like a romance novel than a mystery. But you have multiple
murders, sex and violence and a man trying to pull his life back together.
This man is Bill Glasscock, an attorney who let his practice go down the
toilet and got his license suspended. This could be traced back to his
wife cheating on him with the Governor.
As the book opens, Bill is on the balcony of a house that
he is staying at. He sees some people gathering at the beach down below
him. There is a dead body down there. Bill finds out that it is the
Governor. Immediately Bill becomes a suspect. Because in this bedroom
seaside community of Splendor Bay, there are no secrets. Or are there?
Wallie Moreno was Governor of the state and Bills nemesis.
While Bill was busy being a hot shot attorney, his wife found solace in
the arms of Moreno. When Bill finds out, his life crumbles. He leaves
Center City and comes back home to Splendor Bay. We get all of this
information in bits and pieces throughout the story.
We find out that the house that Bill's staying at is his
girlfriends. It seems Sally is the states Attorney General, and Bill's
wife Eleana's cousin. And one of the cops that is investigating the death
of the Governor. Tiny, has been Bill's best friend since childhood.
Another character thrown into the mix is Davy, Bill's diabetic teenage
son.
As things start to get rolling in the investigation,
Morenos driver ends up being dead. And both Sally and Eleana are missing.
Eleana ends up being found but Sally is still gone. Her twin sister,
Lisbeth, is covering for her somehow. And some of the other people of
Splendor Bay that are a part of Bills life, including Lisbeth's husband
Chester, all seem to have their own agendas in the murder investigation.
More bodies start piling up and Bill begrudging helps out
a local FBI agent to get to the bottom of these murders. Is it a major
conspiracy or just somebody trying to cover their tracks? Can Bill really
trust this guy? And can he put his marriage back together?
The way that the leaders from local levels on up to the
Presidency act provide a pretty solid foundation for a novel such as this.
With Presidents having to admit to having sex with White House staffers
and members of Congress going to prison for being corrupt, a crooked
Governor like Wallie Moreno is not too far fetched.
Splendor Bay is a mystery novel that could actually
happen. People in power do like to take advantage and some people would
just roll over and bow out of a marriage rather than try to fix it. Then
when life takes a tragic turn, the seemingly weak parties step up and take
command. And can we really trust the people we call our friends? (Reviewed
by Bruce Von Stiers, BVS Reviews).
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AMAZON READER
L. B. Cobb writes
with just the right mix of mystery, humor, and romance. With a protagonist
named Bill Glasscock..., you know you're in for an interesting ride from
the very beginning...The setting could be your small town and the people,
your high school buddies. The camaraderie and affection are evident in the
good-natured bantering between old friends. Along with the unexpected
twists and turns, Splendor Bay is a very entertaining summer read.
(Reviewed by Hannah L. Powell from Knoxville, TN, Amazon.com reader review.)
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AMAZON READER
I didn't want to
put this book down after I began reading it...I was taken in by the main
character, his sense of humor and approach to solving the crime, and all
the ways he showed he cared about his family and friends. The end was
good, because even though I tried to guess along the way what really
happened, I wasn't even close (Reviewed by Aprile from Arvada, CO, Amazon.com reader review.)
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ON THE COVER
"Smart, sassy, and sexy, with enough twists and turns
to make you dizzy, SPLENDOR BAY is a splendid read" -- Lorna
Michaels, author of THE TRUTH ABOUT ELYSSA
"A fabulous writer!" -- Tony Fennelly,
Edgar-nominated author of DON'T BLAME THE SNAKE and 1-900-DEAD
"L.B. Cobb comes through with a page-turning story
filled with cracking wit and suspense" -- Julie Wray Herman, Agatha
and Macavity award nominated author of THREE DIRTY WOMEN AND THE BITTER
BREW
Copyright LB Cobb. All Rights Reserved.