Description Murphy Murphy and the Case of the Commission on Cliches by Keith Hirshland
When we last left Murphy Murphy, the Department of Redundancy Department detective had just solved a mystery that revolved around the popular rock band, Serious Crisis. That success made headlines and sent Murphy's world spinning. Acclaim followed in the form of TV network interviews, a book deal, and ultimately a call from Hollywood. Now, back in Los Angeles our intrepid detective goes from movie set consultant to crime solving detective with one, out of the blue, phone call. The Commission on Cliches is in crisis and only Murphy Murphy can solve the case. Murder, mayhem, and a motive as old as the hills ensue as redundancies and cliches abound. Can Murphy crack the case? Only time will tell.Praise Murphy Murphy and the Case of the Commission on Cliches by Keith Hirshland
“Murphy Murphy and the Case of the Commision on Cliches by Keith Hirshland is another grand adventure for fans of this detective. Filled with intrigue and humor, readers get the best mystery from this talented writer. If you love mystery, music, and drama then this is for you! Think of Pink Panther and Anthony Horowitz's novels had a baby...this book would be it. It keeps you glued into the story wondering what's next. The suspense of what the characters will do or say is the key that keeps me coming back for more. Keith Hirshland is also gifted in not only wonderful characterization but also in dialogue. Just like the key word in the title of this read, readers will find popular cliches inside that will make them laugh. Detective Murphy Murphy will win me over every time. Quirky, clever, and hilarious Murphy Murphy and the Case of the Commision on Cliches is a must read for all.”- Danielle UrbanPraise For Murphy Murphy and the Case of Serious Crisis
“There's a lot of humor around Murphy. He's kind of a stumble bum but he is endearing and dedicated. Finds layers or clues to unravel and the mysteries twist and turn keeping you turning the pages.”-Sherry,My Reading Journeys “For me, the combination of the two elements—mystery and persiflage of the American vernacular—was greater that the sum total of its individual parts, and made it an enjoyable read. In other words: if the title intrigued you, you'll enjoy the book. Delightfully quirky.- Stephan Stuecklin, Amazon “This book reminded me of some of the great detective stories, like Agatha's Christie's novels starring the great, quirky sleuth 'Poirot.' Keith Hirshland has written in that same vein—a compelling, funny, slightly eccentric detective for the ages. I would love to read more of Murphy's cases and more from the zany characters of his world.”-Amy C., Locks, Hooks, and Books “This girl, who is used to reading good grammar, is driving herself crazy reading the wordplay or in this case, "the redundancies." clever humor and keen sense, I laughed out loud at the humor! I loved the characters too from the detective, to the bands, to the people Murphy Murphy interviewed. The author did a good job of making all of them have some quirkiness to them that just added to the book.”- Michelle, Reading Authors Network “Murphy Murphy’s reaction to redundant phrases being used all around him had me laughing. Keith Hirshland is a fantastic storyteller. I thought I figured out who had stolen the band’s items and what had happened to the missing band member, but I was so wrong. The well-developed characters and his ability to weave a story together had me fooled.”-Lisa’s WritopiaEnjoy an Excerpt
READING THE TEA LEAVES
Murphy found the office in much the same condition as he remembered it. While his recall was still pretty good, part of him wished he had taken a few pictures the last time he was inside. A couple of questions immediately bubbled up. Was the desk this clean before? Was that coffee cup here the last time? Wasn’t there a briefcase in here and if there was where is it now? But as far as the detective could detect there were no signs that A-OK hadn’t planned on coming back. Murphy moved around the desk and started opening drawers.
“Hey, hey hey,” Lauren piped up. “What do you think you’re doing? Murphy ignored her and kept going.
“I’m looking for anything that might give me some idea of who might want Katterwomp dead,” he looked up at her, “and why.”
“Coolio,” she said, “can I help?” Murphy reached into his pocket and pulled out a pair of latex gloves.
“Better put these on,” he said tossing them her way.
“Why? You’re not wearing any.” She asked, catching them.
“I’ve been in here before,” he answered. “You haven’t. My prints are already all over the place.” He went back to testing drawers and doors. Most opened easily revealing files, shelves with books, trinkets, pens and pencils, and mementos. One concealed several decanters and half a dozen crystal glasses. Murphy pulled the top off one of the decanters filled with a deep red liquid.
“Wine?” Lauren asked.
“Port, more specifically,” Murphy answered after a sniff, “and an expensive one at that.”
“This one is locked,” the guard announced after trying to open another cabinet.
“Interesting,” Murphy said after trying it himself. “Do you see any keys?” he asked going back to the desk to look.
“No keys,” Lauren said after a couple minute search.
“I guess I’ll have to come back,” Murphy said with a shrug.
“After getting a search warrant?” “
Yeah, after that. Of course,” Murphy said wishing he’d brought his lock pick set.
“Hello Karen,” McCarron answered his phone.
“Scott,” she replied, “I think I may have something.”
“Already?” The detective was impressed. “Something is a lot more than I’ve been able to get.”
“Gotta take advantage when the baby naps.”
“What did you find?”
“Money, money, money,” she sang.
“I was hoping for some information not an ABBA song,” McCarron ribbed his partner.
“Very good McCarron,” she shot back.
“Hey, I saw Mama Mia!” They both laughed. “Tell me about the money.”
“It looks like our victim transferred slightly more than $220,000 from an account belonging to the Commission on Cliches to a personal account under the Name of Adalindis Orval Katterwomp.”
“Payment for services rendered or expense reimbursements?” Scott played devil’s advocate.
“Neither would be my guess.”
“Why is that?”
“Because there are other transactions earmarked for both of those things already. These transfers were in addition to those.”
“Interesting.”
“And it gets better,” Free was on a roll.
“How so?”
“The transfers are in dozens of increments. Never more than $9,500 at a time.”
“Keep it under the radar,” McCarron said more to himself than Free.
“Completely,” she acknowledged, “if you ask me he’s been planning to use this money for something specific.”
“And planning it for a while,” McCarron finished the sentence.
“Great minds think alike,” she said.
“Nice work Karen,” he complimented his partner. “Can’t wait to get you back.” He heard a baby cry.
“Somebody’s hungry. Gotta go,” she said. “I’ll send over everything I have.”
Murphy Murphy had Do It Up Brown wait in the driveway as he ran up to his room in Laurance’s house to grab his pick set. He walked right past the giant nose sitting on the couch watching television.
“Hey Murph,” Matthew called out as the detective passed, “what’s the rush?”
“Holy hell!” Murphy screamed. “What in the world?!?” he stared at his actor friend. “You scared the crap out of me.” He kept staring. “Is that? Are you? A nose?” he asked dumbfounded.
“As a matter of fact, I am.”
“Why?”
“Because there are times when you can’t pick your jobs. Get it? Besides I’m hard at work, you know, nose to the grindstone and all.”
“Very funny,” Murphy wasn’t amused. “Seriously, why are you wearing a nose costume?”
“Doing a commercial for Stop the Sniffles Sterile Saline Mist,” he said. “Available at a fine drug store near you.”
“Impressive,” Murphy lied, “but why are you still in character” he used air finger quotes, “at home?”
“Union lunch break. I’m back at it in ninety minutes and it takes two hours plus to get in and out of this booger.” Laurance looked at his friend or at least Murphy thought he was being looked at. “What time you got?” Murphy started to look at his watch. “Never mind,” the actor said, “studio driver should be here any minute to take me back.”
“Sometimes I wonder if you ever wonder if being an actor is worth it,” Murphy said shaking his head.
“The answer is plain as the nose on your face Murph,” Laurance answered, “the money is nothing to sneeze at. By the way how’s the case going?” the actor asked through his left nostril.
“Something about the whole thing stinks,” Murphy said.
“Good one,” Laurance complimented his friend for playing along. “Tell you what, why don’t we have dinner together tonight. I’ll invite Mitchy over and you can talk us through the case. You might think something’s important and we’ll convince you that it snot.”
“You are not funny,” Murphy said with a shake of his head. “But that’s not a terrible idea.”
©Keith Hirshland
About Keith Hirshland
Award winning author, Keith Hirshland is an Emmy Award–winning sports television producer with more than three decades of experience producing shows that aired on ESPN and ESPN2. Among the first forty people to be hired by the Golf Channel in 1994.
Cover Me Boys, I'm Going In: Tales of the Tube from a Broadcast Brat is a memoir about his experiences in the television industry. It was recognized as Book talk Radio Clubs Memoir of the Year. Big Flies, his first mystery novel, was published in 2016 and is the recipient of the New Apple Awards “Solo Medalist Award. His fourth book was Murphy Murphy and the Case of Serious Crisis, published by Beacon Publishing Group in 2020. Murphy Murphy was named Book talk Radio Club Book of the Year. Murphy Murphy and the Case of the Commission on Cliches is his sixth book.
Hirshland lives in Colorado with his wife, Sarah, and their two dogs.
Website: https://www.keithhirshland.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/khhauthor
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KeithHirshlandAuthor/
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It sounds like a really interesting book. Thank you for sharing.
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