Keith Hirshland Murphy Murphy and the Case of the Commission

Description of Keith Hirshland Murphy Murphy and the Case of the Commission on Cliches

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.

Disclosure: I received these items in exchange for my honest review. Opinions are 100% mine.

My Review of Murphy Murphy and the Case of the Commission on Clichés

Disclosure: “As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.” Some of the links in this post are ‘affiliate links.’ This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission.

I was excited when I was offered to read this book by Keith Hirshland. The plot sounded like it would have some twists and turns, and it did. It isn’t hard to realize why he comes from the Department of Redundancy as a detective. His name alone is redundant. He comes from a long line of Murphy Murphys. He became famous after his last case with the band Serious Crisis (as mentioned above). He is now wanted by Ron Howard in a movie deal about his life. This brings on not only the movie but also his newest unexpected case.

Murphy Murphy mentions that his last venture out with his girlfriend, Charlie, brought up an unexpected case. He was hoping it didn’t happen again. But it did… He thought he was only going to be gone for a few days. He was going to California to oversee how Ron Howard was coming along on the movie about his life when an unexpected case reared its head concerning A-OK, otherwise known as Adalindis Orval Katterwomp.

I found the book mysterious, humourous, and a bit quirky. It was fun to read and kept me guessing from one chapter to the next. The clichés within were perfect where they were placed, not overdone, and helped make the title of the book flow. Keith Hirshland has a definite talent when it comes to his writing. He includes mystery, romance, imagery, and the desire to keep reading to see what is coming next. His characters come to life off the pages, and suddenly, you feel like you have new friends. He is definitely an author I will enjoy with any upcoming books he writes.

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 Urban

Praise 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 Writopia

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.

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Disclosure: “As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.” Some of the links in this post are ‘affiliate links.’ This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission.

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Giveaway Murphy Murphy and the Case of the Commission on Cliches

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Excerpt-BEGGARS CAN’T BE CHOOSERS

Scott McCarron leaned back in his chair and steepled his fingers before his face. He was a decorated, seventeen-year veteran of the force who had recently started seeing younger, less experienced detectives “catching” the higher profile, much more interesting, cases he used to get. McCarron had solved his fair share of notable cases, chalking up big wins early in his career. He’d even been named “Detective of the Year” in an internal popularity contest as recently as half a dozen years ago. But then he ruptured an Achilles tendon in a pickup basketball game and lost his longtime partner and best friend to retirement. The injury took longer than expected to heal, resulting in McCarron figuratively missing a step on the career ladder. That and his new partner, while good, was nowhere near as competent as his old one.

He unsteepled his fingers and rubbed his forehead with his right hand. Karen Free had come to be his new sidekick thanks to a program that fast-tracked women and people of color in the department. McCarron inherently didn’t have a problem with the initiative. In fact, he relished the 266 Murphy Murphy and the Case of Commission on Cliches opportunity to mentor someone the way he had been mentored. But so far, the partnership had its ups and downs. The precinct had taken to calling the team “McKaren” which he actually thought was better than the early alternative of “Scott Free”. He mused that no one dedicated to catching criminals wanted that particular moniker.

At this very moment, Karen Free was in the middle of a City of Los Angeles mandated twelve-week maternity leave, so McCarron was working the case of someone named Adalindis Orval Katterwomp, who mysteriously found dead in the middle of the Elephants of Asia exhibit at the zoo of all places, by himself.

“McCarron!” the desk sergeant yelled over the incessant buzz of the precinct. “Incoming!” Scott knew that meant he was about to get a phone call transferred from the desk. It was 20/80 that it would be anything meaningful, and the detective dreaded the 80 percent. His phone rang. He took a deep breath and answered.

“Detective McCarron, my name is Murphy Murphy,” the voice on the other end started in. “I am a fellow LEO who might be able to assist with your current investigation.”

“Excuse me,” McCarron was momentarily dumbfounded, “can you repeat your name again?”

“Oh, not you too,” Murphy lamented, “I’ll happily repeat my name, but you should know that adding ‘again’ to your request is redundant. I’m Detective Murphy Murphy.”

“And Detective Murphy Murphy, how could you possibly know which investigation I am currently working on?” McCarron didn’t even try to conceal his anger.

“Why couldn’t it be anyone but this guy,” Murphy said mostly under his breath before answering the question. After hanging up with one current detective, McCarron immediately called a former one.

“Go for Maginnes,” the now captain answered.

“Hey, sandbagger,” McCarron used a derogatory golf term reserved for players who claim a higher handicap than their skill level would dictate. It was a ruse used by some to ensure victory in tournaments.

“Gee whiz Mac, hold a grudge much?” Maginnes answered his old friend. “You still got the yips?” he asked, referring to McCarron’s inability to make short putts under pressure.

“Nah,” he replied, “went to the broomstick putter a while back. Now I make everything.”

“That’s what anchoring will do for you, pal,” the captain said, accusing his colleague of cheating.

“What the hell do you want?” McCarron asked, clearly angered by the conversation

“Keep your powder dry, big fella,” Maginnes said with a chuckle, “you called me.”

“Oh yeah,” Maginnes could hear McCarron take a deep, cleansing breath. “Who the heck is the Michael Murphy character? He asked.

“The guy who wrote Golf in the Kingdom or sang Wildfire?”

“Neither wise guy. The detective.”

“That’s Murphy Murphy. He’s one of my best and can help you with the cliché guy case.”

“The what guy?”

“The dead guy at the zoo. Cliché guy. The Vic, Katterwomp, was head of the Commission on Cliches.”

“The what on what?” McCarron was dumbfounded.

“Good grief, Scotty. You really do need our help. I’m in town for a few more days, but I can make sure Murphy stays as long as you need him. Care to meet up?”

“I’d rather take a honey bath and hang out with a pack of grizzlies.”

“It’s a sloth,” Maginnes replied.

“What’s a sloth?”

“A group of grizzly bears, dummy. You said pack, but a group of grizzlies is called a sloth. Do you want to know why?”

McCarron had already hung up. Then he immediately hit redial on Murphy Murphy’s number. “Meet me at the zoo in twenty minutes,” he said after the detective picked up.

©Keith Hirshland