Funny, philosophical, fast paced. Highly recommended.

I just finished reading this book. What a read! I just zipped through it. Vivid characters, tight action, multi-level humor, mayhem, cruelty, stupidity, and a whif of love.
The book works great as a detective novel, but it's also a love letter to New York City.
I found it interesting how the depiction of so many unsavory characters left me feeling good about belonging to my species. That's the writer's gift to us.

Humpty Dumpty was Pushed is mystery story that's truly original. The characters are very cool, and Marc Blatte has an impeccable ear for crisp, street-wise dialog. His blend of police action and hip hop music makes for a book you just can't put down. I loved it and so will anyone else who appreciates a good, offbeat thriller.

For any mystery fan who enjoys hip hop, the good life, or a darn good tale with interesting characters, this is for you. This is a story set at the crossroads of our cities with characters from the tenements who have broken away from poverty and those who want to break out but end up doing everything they can to remain as street thugs; the wealthy who enjoy rubbing elbows with the thuggy types but don't acknowledge their existence, and immigrants trying to find a place in this strange world. Standing in the midst of this chaotic mixture is the policeman who must deal with the results of clashes among these groups--murder, theft, stabbings, drugged out rich kids who have no thought for those they hurt.

Talented author Marc Blatte has crafted a story in easy-to-read language that is well worth the time of any mystery or thriller fan. The settings and mix of characters found in any large city are a blend guaranteed to keep you turning the pages.

Detective Black Sallie Blue Eyes and his team must simultaneously find the killer of an immigrant and the gang that stabbed a music producer. With a rich man throwing threats at him, his captain wanting the crimes solved yesterday, and his suspects being freed by a publicity seeking civil rights attorney, the detective is feeling the pressure.

Street thug Scholar and his gang have decided they are going to be hip hop stars and his successful cousin will (or else) make their dream come true. When they are told they need to work on their presentation, they cut up the producer. That Scholar is suspected of murder doesn't help them.

A rich kid has a confrontation with a bouncer and the bouncer ends up hurt with his cousin slain. His rich father hires a top attorney to free him on bail.

I'm pleased to recommend this tale to anyone looking for a good read. There are twists in the plot and the personalities of the characters to make for an excellent tale. You won't want to put it down. Enjoy. I sure did.

...because I couldn't put it down. Blatte tells a more-than-intriguing story, utilizing beautiful character development and brilliant plot lines to fully engage the reader. The seedy underbelly of the New York hip hop scene comes through in convincing form as Blatte tells the story of a murder mystery surrounded by the struggles of musicians and immigrants in New York. His in-your-face writing style will entertain you as much as it will make you consistently pull your eyes away and say "...wow."

I highly recommend this book to any fan of mystery, music, or great writing.

It reads as quick as a Grisham novel and has hints of Lethem's "Motherless Brooklyn." As a NYC musician, how could I not like a crime novel that starts out in a recording studio?!

New York and Hip Hop are tough worlds to write about because authenticity is so essential. Apparently, this was no challenge for Blatte. His background in music and his love for NYC (check out his website if you get the chance) give this mystery an incredibly realistic feel.

A really fantastically fun read. Songs, books...is there anything this guy can't write?!

Humpty Dumpty Was Pushed: A Novel