Audio Book Review: Deceitful Moon: Manny Williams Series, Book 2 by Rick Murcer

I enjoyed this fast-paced, well-plotted, suspenseful mystery that comes with a side of light banter to balance the gruesome deaths.

Deceitful Moon: Manny Williams Series, Book 2
Written by: Rick Murcer
Narrated by: DJ Holte

Length: 8 hrs and 10 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:08-12-15
Publisher: Rick Murcer, LLC
Genre: Mystery Thriller
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Detective Manny Williams and his partner, Sophie Lee, are called to the scene of a disturbing and gruesome murder at Lansing's local adult playhouse, the White Kitty. The circumstances surrounding the murder rocket deeper into the bizarre as the forensic evidence reveals more questions than answers. As he begins his investigation, Manny is interrupted by a phone call that shakes his world. His nemesis, serial killer Dr. Fredrick Argyle, has killed again and sent the evidence to prove it. Argyle's heinous actions force Manny and Sophie back to the Caribbean. All the while the body count rises in his home city. Two serial killers. Each threatening to change his life forever. One succeeds.
©2011 Rick Murgittroyd (P)2015 Murcer Press, LLC

Review:
Manny is a dedicated, driven, workaholic police detective. He loves his wife and daughter but that doesn’t stop him from getting pulled away when he is deep in pursuit of a killer. He gets along well with his partner, Sophie, who, even though married, seems to flirt a bit - okay outrageously - especially with one of the FBI agents they have been working with. Manny has his own draw to resist in the form of a female FBI agent.

Manny and Sophie are just getting into the investigation of a local murder binge that appears to be targeting men of ill repute, known for hurting or mistreating women. Although the vigilante killer (or killers) may be ridding society of some real low life, still it’s murder. Before Manny gets deep into the forensics, where he likes to dig, he gets a call he doesn’t want to hear.

Another serial killer, and Manny’s nemesis, Dr. Fredrick Argyle, is on the killing path again and is baiting Manny to catch him. This guy is very brutal and creepy, reminding me of Hannibal Lecter.
Manny and his team speed off to the new crime scene where Dr. Argyle leaves a few mutilated bodies and warnings that Manny and his family and friends are not safe. Back home, Manny’s own boss is shot at point blank range leaving Manny another killer to track.

The story makes clear shifts between the murder investigations keeping the reader/listener keyed to gather the clues. The author skillfully hints at suspects that do not seem probable but one never quite knows what might cause someone to snap.

Although the plot deals with some gruesome murders, the author manages to maintain a certain lightness in the friendship of the characters and the depth of love among the family. The comedic banter seems natural as a release to ease the tensions of their gritty jobs. Mr. Murcer does a good job with each element: strong characters, skillfully plotted mysteries with red-herring clues and twists, and high levels of action and suspense. I really enjoyed the forensic details and mind thinking that Manny sorts through trying to get ahead of the killers.

The story is sprinkled with cursing, as might be expected with cops and killers, but, as far as I can recall, the author doesn’t use the worst of the words. I really enjoyed the fast-paced style and the strong, engaging protagonist. Although this can be read without having read the first book, it made me wish that I had read that one first. Also, this ends with open lines for new changes in the next book. I do recommend this book (and series) to those who enjoy good forensic details and can deal with some gritty murder scenes.

Audio Notes: DJ Holte does a really good job with the narration. He provides smooth transitions between distinct voices and he captures and portrays the range of emotions including love, humor, hatred, mania and more. The audio definitely enhanced my enjoyment of this reading experience.

I received this audio book from the narrator for an honest review. This qualifies for my 2016 Audio Challenge.

Audible Book Review: Harmless by Ernie Lindsey

This is a fun mystery in spite of -and because of- the irritating protagonist.

Harmless
Written by: Ernie Lindsey
Narrated by: DJ Holte

Length: 10 hrs and 34 mins
Format: Unabridged
Release Date:11-13-13
Publisher: Ernie Lindsey
Genre: Mystery
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
From the USA TODAY and Amazon best-selling author of Sara's Game,..this is Harmless, an unconventional love story, a murder mystery, and a laugh out loud, hilarious work of fiction.
There's someone for everyone...even Steve.
Steve Pendragon is an eccentric (and sometimes delusional) used car salesman in love with Kerry, the quiet, secretive girl next door - only she doesn't know it. When the would-be love of his life turns up dead, all signs point to Steve.
Once the detectives hit a dead end in their investigation and he becomes the prime suspect, Steve is left with only a reluctant police officer and a crooked private investigator to help him prove his innocence. Could a kindhearted homeless woman and a cryptic note in Kerry's diary provide the key to the mystery?
©2013 Ernie Lindsey (P)2013 Ernie Lindsey

Review:
Let me be clear - the protagonist, Steve, may not be an easy character to like but he is humorous and he grows on you. Steve, a used-car salesman, is often arrogant and majorly delusional. He tends to be whiny and a blamer, blaming his failings and problems on everyone else instead of accepting responsibility for his own bad behavior and habits. Steve rages about his estranged wife and missing his two children. He is also obsessed with the postal service, occasionally going off on a tangent about its wonders.

One night Steve is awakened and looks out just in time to hear a gun shot and see his attractive new neighbor (and secret love interest) Kerry thrown from her bedroom window. Steve runs next door hoping to trap the killer but is knocked out instead. When he awakens he decides to investigate for clues and is surprised by some of the things he finds. However the most important discovery is Kerry’s diary which seems to contain a message for him.

Steve is intent on seeking revenge for Kerry and enlists the help of the local patrolman, Officer Planck, rather than turning all of the information over to the detectives. Planck also suspects something wrong with one of the investigating detectives especially after Steve’s home is broken into and newly found clues point to him as the killer.

Planck helps Steve go into hiding while a plan to prove his innocence is implemented. Steve decides the perfect place to hide out will be an abandoned post office, which he discovers is not completely abandoned.

The story, told by Steve, moves along well with plenty of humor to make-up for his sometimes pathetic character. Along the way I began to feel empathy for Steve and I liked the surprises that came up at the end. I am glad this was offered for review as I might not have picked this out on my own yet I found it to be an unusual and engaging mystery.

I received this title from the narrator for an honest review.
Audio Notes: DJ Holte does a great job conveying Steve’s irritating traits of whininess, arrogance, and ridiculousness. The delivery and pace work well with the strange presentation of the mystery by Steve.

I received this title from the narrator for an honest review.