Even without the opportunity to read the first book in the series, this novel was still an amazing read. I enjoyed its easy to follow story line with enough sprinkling of suspenseful events to keep you turning the page, and a cast of engaging characters that held the interest and pulled you into the story because they represented authentic, day-to-day people most of us could relate to.
Ray is a tough ex-cop turned private investigator who deals with his physical impairment and resultant pain with a constant companion, “Jim Beam”, a willing and reliable ally but also his greatest nemesis. His sidekick, Crevis, is a young, impetuous, loyal dyslexic who struggles to pass the test to be a cop and Ray’s “savior” on many occasions, but has to be tutored on the nuances of private investigation. Pam is a trusted woman friend whose brother’s murder that Ray solves (in the first book) becomes the catalyst for their strong bond. She is a teacher who is helping Crevis prepare for his exam and a very spiritual woman whose influence Ray tried to dismiss at first with his irreverent ex-cop persona but Pam’s constancy and sincerity are powerful forces that are hard to ignore. Along with these three personalities is a bevy of characters that comes into the picture as a corporate crime unfolds that Ray is hired to solve.
The high-profile company which hires Ray to track a fellow ex-cop who has stolen a large number of client investment information is not forthcoming in its disclosure which makes Ray believe there is more to their story than meets the eye. When the suspect turns up dead, the investigation takes a number of twists and turns that put Ray’s and Crevis’ lives in danger as he stumbles into groups of shady characters from the victim’s past as well as those who will stand to lose if the crime is solved. With the insight and discernment that he honed in his years as a top-notch homicide detective, Ray not only catches the killer of Logan, the corporate thief, but uncovers the litigious activities behind the prominent investment company that hires him.
I find Ray’s personality, as he weaves this novel in his first person narrative, humorous, appealing, and witty. His tough cop attitude, bolstered by the “company” of Jim Beam, successfully masks his uncontrollable physical pain but his struggles do not escape the keen eye of those who care about him. He is a character with unmistakable emotional and spiritual flaws but his redeeming qualities manifest in the end.
Crevis is a character in progress and I would love to see him evolve into a stronger, more compelling partner of his boss as the Ray Quinn Mystery series continues. I wish, however, that the author gave more insight to the reader about his puzzling attitude after he received the result of the Police Academy exam .
Mark Mynheir is certainly on his way to the ranks of James Patterson and Jack Higgins and I will certainly follow his ascent to their level. This book is an entertaining four-star read and I will surely recommend it. I received this book free, in exchange for an honest review, from the publisher, WaterBrookMultnomah.com.
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