Lethal Blues: A Jarvis Mann Hardboiled Detective Mystery

by R. Weir

Blue Pills flooding the streets of Denver
Fentanyl ruining lives; friends and loved ones dying from the synthetic opioid
A football star in search of answers to why one friend is dead and another missing
Dennis Gash reaching out to Jarvis Mann whose gumshoe days are in the past
The case drawing him out of retirement and into the fray he thought he had left behind
Jarvis rolling up his sleeves, flexing his muscles, and strapping on his 9mm
Hunting for answers, digging deep into the depths of the Lethal Blues
Going up against dangerous drug dealers and gangsters
Who only care about their addictive merchandise and protecting their profit
Where death sits around the corner waiting to claim all who dare to challenge them
Jarvis ready to go mano a mano to protect his client from certain death!

Genres: Amazon, Mystery

319 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 10, 2023

About the author

Award-winning Author R Weir lives in the Mile-High City with his family, where the Rocky Mountain High isn't always achieved with an herbal substance. When not glued to the computer, he relaxes by enjoying the outdoors and traveling in his motorhome. His writing delves into genres with gritty investigators exploring mystery, crime, suspense, and thrills, with involved plots and unexpected twists. Featuring former US Marshal Hunter Divine, a dire, determined man searching for salvation in his broken life. Private eye Jarvis Mann is tough and snarky, with as many faults as virtues. And his newest series featuring retired police officer Donnie Steel and his K-9 companion, Kogel. Characters exhibiting traces of his sense of humor, though he’s not nearly as tough and fearless. Though no evil stands a chance against his written word!

Be sure to visit R Weir’s author webpage (https://rweir.net) for information about new releases, to sign-up for his newsletter and receive a free eBook. Also reach out on Facebook, Twitter, or via email; for he loves to hear and interact with readers.

https://www.rweir.net
Email: rweir720@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/randy.weir.524
https://www.facebook.com/JarvisMannPI/
https://twitter.com/RWeir720

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was gripped from start to finish by this Detective mystery novel. Private Detective Jarvis Mann comes out of retirement when blue pills start to flood the streets of Denver. With these new pills ruining lives and causing deaths, Jarvis is asked to investigate by a football star searching for answers about two of his friends, one who’s dead and the other who’s missing. Jarvis finds himself going up against dangerous drug dealers and gangsters, whose only concern is protecting their addictive pills and the profits from them. However, he is determined in his search for information on the ‘Lethal Blues’. This was a real page turner with an action packed storyline, intriguing mystery element and plenty of plot twists. I loved the complex main character Jarvis Mann who brought plenty of sarcasm and wit to the story. Although part of a series I happily read this as a standalone story. However, I would have had a better understanding of Jarvis’s backstory if I had read the previous books in the series. Which I intend to do now!

[Belinda Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jarvis Mann has returned! He is just as gritty, snarky, and fearless as ever before. This case hits close to home as it involves the three boys, now young men, who were involved in “The Case of the Missing Bubble Gum Card.” What appeared to be a simple hit and run is more sinister as Jarvis delves deeper into the incident. He is pulled into the darkness that is the drug trade when looking for a missing friend. Jarvis meets some of the most antagonistic villains of his career in this convoluted case. A rogue fed with partners Rabid and Torrid have painted a bullseye on Jarvis’ back and they play for keeps. This case gets more and more intense as the story plays out. All the characters in this menacing story are well fleshed out with back stories. The villains are seemingly untouchable, which makes for some major frustrations. There are some surprising elements in the drug scene and murder which one just can’t see coming. This novel has a lot of things going on at once, but it is easy to follow and enjoy. “Lethal Blues” is a story so awesome that once started, it cannot be put down!

[Reader Views · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lethal Blues: A Jarvis Mann Hardboiled Detective Mystery Novel” by author R. Weir takes the reader on a suspense-filled journey as the main character, Private Investigator Jarvis Mann, sets out to solve a murder and a missing person case which may be linked together—or are they? On Jarvis’ way to discovering the truth, he unravels way more than he bargains for, including the involvement of illegal substances, jeopardizing his life and putting others at risk. The intense amount of action and suspense wrapped into this puzzling mystery allows the reader to be sucked into this story, turning page-by-page in hopes the mystery will be solved.

R. Weir did an amazing job with this book. First, it creates a vivid setting in the mind of the readers by describing the setting at the protagonist’s every turn. Second, Weir captured my attention from beginning to end with a creative and mesmerizing plotline that had so many twists and turns, that I had no idea what to expect next!

As “Lethal Blues” is book nine of the Jarvis Mann Detective series, I found myself slightly confused with the abundance of characters involved in this book. Therefore, I recommend reading the previous books in this series before tackling this one. However, I was able to make do overall; so, if you are good with names, you may find you will have an easier time than I did.

Regarding the narrative elements in the story, I found the protagonist’s distinct approach to humor, specifically his use of sarcasm, to be an interesting choice. It wasn’t entirely to my personal taste, but I appreciate that different character traits resonate differently with individual readers. To be fair, this is the first book I’ve read in the series, so I haven’t had the chance to get to know the character from the beginning.

Overall, this was a well-structured book with a great storyline. I recommend this book to any mystery enthusiast. If you enjoy it half as much as I did, you will be left feeling satisfied and looking forward to more books by R. Weir!

[Jennifer P Ramos · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy a good detective fiction type story and decided to give this one a try. It is a series (book 9) of Detective Jarvis Mann but when reading this one, it could be read as a stand alone novel. Characters are well developed so that you get a good understanding of who they are without missing details from previous books. Center in Denver, retired detective Jarvis is contacted by Dennis Gash and is put back on the investigation in the toughest of neighborhoods where drugs and crime runs deep. Jarvis is always the type to lend a helping hand when needed, especially for old friends. Dennis was his first client from a previous case. Thanks to Jarvis’ sass and quick wit, the readers get to enjoy seeing him in his elements of investigation and interacting with criminals. As most detective works have, this story line takes you through its twists and turns. I think I may need to venture into the previous books in this series!

[K06n · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blue Pills flooding the streets of Denver Fentanyl ruining lives; friends and loved ones dying from the synthetic opioid. A football star in search of answers to why one friend is dead and another missing. Dennis Gash reaching out to Jarvis Mann whose gumshoe days are in the past. The case drawing him out of retirement and into the fray he thought he had left behind. Jarvis rolling up his sleeves, flexing his muscles, and strapping on his 9mm. Hunting for answers, digging deep into the depths of the Lethal Blues. Going up against dangerous drug dealers and gangsters who only care about their addictive merchandise and protecting their profit. Where death sits around the corner waiting to claim all who dare to challenge them. Jarvis ready to go mano a mano to protect his client from certain death!

[Yvonne Derrig · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like Watching an Action Movie in Book Form

This is my first experience with reading a R. Weir book and it won’t be my last. This book had action, drama, suspense, humor, and relatable moments, all of which kept me engaged and entertained. I was laughing out loud and empathizing with these characters throughout this story. Jarvis, the MC, is a “retired” PI, but, when a friend asks for help, he’s quick to jump in and help, with no idea how messy it was going to be. He had a lot of help along the way from several different minor characters that will remain unforgettable. The suspense and twists, especially there at the end, really made this one of my favorite reads so far this month. I will be going back and reading more of this series as I had so much fun reading this book!

[Charlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first Jarvis Mann detective book. I’m hooked and now must go back and read the other 8 books in the series. Jarvis is quite a character. He reminds me of an old school detective with his sarcasm, witty comments and street smart demeanor. In the story, he finds himself forced out of retirement to work a case for an old neighborhood friend. The case assignment is to locate a missing person. As Jarvis begins looking into the case, he uncovers a suspicious hit and run death that might be murder. Throw in a few gang members, a suspicious drug stash and some unscrupulous law enforcement agents, and you get a recipe for a very good detective story.

[Heidi Sturgess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Things are running wild in the streets of Denver , people are dying and lives are being destroyed ….


Jarvis Mann is being drawn out of retirement when Dennis Gash asks him for help when one of his friends die and the other is missing , time is of the essence !

Jarvis is street smart and he know how to think on his feet and he’s not afraid of the Denver underworld and when you Witt and sarcasm to the mix you get a man that’ll get the job done 😉

While this is part of a series you won’t feel lost but I would recommend you read the series in its entirety

There’s unexpected twists and turns and you get a little insight into the dug work, its dealers and how they operate .

[Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jarvis Mann is coming out of retirement for an old friend. His very first client is back home for the funeral of an old friend. Alfonso was killed in a hit and run, but Dennis feels as though it was murder due to a voicemail that was left before Alfonso was run down. Another friend, Terrance, is missing. Are these two cases related? I haven't read any other books in this series but I will definitely be going back to read them. Although there are things mentioned from the previous books this cam be read on its own. I found this story to be fun and engaging and will be looking for other work from this author.

[Jennifer Reimer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love how each and every one of these books can be read as a stand alone and not have to read the ones before it. each one of these books in this series is filled with an amazing detective Jarvis whose witty, sharp tongue and knows how to do his job very well. This was a thrilling read filled with suspense, mystery, danger, violence and so much more. The streets are flooding with Opioids and Fentanyl and along with this people are dying or going missing. Now Javis is called in to find out answers. Take a ride with this amazing detective to find out the secrets of the streets and on your seat wanting to read it and more.

[Trina Bagley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I’ve read in the Jarvis Mann Detective series. Even though I haven’t read the other books, I wasn’t lost and was able to read this as a standalone. Jarvis is a retired private detective but comes out of retirement to help a friend to find a missing friend and solve another friend’s murder.
I usually don’t read detective stories but found myself engaged and interested in what happened next with Jarvis. He had a sense of humor and irritated his police contacts, but got the job done and was loyal to his client. The writing was very detailed, but not long-winded. I would recommend this to anybody looking for a good detective story.

[Finn Cunningham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lethal Blues: A Jarvis Mann Hardboiled Detective Mystery Novel by R Weir is book 9 of the "Jarvis Mann Detective" series. Thankfully this could be read as a standalone, as this was the first book I've read from this author. I had absolutely no trouble reading this, as the author does a great job of adding recap information to fill in any holes you might find. This was a downright addictive and suspenseful mystery read, packed full of twists and turns you won't see coming. This book will hook you from start to finish, and I highly recommend it!

[Madeleine Ames · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my top four in the series. I enjoyed how previous books were tied in & past characters were reborn. Some I actually even forgot about. Like April. Simon from The Front Range Butcher, etc. I finished this book in three days. NOT KIDDING!!! It will most definitely be a reread like books 5-7 were & STILL ARE!!!

[Bob Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great detective novel

I really enjoy reading Jarvis Mann Hardboiled Detective novels! They keep
getting better and this is the best one yet! Jarvis is an interesting character and he is good guy who is always there for his friends! It's interesting how some
of his old friends were important to this novel. Be ready for an enjoyable read!

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a tangled web he wove! This shows how one simple thing can lead to catastrophic events for your life or others. I really enjoyed all the twists in here. It kept me on my toes figuring out the why’s. We also get to see a lot of past characters from previous books. I look forward to more adventures with this gumshoe.

[Brandi Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Lethal Blues” is a captivating novel that masterfully weaves an engaging plot with a compelling build-up. The narrative skillfully maintains suspense, leaving readers eager to uncover its secrets. The seamless flow of the story enhances the overall reading experience, making it a must-read for those who appreciate a well-crafted mystery.

[Britney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read from R. Weir, and was unaware that it is the 9th in the series. It can be read as a stand-alone, and I hope to have time in the future to read the other books as well. The engrossing story, well thought out plot, and excellently written characters make this book easy to read.

[Lacie McClellan-Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have yet to read any of the other books in this series, however, Lethal Blues was a suspense filled book that kept you intrigued and made it an easy read. Jarvis Mann's whitty personality and sarcastic comments made the book even more enjoyable.

[Paula Sayers · Rating 3 out of 5]

A friend is missing and another one is dead so Dennis asks Jarvis Mann to look into what has happened. There are new blue pills on the street that may be involved. Jarvis had retired but takes on the case and gets back into the Private Eye world while still running his bar.

[Jules Herbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jarvis Mann is a P.I who wants to solve both a murder and a missing persons case that may or may not be linked in this fantastic mystery that will keep you totally hooked from start to finish as you are kept in suspense as the mystery unfolds. Getting reading now!!

[Archee Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

a police thriller, whodunnit

i thought it would be slow and predictable, but no. i couldn't put it down. this book is a page turner with intricate plot line. the unexpected twists are unexpected. a worth while read.

[Shannon Congleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Weir continues the Jarvis Mann series with another great book. His books are hard to put down.

[Joanne Ellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

R. Weir’s Lethal Blues is a gritty, high-octane crime thriller that drags retired private investigator Jarvis Mann back into the underbelly of Denver’s drug trade. With fentanyl claiming lives at an alarming rate, this novel doesn’t just tell a story—it reflects a harsh reality, making it as timely as it is thrilling.

A Reluctant PI and a Deadly Case

Jarvis Mann has left the gumshoe life behind, but when former football star Dennis Gash comes knocking, desperate for answers about a dead friend and another who’s missing, he can’t turn away. What starts as a simple inquiry quickly spirals into a life-or-death struggle against ruthless drug dealers who will kill to protect their empire.

Jarvis is a classic hard-boiled detective—cynical but honorable, tough but deeply human. He’s not the type to sit on the sidelines while people suffer, and Weir does a fantastic job portraying his internal conflict as he steps back into the world he thought he’d left behind.

A Tense, Gritty Thriller

Weir’s writing is razor-sharp, delivering action, suspense, and tension in every chapter. The streets of Denver come alive in vivid, sometimes brutal detail, painting a picture of a city suffocating under the weight of its drug crisis. The novel doesn’t shy away from the horrors of fentanyl’s impact, giving the story an emotional depth that makes the stakes feel all too real.

The villains in Lethal Blues are ruthless, the kind of people who don’t think twice about ending a life to protect their profits. Jarvis, armed with little more than his instincts, a gun, and his unyielding sense of justice, finds himself up against foes who play for keeps. The action sequences are intense, and the tension never lets up as the case pulls him deeper into a deadly game.

Final Verdict

Lethal Blues is a gripping, fast-paced detective thriller that blends hard-boiled noir with real-world urgency. Fans of classic PI fiction, crime thrillers, and tough, determined protagonists will find plenty to love. R. Weir delivers a compelling, unflinching story that doesn’t just entertain—it resonates.

[Jules The Book Junkie Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Mann is back…Jarvis Mann, P.I. that is! Author R. Weir has brought back is beloved detective Jarvis Mann in his latest novel, Lethal Blues. I was delighted that another favorite character returned for this book as well. Jarvis Mann retired from the detective business to open a pub. That felt like an authentic next move for the character. True to form, when his very first client walks in to his pub saying he needs help, Mann rolls up his sleeves and straps on his 9mm to start finding answers.

In the very first Jarvis Mann book, Dennis Gash, a young adult at the time, hires Jarvis to find a valuable baseball card that has gone missing. Grown up and a professional football player, Dennis is again in need of Mann’s sleuthing talents. The two relentlessly hunt down the answers to a hit and run and a missing friend. Mr. Weir expertly gives new reads enough background on the returning characters to become invested in their story. The plot is action-packed and well-paced, making Lethal Blues and quick, fun read.

Lethal Blues is well written, and features great characters. Jarvis Mann is my favorite of the author’s characters and series. The essence of an old-school gumshoe story permeates the Jarvis Mann books. I highly recommend Lethal Blues. I’m confident that new-to-the-author readers will voraciously start reading the entire series after devouring this latest Jarvis Mann novel.

I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. For more reading recommendations, visit Book Junkie Reviews at
www.abookjunkiereviews.wordpress.com

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

Lethal Blues: A Jarvis Mann Hardboiled Detective Mystery Novel is the ninth instalment in the Jarvis Mann Detective series, and I must say, it's my favourite so far. Just when I thought the series couldn't get better, it did!
Jarvis Mann is a character everyone will love, embodying old-school detection with his wisecracks, sarcasm, and sharp wit. He has a lot of street smarts and tells it like it is, often making me laugh out loud.
In this instalment, Jarvis finds that the case hits close to home as familiar characters from previous books become intertwined in the dangers he faces. As he digs for the truth, he realizes that some people do not want their actions exposed, thrusting him into a world he'd rather avoid. His adversaries are ruthless, untouchable, and entrenched in a perilous environment. They will stop at nothing to protect themselves from being brought down.
With elements of murder, crime, danger, hidden agendas, gangs, drama, adventure, action, violence, drugs, and more, you will not be disappointed with Weir's work.
You are truly missing out if you don't read this series! Make sure to start with the first book to fully appreciate the greatness of this old-school detective and the interconnected characters throughout the series.
Here’s a list of the books in this amazing series for you to get started on:
1. The Case of the Missing Bubble Gum Card
2. Tracking a Shadow
3. Twice As Fatal
4. Blood Brothers
5. Dead Man Code
6. The Case of the Invisible Souls
7. The Front Range Butcher
8. Mann in the Crossfire
9. Lethal Blues
10. Murder by a Hundred Cuts

[Avis Witter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn’t sure what to expect as I had missed reading Jarvis Mann P.I. books after Book 3. However, I was not disappointed. His life had obviously moved on and I was trying to piece together what had happened in between. There were clues though, enough to be able to read this as a stand alone. Exciting stuff reuniting old friends from the “Case of the Missing Bubblegum Card” with more sinister undertones. A great story of the lengths that good friends and family can go to in order to get someone out of a big hole that drug addiction has dropped them into. Three friends who left college and took different paths leading to one murder, the disappearance of another and the third friend employing Jarvis Mann to find out what the hell is happening. Once again he puts his life on the line as his P.I. adrenaline kicks in. I felt the plot was complicated and therefore a little bit confusing at times but this could simply be that I had lost the flow of the author as I was a few books behind. You feel the excitement, tension, frustration and sadness for such a subject. But then life is complicated and it’s easy to go down the wrong path.

It is written in first person – the usual P.I. narrative - reminding me of the black and white P.I.movies which I love. A thrilling read and page turner. Highly recommended if you enjoy P.I. mysteries. I must read the books in between that I have missed and look forward to the next in series.

[Amys Bookshelf Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jarvis Mann is magnetic.

R Weir writes a thrilling crime investigatory tale with Lethal Blues. The minute I read the first Jarvis Mann book, I knew I would want to read more of his escapes, wit, and clear-headedness and a mind for solving crimes dropped in his lap. Mann is one hell of an investigator, and this one, all I can say is wow. The fight this time, is drugs. It relates well to the sign of our times, where opioids and fentanyl are killing people, and the addiction rate is rising, almost as high as its death rate. This book is part of the Jarvis Mann series, and this is volume nine. Though each book is its own case, I recommend reading all of them from the beginning. You get to see Mann go through his cases, you learn about his quirks, and intuition, and even some of his private life. Nothing ever goes as planned, and just when I thought Mann's stories couldn't get any better, I read this one. R Weir shows his character's growth, and his own imagination that we are lucky he puts on paper for us to read and enjoy. Weir's passion for his characters leap off the pages, and that is what a true storyteller can do. Sometimes you have to put the book down, just to take a breath. Lethal Blues is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book, to also write a review.

[Tina Todd shobe · Rating 5 out of 5]

A huge smile crossed my face when I realized that it was Dennis Gash that was hiring Jarvis as a P.I. bringing him back out of retirement. Dennis was Jarvis' very first client. He's now a professional football player. This is the book that hooked me to the Jarvis Mann series and I haven't missed a single one. It was great to reconnect with the characters. Though I do think this book could be a stand a lone I think you'll get a better appreciation for all the characters and depth of the overall story if you read the books in sequence. Trust me you'll love them.

In Lethal Blues Dennis Gash hires Jarvis to come out of retirement to find his friend that is missing and find out who killed his other friend that was killed in a hit and run accident. There's a condition, Dennis wants to be his assistant. Jarvis hasn't changed at all, he's still got his great wise cracks, and personality full of sarcasm. Seedy characters from past books revisit which draws you into this action pack book full of twists and turns. Lots of suspense and intrigue, which I love and also stressed me out as I kept thinking Dennis would end up hurt and losing his football career or Jarvis would lose his life. This book had me fully invested till the very end.

[Shelly Wygant · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I flipped through the pages as I read and stopped occasionally, glancing out the window in search of danger. I wondered if any of my life stories would make for good reading. Or even could be created into a multi-episode series to be shown on one of the popular streaming platforms. My outrageous life and adventures made for stirring drama. But who would ever believe any of these situations could have happened to one person. Even when living them, I had a hard time believing the serial plotlines to my life.“

Well Jarvis Mann your life has made some great stories. Lethal Blue did not disappoint. Even though it seems Jarvis left the PI lifestyle behind but jumped back in with both feet when a friend needed him. Jarvis lets Dennis assist him but when they find the potent drugs are involved Jarvis doesn’t want Dennis involved.

This story has some dangerous villains. The pages are full of danger wherever Jarvis turns. It makes for some nail biting moments. You will be guessing until the very end. There were plenty of twists and turns. A story that will definitely keep you turning the pages hoping Jarvis or Dennis don’t get hurt. Then the ending ………. Is a horrible villain from the past going to reappear.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lethal Blues is the ninth book in the Jarvis Mann Detective series by R. Weir. I absolutely love this series and have followed it right from the beginning and I am sooo happy to get my hands on another instalment- though I really don’t know how I missed seeing this release (or Book #10 for that matter)- but I am back on track now and plan to stay that way.
I really thought the last book was the best of the bunch (so far), but I should have guessed that Mr. Weir would up the ante yet again, ensuring that the series gets better and better with each new instalment.
This is a gripping, hardboiled detective mystery- Jarvis being a PI means there’s never really a dull moment- finding himself in the midst of danger more often than not. With murder, crime + investigation, drug trafficking + dangerous narcotics claiming lives, agendas, drama, adventure, action, violence, sarcastic humour, quips, multi-layers, and complex characters- all wrapped up with a bit of a noir detective story feel, made for a great read.
I have already embarked on Book #10 and hope there are still more instalments to come after that… there is no such thing as too much Jarvis Mann!
Happy Reading…

Thank you, R. Weir!