As the Crow Dies

"Jason Crow" West Texas Mystery #1

by Ken Casper

Vietnam took his legs. A murderer took his father. Somehow, Jason Crow has to take a stand.Jason Crow comes home to Texas on clumsy, prosthetic legs, struggling with his lost dreams and the pitying curiosity of friends and strangers. But there's no time for him to brood, because his father has just been shot to death.Unable to convince the police that his father was murdered, Jason begins his own investigation. In the process he uncovers family secrets that shake him to his core and make him question everyone and everything around him, including the love of Michiko, the beautiful Eurasian-American nurse he met in Japan.While fighting his own insecurity as a double amputee, Jason must challenge forces capable of destroying him and those he loves to pursue the person who robbed him of his greatest His dad.This debut book in Ken Casper's Jason Crow West Texas Mystery Series treats readers to a powerful new voice in mystery fiction.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Suspense, Crime, Ebooks, Drama

258 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 10, 2011

About the author

Ken Casper was born and raised in New York City. After graduating from Fordham University with a degree in Russian, he joined the Air Force, was stationed in the Far East, served in Vietnam, and lived five years in Germany. He also earned a Master's degree in Education from the University of Southern California. Ken retired from more than 33 years of government service in September '97.

Now a transplanted Texan. He and Mary, his wife of 34 years, own a horse farm in San Angelo. Along with their Border Collie, Chief, they have a Golden Retriever, Casey, two house cats, four barn cats and eight horses. They also board and breed horses and Mary teaches English riding. She's a therapeutic riding instructor for the handicapped, as well.

Life is never dull. Their two granddaughters visit several times a year and feel right at home with the Casper menagerie. Grampa and Mimi do everything they can to make sure their visits to Little Oaks Farm will be lifelong fond memories. After all, isn't that what grandparents are for?

Ken figures his writing career probably started in the sixth grade when he was ordered by a teacher to write a "theme" explaining his misbehavior over the previous semester. To his teacher's chagrin, he enjoyed stringing just the right words together to justify his less than stellar performance. Fortunately, she forgave him.

Since then, he's had short stories published in a popular men's magazine and was working on a mystery when his critique partners, three romance writers, suggested he try their genre. He had his doubts ("Me? Write romance? Are you kidding?), but he decided to give it a try, anyway. His first-chapter romance submission won honorable mention at the Southwest Writers' Workshop contest in 1993. Ken revised it...and revised it, then entered the Golden Triangle Writers' Guild contest in '95. This time he took first place in both mystery and romance. The romance entry later became his first sale to Harlequin Superromance. A MAN CALLED JESSE was published in October '98. Since then he's written more than a dozen other Superromances, including the First Family of Texas series, contributed to two trilogies, a six-book series set in the police department of Houston, Texas, and he's currently involved in a five-book series set in the beautiful hill country of central Texas. His October 2003 Super, THE WOMAN IN THE NEWS, was a Holt Medallion finalist.

Ken Casper previously wrote as K.N. Casper

Reviews

[Arlena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author: Ken Casper
Published by: Bell Bridge Books
Age Recommended: Adult
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Book Blog For: GMTA
Rating: 5

Review:

"As the Crow Dies" by Ken Casper was a very good historical mystery, thriller and suspense read. This author will give you a quite a read about a post Viet Nam story of Jason Crow who has now return home as a double amputee ...and his father is determined that he will walk again. "Through painful effort and sheer determination, he had learned to walk with prosthetics something the doctors told him he would never be able to do. He couldn’t wait to show his father. But when Jason who was a former football star arrives home, he will not be able to walk to his father because apparently he has committed suicide. Making no sense to Jason and is determined to find out what has happened to his father. Jason was sure that his father had been murdered and would take on the case to find out who that was by "slowly building support among his family friend, his father's friends and slowly builds a case for murder." How he goes about this is really intriguing. This is the time that I will say you must pick up the good read "As the Crow Dies" to she the what, why, how and where to it all. This author did a excellent job with this read creating a memorable and fascinating read with some drama that even deals with some racial issues. All of the characters and there were many, were well developed captivating at this time in 1968. Be ready for a unique plot, with mystery, thrills, suspense along with many twist and turns. Questions that remain to be asked and answered: " Will his girlfriend still want him? How can he ever be whole again if even his friends look on him with pity?" You will get all of these answered and more from the read "As the Crow Dies" and Yes, I would recommend this book as a good read.

[Linda ~ they got the mustard out! ~ · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

I liked the idea of the protagonist here, a crippled, former-football star war vet coming home from Vietnam. I liked the idea of the murder mystery - he comes home to find his father shot and dead. Every indication points towards suicide, there's no evidence of anything else, but Jason knows better. There are various different possible culprits, all equal contenders for the prime suspect.

Unfortunately, it took me so long to read this book that I had trouble keeping characters straight and remembering details. This is a slow-moving book and it was hard to concentrate on it for long periods of time. It didn't help that on every other page, the author felt it was necessary to remind us that Jason is crippled, has no legs and his fake legs won't fit in his girlfriend's car. We got it the first time. I did find Jason's insights and feelings to be genuine, and the reactions to his handicap to be authentic. Most of the other main characters are well-drawn but some of the minor characters come across as one-dimensional if not completely forgettable.

There was a lot of potential here, and with some polishing and editing this could have been an intriguing read. As is, it's an average whodunit.

[Karin Kaufman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jason Crow, who lost both his legs above the knee in Vietnam, arrives home in Coyote Springs, Texas, to find that his father, his hero, has died. The police are sure it was suicide, but Jason doesn’t believe it. For one thing, Theodore Crow was excited about his son’s homecoming—why would he kill himself on the very day Jason was headed home? Jason was excited too. Through painful effort and sheer determination, he had learned to walk with prosthetics—something the doctors told him he would never be able to do. He couldn’t wait to show his father.

I loved this book. I don’t usually read historical mysteries (the book is set in 1968—not that long ago, really), but something caused me to pick this one up, and I’m glad I did. Not only is it an excellent mystery, but Mr. Casper has created a memorable, fascinating character in Jason Crow, a double amputee struggling to settle into his new life. (Will his girlfriend still want him? How can he ever be whole again if even his friends look on him with pity?) I hope this is just the beginning of many more books in a Jason Crow mystery series.

[Leo Polovets · Rating 1 out of 5]

Weak plot. Trite writing. Every chapter contained at least one passage about the insecurity of having prosthetic legs. Frustrating.

The most frustrating thing, actually, was the setup. The protagonist's father is dead, and everyone thinks it was suicide. Everyone except the protagonist, that is. The problem is that he has no evidence to back up his intuition, but he just "doesn't feel" like his dad was the type of guy who would commit suicide. There is actually no evidence to support this theory for TWO THIRDS of the book. Think about that: out of 300 pages, the first 200 pages are about the main character repeating "it wasn't suicide!! Why not? I'm not sure, but I'm positive it wasn't!" and then walking around aimlessly trying to find *clues*. Not trying to find out which culprit fits the clues, but just trying to find any clues that point away from suicide.

[mini-spoiler] In the end, it predictably turns out that the death was a murder and not a suicide, but the plot feels like a Deus ex machina of sorts -- an explanation is made that magically fits the facts but does not make a lot of sense. Highly unsatisfying.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the Crow Dies by Ken Casper
5 STARS
As the Crow Dies is a murder mystery and it kept me guessing till the end.
Jason Crow was 6'6' talls and all around athlete that was drafted into war instead of Dallas Cowboys. In Vietnam he lost both legs, above the knees.
Jason was told he would never walk, but his dad said if he wanted it bad enough he could do it.
He was finally able to come home after he got his new legs. His best friend Zach was driving him, but when he got their there were police cars. They told him that his dad committed suicide.
Jason believed his father was murdered and was determined to find out who did it.
Thier were a lot of good suspects who looked good for one reason or another. a lot of drama of others beeing taken out to.
I really liked Jason and hope to see him in more books in the future. Jason was going through tough times but he did not give up on himself or on others. Yes he wanted his legs back and the future he was supposed to have. But he was making new plans.
I was given this ebook to read in exchange of honest review by Netgalley.
02/01/2012 PUB Bell Bridge Books

[kent · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn't in the mood for a who dunnit, but it was free. The book is based on a premise of two men having sex with the same woman within hours of each other (one of them wearing a condom) and the woman giving birth to fraternal twins of different fathers. from there it is a well told murder mystery with all the twists and turns you would expect.

[Julie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was okay. It seemed to go on and on about stuff that wasn't important to the storyline and who murdered Jason's father. I have never been in a war, or have needed anything amputated, so I will not comment on that part of the story. I was not really impressed with the character formation (or lack of). But I had to get to the end to see who did it.

[Julie K Smith · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought this sounded interesting. Vietnam vet comes home wounded. He has lost his legs. He comes home to find his father has died. Everyone says it is suicide. He believes it is murder. Of course we know he is right. However, it was a bit disappointing. The repetitive references to his missing legs in every chapter became tiresome.

[Jen Lynn · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one was alright, not too bad but a bit run of the mill. There were a few twists and surprises thrown in, and a nice murder mystery for the plot. A few pieces were a bit over the top for my taste, seeming to be thrown in just to make the book seem more interesting when really it made it feel more unrealistic. It was also annoying to be constantly reminded that the main character was crippled -- it just seemed forced. There were too many characters to keep straight to the point where the ending wasn't as exciting because I barely remembered who everyone was in the first place. All in all, it was just ok.

[Kristina Trawick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written murder mystery

This story takes place in the 60s when the war in Vietnam was still raging. A young soldier, recently recovering from gruelling physical therapy for the loss of both legs during a shelling, arrives at his father's office, only to discover that he had been found dead. What follows is the soldier's journey to uncover the truth about the death; he had been told it was suicide, he knew that wasn't true.

I like the decade this takes place in, I don't see many novels set in the time period. Only, two things bother me. One, baked potatoes at a brisket bbq in Texas? Not potato salad? And what the heck is a hobi coat ?

[Rie Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating Mystery

Kept me guessing the entire time. I loved the way information was doled out. One teensy quibble...the book was set in 1968, and Monty Python and the Holy Grail wasn't released until 1975. It threw me out of the story for a moment...but it wasn't something to take a star for. ;)

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picked this one up for free somewhere. I enjoyed the read quite a lot; it was well-plotted and had some unexpected twists. Set just after the hero has returned from Vietnam without his legs. I'd probably read another in the series.

[Delia Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

a jason crow texas mystery.
war, divorce, murder, great read.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This storyline has different stories woven in it with many twists and turns. It's an interesting book

[Pete Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

a Jason Crow mystery. based in Texas he returns from Vietnam as a paraplegic and trys to solve his fathers murder

[Tracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This, a Netgalley ebook read with thanks, was a definite change of pace for me, both in setting and protagonist. It's West Texas in the 1968, and our hero is Jason Crow, not long home from Vietnam where he was nearly killed in a bombing raid. He made it through – but barely, and somewhat mysteriously: he was shot in both legs, and no one knows who set tourniquets on both, which prevented him from bleeding to death … but which, because it took days for anyone to find him, resulted in the amputations of both legs above the knee. He went from all-star athlete to wheelchair-bound in no time at all, and his only sometimes small-seeming consolation is that at the urging of his father he has against doctors' expectations learned to use prosthetics. They're awkward and painful, and in them he is inches shorter than he used to be, but he's upright, and the people around him are always more comfortable when he's upright. Therefore, spared their pity and curiosity, he is more comfortable.

Then, just as Jason is headed home with the new prosthetics, his father is found dead. The police take the scene at face value and call it a suicide: his father succumbed to the stresses of trouble in his marriage and a pending IRS audit of his business and, they gently add, what has happened to Jason, and he shot himself. And Jason doesn't buy it, adamant that it cannot be the way it looks – it had to be murder. He slowly builds support among his family and friends and his father's friends, and slowly builds a case for murder.

Jason is the first-person narrator, a good choice. He's not perfect, not now that he is dealing with all that he has lost and all that he has to struggle to regain – and, he realizes, not before the war when he was a football star and all around golden boy. He is bitter, of course, and highly self-conscious, of course, but beginning to regain a bit of control over his life and future, which makes his father's abrupt death an even harsher blow than otherwise. He's a good, solid character, angry without becoming strident and annoying, and recovering at what feels like a natural pace. As the Crow Dies is no cozy mystery, and Jason is no cozy-mystery detective, just a young man driven to find out who killed his father and why. I think the only real improvement that could be made to the narrative, which I hope happens in later books of the series, is that the reader does not need to be reminded quite so often of Jason's legs. Of course they, or their lack, would be constantly in the forefront of his thoughts, and of course they, or their lack, would alter his every action – but nearly every page of the book saw a reference to the amputations and their effects, even if he was just sitting or lying somewhere thinking about the murder. The reminders were, to put it mildly, unnecessary, and even grew a little irritating.

My only other real complaint about the book is a quibble, really; just something that bugged me: Jason's best friend is his soon-to-be business partner, and now his caretaker, and a more perfect creature there never was. Seriously, everyone should have someone like this in their lives, only that's not possible because no one's this perfect: patient, strong, funny, never-tiring … he has lived with the Crows since he was a boy because of issues within his own family, and is a better brother to Jason than Jason's twin. I just wish that once, just once, he had lost his temper or not been exactly where he was needed at all times or … something; he comes off more as a paid retainer than a friend.

One thing is absolutely certain; I will remember this book for a gift it gave me in the form of a poem.

DEATH IS NOTHING AT ALL
Henry Scott Holland
Canon of St. Paul's Cathedral, London 1847-1918

Death is nothing at all.
I have only slipped away into the next room.
I am I and you are you.
Whatever we were to each other that we are still.
Call me by my old familiar name
Speak to me in the easy way which you always used
Put no difference in your tone
Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow
laugh, as we always laughed
At the little jokes we enjoyed together
Play, smile, think of me, pray for me
Let my name be ever the household word that it always was
Let it be spoken without effort
Without the ghost of a shadow on it
Life means all that it ever meant
It is the same as it ever was
There is absolute unbroken continuity.
What is death but a negligible accident?
Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight?
I am waiting for you, for an interval,
Somewhere very near
Just around the corner.
All is well.
Nothing is past; nothing is lost
One brief moment and all will be as it was before
How we shall laugh at the trouble of parting when we meet again!

[Joe Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting story of a Vietnam War Veteran who lost both legs above the knee and was told he wouldn't have enough stump left to be able to use a prostheses effectively. This prognosis was especially hard on Jason Crow as he had been a High School Football legend with an apparent future in professional football. His father wouldn't acknowledge this limit and insisted his son would be able to walk if he really wanted to. Jason trusted his father's opinion over the experts and dedicated his efforts to overcoming his loss of legs. When his father is killed and the police insisted it was suicide and refused to investigate, Jason with his friend and shadow, Zack Merchant. Adjusting to the handicaps and apparent pity that he viewed in the eyes of everyone he encountered was part of the challenge Jason needed to deal with. This story is one of contrasts that play Jason's former physical prowess against his now missing limbs and limited mobility along with his slowly acknowledging the effects of his injury and the life adjustments he must make to become independent. Initial self pity doesn't work with his intent to venerate his father and find the murderer who killed him. Jason's investigation run up against the prejudices of deep south where his father's black partner and sister's affection for the black son of his father's partner turned the whole community against them, especially the landed white affluent. Jason's tribulations and even physical altercations kept piling up as he learned of his mother's intent to divorce his father and further her intent to donate their common ranch property to a "Jim Jones" style minister and his church. Worse was his amnesia of the details of his injury. He kept flashing on elements of that event but, couldn't unravel the details. He also agonized over how his love interest would react to his missing limbs and whether he would still be able to consummate a marriage if she was still willing. Actual and imagined limitations plagued Jason but, he plunged ahead regardless. The twists in the story and the southern West Texas characters gave the plot plenty of shades. Jason manages against all odds and the surprise ending is a jewel. The twists and actions never cease. Deserves to be read more than once to fully appreciate the nuances. Treat yourself and get this book!

[LadyCalico · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really engrossing murder mystery. I always like my mysteries written in the first person, so I am seeing the clues through the eyes of the protagonist and filtering them through his personality and life experiences. That way I never know more than the protagonist, and it also makes me identify heavily with him, experiencing his confusion, fearing his fears. Such a writing style is perfect for this story, which is both character and plot-driven. The writer really put you in Jason's shoes--well, not quite--since most of the time he wasn't wearing any. He is still adjusting to the fact that he is a double amputee, his dreams of playing NFL football are over, and he is doubting his worthiness as a man, and in this vulnerable state he comes home to find out his beloved father murdered, his draft-dodger brother strung out on drugs, and his mother a shell of herself and apparently slipping into insanity. But that is just the beginning of the troubles he finds tumbling all around him, and he seems to be on the verge of losing everything that matters. Can all these events be coincidence or are they related in some way--if so, which ones? So begins a very complex knot that needs unraveling. I did feel, when all was said and done, that there were too many coincidences, which made it seem less than believable, that the villain could orchestrate his nefarious plot all by himself. I had three people pegged as villains in cahoots but, sigh, was only correct about one. Can't win 'em all. This was a very promising beginning to the series.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jason Crow has returned home from Viet Nam a double amputee. Initially it seems that there is no chance that he will be able to use prosthetic legs, his stumps are too short. Jason's dad is completely confident that Jason will walk if he is willing to try. After a lot of struggle Jason will be walking into his father's house (not gracefully, but walking). For the former football star this is triumphant. Tragically, Jason walks into an apparent suicide, his father's.
This does not make sense, sure Dad had troubles, but he also had a lot to live for and a personal philosophy of meeting all challenges head on. Jason is sure his dad has been murdered and decides to find out who.
Normally a story with as many details, dead ends, dangling leads and drama might sag a bit, but Mr. Caspar has created some very appealing characters whose integrity shines in such a way that you really want them to succeed. This is a post Viet Nam story that displays the time and social climate in detail. It also has an inspiring portrayal of a man dealing with unfair disability, dashed hopes, physical challenges, and interpersonal conflict. Amid all of this true friendship and family love provide a beautiful backbone for the story.

[Douglas Cook · Rating 3 out of 5]

A paraplegic Vietnam vet comes home to find that his father has committed suicide.

First paragraphs
Saturday, August 22, 1968 The physical recovery from the loss of my legs in Vietnam was uncomplicated and relatively painless. After all, aside from the nearly fatal trauma of getting shot and buried alive for three days without food or water, I was young, healthy and in good shape. My phenomenal progress—I was pumping iron and playing wheelchair basketball within six weeks—fooled me into believing I’d overcome the biggest obstacles. What I didn’t realize was that the hospital was an artificial world, a temporary haven, where I was just another twenty-something war casualty, one of many. Home, however, is by definition permanent, the place where you belong, where people accept you the way you are, where you feel comfortable being yourself.

Casper, Ken (2011-05-15). As the Crow Dies (p. 1). BelleBooks, Inc.. Kindle Edition.

[Diane Ferbrache · Rating 3 out of 5]

All-State football star Jason Crow survived VietNam, but lost his legs and all hope of a promising pro career. He is returning home with new prosthetic legs and a plan to start a vineyard on his family land in West Texas. But when he gets home he discovers that his father is dead and the sheriff says it was suicide. Jason refuses to believe that and sets out to prove it was murder.

This is an interesting mystery story with lots of twists and turns. Although I admit I wasn't completely surprised by the outcome, Casper did keep me guessing about how the story would actually play out. He reveals the whole story of Jason's father's death and Jason's experiences in VietNam slowly and carefully. It's a pretty good story. Definitely worth the time.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great murder mystery for me. I found myself trying to figure out who did it and narrowing it down. In the end, I found I was close to figuring it out on my own, but I still didn't know it until the protagonist figured it out too.

I gave it four stars instead of five because sometimes I felt like there was too much inner dialogue about the protagonist's struggle with being an amputee. I think it was important to the story, to a certain extent, but sometimes it felt like a bit much to me.

[Sue Squire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can you say obstacles? Jason Crow KNOWS obstacles and determination. He got the life of the all American everything to be transformed into a life that was beyond anything he could imagine when he became an amputee. He now thinks about what others think of him, the way he appears and the way he thinks they perceive him. He is determined to not be pitted. There are a lot of racial issues for this time period to deal with too. Even with all he is going through, he manages to maintain his focus on finding his father's murder or why his dad could ever commit suicide.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not much into murder mysteries but this book definitely got my attention! There are a lot of plots and subplots going on throughout the book. I was completely surprised at the end when I found out whodunit.

The characters in the book were very realistic and I found myself caring about all of them. They were wonderfully fleshed out.

I'm excited that this book will become a series and look forward to reading the next installment.

[PopcornReads - MkNoah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jason Crow was a hometown football hero in high school in Coyote Springs, Texas, and the envy of every guy in school. In 1968, he returns home as a Vietnam War vet who is a double above-the-knee amputee. He arrives home to his dad’s carriage house with his best friend, Zack, only to walk in on a crime scene investigation and be told his father, Theodore Crow, his mentor and hero, committed suicide late the night before. To read the rest of my review, go to http://popcornreads.com/?p=1195

[Wayne Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been reading Casper's books from his Harlequin Superromance debut and now this, the first book in his Crow series. AS THE CROW DIES is an intense, original, well-written start to what promises to be a wonderful. A unique hero, Jason Crow is strong, smart...and tortured. The cast of secondary characters is solid and diverse and is definitely one of the novel's appeals. I can wait until the next one.

[Linda · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a very turn by turn book which will appeal to many readers. No real imagination is required as you are led step by step through the daily lives of the characters. In case you forget of the main character’s loss of limbs, the author is helpful by reminding you every two pages. If you are searching for a quick read (the chapters are only 2-3 pages each) that requires no thought or reasoning just to fill up some time then this will be a great book for you.

ARC Galley Proof

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Throughout this book I admired the character of Jason Crow and the values he lived by taught to him by his father. It was well written and had enought twists to keep you reading more. I found myself at turns feeling sorry for some of the characters and wanting to give other characters a good shake.

Set in the 1960's it was a fitting reminder of how some things have changed and others not at all, such as drug use, religious cults and people's views about marriage. Well worth a read.

[C. Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first time reading Ken Casper. He has a smooth way about his writing, and I was able to easily slide into the story. The protagonist is unique being legless and on prosthetic limbs, but sometimes it seemed to get in the way of the story-telling. I also wanted to be a little more in his head. The impotency of not being able to deal with many situations was vivid, however, and you really felt for the guy. The story is a solid mystery, and I'll be picking up another story by Mr. Casper.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

He lost his legs in Vietnam and is learning to deal with his disability. He comes home to find out his Father is dead.
Decent mystery with good character development. The amputee's feelings how he deals with people and how people react to him is interesting. No feeling sorry for this guy.
He is surrounded by family and friends. The family dealing with racial prejudices and religion. His friends staying loyal. A good read.