I was back-and-forth between four and five stars on this one. So I’m settling on a 4.5. This writer is very talented and has obviously studied his craft. I wasn’t sure what I was getting myself into, but I was pleasantly surprised by the page turning nature and I will be excited to read more books from this author. The style is engaging and not at all dry. Way to go!
When Blake Franklin fails to pass his Detective exam yet again, he decides to leave the force to become a private investigator and soon finds himself enjoying his new career though he has a lot to learn. His first case is for a client who is trying to prevent her husband’s car from being taken by a shady dealer, and as the body count increases, the case turns out to be far more serious than it first appears. I liked the main character, Blake Franklin, and enjoyed the twists and turns in the book from start to finish. I read the ebook, and there are a few spacing errors, but this in no way detracted from my enjoyment of the story. I think this book would appeal to those who love detective stories.
Interesting story. Felt like this story was based on a real true incident. I found the writing style unusual. Would like to consider reading the next in the series.
Ryan Hale’s One for the Money: Murder in the Metroplex introduces readers to Blake Franklin, a Fort Worth cop on the cusp of becoming a detective, who embarks on a career as a private investigator with the backing of an angel investor. This first installment in the Blake Franklin Investigations series is a high-octane blend of action, mystery, and character-driven storytelling that promises to captivate fans of investigative thrillers.
The plot kicks off with a gripping case involving a deceased husband's muscle car, a threat, and a web of sinister plans orchestrated by a cunning antagonist. Hale masterfully intertwines these elements to create a narrative that is both complex and compelling. The pacing is relentless, ensuring that readers are constantly engaged as they follow Blake through twists and turns, red herrings, and unexpected revelations.
Blake Franklin is a standout protagonist. His transition from a cop to a private investigator is portrayed with authenticity, highlighting his determination and skill. Blake's background as the son of the police chief adds an intriguing layer to his character, exploring themes of legacy, expectation, and personal ambition. Hale avoids the trope of nepotism, instead presenting Blake as a self-made investigator whose success is hard-earned and well-deserved.
Character development is one of the novel’s strongest suits. Blake is multifaceted, with a blend of toughness, intelligence, and vulnerability that makes him relatable and likable. His interactions with other characters, including his first client and various adversaries, are well-crafted, adding depth to the narrative. The supporting characters are equally well-drawn, each contributing significantly to the unfolding mystery.
The setting of Fort Worth adds another dimension to the story. Hale’s detailed descriptions of the cityscape, combined with the atmospheric tension of the Metroplex, create a vivid backdrop that enhances the narrative. Readers will appreciate the authenticity and realism with which Hale portrays the investigative process, from following leads to confronting suspects.
Fans of investigation thrillers will find much to love in One for the Money: Murder in the Metroplex. The novel excels in delivering a tightly woven plot filled with suspense and intrigue. The stakes are high, and the danger feels real, making for a truly immersive reading experience. Hale’s writing style is crisp and engaging, with sharp dialogue and well-paced action scenes that keep the momentum going.
Moreover, the themes of justice, resilience, and the moral complexities of crime-solving are explored thoughtfully. Blake's journey is not just about solving a case; it’s about proving himself, navigating the challenges of his new role, and confronting the darker aspects of human nature. This depth adds a layer of sophistication to the thriller, making it more than just a straightforward mystery.
One for the Money: Murder in the Metroplex by Ryan Hale is an electrifying start to the Blake Franklin Investigations series. With its compelling protagonist, intricate plot, and well-developed characters, it promises to be a hit with fans of the genre. Hale’s ability to blend action, mystery, and emotional depth ensures that readers will be eagerly awaiting the next installment in Blake Franklin’s adventures. This book is a must-read for anyone looking for a thrilling and satisfying investigative mystery.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Ryan Hale's debut novel, One For the Money, introduces readers to Blake Franklin, a former Fort Worth cop turned private investigator, in the first installment of The Blake Franklin Investigations Series. Despite failing the detective exam three times, Blake's tenacity is undiminished. His transition from law enforcement to private investigation begins with financial backing from his uncle Lewis, setting the stage for his new career. Blake is quickly entangled in a series of cases involving a disreputable car dealer accused of scamming elderly women. His investigation reveals a sinister network of missing individuals, suspicious deaths, and menacing adversaries, escalating the danger as he digs deeper. As the situation intensifies with more lives at risk and a mounting body count, Blake's quest to recover the stolen cars threatens to disturb a volatile criminal element.
Against a backdrop of vintage automobiles and nefarious activities, Hale crafts a narrative rich with intrigue and action. While Blake’s investigative methods sometimes appear hasty and lack refinement, reflecting his inexperience, these traits also bring a dynamic unpredictability to his character. His natural charm and commitment to justice are his greatest assets, particularly as the stakes grow and the case draws federal attention. The narrative is bolstered by a robust cast of supporting characters. Figures like the affable Sharon Longstreet and the formidable Madeline Bailey provide emotional depth and complexity to the storyline, enriching the reader’s engagement. Fans of crime fiction and thrillers with a penchant for classic cars will find much to appreciate in Hale’s novel. It offers a compelling blend of suspense, sharp plot twists, and a touch of humor that keeps the pages turning.
One For the Money is a thrilling series opener, inviting readers to follow Blake Franklin as he navigates the murky waters of private investigation. Ryan Hale skillfully combines suspense, character development, and action elements, making this an excellent read for anyone drawn to gritty, realistic crime fiction. Whether you're a devotee of detective stories or a newcomer to the genre, Blake Franklin's daring escapades and the vivid backdrop of this suspenseful narrative will surely capture and hold your attention.
Blake Franklin trades his police badge for a private investigator's license after failing the detective exam three times, sabotaged, as it happens, by his own father, the Fort Worth police chief. When an elderly client seeks help recovering her late husband's prized 1968 Shelby GT500 from a dodgy car dealer, Franklin stumbles into a sprawling web of elder fraud, fentanyl murders, and muscle car trafficking that threatens to expose him as precisely the amateur his father always claimed he was.
Ryan Hale's debut demonstrates a solid mastery of the genre's mechanics. Twists arrive on schedule, supporting characters sketch themselves adequately, and the prose maintains brisk momentum throughout. Franklin himself emerges as an appealingly fallible protagonist: eager, appealingly reckless, but fundamentally decent in every way that counts. That said, “One For the Money” suffers from the usual debut-novel shortfalls. Franklin's investigative method relies heavily on fortunate timing and generous exposition from antagonists, while the prose itself requires more rigorous editing than it received. The family dysfunction between Blake and his influential father offers psychological texture, but Hale tends to tell us about Franklin's integrity rather than demonstrating it through difficult choices. Still, there's undeniable energy here, and readers seeking genre comfort food – good guys winning, bad guys punished, classic cars rescued – will find that Hale delivers faithfully, with enough character depth to suggest promise for the series ahead.
ONE FOR THE MONEY - A new author to me and one that shows promise of getting better with time. Interesting story lines and likeable characters along with good criminal characters made this laid back, simplistically written story entertaining. I enjoyed the location is set in Texas. But I have a major problem with the lack of editing, which interrupted the flow of the story. Of course, some of those errors were funny, but still distracting. Source: The author, ARC. 4*
THE YEAR OF THE RAT - Interesting. Intriguing. Entertaining. Sometimes paranoia and conspiracies have valid foundations, which this book does a good job presenting.
The sad component to this story is the lack of basic English rules and editing. Did I miss the memo about these common errors that seem to be the norm today: Possessive vs. plural; lack of proper punctuation; misuse of proper pronouns and nouns? Not an ARC. 4*
One by Ryan Hale is the initial book in the author’s Blake Franklin Series, and it was a thrilling read. Blake Franklin leaves the Fort Worth, Texas police force after nine years on the job and strikes out on his own as a private investigator. Soon after he opens his doors, he locks onto a case that eventually makes him a household name and his PI firm a success. The story is fast paced, with unique characters, and lots of action to keep the reader turning pages. Blake Franklin is a well-developed character that can get down and dirty if needed but he’s a very engaging character with a true sense of honesty and fairness. I thoroughly recommend One as the start of a series and author Ryan Hale has a winner book. I’ll definitely read more in this amazing series.
The protagonist, Blake, was such a likeable character that I found myself rooting for him all the way through. Blake Franklin is an ex police officer who turned PI. He helps out an old school friend from his college town paying for him to get the certifications needed to employ him in his PI firm. Blake has integrity and morals and wants the best for his clients. He has a lot to prove to his uncle, who helped Blake get started by funding his new business. But Blake is eager for it to do well and goes all out to make it a success. The plot is fabulous and engaging. His first client leads to a much bigger story of a shady car dealer that takes a huge suspenseful turn. Well written. Loved it.
I loved Blake Franklin, a relatable character on a mission to pass the written examination to become a detective. Who needs enemies when your own father stands between you and your goal? Taking advantage of older people has to be one of the worst things anyone can do, and Ryan's story about classic car thieves made me boiling mad! Well, obviously, I became enmeshed in the book and couldn't put it down! It's a great read, and since I read book two first, I was already enamored with Author Ryan Hale. The book needs some editing, but with such a great storyline, I had to overlook that I gladly give the book five stars.
Marcia Dove is the author of Maggie McManus, the Murder Mysteries trilogy, Fatal Field Trip, Campus Casualty, and Wedding Woes.
Oh my goodness! This was quite the ride! The sear amount of criminal active packed into this book would wow any crime fan! What I truly loved about this book was even though it was packed with so much, it was written without glorifying the hate and evil. This author shares an amazing story with all the crime you'd expect in this genre, but he does it in a clean way! Finally a crime author who makes the storyline focused on bringing justice without glorifying and focusing on the hate and evil behind the crimes! I will have to buy the rest of the books in this series, and most likely anything he ever publishes! Huge fan of this author!
A Spectacular Introduction To A Thrilling Detective Series
When police officer Blake Franklin fails his detective exam for the last time it leaves him frustrated and disillusioned. Knowing that he can do better he decides to quit the force and become a Private Detective. For his first assignment he seems to have a simple case of car fraud but it quickly unravels into a dangerous game of cat and mouse that involves murder, Mexican cartels and Homeland Security. This is an exciting detective thriller that had me invested throughout and I read the 60% off it in one day because I was so caught up in the events of it. I will definitely be getting the second book in the series.
Money, Mayhem and Muscle Cars – a Detective Page- turner
This reader enjoyed rooting for the protagonist, Blake Franklin, a Fort Worth policeman who can’t pass his Detective exam. He decides to open his own private investigation agency with the help of an investor.
His first case, involving Money, Mayhem, Muscle Cars and evil intentions, kept this reader interested, with its clearly developed characters, sub-plots and suspense with twists and turns.
Recommended for readers who love Detective series – this one has six so far!
While reading the first chapter of this book I felt it wasn't for me, but I was so wrong! By the end of the second chapter I was completely hooked. This is an all action packed story that will make you hold your breath at times. Blake, the main character is so likeable that I was routing for him to crack the case and show his devious father that he could be a successful PI with or without his help and approval. I wanted to hug him when he did just that. A fantastic read. Good job Ryan Hale!
This is a very enjoyable PI procedural with great characters, plenty of action and suspense, and unexpected developments. I will admit that it was not one of those books that I had difficulty putting it down, but neither did I have any hesitation in picking back up as soon as I could. I will say this for our main character, with a father like Blake, who needs enemies. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series and I recommend this one. I received a review copy from the author at my request and this is my honest opinion.
I only got to know this author recently and this is only the second book that I've read by him but it certainly won't be the last. I already have the next book downloaded so I'll be diving into that book next. As soon as you start reading this book you can notice that a lot of research and thought has been put into the storyline and the characters. I look forward to seeing how PI Blake Franklin and his agency gets on in the next book. Great work.
After failing his promotion exam for the third time, Blake Franklin embarks on a change of career and, with his uncle’s money, sets himself up as a private investigator. His first big investigation is a fraud case involving classic cars. It seems like an easy one to get started on but it grows into a complicated operation involving dozens of cars, murder, kidnapping and fraud. Along the way, Blake annoys cops and his own staff by rushing in—he’s too eager sometimes—and almost ruins the case. Excellent, well-written and recommended.
This book is a great read. Mr. Hale pulls you on the first page. I loved how the characters experienced real like situations. They grow and change. You can connect with them. They are real. The book is full of suspense and takes several turns. You turn the page to see the next development.
I have purchased the next book in the Franklin Investigation Series. I want to see where these characters go.
I first read the prequel & it had me intrigued & excited for this series. Blake Franklin’s family dynamic was a huge factor in the making of the PI Blake became. This first book is a great thriller detective story with so many twists & turns. Blake is all out to get justice for his clients & see the bad guys ‘go down’. It’s a page-turner. I received an Advanced Reader Copy from the author, & I am writing a voluntary honest review
The book begins slowly as the author establishes the main character, but when the investigations start, it really takes off. A case of car theft leads to darker crimes. Blake Franklin is a superb creation and this, his first outing, is not only well-written, but compelling. The drama, towards the end, happens fast and furiously. I’ve read book two, there are seven or so cases to read, and I look forward to them, having found a new detective on the block to follow. Excellent stuff.
Great read following Blake as he tries to solve mysteries of the antique cars.
He sets up his own business as a private detective, hires Mindy to help, and in no time, he has his first client. But things don’t stop there…One thing leads to another, and Blake is onto darker crimes when he discovers that each owner of the cars died in the same strange way.
Not saying anymore, but if you’re into solving crimes, this could be up your street.
This book takes you on an adventure of family betrayal and different family business that gets choppy. It makes you wonder what’s next at multiple stages of the book. The main guy is a private detective that starts looking into a bad guy and as he is building a case on the guy he finds out some info on himself. A good read from start to finish.
When I found out what was going on I was furious about the scams and the people targeted. I liked Blake's character for his integrity and ingenious actions. This was a real page turner that kept me invested in Blake and the outcomes. Mateo was a heartless thug who couldn't pay enough for his crimes in this lifetime. Mindy was a gem and deserved kudos. I look forward to thep next book.
This is an excellent mystery storyline that is filled with drama, action, violence, fraud, new beginning, and amazing, interesting characters. The MCs are developed, engaging, intelligent, resourceful, and relatable. I loved this book from a first time author to me. I found it entertaining, engaging, and enjoyable. I voluntarily read an ARC and this is my honest review.
This was a great introduction to a new detective series. Blake Franklin is a likable character. The story moved along quickly with a few surprises. Mr Hale has a start at a great series. The next in the series is on my to-read list. I hope that in future books there is more of the local flair, such as all the great restaurants in Fort Worth.
Nice! Advanced Reader Copy and My Unbiased Comment.
Good entertaining read and not limited to vintage car collectors. Realistic characterization and story. Not outrageously gorrey or farfetched as some other reads. You might increase your knowledge of 'scammers' and I wouldn't mind another book or two to follow. Enjoy
Blake Franklin starts his own PI firm after failing the detective exam three times, Turns out his dad, the police chief, was sabotaging his results. Blake takes on a few cases but his clients keep dying from fentanyl poisoning. Blake suspects foul play and solves the cases, breaking up a major car theft and murder operation.
This book was a great read! It grabbed my attention and held it throughout the entire book. The author portrayed the characters well and you really felt for them. I highly recommend this book!
A fantastic detective novel! I loved the story and how Blake Franklin starts his investigation agency. The secondary characters are great as well. I really got pulled into the plot, and can't wait to see what trouble Blake comes across next.
I enjoyed reading this book. It was a great introduction to Blake Franklin Investigations. I am looking forward to more Blake Franklin Investigations books.